Chapter 397 Adoption is Just a Formality
Upon witnessing Mrs. Woodhouse's assent, a smile graced Nora's face. She was on the brink of expressing her gratitude when Kenneth, who was beside them, spoke up.
"Nora, you are a scion of the Hamilton lineage," he began. "If you wish to raise Millie yourself, it would be more fitting to adopt her under the auspices of the Hamilton family."
Sandy, hearing this, paused and cast a glance at Kenneth. She seemed to want to voice an opinion, yet she hesitated.
Kenneth caught her gaze. "Sandy, do you disagree?" he inquired.
Quickly, Sandy shook her head. "No," she replied.
Indeed, she harbored no objections.
But had he forgotten their impending divorce?
Nonetheless, Nora had previously mentioned that this adoption was merely a formality.
Millie wouldn't actually be staying with them in the future.
Thus, their divorce held no bearing on the matter.
"That's settled then," Kenneth declared, a smirk playing on his lips as he turned to Nora. "I will adopt Millie."
Nora was about to respond when Ebenezer and Suzy walked in.
"Nora," Ebenezer greeted her.
"Dad," Nora acknowledged him with a nod, then exchanged a brief nod with Emma.
Perhaps it was her imagination, but Emma seemed somewhat off today, her gaze toward Nora icy.
However, Emma had always maintained an indifferent attitude towards her, so Nora dismissed it.
"Where's Billy?" Ebenezer asked.
"He's inside, playing with Ryan," Nora replied.
Ebenezer nodded in acknowledgment and went inside to find Billy.
Emma, however, remained and asked Kenneth, "Kenneth, what was that you were saying? Did I hear the word 'adoption'?"
Kenneth said, "Aaron brought a little girl from Country H, and Sandy and I plan to adopt her."
Upon hearing this, Emma frowned, "You're adopting her?"
"Yes," Kenneth confirmed, proceeding to explain Millie's background and Nora's intentions once more.
Emma's gaze fell on Nora, her expression darkening. "You want my son to adopt a mob boss's daughter? I disagree!" she declared.
Kenneth's brow furrowed, ready to respond, when EKenezer came out from the ward.
"Emma, why don't you agree? Didn't Nora explain? The adoption is just a formality. Kenneth and Sandy won't have to worry about the child later on."
Emma's heart was already aflame with anger. Seeing EKenezer disapproval, as if accusing her of being unreasonable, her temper erupted.
"Why must some people insist on forcing their way into the Hamilton family? EKenezer, you're pressuring me to acknowledge an illegitimate child, and now you want my son to foster a mob boss's daughter! What about the future? Is Nora's word law? If she asks you to commit murder or arson, would you do it?"
EKenezer was taken aback by her sudden outburst, his face immediately souring.
Kenneth, fearing a public dispute between his parents, quickly intervened. "Mommy, I agreed to this. Don't blame Dad."
"Shut up!" Emma retorted, her gaze piercing Kenneth. "Kenneth, you're the one calling the shots in the Hamilton family now. People are vying for your position, and you can't afford a hint of scandal. If someone with malicious intent twists this incident to cause trouble, you'll be in hot water."
Kenneth replied, "Mommy, I haven't committed murder or arson. Adopting a child isn't a bad thing. Although the child has a questionable background, she is innocent. By adopting her, I am performing a good deed."
Emma replied, "What good deed do you need to perform? Your first child with Sandy isn't even born yet, and you want to adopt a mob boss's daughter. Is that auspicious?"
Kenneth was at a loss for words. "Mommy..."
"Regardless, I disagree!" Emma interjected, her expression resolute.
On the periphery of the heated discussion, Mrs. Woodhouse interjected with a placating smile, "Let's stop quarreling, everyone. My husband and I are willing to adopt the girl."
Nora, standing in silence, pursed her lips. She understood the situation all too well; Emma was simply venting her frustration. She was struggling to accept the fact that Nora was not her biological daughter.
Suddenly, Nora felt a tightening around her waist as Aaron pulled her into an embrace. She glanced up, catching sight of his deep, blue eyes. His gaze was intense, filled with a somber depth that seemed to convey a silent message. It was as if he was saying, "See, if you agree to marry me, there wouldn't be so many complications."
Nora shared his sentiment, yet she remained firm in her decision to not marry him now, unless the Woodhouse family refused to adopt Millie.
Observing the intimate scene from the sidelines, Suzy seethed with jealousy. She wished she could march over, wrench Aaron's hand away, and mar Nora's face. She vowed to herself, sooner or later, she would drive a wedge between them.
Meanwhile, EKenezer's expression darkened. Suppressing his anger, he addressed Nora, "Your grandfather called me, Nora. He asked for your help in transferring the three children to Lindwood City for their schooling."
Nora was taken aback by the sudden request. "Dad, there's no need," she protested. EKenezer had intended to discuss the matter calmly with Nora, but Emma's outburst had hardened his resolve.
"That's settled then," he declared, "Houston is too far from our home. What happened to Billy this time was too dangerous, our family couldn't reach the scene in time. Moreover, the security of schools in Houston leaves much to be desired. It's better if they come to Lindwood City."
Nora pursed her lips and instinctively glanced at Aaron. After the harrowing experience of Billy's kidnapping, she didn't want to be separated from the children for long periods. She yearned to see their smiling faces every evening.
However, she was needed in Lindwood City to assist with Ryan's treatment and couldn't return to Houston for the time being. She could accept the children transferring to Lindwood City for school, but she knew Jacob would be devastated. He had been caring for the three children as if they were his own great-grandchildren.
Aaron, understanding Nora's dilemma, fell silent. EKenezer, too, was not oblivious to these complications. He turned to Aaron, "Aaron, go back and persuade your Grandpa. After all, Nora hasn't married you yet, and it's not appropriate for the three children to stay with the Gordon family."
Aaron nodded slightly, "Uncle Hamilton, I can talk to my Grandpa, but I hope that after the children come to Lindwood City, they can still live in my villa with Nora." This arrangement would at least provide a satisfactory explanation for his grandpa and prevent any potential anger.
EKenezer glanced at Nora, considering the inevitability of their eventual marriage, and chose not to object. "That's settled then," he concluded.
The matter of the four children was thus arranged.
Nora didn't say much more and went to the ward to start Ryan's treatment.
Except for Emma and Suzy, everyone else gathered around the children, expressing their concern and asking about their well-being.
Just then, Aaron's phone rang; it was a call from home. He stepped outside to answer it.
"Hello," he greeted the caller.
"Aaron, are you still at Star River Bay? I'll have someone pick up the three children tonight," Jacob's voice was weak, but his urgency was palpable. He was eager to bring the three children back to the Gordon family's estate.
Aaron laughed, "Grandpa, let me tell you something, but don't get too excited."
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