Chapter 396 I Don't Think Dad Loves You At All
Upon hearing those words, Ebenezer found himself taken aback. "What..." he began, but his words trailed off into silence.
"Do you not understand?" Mr. Hamilton Senior's voice was a tempest of fury. "Houston is a mere speck on the map, an insignificant place. The school security there is a joke. How can I possibly rest easy knowing my great-grandchildren are attending school in such a place?"
Ebenezer took a moment to collect his thoughts before responding, "Understood, I will relay your concerns to Nora."
"Make sure she understands there's no room for negotiation. Jacob has failed to maintain the safety of my great-grandchildren!" Mr. Hamilton Senior's voice echoed with finality.
Ebenezer couldn't help but chuckle at his father's stubbornness, his ongoing power struggle with Jacob.
Once the call ended, Emma turned to him, curiosity etched on her face. "Was that Dad? What's the matter?"
"He's concerned about Nora's children attending school in Houston," Ebenezer explained. "He wants them transferred to Lindwood City."
Emma nodded, understanding dawning on her face. She considered the circumstances surrounding the three children and quietly resumed her meal.
After a few bites, Ebenezer pushed back from the table and left the room.
Suzy watched the scene unfold, a pang of jealousy coursing through her as she noted the attention Nora and her children were receiving from the family. Her appetite waned, and she was about to voice her feelings when Emma spoke.
"Suzy, I believe it's time we tell Nora about the children's true heritage. They deserve to know who their real father is."
Suzy's face paled at Emma's words, her fingers tightening around her fork.
"Why bring this up now, Mommy?" Suzy asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Emma sighed, "It's the truth, Suzy. We can't keep it hidden forever."
Suzy's face darkened, and she blinked back tears. "Mommy, have you stopped considering my feelings? Ever since Nora arrived, the man I loved left me, and I lost my career. Yet, she gets all the attention, demanding everything she wants. I can't stand it anymore," Suzy confessed, her eyes reddening.
Emma looked at her adopted daughter, her heart aching with sympathy. She struggled to find the right words to comfort her.
Suzy, noticing Emma's concern, continued, "Mommy, I know you're kind-hearted, but can you really stand by and let Nora benefit from your deceased daughter's legacy?"
"Nora is nothing more than a low-born illegitimate child. Yet, because her mother bears a resemblance to Dad's ex-girlfriend, he insists on reopening old wounds. I don't believe Dad truly loves you. How else could he treat you this way?" Suzy argued.
Emma's chest tightened at Suzy's words. "Enough, Suzy. Stop talking," she managed to say, her voice strained.
Seeing Emma's displeasure, Suzy knew she had struck a nerve. A small, almost imperceptible smile played on her lips as she reached out to hold Emma's hand.
"I'm sorry, Mommy. I got carried away trying to defend you. Please don't take it to heart," Suzy apologized.
Emma withdrew her hand, attempting to regain her composure. "I'm tired. I'm going upstairs," she announced.
Emma had a habit of taking an afternoon nap when she had nothing else to do.
"Let me help you upstairs, Mommy," Suzy offered, carefully supporting Emma as she rose from the table. She watched Emma's face, wondering if her words had made any impact.
As Emma ascended the stairs, about to retreat to her bedroom, she heard Ebenezer's voice from the study.
"Alice, don't worry. Your son's situation isn't a big deal. I'll have someone take care of it immediately... There's no need for formalities; consider it done."
His voice was deep and gentle.
Alice... that name...
Emma's grip on the banister tightened, her face paling. If she remembered correctly, Alice was the sister of Ebenezer's first love!
It was only in recent years that she discovered her husband had been providing for his first love's family in various ways.
When his first love passed away, he continued to express his love for her through her family.
What a grand gesture of love!
Listen to how gentle his tone was, how readily he offered to solve their problems!
Why hadn't he shown the same concern for her children?
No, he treated Nora especially well!
All because her mother bore a striking resemblance to his first love!
"Mommy, what's wrong?" Suzy asked, seeing her gaze falling upon her mother's halted steps and the grimace that distorted her features.
Emma inhaled deeply, resuming her stride as she dismissed her daughter's concern with a curt, "Nothing."
Unsatisfied, Suzy pressed on, "Mommy, are you really going to tell Nora about those three children's origins?"
A shadow passed over Emma's face. "I have no time for such matters. Nora is not even my biological daughter; she's foolish. Why should I enlighten her?"
A sigh of relief escaped Suzy, her lips curling into a cold, satisfied smile. There was no reason for Nora to possess all that was good. As long as the three children did not acknowledge Aaron, they were nothing more than the illegitimate offspring of Nora's scandalous affairs. Even if Nora was now a Hamilton, she would forever bear the disgrace of her tumultuous personal life, a subject of mockery within Lindwood City's high society!
The hospital.
In Ryan's ward, Aaron and Nora had arrived with their four children. Ryan's face lit up at the sight of Samantha. The room was filled with the children's chatter and laughter. Millie, however, remained silent, clinging to Billy.
Ryan turned to Samantha, curiosity etched on his face. "Samantha, who is this little girl?"
Samantha blinked, "She's Millie, our sister!"
Ryan pondered for a moment, glancing at Nora as if understanding dawned on him. "Ah, another little sister born to our Aunt Nora. She was lost but now found?"
Nora remained silent, musing at the vivid imaginations children possessed. Mrs. Woodhouse, unable to contain her amusement, laughed. She pulled Nora aside, "What was it you wanted to discuss?"
Nora offered a smile, "Let's wait a bit longer."
Just then, Kenneth and Sandy entered the room. "Nora, has Billy returned?" Kenneth inquired.
"Yes, all the children are inside, playing with Ryan," Nora replied.
Both Kenneth and Sandy glanced at the bed, their eyes landing on Millie. "Nora, who is this little girl?" Sandy asked, curiosity piqued.
"She's Millie," Nora began, proceeding to explain Millie's background. Sympathy filled the room.
"What a poor child," Mrs. Woodhouse lamented, pity etched in her voice.
Nora nodded, deciding to get straight to the point. "Since we've crossed paths, it must be fate. So, I brought her here to seek your opinion."
"What?" The room filled with stunned expressions.
Sandy instinctively looked at Kenneth, her fingers curling slightly. She didn't have any objections to adopting a child, but Kenneth had already said that he would divorce her after she gave birth.
If they adopted Millie would mean denying her a complete family in the future, which could potentially harm the child's upbringing.
"Don't fret; this adoption is merely a formality. Millie was a bit unsettled by the passing of her parents, so she has grown quite fond of Billy. I will care for her in my own home, and it won't inconvenience you in any way." Nora continued.
After hearing her words, Mrs. Woodhouse smiled and said, "Nora, how can you call it trouble? Don't be so formal. Let me talk to my husband; there shouldn't be a problem."
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
