I cast Jackson a cold glance and responded to the lawyer. “I don’t know if Jackson has told you that I, too, am a law major, and I just passed the judicial examination recently. So you can save all your professional moves on me. I have the ability to take care of Summer alone. As for my own baby, Summer has always wanted company. Thus it would not affect her in any negative way. My love towards the two of them won’t be biased.”
As I noticed Jackson was still sitting there indifferently, as if all these had nothing to do with him, I started to get furious. I deliberately turned the topic against him. “Jackson also has his own child. Can he guarantee he will treat Summer with a fair share?”
Both of them were obviously well-prepared for my accusation, as they did not show any reaction to my words.
The lawyer glanced at Jackson as if he was getting the latter’s approval. Seeing that Jackson nodded his head, the lawyer turned to me again and spoke firmly, “The child of Ms. Alder that you mentioned is not actually the child of Mr. Jackson. And Mr. Jackson can guarantee that he will never have another child. So he will love the two kids with all his heart. Is there anything else?”
I was befuddled at what I heard. “How could this be?”
Jackson did not lift his head but said with a low voice, “It has nothing to do with you. All you need to know is that I will love Summer more than you do. I will not let her stay in the battlefield of the Featherstones.”
This upheaval had caught me off guard. Jackson’s lawyer had clearly noticed my confusion and started firing a bunch of questions at me. “When Summer grows up and finds out that she looks different from her sibling, how would you answer her? And most importantly, you went through miscarriage twice, didn’t you? And you even got kidnapped! Mr. Jackson doubts that you and Mr. Featherstone are fit to be parents.”
My head was in agony until the moment they left. Jackson’s lawyer was undoubtedly a good debater, while every one of his words pierced through my heart mercilessly. As a lawyer, he was doing a brilliant job. But as another human, he was way too mean. I understood law too well to know that the kidnap alone could alter the judge and the jury’s decision.
Jackson had a wife, and even though they were not really wealthy, they still would be able to provide Summer a decent life. Hence, I knew I stood no chance, even if we were financially better off.
Compared to a luxurious but risky lifestyle, the judge would probably prefer a normal yet stable life for the child.
For the entire day, I did not see Anthony. I then called Emery as my stressful emotion refused to subside. “It’s hard to believe that before I could become a lawyer, I had become a defendant. Such an irony.”
The second Emery heard that Summer might be taken away, she assured confidently, “That lawyer has nothing but a foul mouth. Anyone can stoop low and play dirty. Fret not. I promise no one would lay hands on Summer as long as I am here.”
After hanging up, I stared emotionlessly at the phone with a blank mind. On my way to Summer’s room, I suddenly had this strong feeling that I could lose her forever. At that moment, I felt as though a thousand needles were stabbing through my heart.
It was already 9 p.m., so I supposed Summer should be asleep. I opened her door as quietly as I could, only to hear her sweet and carefree voice echoing in the room.
“And also candies, please. Ms. Collins, please bring me these if you come over. Mommy never lets me have them!”
Ms. Collins? Which Ms. Collins is she talking to? Out of curiosity, I tiptoed my way towards Summer’s desk and saw her video-calling someone.
“Okay, I promise. Remember, this is a secret between us. Don’t tell anyone.”
My back stiffened the moment I recognized Stella’s voice coming from the computer. Since when is she so close with Summer that they are still chatting at this hour?
Feeling utterly displeased, I asked suddenly, “Summer, are you asleep?”
Startled by my voice, Summer clumsily shut her computer and jumped swiftly into her bed, pretending to be sleeping.
I was amused by her cuteness, but I tried to put on a stern face. “Are you really sleeping? Why aren’t you under your blanket?”
I could notice her tensed body and her nervous breath, yet her eyes were still tightly closed.
It was difficult for me not to laugh at this scene. But instead, I gave a long sigh on purpose. “Alright, if you really don’t like me, then I won’t come and visit you anymore in the future.”
“Mommy! Wait!” Summer jumped out from her bed and grabbed my hands tightly. “I love you, Mommy! Please don’t send me to Xavier’s house. I want to be with you. I promise I will be a good girl!”
Upon that, I could see tears started to well up in her eyes. How could I bear to hold a grudge against such a sweet kid? I patiently tucked her in her bed while trying to communicate in a mature tone. “Summer, since when did you exchange contact with Ms. Collins?”
Summer had her own WhatsApp account, but her contact lists were none other than some close elders. Besides, she seldom used it except during special occasions, for which I would usually be the one to set up the video call for her. I had never expected she would use it on her own and even added Stella.
Following that, Summer covered her face with her blanket, unwilling to answer my question. Judging from her stubborn behavior, I knew she liked Stella very much. Apparently, kids would do anything to protect the things they treasured.
I bit my lips and reached my hand towards Summer. Gently patting her back, I tried to comfort her. “Summer, of course, I will want you to have more friends. But I am your closest friend, so we should not keep secrets from each other. I promise that I won’t be mad at you. Okay?”
Soon after that, Summer started revealing everything to me.
Back when I was confined by Anthony, he had brought Summer to Featherstone Corporation. During that time, the company was under mass development, so everyone was fully occupied. Whereas Stella, who was at the counter, was the only one available to babysit Summer. Stella was an expert around kids, so they became good friends in just one morning. At that time, she even created another private chat account for Summer. That was why I did not see her contact in Summer’s original account.
