Chapter_9
Chapter 9
“What do you mean? You don’t have a say in this anyway,” Julianna scoffed, her voice cold as she addressed Alana.
Alana shot back, “Everyone knows that Emmeline is a slut. She’s unworthy of being married to Mr. Adrien.”
Julianna’s eyes flickered with a mix of irritation and defensiveness, but she quickly regained her composure. “That’s the Ryker family’s fault. She was pregnant before marriage, unsure of who the father was. But now that we know the truth, we must accept her into the family. It’s not easy for a woman to care for three children on her own.”
“Granny’s right!” Helios nodded emphatically. “Mommy had it tough.”
“She gave everything she had to take care of us,” Endymion added, his voice firm.
“Mommy developed neurasthenia and can’t sleep well at night!” Hesperus piped up, his expression serious.
Julianna knelt down and embraced the three children, her voice soft with sympathy. “The three of you had it rough as well,” she said, her tone genuine.
Alana’s face twisted with disdain. “Emmeline is incompetent. She goes out with strangers on the streets. She has nothing going for her. Mr. Adrien deserves someone better. Wouldn’t it be better if only the children stayed?”
Julianna hesitated, contemplating Alana’s words.
Helios’s eyes blazed with anger. “You’re vicious! How can you say that?” he shouted, his small fists clenched.
“That’s right! I don’t want to leave Mommy behind!” Endymion glared at Alana, his young face contorted with emotion.
“You must be jealous of my mommy! You gave birth to Timothy, yet Daddy didn’t marry you. You must be bad!” Hesperus added, his words sharp.
Alana’s face flushed with embarrassment. “My grandchildren are right. You’re just envious, aren’t you?” Julianna said, her voice thick with accusation. “It’s been four years, and you’re still not part of the Ryker family.”
Rosaline, holding Timothy in her arms, calmly said, “That’s not an issue. My grandchild is here with me, and I’ll make the call. Abel and Alana’s wedding will be held this month. After that, they can give me a handful of grandchildren!”
Abel, his expression resigned, stood and said, “Granddad gave me a task, so I must complete it.”
Alana smiled, her voice sweet but laced with something more calculating. “That’s right. Once we get married, I can help you complete the tasks you mentioned.”
Abel, seemingly unaware of Alana’s subtle jab, said, “That won’t do. I want to marry the Wonder Doctor!”
Alana’s eyes widened with realization. “Not bad. If the Wonder Doctor becomes part of the Ryker family, it would greatly increase our reputation,” Adrien sneered, his eyes glinting with amusement.
Julianna clapped her hands together, a smile spreading across her face. “Indeed, Abel. The Wonder Doctor is famous in the medical field. If she joins the family, her knowledge will be passed down with the Ryker name.”
Alana’s face drained of color. Rosaline, too, seemed speechless, caught off guard by the turn of events.
Julianna, unfazed by their reactions, said, “Anyway, we won’t interfere with your plans. Come on, Adrien, let’s take the children and head back. Make sure to call Emmeline over so we can arrange your marriage!” She carried Helios in her arms, a contented smile on her face.
Adrien happily picked up Endymion and Hesperus, his mood clearly lifted by the thought of the future.
Abel stood up from the sofa, his voice firm. “Wait. I brought the children over with Emmeline’s consent. You’ll need to ask for her approval before you take them away.”
“I’m their father!” Adrien snapped, his tone sharp.
“Emmeline is their mother. She raised them by herself, so you don’t get a say in this,” Abel retorted.
“That’s right. The kids are staying here. Wait until Emmeline returns before making any decisions,” Rosaline added, her voice unwavering.
Julianna sighed but nodded. “Alright, Adrien is their father, and that won’t change. We’ll be back for them.” She gently set the children down.
Alana, picking up Timothy, said, “I’m taking Timmy out for a walk.”
“Take good care of my grandchild!” Rosaline called after her, though her tone was somewhat guarded.
“Don’t worry. I’ll look after him!” Alana replied quickly, eager to get out of the tense atmosphere. She hurried off, taking Timothy to a children’s playground on the fourth floor of a nearby shopping complex.
Once inside the playground, Alana bought an entrance ticket and watched as Timothy started to play on his own. However, after a few moments, he turned to her, a knowing look on his face.
“I know you’re going to ask something from me after this,” he said, his tone flat. “It’s better if you speak now, or you’ll ruin my day.”
Alana blinked in surprise and then reached out to poke Timothy’s forehead. “You’re a sly brat, you know that?” she said, though her voice carried an edge of annoyance.
Timothy held back his tears, his eyes brimming with vulnerability as he spoke, “You’re not my biological mother, are you?”
Alana froze, her expression shifting to one of confusion. “Nonsense. How can that be?” she stammered, trying to mask her surprise.
But Timothy’s gaze never wavered. He seemed to see right through her, and for a brief moment, Alana felt the weight of his words hanging in the air, uncertain of how to respond.
