If it had been a stranger, Lucas wouldn't have reacted so anxiously. The thought brought to Ella's mind a news story she'd read recently—a father had thrown his child out of a car during an accident, saving the child from a horrific tragedy.
This was the essence of paternal love.
If it had been a stranger, that father would likely have focused solely on escaping or avoiding harm, not sacrificing precious seconds for someone else.
"Ella, are you okay?" Eric's soft voice broke through her thoughts as he noticed her distant expression.
Ella snapped back to reality and offered a faint smile. "I'm fine. Anderson… Mr. Anderson shielded me from all the hot soup. How could I possibly be hurt?"
The water temperature had warmed slightly, so Ella instructed a waiter to replace it. She continued helping Lucas cool his hand.
