Chapter 245 Small in Size, Big in Trouble.
When the little bastard was younger and unable to speak, frail and sickly, he was easily controlled by her.
But now, at three and a half years old, after learning how to speak, he no longer listened to her commands. Just as his mother had said all those years ago, unfamiliarity breeds contempt.
In the past few months, he suddenly stopped calling her "mommy." She didn't know who he was imitating, but she realized she was not like him. At such a young age, he was already cold, rebellious, and scheming!
A trace of darkness flashed in the woman's eyes. The child born from that wicked woman really couldn't be kept.
For now, she had to endure him. He was just a little brat. She would find a way to get rid of him as soon as possible, especially once she became pregnant with Mr. L's child. By then, with a new comfort, Mr. L might not be so saddened anymore.
For now, she would tolerate him. Just a little troublemaker, she thought. Darcy took a deep breath, feeling a sense of relief. She walked downstairs to find the breakfast already prepared by the servants in the kitchen.
She pretended to serve the breakfast, putting on a show.
As the father and son descended the stairs, Darcy lifted her face, smiling virtuously and tenderly—
Suddenly, she overheard their conversation.
"What's wrong? You look pale. Didn't sleep well last night?" The man's voice was cool.
The boy's voice sounded cold, "Had a nightmare."
The man paused, his noble arm caressed the boy's face as he replied without hesitation, "From now on, I'll sleep with you every day."
"But didn't you say you would take turns with her?" the boy asked.
"Your mother is not in a rush, and you're still young," the man replied, unsmiling.
Darcy's smile froze.
The boy suddenly hung his head low and muttered, "The kids at kindergarten say that when I have a little brother or sister, you won't want me anymore."
"Then we won't have any," the man's brow furrowed, and he glanced at his son, suddenly understanding, "Is that why you're upset this morning?"
The little one coolly wriggled out of his embrace and ran towards the dining table.
Lawrence R's gaze followed, looking at the woman and casually said,
"Darcy, Sidney hasn't been sleeping well lately. Perhaps we should sleep separately tonight. You heard it too, he doesn't feel secure, and we can delay the decision of having a child. After all, the treatment will take time."
...this was not up for discussion. Whenever they encountered this matter concerning the illegitimate child, she had no say in it, as excessive doting was given.
Darcy nearly shattered the plates and bowls in her hands, glancing resentfully at the little troublemaker. He had quite a deep scheme. She struggled to control her breathing, forcing a loving smile.
"Sidney's health in the past six months has only slightly improved, so I naturally prioritize him."
Lawrence R felt relieved hearing this and patted her shoulder. "You're a good mother."
However, the little one remained seated at the dining table, indifferent to this "good mother."
Darcy played her part and quickly brought the porridge over. "Sidney! Mommy made your favorite shredded chicken porridge today."
Sidney took a sip and made a face, "This wasn't made by you; it tastes like what Aunt Winnie made. Since you didn't make it, why lie to me?"
"..."
Awkwardness filled the room, and the maid shook, immediately retreating into the kitchen.
Darcy was about to explode with anger. She discreetly glanced at Lawrence R, as though waiting for him to intervene. The wise and deep man only took a sip of coffee before lifting his head and slowly looking at his son.
"Mommy wants you to like her. When it comes to women's little lies, we should learn to be more forgiving."
Although these words were indulgent, he had mercilessly exposed the truth.
Darcy felt even more embarrassed. How could she, with delicate hands, possibly cater to this little bastard's three meals a day? She wished for his nutrition to be poor, to be weak and to die early.
"Mr. L, I didn't have time this morning, but on regular days, I personally take care of Sidney," she said.
"I know. It's just that he doesn't like the food you make, this tricky little one. Let me handle it!" Lawrence R's tone was cold, but he rolled up his sleeves dutifully and headed into the kitchen with his tall figure.
Darcy became even more displeased. It had been three years, yet from all the assistance she had given, Mr. L, still preferred to make Sidney’s meals himself.
Having just finished their meal, Mr. L rarely relied on anyone else. Sometimes, during work hours, he would rush back home to prepare a meal because the little tyke couldn't digest well.
Will he spoil his future children like this? Or is it because this bastard is really Winnie's doing?
The more she thought about it, the angrier she became. The woman's cold eyes stared at the child sitting at the table, deliberately picking up the cutlery set on the table. In one swift motion, the fork flew and landed on Sidney's fair hand, leaving a small cut.
"Ah!" On his chubby hand, a small gash appeared.
"Old fool! Stinky dad!" Sidney yelled towards the kitchen. "This woman hit me!"
Darcy immediately covered his mouth and pretended to stop the bleeding until Lawrence R heard the commotion and came out.
She seemed to be stopping the bleeding, but in reality, she was pressing harder on the child's hand, making his face turn even darker, but he couldn't make a sound.
He desperately wanted to run to Lawrence R.
"What's going on?!" the man walked out of the kitchen, his brows furrowed.
Darcy quickly released her grip, anxiously picked up the child, and looked remorseful. "Mr. L, Sidney was mischievous and played with the cutlery set. It's all my fault for not keeping an eye on him, Little Pear, go get a band-aid!"
"You're lying! It was you who used the cutlery to hit me!" the child weakly cried.
Lawrence R walked over with a sinister expression, glanced at the cutlery scattered on the table, and his son's rebellious appearance.
Darcy's eyes turned slightly red. "Sidney, your mother loves you so much, how could she hurt you? Forget it, Mr. L, as long as he's happy. But please, Sidney, you really can't play with these things again. What if you hurt yourself even more next time?"
She caressed the child's head with a loving expression.
Lawrence R rubbed his temples and personally applied the band-aid to his son. He sternly lectured him, "This is your mother. Don't let me see you disrespecting her or speaking ill of her. Where did you learn these bad habits?"
"I didn't." Sidney stubbornly clenched his lips, his exquisitely carved face appearing cold and aggrieved. "If you don't believe me, ask the maids. They all saw her hitting me!"
A few maids simultaneously lowered their heads, remaining silent.
Darcy remained calm and composed. There was no doubt who had the final say in this house.
Lawrence R looked around, his brows furrowing helplessly. "Alright, I didn't know you were mischievous. Did you get the title of Little Demon King at kindergarten for free?"
He lowered his head again to blow on the wound, the pain lodged deep in his heart. Unexpectedly, his son forcefully pushed his handsome face away, his cheeks turning red with anger.
His large almond eyes were filled with fury and helplessness. Finally, he angrily declared, "I'm not eating, I'm going to find Grandma."
"Stop right there. Finish your meal first." Lawrence R changed his serious expression, furrowing his brows. "And don't throw a tantrum anymore. Today, you must go to kindergarten."
"They all bully me, I'm not going!" The little one's face started turning pale.
Darcy felt relieved seeing the father and son quarreling. Who did he think he was, trying to make trouble for her?
She took a deep look at Sidney and said softly, "Mr. L, don't make it difficult for Sidney. He doesn't want to go to an international kindergarten. Maybe he had a disagreement with the other kids. It might be better if I send him to a regular class. I heard that the kids there are more approachable. Sidney might make friends there."
Upon hearing her words, Sidney's eyes filled with fear—
In the regular class, there was a chubby boy who had been bullying him for a long time. This woman was intentional trying to punish him. Sidney had told his daddy not to sleep with her, not to have another baby with her, and she wanted to retaliate against him!