Jennifer let out a sigh and said, "Hugo, I know you're standing up for me, and I appreciate it. But we need to be smarter. It's not worth dragging ourselves down over someone as vile as her."Hugo remained silent for a long moment before speaking up, his voice low. "I'm just worried about you. There's no way I'll believe she'll ever change.""I don't either."After a moment's thought, Jennifer added, "Help me look into someone. I'll send you her details later, but do it quietly. We can't risk her catching on.""Got it. It's that woman the old hag sent to try and seduce Maxwell, right? Don't worry. I'll dig up everything on her!" Hugo declared.…Later that evening, Maxwell came home in high spirits. After all, wasn't every man's wish to return to a home where his wife and mother coexisted peacefully? Camila was doing everything she could to secure her place in the Lance family and earn Maxwell's approval. Hence, she made sure to give him exactly what he wanted to see.As Jenni
Maxwell's expression hardened as he snapped, "Mom, enough already! Stop making this a big deal. Cassidy's just a child. Why do you have to say all this in front of her?"Seeing that her son wasn't on her side, Camila fell silent.At dinner, Jennifer said, "Cal, you've got your school trip to Minalur in two days. I have surgery scheduled, so your dad will take you instead.""What about Cass?" Caleb asked, taken aback. "Didn't we sign up for the trip together? Is she not going?"Cassidy chimed in eagerly, "Yes! I signed up with Cal! We agreed to go together. Mommy, did you forget about me?"With a serious look, Jennifer replied, "You're not going! Just compare your homework with Caleb's and see how much he's done! Moreover, your teacher called me today and mentioned you're in the bottom ten of your class. Check your brother's ranking before you say anything more!"Tears welled in Cassidy's eyes right away. She looked up at Maxwell pitifully, hoping he would come to her aid.Maxwel
Having said his piece, Maxwell left Camila alone and ascended the stairs. Camila stared at his retreating figure in disbelief, cursing under her breath. She couldn't help but feel a sense of regret for having given birth to such a son. He had completely lost his mind over Jennifer!…In the children's room, Cassidy was still sulking. When she saw Jennifer enter, she hurled a pillow at her. Initially, Jennifer had wanted to comfort her daughter, but she never expected Cassidy to confront her physically.At just six years old, Cassidy was already entering a rebellious phase. If she wasn't disciplined now, things could spiral out of control later."Cassidy Yale! If you throw one more thing at me, you'll see what happens!" Jennifer warned her in a low voice. "You don't do your homework, and your grades are terrible. Do you really think you have any right to complain?"You need to understand that everything you want, every bit of fun, comes from your own hard work. While you're wat
Maxwell found himself at a loss for words, caught off guard by his quirky daughter's question. He paused for a moment before responding, "Well, yes, I can support you. But you should know that girls without an education can easily get taken advantage of. "Your mom and I have our responsibilities, and we can't always be there to protect you. It's really important for you to learn as much as you can, don't you think?"Cassidy sighed deeply, her expression clouded with melancholy. "I just don't think I'm cut out for studying. If only I had a brain like Caleb's."Maxwell couldn't help but chuckle at her words. He leaned down and kissed her cheek. "Okay, let's wash up now. You need to get to bed early tonight. I'll talk to Mommy again, and if she changes her mind, you can go with Caleb, sound good?""That would be great! Thank you, Daddy!" Cassidy beamed with joy, wrapping her arms around his neck and planting a big kiss on him.…However, disappointment arrived the next day.Jennif
Almost immediately, Cassidy burst into tears. She clutched Camila's hand tightly and pleaded, "Grandma, you have to help me! What am I supposed to do? It feels like Mommy doesn't like me anymore, and Daddy doesn't either. He's never yelled at me before!""There, there, don't cry," Camila said, picking Cassidy up in her arms. "With me around, who would dare turn their back on you?"She could tell she had struck just the right nerve and pressed on, "As long as you listen to me from now on, I promise you'll always have a safe place in this family. "Even if you don't do well in school, no one would dare say a word. But…""But what, Grandma?" Cassidy asked anxiously.Camila's expression grew serious. "But if your mother finds out I told you all this, she might just throw me out. If that happens, I won't be able to protect you anymore."Cassidy sniffled, her voice choked with sobs. "I-I won't say a word. Grandma, you have to help me! You're Daddy's mom; he'll listen to you, right?""
"They've moved?" Jennifer asked, her surprise evident. "Where did they go?"Hugo replied, "She rented an apartment for her mother and sister in a mid-to-high-end neighborhood. I heard she paid five years' rent upfront, totaling 300 thousand dollars."Jennifer's curiosity intensified upon hearing that. Given Madison's family situation and the fact she had just dropped out of school, where had she gotten that kind of money? Something was definitely off."Hugo, you need to keep looking for her. If you can't find her in Haven City, try somewhere else," she urged.Puzzled, Hugo asked, "Why are you so hell-bent on finding her? You should be putting your energy into dealing with that old hag at home.""I don't have any proof, but I can't shake the feeling that Madison is still in contact with Camila. I can't quite explain it; just keep investigating. If Madison is indeed Camila's accomplice, a woman like her out there could be dangerous," Jennifer responded thoughtfully.Hugo fully trus
Seeing Maxwell return, Fiona walked over with a smile. "Maxwell, you won at life! Your mother has returned, and you have your wife and children with you. I'm envious. I wish Simon could have the same happy family one day!"Maxwell forced a smile. "You flatter me, Mrs. Moore. Simon's just taking his time finding the perfect daughter-in-law for you."Camila approached Jennifer and took her hand. "I have the best daughter-in-law. I can enjoy my life in peace with her around. Jennifer, go greet Mrs. Moore properly!"Jennifer caught on to Camila's intentions. What a sly woman! Camila was announcing her return by inviting the high-society ladies over. It would make it much harder for anyone to send her away in the future.The ladies would visit her for the holidays with everyone aware of her return. And if Camila ever decided to spread gossip, it would only embarrass Maxwell, Jennifer, and their family. Jennifer's gaze sharpened. Camila certainly knew how to play her hand! But Jennifer
But this was a foolish and hypothetical question. So, Jennifer stopped herself from going any further.Yet Maxwell seemed to know her unspoken worry. "I would choose you."Jennifer's heart skipped a beat and she smiled. She took out the sweets she had bought for Cassidy. "By the way, how come Cass is so quiet today? She'll usually be playing in the yard when I return from work."Maxwell chuckled. "She's probably sulking from the talk you gave her yesterday. She's likely up in her room trying to prove herself."Jennifer pursed her lips. "I'd be thrilled if that's true!"With that, they took the sweets up to Cassidy's room."Where is she?" Maxwell glanced around the room in confusion.Jennifer noticed the bathroom door was closed. She knocked. "Cass, are you in there?"They heard the girl's cries inside. "Mommy, my tummy hurts. I've got a stomachache!"Jennifer frowned. "What happened? Why do you have a stomachache?"Maxwell tugged on her sleeve and whispered, "Look under there