Chapter 142
Todd's fingers tightened for a moment.
For the first time he could remember, his mom's voice carried a note of reprimand. It was all because of Owen.
He pursed his lips and dipped his head, admitting his fault, "I'm sorry, Mom. My bad."
"Go downstairs and tell your sister a story, Todd. I'm going to bathe Owen."
Haley scooped up Owen and headed into the bathroom, shutting the door behind her with her free hand.
Todd watched the door for a moment before he turned and descended the stairs.
Ten minutes later, Haley emerged with a freshly bathed Owen in her arms, "Todd, I dressed him in your clothes. You don't mind, do you?"
With a docile tone, Todd responded, "Hey, Owen, that shirt looks great on you. Think of it as a peace offering from me."
Owen turned his head away.
He didn't want to wear Todd's clothes at all, but if he didn't, he’d either be left in the buff or wear Angela's dress.
Haley patted his head gently, "Todd has apologized, Owen. What do you say?"
Owen huffed quietly.
There was no way he'd say it was okay!
But then, two minutes later—
Under Haley's stern gaze, Owen grudgingly said, "It's okay...but you can’t do that to me ever again!"
Todd nodded, "I get it. You don't like hot water. I'll help you out with it next time."
Owen stayed silent.
That wasn't even what he was upset about!
Todd was so cunning. He didn't seem at all like Haley's son.
He'd rather stick with cute little sister Angela.
Just like a little puppy, Owen snuggled up next to Angela.
Haley sat next to Todd and spoke in a calm voice, "Todd, I know you don't like him."
"I do not—"
Todd started to object, but Haley cut him off, "I'm your mom, and I can guess what you're feeling. Owen is actually quite straightforward, not scheming, and he's good to Angela. She doesn't shy away from him either. Isn't it nice for Angela to have one more person who adores her?"
Todd watched Owen, who was assembling puzzles with Angela not far away, and he bit his lip.
Owen and Angela, being half-siblings, naturally shared a bond.
But because of Owen's relationship to them, Todd couldn't let him get too close to his mom and sister.
Todd bowed his head, interlacing his fingers, and after a long silence, he murmured, "I get it, Mom."
Haley ruffled his hair and said with a smile, "Don't worry about Mom being taken away. You and Angela are my whole world, and my love for you two is one of a kind. No more frowns, kiddo. Why don't you go play with Angela?"
Todd nodded and headed for the play mat in the living room.
As soon as he arrived, Owen instinctively hid behind Angela.
Todd's hard-won calm was on the verge of collapse again. He lowered his voice, "You said you'd protect Angela. Is this your idea of protection?"
Instead of standing in front of Angela in danger, you hide behind her...
Owen sheepishly touched his nose and huffed, "You're a threat to me, not to Angela. What's wrong with hiding behind her?"
Todd remained silent and took a seat beside Angela.
Owen felt a twinge of fear seeing him.
Those threats in the bathroom earlier seemed laughable, but deep down, Owen feared Todd might actually follow through.
He subtly moved several steps away from Todd.
It was then that the doorbell outside the villa rang.
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