Chapter 907 He May Feel Sorry for You
Phoebe perched on the barstool, eyeing Ruby. Out of the blue, she asked, "We were doing such a good job keeping it under wraps. How did Mom find out about Donovan?"
Ruby licked her lips. "Mrs. Vanderbilt called her."
Phoebe rested her chin on her hands. "Figures. Last time Donovan went to the Adams family to bail you out, they must've just now gotten around to telling the Vanderbilts."
Ruby looked at Phoebe, still worried about Donovan. "Mom seemed mad. Do you think... do you think..."
Phoebe sighed. "Nah, if it were me, she'd give me a hard time. But Donovan? He usually gets off easy. Don't sweat it."
Ruby sensed a hint of sadness in Phoebe's voice. She reached out and held Phoebe's hand. "Phoebe, I think Mom cares about you a lot too."
Phoebe gave a half-hearted smile. "Really?"
"Really," Ruby said urgently, afraid Phoebe wouldn't believe her. She quickly gave an example. "Remember when you and Mr. Reynolds hadn't patched things up yet? Mom told me that when she went to Canada to see you and found out you had Hubert, Boris, and Noomi abroad, she almost fainted."
Phoebe gave a bitter smile. "She probably almost fainted because she thought I embarrassed her."
"No, she was worried about you. She said you were all alone in a foreign country, giving birth without any family around. She said it must have been so hard for you, and you didn't tell her anything. She said that as your mother, she should have been there to protect you. She asked me if she was failing as a mother." Ruby quickly explained, afraid Phoebe would misunderstand Evelyn.
Phoebe slowly clenched her fist. "Ruby, thank you."
"Thank me for what? I just don't want you to think Mom doesn't care about you. She does." Ruby's expression turned somber. "Unlike me, my parents..."
"Alright, we need to stay positive." Phoebe patted her hand. "With parents like that, we just have to stay positive."
Not long after, Theodore came back with the kids. Phoebe got up to greet them and glanced behind him, not seeing Evelyn. She lowered her voice and asked, "Where's Mom?"
"She's still with Donovan. They probably have a lot to talk about. I didn't want to interrupt," Theodore said calmly.
Phoebe raised an eyebrow. She had hoped Theodore bringing the kids would make her mom go easier on Donovan. But now that Theodore brought the kids back, would Donovan be in for a rough time with Evelyn?
As if reading her mind, Theodore said, "Don't worry. Mom won't do anything to Donovan. She'll just scold him a bit."
Phoebe rubbed her temples. "Fine, he can deal with what he did. It's getting late. I'll take the kids upstairs to get ready for bed."
Phoebe called Hubert, Boris, and Noomi upstairs. Pamela went to the kitchen to prepare formula for the kids. Soon, everyone had forgotten about Evelyn and Donovan.
Meanwhile, in the villa, Evelyn remained silent for a long time.
Donovan knelt there, refusing to back down. After a while, Evelyn sighed. "Did you see Ethan earlier?"
Donovan was taken aback and lowered his eyes. "I did."
"I heard from Phoebe that Ethan and Ruby lived near the cemetery for over two years. The conditions were terrible—damp in winter, stifling in summer. That's why Ethan's health has always been poor. Now that you're back, you should take care of him and be a responsible father," Evelyn said.
Donovan frowned. "Mom, the kid is better off with you. I'm a single guy; I don't know the first thing about taking care of a kid."
"Then have Ruby move in with you," Evelyn said firmly.
Donovan's face darkened visibly. He stared at Evelyn. "Mom, Ruby, and I have nothing to do with each other. Don't bring her to my house. She drives me nuts."
Evelyn glared at him. "She drives you nuts, but you still kiss her and bite her neck? Donovan, when did I raise you to be an irresponsible playboy?"
Donovan's face turned ugly, and he was at a loss for words.
After a long silence, he said, "We're not in that kind of relationship."
"Then tell me, what kind of relationship requires such intimacy?" Evelyn looked at him, her eyes clearly labeling him a playboy.
Donovan was speechless.
Evelyn stood up. "You can do whatever you want, but Ethan is your son, and Ruby is your woman. Now that you're back, take them with you and build a relationship."
"Mom, Ruby and I..."
Evelyn cut him off mercilessly. "Don't say anything irresponsible. I can't stand men who don't own up to their actions. Tomorrow, I'll have them move in with you. Take good care of them, or I'll deal with you for pretending to be dead."
Donovan was at a loss.
The only woman who could make him feel helpless. What else could he do? Even if he was unwilling, he didn't dare go against her wishes.
He got up and followed Evelyn out the door. Evelyn waved her hand grandly. "No need to follow me. It's just a few steps. I can find my way."
Donovan was still worried. "I'll walk you to the door and make sure you get in safely. It's just a few steps."
Evelyn glanced at him. Even though she was still angry, knowing he was alive made her happy. She wouldn't have to visit the cemetery anymore.
She raised her hand and patted his shoulder. "It's good to have you back."
Donovan's nose tingled. He hugged her and said hoarsely, "Mom, I'm sorry for making you worry and sad these past few years."
Evelyn wiped away her tears and patted his back. "It's okay. I must owe you all from a past life. Go on now. Remember to pick up Ruby and Ethan tomorrow."
The sourness in Donovan's heart vanished.
He walked Evelyn to the door, watched her go inside, and stood outside for a few minutes before turning to leave.
Evelyn entered the house, and Pamela came to greet her, congratulating her with a big smile.
Evelyn waved her hand. "No need to congratulate me. I'm so mad at them. Where's Ruby? Tell her to come to my room."
She dragged her tired body to her room.
Soon, Ruby knocked and entered. Evelyn sat on the bed and patted the mattress beside her. "Ruby, come here. Let me see your face."
Ruby's cheeks were still swollen, though the cold compress had reduced the redness. "It's fine. It'll be better in a couple of days."
Evelyn poked her forehead. "You, of all people, should know better. Why do you keep running to him? You care so much about him, but does he care about you at all?"
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