Chapter 42 Family Ties Tested
Chapter 42 Family Ties Tested
“Who’s this kid?” Edmund asked coldly.
51%
+10 Free Coins
“My son,” Dante replied with a smile. “I heard Ms. Everest’s card got frozen and she had no income. Since I’m swamped with work, I asked her to look after him.”
Edmund’s lips tightened, displeasure flashing across his face. “Vivienne, you’d rather care for someone else’s child than look after Theo? How long has it been since you’ve come home?”
Theo’s face crumpled with grievance. Yeah, why hadn’t Mom taken care of him lately?
Dante smiled faintly. “Maybe because caring for someone else’s kid brings money and appreciation. But with her own, she gets no respect, just treated like a nanny?”
His gaze swept over Theo and Edmund. “If you don’t see her as a wife or a mother and don’t act like a husband or son, why should she play the perfect wife and mother?”
Vivienne’s eyes stung, a swell of bitterness rising in her chest.
When it came to Lillian, Edmund and Theo only ever demanded and blamed her.
Dante’s words brought tears she couldn’t hold back.
Seeing her moved by Dante, Edmund’s dark eyes narrowed, his expression icing over. “Our family matters are none of your business,” he said, his voice cutting like frost.
Dante feigned surprise. “If it’s a family matter, outsiders shouldn’t meddle. So why does Ms. Lillian get a say? Is she family too?”
Edmund’s face darkened to a storm. Ignoring Dante, he turned to Vivienne. “Come home with me later. Theo needs you.”
“I told you, I’m not going back,” Vivienne said flatly.
She took August’s hand. “Your wound needs disinfecting. Let’s go.”
“Okay, August nodded obediently.
As they moved to leave, a small figure blocked their path, his delicate face taut with defiance. “You can’t go!”
Vivienne looked down at the boy she’d raised. She’d often wondered if her parenting had failed, or if what she thought was best for him wasn’t what he wanted. Was that why he clung to another woman? But why did it have to be Lillian?
Vivienne’s gaze was steady. “Are you going to apologize to August for pushing him?”
Theo jutted out his chin. “I’m not apologizing to him!”
Vivienne didn’t push. “If you won’t, then step aside.”
Once, she’d orbited Theo’s every need. Now, her coldness, and her demand that he apologize to another child, left him reeling.
“I won’t let you take care of him!” Theo shouted.
1/2
16:32 Tue, 25 Mar NNO
Chapter 42 Family Ties Tested
“Why should I listen to you?” Vivienne asked softly.
“Because you’re my mom!” Theo replied.
“Am I?” Vivienne gave a faint smile. “Aren’t I just a nanny?”
Theo was struck speechless.
Lillian, unable to stand by, frowned. “Ms. Everest, kids argue with him?”
51%
+10 Free Coins
“y things they don’t mean. Theo’s young, why
Vivienne’s eyes met hers. “Ms. Lillian, this is my family business. You’re an outsider, you don’t get a say.”
She threw Edmund’s own words back at her. Lillian’s eyes reddened, her expression one of wounded innocence.
“Sorry, I overstepped… I just think Theo’s still a child. As his mother, you shouldn’t talk to him like that.” “How I parent and how I speak to Theo is my call, not yours,” Vivienne snapped. “Our family affairs don’t concern you.”
Her words were sharp, cutting deep. Lillian’s tears spilled over, painting her as a fragile victim.
Victor jabbed a finger at Vivienne. “How dare you talk to Lillian like that? Who’s backing you up today?”
Vivienne smiled thinly. “Yeah, usually I don’t have support, so I keep quiet. It’s tough facing four against
one.”
Ignoring Victor, she addressed Theo, still blocking the door. “We’re leaving. Move aside.”
Theo clenched his teeth. “If you walk out today, I won’t call you Mom anymore! It’s me or that brat, you choose!”
