Chapter 221
Angela had been different from other children since birth. She rarely fussed or clamored to be held. This was almost the first time in over a year that Angela had sought solace in Haley's embrace.
Faced with her own daughter and someone else's boy, Haley naturally prioritized Angela, lifting her and cooing, "Angela, what's wrong, sweetheart?"
The little girl clung to her neck, silent. Ivan approached, his voice filled with regret, "I'm sorry, my oversight."
Haley's gaze sharpened, "What happened?"
"It was that witch, she bullied Angela!" Owen burst out angrily, "Luckily I was quick and got in front of her, or else Angela's face would have been swollen too!"
He puffed out his chest proudly, "I'm a man, I'm older than her, I promised I'd protect Angela. Did I do a great job, Haley?"
Haley gently patted his head, "Thanks, Owen," she smiled with her eyes alight, yet beneath that gleam, a bone-chilling frost lingered.
She had thought about allowing Angela and Ivan more time together, but with Emily, a ticking time bomb in their midst, she dared not entertain that thought any longer. Angela was a mere four years old, and Emily had the audacity to lay hands on her; her heart was still as venomous and twisted as ever.
"That won't happen again," Ivan's voice was firm as he pressed his lips together, "Let's sit down and eat."
Haley's gaze deepened, her heart heavy.
That day, she decided, would be the last time.
No more would she bring the children here.
She couldn't risk exposing her kids to Emily's threats.
After everyone had taken their seats, Todd chimed in nonchalantly, "Where's Owen's brother? Isn't he joining us for the meal?"
"I gave the young master a ring an hour ago," Alfred replied, turning to make another call, "He said he'd be home shortly, I'll ask again."
Keith was wrapping up his paperwork, ready to head home, when Alfred's call came through.
"Master Keith, Miss DeRoss and her children have arrived. How soon will you be home?"
Keith was taken aback, "Alfred, you mentioned we had guests today at home. Is it Haley?"
With a chuckle from Alfred, "Yes. Mr. Winston and Owen invited them over for a meal. We're all waiting for you. How long till you get here?"
After a brief pause, Keith placed his briefcase back on his desk, a cold edge to his voice, "I'm tied up with a project and won't be coming back. Eat without me."
He hung up, plunging into the shadows of his thoughts.
Until he sorted out his feelings for Haley, he would steer clear of that woman.
The meal at the Winston household was nonetheless a pleasant moment despite Keith’s absence.
Owen, recovering from a severe illness, fell asleep in Alfred's arms after the meal.
Ivan offered calmly, "Miss DeRoss, let me drive you back."
Without her car and the Winston residence being a fair distance from the DeRoss home, Haley didn't decline. She and the children got into Ivan's car.
Taking the back seat, Todd couldn't help but probe, "Mr. Winston, is Owen's brother really that busy?"
Too busy for a family lunch?
Nodding, Ivan explained, "I've entrusted him with a company; he's in charge of all its affairs, so, naturally, he's quite busy."
Todd fell silent.
Keith was around his age, yet already handling company business, while he was still in preschool.
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