“No issue,” Ashton cut him off and held me up. “Let’s eat first. Letty has gastric problem and needs to have meals on time.”
Ashton was never a vengeful man who really minded about petty matters. Louis was relieved at the sight of his casualness and said joyfully, “Alright, let’s eat!” Within seconds, the slightly tense atmosphere in the living room was replaced by the liveliness again. Calling the kids to come down for their meal, we headed slowly for the dining room.
We let the seniors make their ways first and trailed behind them slowly.
I grabbed the opportunity and asked Ashton tactfully, “What’s your plan for Tiffany?”
When it comes to his own flesh and blood, I believed that Ashton would tend to be more forgiving and tolerant. What’s more, Tiffany was apparently not as insidious as Nicholas and his wife. Hence, I bet Ashton would be more lenient with her.
With a look of nonchalance on his face, Ashton continued to move forward by holding my hands and replied casually, “As her elder brother, of course I will bear the responsibility for the sake of her wellbeing.”
I was puzzled at his words and knitted my brows.
Those who had crossed paths with Ashton previously knew well about his temperament. He was a prideful man who would not easily let anyone who had provoked him off easily. Tiffany had deceived Ashton and tried to match him up with Thora previously just for the sake of her own benefits. I don’t believe that he is able to put aside his wrath within such a short span of time!
This man really loves to twist his words and confuses me! There must be some hidden meanings behind his words!
Pfft! He’s overpowered by his so-called pride and self-esteem, just like all the other men. I’m not surprised that he refuses to pour out everything to me at the moment. He surely has some plans in his mind and is waiting for the ideal time to unveil the truth. By then, he would be able to show off his intelligence in getting things resolved!
Ah! Even an outstanding and mature man like him has such a childish mind! Pursing my lips, I could not help feeling amused at the thought. Even so, I decided to let him be and continued to be supportive of him.
It was common for the elderly to lead a systematic lifestyle and have an early bedtime. Even though Louis looked as fit as a fiddle, he was on medication as well. When the clock struck eight at night, he took his medicine and went to bed right away.
The rest of us accompanied the kids while they were having fun among themselves.
Summer was analyzing her favorite mathematic sums as usual; Gregory was attending an online class with earphones plugged in. Audrey and Drew were actually the only ones playing among themselves. Both of them got along well with each other as they both had similar characteristics and grew up in a similar environment. Meanwhile, we were casually chatting while watching the two of them have fun.
When the clock was about to strike nine, Ashton told me that he had to go outside after receiving a call. He explained briefly, “It’s regarding the orphanage. After double confirming with the police station, Joseph found out that nobody has ever lodged any police reports for some of the children. Thus, he doesn’t know how to get the matter resolved. I’ll go have a look and will be back soon.”
In a split second, Audrey tossed her toy aside and dashed toward Ashton. She asked excitedly, “Daddy, where are you going? I want to go as well!”
Ashton stroked her hair affectionately and replied placidly, “You just stay at home and help to look after Mommy.”
“I don’t want!” Audrey yelled instantly and pouted her lips with furrowed brows. “I want to go out for some fun. Uncle John used to bring me to his working place too. Daddy, you haven’t brought me out for a long time! I don’t like you anymore!”
She snorted and stomped as she turned her back toward Ashton. At the sight of her crossing her arms over the chest like an adult, I could not resist chuckling.
Glancing at John who was seated quite a distance away, there were helplessness and resentment in Ashton’s eyes. Oh! Looks like someone is jealous! I bet he’s blaming John for spoiling Audrey all this while. He must be cracking his head at the moment on how he can win her heart again!
Nevertheless, the culprit of the dispute was still adding fuel to the already burning fire by saying, “My dear Audrey, you’d better don’t make things difficult for your Daddy. Not everyone can treat you as lovingly as your Uncle John!”
Upon hearing his words, Emma pinched him hard on his arm and snapped, “Just zip your mouth and stop driving a wedge between them. Both of them are getting upset because of you!”
“Ouch!” John gasped exaggeratively and said jokingly, “How nice if I can have a sweet little princess like our little Audrey! How about we have another baby girl?”
“Stop!” Emma straight away pressed her index finger on John’s lip and snapped at him, “Go ahead to have one by yourself! I would never go through the horrible process and endure the excruciating pain again!”
John leaned closer to her with his smiling face and coaxed her, “Cool down. Think of how adorable Audrey is! Oh! If we could have an adorable little princess like Audrey who can keep you company and be your best helper at home. By then, you won’t be grumbling about feeling bored again since you’re the only female at home.”
