Chapter 7

My bottom line was that as long as Charles didn't notice, the more I could hurt those two, the better. I also wanted them to experience the pain of knowing something was wrong yet having to swallow it, teeth and all.

"Darling, Dad didn't see me just now. He definitely wants to talk to me and enjoy some family time. How can I just focus on eating and drinking? Maura, don't you think so?" I asked.

Maura's face turned pale, and she forced a smile, nodding. "That's true, but you shouldn't wait too long to have breakfast, either. I'll get someone to warm it up for you. Caleb, you should stay and talk to your dad."

As she stood up and turned to leave, I clearly saw her face—usually bright and smiling—fall in an instant. Her injury probably hadn't healed yet, as she limped slightly.

Just like I used to.

But at that moment, I smiled as I chatted with Charles.

"Speaking of family time, Caleb, it's not that I want to rush you, but you're not getting any younger. You still don't have a child. I won't be at peace even after I'm gone. How can I explain it to your mom in the afterlife?"

Here came the familiar push for grandchildren again. Every time Charles spoke about this, he looked directly into my eyes, as if it were my unwillingness to have children that was the issue.

Caleb quickly interrupted, "Dad, having kids should come naturally. Fate's the one responsible for making someone a parent."

After he said this, he nudged me with his elbow, signaling me to back him up.

In the past, I would have helped smooth things over and taken the blame myself. However, not anymore.

"Dad, we're trying to conceive. It was my ovulation day yesterday, but something got in the way."

Caleb shot me a glare immediately.

Of course, they wouldn't tell Charles that Maura injured her thigh and that Caleb had left me, his wife, to take care of her. They were guilt-ridden.

Charles frowned. "What could be so important that it caused a delay? Right now, you two continuing our family line is the most important thing. Everything else is just an excuse."

"Dad, it's my fault. I had urgent work yesterday, and a few departments were pressing me. That's why—"

Charles didn't buy it. "Was I not busier than you when I started my business? In your current position, you have to learn to delegate and let the employees make their own decisions. Time waits for no one."

I lowered my head to stifle a laugh. I couldn't help but tease Caleb a little, "Darling, Dad has been through it all, so you should listen to him more."

I didn't think he would suddenly grab my chin and kiss me hard as if to get back at me for something. I pursed my lips and discreetly spat a few times.

Caleb laughed triumphantly and held my hand, deliberately assuring Charles, "Dad, I got it. Tonight, we'll work hard on making a baby."

I felt disgusted by him, and he was intentionally trying to gross me out.

At that moment, only Maura was quietly falling apart, along with the breakfast she had brought.

"Ah!" she screamed.

Everyone's gaze turned toward her.

"Oh, my bad. I'm so clumsy. I'll clean it up..."

Caleb immediately sprang into action, darting over. He grabbed her hand and pulled her away, saying, "Be careful not to get burned."

Then, he turned to the maids. "What are you waiting for? Hurry and clean this up."

"Yes, Mr. Caleb."

Maura kept her head down, looking pitiful as she gazed at me with downcast eyes. "I'm sorry, Winifred. I spilled your breakfast."

Did she think I would care?

I smiled. "It's fine, Maura. Maybe your background is different from ours, and you're not used to the Goode family's lifestyle. It's just a meal. As long as I want it, Caleb will surely prepare the best for me.

"Right, darling?"

When I touched on Maura's background, I saw sparks nearly fly from her eyes. I always believed that everyone was equal, but since she didn't respect me, I saw no reason to respect her in return.

Before Caleb could say anything, Charles immediately chimed in, "Of course, the Goode family's men know how to take care of their wives best. Caleb, why aren't you making the arrangement?

"Maura, come sit here. Let me check if you got burned."

Seeing the pair of unfortunate lovebirds separated, I watched with great interest as I caught a glimpse of Caleb's barely concealed resentment.

But what could he do? Maura was his stepmother now, and he could only watch helplessly as his beloved woman sat next to his father.

I deliberately leaned into Caleb. "Darling, I'm hungry."

Charles smiled warmly as he stroked Maura's hand. "I'm relieved to see you two so affectionate." After a moment, he seemed to remember something.

"Winifred, it's been almost three years since you married into our family. On your wedding anniversaries, Caleb's mother always prepared gifts for you. Now that she has passed, I'll give you anything you fancy."

I was grateful for my mother-in-law. If it weren't for her, my marriage with Caleb might not have lasted three years. Previously, the gifts she gave me were all handpicked by her, but now that Charles was asking, I didn't want to hold myself back too much with him.

I casually glanced at Caleb.

"Dad, we appreciate the gesture, but we can't accept your gift," Caleb remarked.

"Why not? We're family, so of course we should give you what you like."

I already had an idea in mind.

"Dad, actually, I saw information about Geeard Auction the other day. There was a necklace called the King's Heart. The name sounds like it should match the Queen's Tears that Mom gave me. I was thinking of buying it as a collection, as a way to reminisce about Mom."

Both Caleb's and Maura's expressions shifted when they heard my words. They probably hadn't expected me to be bold enough to outright ask for it.

"Okay. I'll have someone check and see if we can negotiate a price with the seller to secure it for you."

"Thank you, Dad." I smiled happily and then lowered my gaze. "I hope no one's taken such a nice item."

Unaware of what I actually meant, Charles quickly assured me, "As long as my daughter-in-law likes something, I'll make sure we find it and buy it, no matter if someone wants it first."

Since it had escalated to this point, Caleb could no longer pretend to be oblivious.

"Dad, I've already bought the King's Heart."

"Really?" Charles smiled with satisfaction. "You understand Winifred well."

Caleb took a deep breath and slowly revealed the truth. "It's not for Winifred. It's a welcome gift for Maura. Winifred can keep the Queen's Tears. The King's Heart is more mature and suitable for an elder."

I couldn't believe he had the nerve to say such nonsense. Earlier, he even told me that Maura was the same age as us and not to call her old.

At that moment, Maura chimed in, trying to play the victim, "Charles, logically speaking, if Winifred likes it, I, as the elder, shouldn't quibble with her. However, I don't have suitable jewelry to wear at our wedding.

"My relatives were already against our marriage. It's fine if they think I'm doing well, but if they think I married the wrong person, they might oppose this marriage…"