NovelOnline
Chapter 474
“Hiram.” Karina looked at Hiram, seemingly sensing something amiss. She gazed with explicit threat, despite in the
presence of
everyone.
It was hard to describe how I felt. How could someone look at their own child in such a way? It was as if he wasn’t
her son but an insubordinate slave.
Hiram fell silent and shrunk back submissively.
I knew what he was afraid of. If I spoke out, he might have to face Karina’s punishment.
Even if I didn’t say anything, he would still be scolded.
“I have nothing to say.” The words died in my throat. No matter how much I disliked Hiram, I couldn’t bear to see
him punished by Karina.
He was like a puppet that Karina had meticulously crafted. He appeared to be cherished, but in reality, he wasn’t
truly cared for.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtKarina exhaled in relief knowing I wasn’t going to continue. If she provoked me any further, it would only be
disadvantageous for her.
The Whitmore family was now a complex mess with Karina and Hiram’s return. I was ready to leave with Serena,
but Neil stopped me. “First clear it up, what did Karina make Hiram do?”
“Dad, Mommy didn’t make me do anything. Don’t misunderstand her!” Hiram, seeing Neil getting serious, quickly
went over to hug Neil’s leg and pleaded, “Don’t blame my mommy, okay?”
He started crying as he spoke, and Neil’s expression softened slightly. He loved his son deeply.
I left with Serena in his moment of hesitation. This was their family matter, and I didn’t want to get involved.
“Rena, you’re back.”
Just as I got home, I found that my mom had returned. She was tending to the vegetable garden in the yard.
I was surprised. “Mom, why are you back? Where’s Dad?”
“Your dad is still dealing with some errands, so I came back first.” My mom looked weary. Her eyes were red and
swollen. She managed to squeeze out a faint smile.
“Are things still not settled over there?” I asked softly. My heart ached as I saw my mom’s tiring face.
Mom paused before answering with a choked voice, “Your aunt, Emily… didn’t make it. After we took care of her
funeral, I came back first. I just felt too heartbroken there and couldn’t bear it. Your dad suggested I come back
first.”
That’s when I learned of Emily’s passing. Mom had never told me before that.
I couldn’t help but feel a lump in my throat, and my heart was heavy.
Silence fell over the yard until my mom put down her work, dusted her hands, and came over to check on Serena
in the stroller. “Where did you take her? Why did you leave Brandon home alone?”
“I took her out for a bit.” I didn’t want to tell mom that I had gone to Neil’s house. She was already in a terrible
mood, so I didn’t want to make her feel worse.
Mom washed her hands and then picked up Serena, showering her with kisses. “I missed these two little ones. The
weather is so hot, and you should avoid taking her out in the sun too much. Don’t damage her delicate skin.”
Only when talking about Serena and Brandon did a genuine smile appear on my mom’s face.
Of course, I knew that I wouldn’t have gone if it weren’t for Faith, and I had no idea that today was Hiram’s
birthday.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmBrandon was already asleep. Mom and I were playing with Serena in the living room, and we talked about my uncle,
Lucas’ family situation.
The gate was opened as night fell.
“Russel, you’re back!” Mom’s mood visibly brightened as she saw Russel. To her, Rússel was the ideal son-in-law,
and she would fully support it if ever I agreed to him.
Russel was momentarily surprised to see my mom back, but he quickly gone back to normal. He was always polite
and courteous in front of my mom and never caused any scene.
“You’re back.” Russel carried some groceries, looking quite abundant.
Mom saw the groceries and felt both grateful and embarrassed. “Russel, you don’t have to keep coming over to
cook for Rena. We have Norah here, and you should be busy with work. Don’t wear yourself out.”
According to my mom, I didn’t know how to appreciate and value good things and people.
The disagreement Russel and I had a few days ago went unnoticed by everyone. I hadn’t even told Stella about it,
so my mom didn’t notice the awkwardness between us.
Russel was observing my reactions, but I avoided his gaze and continued playing with Serena. He reassured my
morn, “Don’t worry. I manage my time wisely. I only come over to cook when I have spare time.”
Mom gave me a look, which I understood. She hoped that I would seize the opportunity and stop rejecting him.
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