Chapter 60

Brendan remained silent. Heather's temper flared. "What's wrong with Naomi? In terms of looks, figure, education, and family background, who is better? Why can't you appreciate her? Didn't you choose to marry her? You went through with the wedding, yet you treat her like this. Have you no decency? Why did you agree to this marriage in the first place? You've been married for over two years, and how often have you returned home? Naomi always takes the initiative. Are you ashamed? Mason advised you to treat Naomi better, and your response was to send him to the plateau to build Hope Elementary School? The Ludwig family has never had anyone as unruly as you."

Brendan's head buzzed. He rubbed his nose and looked at Heather. Her eyes widened, and she said angrily, "What's that look? Should I go build Hope Elementary School?"

"I don't have the guts," Brendan replied.

They had been married for over two years, and Naomi had always taken the initiative. Everyone knew the reasons behind her actions and her decision to marry him. If Naomi had been more genuine, if "that incident" hadn't occurred, if "those things" hadn't happened, he wouldn't be in this situation.

To placate Heather, Brendan said, "We'll stay married, and we'll live happily together."

Heather's eyes lit up. "What about children? Will I have a grandchild?"

"No," Brendan replied.

Heather exploded, hitting him with the feather duster. "I dare you to say that again! Say you won't have children and see what happens!"

Meanwhile, in Naomi's room, after Heather took Brendan away, Christine wiped her tears. "Why couldn't you control your temper? Why did you agree to it?"

Naomi rolled her eyes. "Mom! We're family. Why are you crying so early? Besides, men like him are everywhere. What's the worry?" She handed Christine a tissue.

Christine, even more saddened, wiped her tears. "Did you forget what the psychic said? Are you trying to end the family legacy?"

Naomi was speechless. Christine continued, "Although Brendan is loose, we women share responsibility. We failed to secure his love."

Naomi chuckled. "You're better at brainwashing than anyone."

Christine stopped crying. "What did you say?"

"I said it's all my fault. I didn't secure your son-in-law's love," Naomi replied casually. She was glad her father never cheated; otherwise, she'd be calling everyone "Mom."

Christine continued, "You can't entirely blame yourself. Brendan is responsible, and those other women are, too."

"Indeed," Naomi agreed.

Ignoring Naomi, Christine said, "To keep a man, you have to have his child. Otherwise, he won't settle down."

Naomi disagreed. Her child would be for herself, not anyone else.

Christine asked, "Why aren't you speaking?"

"You're right," Naomi replied.

Christine cried, "Naomi, I'm having a heart-to-heart. Don't even think about divorce. Your father and I won't give you your household registration book if you do. He insisted you have a child, no matter what. What will you do when we're gone? You can't be left without anyone to care for you."

"Alright, I'll have a child," Naomi said.

Christine stopped crying. "You promised! Don't go back on your word."

Naomi rubbed her temple. "Yes, I promise."

Worried Naomi was placating her, Christine added, "Your father is troubled with company matters. Don't cause him more trouble."

Naomi straightened up. "What's wrong with the company?" She could tolerate frustration, but nothing would hinder her family's success. Dennis's earnings were her retirement fund.

"It seems related to the Sabella family," Christine replied. "Don't cause your father any trouble."

Naomi nodded. "I got it."

Reassured, Christine wiped her tears. "Be sensible, don't fight with Brendan, and indulge him more."

"Okay," Naomi agreed. "I won't say much more. Let's check on Brendan."

Leaving, they met Heather and Brendan exiting the study. Brendan still had feather-duster marks on his face.

Heather smiled. "Christine, are we done?"

"Yes, I gave her a good scolding," Christine replied.

Heather comforted Naomi. "Naomi, I scolded Brendan, Chloe went home, and I've cleaned the house. If you still mind, we can move."

Naomi yawned. "No need."

Heather reassured her, "Whatever you decide is fine. We'll listen to you."

Christine nudged Naomi. "Naomi, Brendan's looking at you. Say something."

Naomi looked at Brendan, satisfied by the feather-duster marks. With her hands in her pajama pockets, she said, "You touched me a few times last night. Settle the bill."

Heather and Christine blushed.