Chapter 440
Ivan's lips quirked into an uneasy half-smile. Had Owen not inadvertently pleased him, he would've likely had the boy standing rigidly as punishment for a good two hours.
Clearing his throat, Ivan attempted to adopt a casual tone. "Well, he is my son, after all. It's not easy for a father to reprimand his own child," he said, his voice laced with a deliberate attempt at nonchalance. "I've been buried in work for the last four years, and I've let the reins slip when it comes to guiding the kids. I'm all ears if you have any advice on how I might improve."
Haley was taken aback. The man before her was humbling himself more than she had anticipated, leaving her momentarily speechless. He had allowed Keith and Owen to stay in her home. He was receptive to her input on their upbringing. His respect for her had always been evident.
Yet, in contrast, she found herself wrestling with jealousy and concern whenever she witnessed Quinn's overly affectionate behavior toward him.
When this man suggested the children live with the Winston family, she immediately rejected the idea without any consideration.
She even thought about secretly taking the children and fleeing the country one day, far away from Watertown, so that this man wouldn't have a chance to take them away.
Her actions were despicable, but this man was so open-minded, giving her all the decision-making power.
Haley pursed her lips. "You've done well. Keith is exceptionally outstanding, and Owen is very adorable. The luckiest thing for them is to have a father like you."
A wave of relief washed over him.
Many people have said that he was a competent father, but only Haley's evaluation made him feel that what he had done weren't not good enough.
Or rather, he could've done better.
His voice became deep and mellow. "Compared to a father's love, young children actually need a mother's love more."
"Then I'll stay overnight tonight."
Haley suddenly let go.
As soon as she finished speaking, she noticed a glimmer in Ivan's dark eyes.
She felt a tug at her heart, and continued, "My head is a little heavy. I'm afraid I won't be able to get up tomorrow morning..."
"Then go in first."
Ivan suppressed the surprise in his eyes and pushed open the door of the villa.
Haley glanced at the empty living room and said, "You call Owen over first. I'll have a good talk with him."
Ivan went upstairs directly.
The three children were reading in Keith's room while Owen was hiding in the adjacent study.
Ivan pulled him out without hesitation.
"Daddy, what are you doing? Please don't bully me. Mommy is here, and she won't let you bully me!"
Owen struggled hard, but his dad still caught him and threw him directly in front of Haley.
"Mom! Dad's going to spank me!" Owen exclaimed as he launched himself into Haley's embrace. "You've got to hear this, Mom—Dad's the worst. He's always so mean! If I don't do exactly what he says, he threatens to tie me up and whip me, and sometimes, he locks me in a dark room and won't let me eat for days…"
Ivan stood there, a silent figure amidst the accusations, as his son blatantly maligned him right to his face.
Alfred coughed and stepped closer, giving Owen's sleeve a firm tug, his voice a hushed force. "Young Master, you aim for Mr. Ivan and Haley to grow closer, and yet you cast such aspersions. You've surely unsettled her. What if you frighten Haley away from the Winston family for good?"
Owen instantly realized what was going on.
He hastily said, "Mom, I was intentionally lying just now! Actually, my dad is really good. He is handsome and rich. The most important thing is that he loves you. Dad never cooks, but today, he cooks especially for you. It's obvious that Dad cares a lot about you..."
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