Chapter 177 Wanting to Tell the Whole World
"Huh, there are lots of little note cards over here." Emma noticed a pile in the corner.
"They're for communicating," Sam explained. "Since I don't talk, Dad thought these would help me interact with others when I'm out. I'm not a fan of using them, so they just end up here."
It wasn't that Sam couldn't talk; he just didn't want to—didn't dare to, sometimes. And, honestly, he didn't feel like mingling with anyone outside his dad and great-grandma.
Most people didn't get sign language, something Gabriel, his dad, had really fretted over in the past.
"This one's of my dad and me," Sam shared, seeing Ethan's interest in a particular painting. "I was sick, and Dad had just gotten back from a business trip abroad. He stayed up with me for two days straight without any sleep; he never even let go of my hand. When he got too exhausted, he finally fell asleep next to my bed."
Emma's gaze landed on another canvas, which Sam explained as well, "This was after I got bullied; Dad came through and protected me. I remember him being so, so angry that day."
The painting depicted a dramatic showdown—a humanoid with a dinosaur head, the larger one being the father, with his mouth open, breathing fire at the malevolent dragon opposite him, charring it to a crisp. Nestled in the protective embrace of the 'Dad dinosaur' was a tiny, weeping dinosaur, also human-like.
Each painting Sam created was a page from the storybook that was his life, encounters that had left an indelible mark on him.
After a few more paintings, Ethan and Emma began noticing a trend—many of Sam's pieces involved the 'bad guy dad.'
It seemed that despite his moniker, the 'bad guy dad' really adored his son.
But then there was the paradox—how he treated their mom so poorly.
Lost in their thoughts, the siblings no longer had the heart to keep looking.
"I want snacks," Emma mumbled, smacking her lips together.
Sam was eager to show off more of their dad's redeeming qualities, but his sister's cravings came first. He escorted Emma downstairs and brought out some goodies for her.
Then, out came the robots, and Ethan divvied up his attention.
"You see this?" Sam whispered to Ethan, close to his ear. "Dad developed this high-tech robotic toy a couple of years back."
Ethan's eyes sparkled with fascination.
Sure, their dad might be villainous, but his tech game was strong. Before Ethan knew the man was his own 'bad guy dad,' he'd idolized him.
Suddenly earnest, Ethan contemplated dismantling the robot, eager to explore its inner workings.
Sam could instantly tell what was on his mind. He dashed off and fetched a small toolbox, making Ethan's eyes instantly light up. Together, they got started on dismantling the robot.
With the kids not around today, Sophia found herself a bit bored, so she decided to spend her time sewing at home.
The new year was just around the corner, and she was planning to visit Mrs. Lancaster after the holiday season. Sophia wanted to sew a couple of outfits for her, but she wasn't sure whether the lady had gained or lost weight since she last saw her.
Would the measurements from five years ago still fit Mrs. Lancaster?
Reluctantly, Sophia mustered the courage to text Gabriel.
"Has Grandma's figure changed? Has she lost weight?"
Upon seeing the message, a flicker of confusion crossed Gabriel's mind. It wasn't anything urgent, so he put his phone aside and continued to listen to the person across from him.
A little while later, another text came through from Sophia.
"Don't get me wrong. Grandma was always good to me, and I'd like to make her a couple of outfits as a gift."
She knew the Lancaster family lacked nothing, especially clothes. Mrs. Lancaster was undoubtedly dressed in the finest and warmest garments, but Sophia still wanted to create something for her personally, much like how she continued to make clothes for Sam even though he wanted for nothing.
The clothes she made, filled with her love, would surely not be looked down upon by Mrs. Lancaster.
Sophia remembered the delicacies and soups she used to prepare for Mrs. Lancaster, who never complained and always lavished her with praises.
"Just let me know her current clothing size, that's all."
Gabriel's phone vibrated continuously on the table until, finally, the person speaking to him paused.
Deciding to address the message, Gabriel quickly typed out his grandmother's current clothing size and sent it back, then put the phone down, refocusing on his work.
With an amused smile, the person he was conversing with teased, "Wife checking in on you?"
"No," Gabriel replied coolly.
"Oh, a girlfriend then. I hear you have a long-time girlfriend, Mr. Lancaster. Wedding bells might be ringing soon."
He could understand why someone would check in; after all, a catch like Gabriel, with his allure, would naturally attract a bevy of women.
"No."
Understanding dawned; men have their pride, and Mr. Lancaster surely didn't want to appear whipped in public. About to drop the subject to avoid annoying Gabriel further, the person was taken aback when Gabriel spoke up in a cool tone.
"She's my ex-wife."
The man was speechless.
Wait, what? Mr. Lancaster had been married before?
The man's pupils dilated in shock, and his inner gossip monger bubbled up vigorously, wanting to burst out of his control with excitement. "When did Mr. Lancaster get married?"
How come there was absolutely no buzz about it in the outside world?
Wait, ex-wife? Married before? So, it meant he was married and then got a divorce?!
Gabriel glanced coldly at the man; there was evident displeasure in his voice as he said, "Shall we proceed?"
The man shivered, realizing all the juicy tidbits had to be shoved deep down.
"Yes, yes, let's look at the contract," he stammered, voice trembling.
Goodness, if this piece of news got out, it would be splashed all over the headlines.
Oh my, oh my, oh my.
How he wished he could shout this gossip from the rooftops.
Gabriel wasn’t even sure why he felt inclined to clarify. He could have remained silent, but something about this man's mocking demeanor made him disclose the existence of his ex-wife. His impulse was to correct the misunderstanding immediately.
Now the guy was even more eager to dig for gossip.
Back then, Gabriel chose not to go public firstly because he didn't deem it necessary, and secondly to protect Sophia. He knew from the get-go that he intended to divorce, and a public marriage would only turn Sophia into a target during the proceedings.
Revealing this now might just stir up trouble for Sophia.
As Gabriel prepared to sign on the dotted line, he gave the man a warning glance, which made him lower his head instantly.
"I'm sure this conversation won't go beyond us," Gabriel said.
The message was clear: keep quiet about the gossip.
"I understand; I'll keep it confidential," the man assured quickly.
When Gabriel spoke, people listened. The man needed to keep this secret if he wanted to maintain a lucrative, long-term partnership with the Lancasters.
After getting Mrs. Lancaster's measurements, Sophia got to work cutting the fabric with serious dedication. Meanwhile, Caroline dashed off to the orphanage to play with the children there.
At the Lancaster family estate, Ethan and Sam were engrossed in taking apart robots while Emma, bored on her own, dived into a video game. After playing a round, she posted her high score on Instagram and her fans erupted in enthusiasm upon seeing Milk Sugar’s activity, hopping excitedly in the comment section
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