After a moment of consideration, I decided to take a look at Summer’s WhatsApp chat messages. After putting her to sleep, I headed back to my room to read her conversation with Stella in private. Seeing as to how Summer was not the best at typing, the chat contained mostly voice messages. There wasn’t anything special, but I noticed that Stella had never said no to Summer. She would always fulfill the latter’s wishes, especially things I often didn’t allow Summer to do. In particular, Stella had secretly bought Summer sweet, edible things more than five times in the past two weeks alone.
I truly believed that every mother would understand why I was so agitated at that moment. Without a minute to waste, I immediately called Stella on WhatsApp, anger boiling within me as I did so.
As expected, the woman picked up the phone quickly. Her tone of voice was soft and gentle, loaded with affection, “Summer, you want to chat with me for a while more, right?”
“Ms. Collins,” I said coldly, not bothering to try hiding my displeasure.
The woman on the other side of the line fell silent for a second. When she spoke, there was a complete about-turn on her tone. She said respectfully and submissively, “Mrs. Featherstone, why are you still awake? It’s so late…”
Previously, I had brushed aside things regarding Stella as Anthony was quite satisfied with her performance. However, now that she had crossed the line and targeted Summer, it was pointless for me to show her an ounce of respect. Despite my displeasure towards her, I had to still handle the situation in a formal way. My voice became harsher than earlier as I spat out, “Please bear in mind that your job is to solely assist Anthony with the company. I don’t want anyone to disturb Summer in the future. Also, I don’t need anyone to interfere with my way of parenting. Do you understand?”
Stella sighed, feeling wronged. “Mrs. Featherstone, please believe me when I say I didn’t. Please don’t get me wrong; Summer is an adorable girl. I simply wanted to pamper her and treat her well. I am not…”
“Then raise your own child and go ahead to pamper her,” I interrupted her, “Did I say something wrong? If I’m not mistaken, Justin has been waiting for you. If you change your mind and decide to have your own family, Anthony and I will be happy to help you on this.”
My harsh words stunned Stella speechless. The woman remained quiet for a while before she said honestly, “I understand now, Mrs. Featherstone. I won’t do such a thing anymore.”
“Good. Please delete Summer’s contact and block her on WhatsApp after our conversation ends. That’s all for now.”
At that, I pressed the red button to end that call. A few minutes later, I opened Stella’s chatroom and sent a message to her. I was finally relieved when I saw a single tick and a blank profile picture appear.
Summer must be feeling too lonely these days. That was why Stella could easily get close with her. At Summer’s age, she should actually spend time with her peers. However, the Featherstones’ lived in a single- family villa. It was separated from the neighbors. Whenever Anthony and I were busy, there was no one there to accompany Summer. It was high time for me to look for the best elementary school for her.
I didn’t know much about childhood educational institutions in K City. Thus, I sent Emery a message on WhatsApp for a piece of advice. Emery, what’s the best school in K City? By the way, It’s better to look for one with good security. Summer’s safety is my top priority.
Being the night owl she is, Emery usually stayed up late. I was hoping to decide on the school before going to bed, but I fell asleep at around ten o’clock without getting any reply from Emery.
The following morning, Emery called.
“I’m so sorry. I had a social event to attend last night and drank a little too much. I fell asleep as soon as I got home. But anyway, I’ve found a suitable elementary school for Summer. If you’re not busy in the afternoon, I’ll come over to pick you up. Let’s bring Summer along to have a look. Is that okay with you?”
I couldn’t ask for more. Without a second thought, I agreed.
I had not gone out with Summer since the festive season, so she was extremely excited along the way. Emery recommended us an elite school. Undoubtedly, the environment was good. The security measures were also in place. Besides, the children came from well-off families. After the visit, Summer and I both seemed satisfied with it. Hence, I firmed up Summer’s enrollment with the principal. Next Monday, she would be able to go to school with the other kids.
Right after we left the school, Emery took me and Summer shopping. Hunter’s performance appraisal for the professor was around the corner. Therefore, she was going to pick a tuxedo personally for him.
It was quiet in the branded store we entered. While Emery was choosing the suit, Summer and I waited on the sofa patiently.
Emery had always been a generous woman, usually buying whatever she had her eyes on when she was out shopping. However, she zoned out several times that day while staring blankly at the suit, seeming to be exceptionally careful in choosing the clothing. Upon seeing her like that, I couldn’t help but tease, “Professor Zane’s position has improved a lot ever since he became your husband.”
Upon hearing that, Emery tilted her head, looking at me in disdain with her pretty eyes. “Was I treating him badly when he was my boyfriend?”
“Nope.” I smiled and patted Summer’s head gently. “It’s just rare to see you being so serious when buying things. Is the appraisal very important?”
Emery put away the suit in her hand and took two steps forward towards me before she answered absent-mindedly, “Not really. It shouldn’t be a problem for him.”
She had never been one to hide her emotions, so they were written all over her face. I noticed something off about her and asked, “Are you and Professor Zane doing well?”
Subconsciously, her strange behavior paired with my question reminded me of the fact that she hadn’t replied to my message the previous night. Emery’s alcohol tolerance was higher than most, and she always knew what she was doing. Besides, she was the one who always drank someone under the table. She seldom got drunk. In fact, it was actually a poor excuse of her being drunk and not replying to me, but only now did I realize that.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.
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