Chapter 926
Owen pressed his lips together. Keith had been telling him over and over that Haley was in a bad mood and he should steer clear.
Every now and then, he'd see her scolding the servants for messing up.
One time, he overheard the servants gossiping about how Haley's temper was getting worse.
He wanted to defend her, but he couldn't. He felt it too—Haley wasn't the same loving and doting person she used to be.
Todd kept saying Haley would be back to her old self soon. But it felt like things were just getting worse.
Owen finally asked, "Mom, did you really break Ava's finger?"
The relaxed vibe Haley had tried to create instantly vanished.
"That woman isn't family," Ivan said calmly. "She insulted your late grandmother and cursed at your mom. Breaking her finger was the price she paid."
Owen didn't push it further.
The tense atmosphere in the car lingered all the way to the villa. Even decorating the Christmas tree didn't cheer the kids up. Angela, usually the carefree one, sat by the sofa looking glum and silent.
Haley sighed deeply.
The mood of a household was set by its mistress. Now that she was so easily angered, the kids didn't even dare to speak loudly.
It had taken a lot for Angela to become a normal child with her autism. She may retreat back into her shell if this went on.
"I'm a bit tired. I'm going upstairs to rest. You all keep watching." Haley got up and went back to the bedroom.
Ivan stared at the TV screen, his jaw clenched. He tried hard to make it seem like nothing had changed in the Winston Family, but the sensitive kids had already noticed everything.
They didn't cry or make a fuss, working hard alongside him to create a happy and harmonious family.
But whenever Haley's emotions flared up, the kids would automatically go silent and fearful. Even the most sensible ones, Keith and Todd, had gradually become quiet and withdrawn over the past half month.
Ivan took out four boxes from the cabinet and placed them in front of the kids. "These are Christmas gifts."
Owen's eyes finally lit up. "Did Dad prepare these for us?"
"Not me, your mom did," Ivan said with a faint smile. "Open them and see if you like them."
Owen quickly unwrapped his gift box to reveal a smart remote-controlled airplane that could transform and be assembled—a toy he had longed for.
"I love Mom so much!" Owen jumped up and down on the sofa. "This is a limited edition toy. How did Mom get it?"
Ivan chuckled. "As long as you like it."
"Elsa Princess Dress." Angela took out the dress from the box and held it up against herself. "What a beautiful dress, prettier than any Elsa Princess Dress I've ever seen."
Ivan's voice was gentle. "Your mom made this dress by hand. It has over two hundred gems on it, all sewn on by her."
Angela's face was full of emotion. "Can I go thank Mom?"
Ivan picked her up. "Tomorrow. Your mom is resting now."
Keith unwrapped his gift box, finding an oil painting, clearly painted by Haley herself.
Todd's gift was a laptop, top-of-the-line, with all the essential features for a hacker.
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