The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Henry whisked Ellie away, not daring to take her straight back to Maplewood Drive. Eleanor couldn't bear to see Ellie like this.

Henry first took Ellie to a hotel, sending Mason to grab some fresh clothes while he personally took care of her, bathing her and washing her hair. Ellie was in a sorry state; her hair was tangled and reeked, a real mess to clean. Suppressing his rage towards Gianna, Henry tenderly washed Ellie, her tiny fists clenched in fear all the while. With a gentle touch, he shampooed and dried her hair, even using a hairdryer to make her feel comfortable.

Despite her fear, Ellie behaved, sitting quietly, almost too still, like a doll. After dressing her in new clothes, Henry looked at her frail form, feeling as if his heart was being pierced.

Henry coldly instructed, "Mason, get Dr. Smith here to check on Ellie."

Over at Maplewood Drive, Dr. Smith rushed to the hotel after receiving the call. Eleanor noticed Dr. Smith's hurried exit, unable to ask what was going on, and her curiosity piqued. Mason had been tailing Gianna all day and hadn't reported back either. Eleanor felt a twitch in her eyelids, a sense of unease growing.

Sara offered her some fruit, "Eleanor, have some fruit."

"Okay," she replied, dialing Mason's number as she took a bite.

At the hotel, Mason saw Eleanor's call and consulted Henry, "Boss, your wife's calling. Should I mention Ellie?"

"Not yet," Henry replied. "I'll explain later."

Mason had his answer. He took the call in the hallway, claiming there was no news yet.

Soon, Dr. Smith arrived. Still in disbelief over the phone call that Ellie had been found, his heart sank upon seeing her. What had happened to this lively girl to leave her so gaunt in just a few months?

"Ellie," Dr. Smith called softly.

Ellie glanced at him, fearfully hiding behind Henry.

Henry gently patted her hand, comforting her, "This is Dr. Smith, remember him? Don't be scared, he's just going to check your throat, okay?"

Dr. Smith asked, "What's wrong with her throat?"

"When I found Ellie, she couldn't speak," Henry explained. "It's less intimidating for her here than at a hospital."

With Henry by her side, Ellie managed to stay calm. Dr. Smith examined her, confirming malnutrition from months of surviving on snacks and fast food, often going hungry. After checking her throat, Dr. Smith's expression grew serious, "We need an X-ray to further assess her vocal cords."

Henry, holding Ellie's hand, comforted, "Ellie, daddy's going to take you somewhere, okay? Don't be scared, I'll be with you."

Ellie nodded, seeking refuge in Henry's embrace, the only place she felt safe.

After taking Ellie to the hospital for an X-ray, they discovered her vocal cords were damaged, a result of poisoning. Dr. Smith indicated the damage was permanent, with virtually no chance for recovery. Ellie would be mute. Hearing this, Henry's anger surged, his voice cold with fury, "Mason, bring Gianna to me."