Chapter 170

After the incident, Joanna was filled with lingering fear, blaming herself and aching with guilt. Had she not so readily agreed to Margaret taking her children, this wouldn't have happened. She vowed to learn from her mistakes and never again be separated from her children, especially since Margaret had even wanted to change their names—an utterly unacceptable prospect.

"Take us home!"

Bruce's expression hardened. "No, the children will stay with the Everett family for now."

He instructed Kody, "Return to the Everett mansion and send the children back. Tell those in charge of their care that any negligence will result in annual bonus deductions. Further incidents will lead to dismissal!"

"Yes, Mr. Everett," Kody replied, starting the car and heading towards the mansion.

Joanna's anger flared. "Bruce, how could you? Stop the car! We're getting out!"

"Joanna, stop this nonsense!"

"You're the one creating a scene! They're my children. You have no right to detain them."

Bruce's handsome face darkened, a cold smile playing on his lips. "Your children? Can you bear them without me?"

Joanna, speechless with rage, refused further argument. "Stop the car! We're getting out!"

"Don't stop!"

"Bruce, what do you want?"

"Joanna, I've said I'll persuade Grandma when she returns from Melta. Taking the children now will upset her."

This sent Joanna into a fit of furious panting. She and Margaret were tyrannical and overbearing, utterly unconcerned with others' feelings. If not for Lilia's illness, she would have nothing further to do with Bruce!

Hearing they were returning to the Everett family, Davian hid in Joanna's arms. "Mommy, we want to go home! We don't want to go to the Everett family!" Irvin echoed, equally aggrieved. "That house is so big and scary!" "We want to go home!"

Bruce's face darkened. "This is your home. You're my sons; you should be proud."

Davian, his face contorted in fury, roared, "You're not our daddy! We don't want to go back with you! Our daddy isn't as bad as you. He wouldn't bully Mommy!"

Bruce, enraged, shouted, "I'll tell you one last time: I am your father! Say that again, and I'll beat you." His voice was sharp, his expression cold.

Terrified, the children clung to Joanna. She glared at Bruce. "Don't scare them!"

Bruce gritted his teeth. "Joanna, don't push me!" "You know how I am. Why provoke me?"

Joanna, pale with anger, knew she couldn't win. Against his domineering nature, compromise was her only recourse.

The car arrived at the Everett mansion. After passing three gates, they pulled into the garage.

Bruce exited first, coldly commanding, "Get out!"

"Mommy, let's not stay here!"

Joanna resisted. "Bruce, must you do this?"

"Two choices: the children stay, or you and the children leave."

"What difference does it make?"

"You can choose," Bruce said coldly, knowing that the children's presence would ensure Joanna's captivity. "Lilia is in the hospital. Someone needs to care for her." "Leave the children and go to the hospital."

Joanna's heart ached with anger. Her eyes blazed as she glared at Bruce, who responded with a playful smile. He was in control.

After a moment, Joanna softened, speaking gently to the boys. "Davian, Irvin, stay a few days"

Davian interrupted, tears in his eyes. "Mommy, we don't want to stay here! We want to be with you!" Irvin cried, clinging to Joanna. "Mommy, we want to go home! We want to go to kindergarten!"

Joanna wiped their tears. "Listen. Your sister is in the hospital. Mommy has to care for her. I'll pick you up when she's better."

She lacked conviction. The Everetts seemed determined to gain custody. She couldn't take them now, especially with Lilia's fragile state—she still needed two bone marrow transplants. She couldn't afford a fight with Bruce now.

"No, Mommy, please take us!"

"We want to see Lilia! We haven't seen her in days! We're worried!"

Irvin sneezed twice. The boys had fevers. Joanna touched her son's forehead. Her tone softened. "Bruce, Davian and Irvin are sick. They need to go to the hospital! And they need to be with Lilia. Her illness is serious; she misses them!"

Bruce considered for three seconds. "Fine. I'll go with you."

"Alright!"

Bruce added, "But they stay tonight. I'll take you to the hospital tomorrow morning."

Joanna frowned. "Bruce, Davian and Irvin have fevers!"

"Don't worry, I'll get the family doctor."

Joanna was powerless to argue. "Fine. I'll pick them up tomorrow."

She prepared to exit.

"Mommy, don't go! Stay with us!" The boys clung to her.

"Lilia needs me more!"

Bruce softened. "Someone will care for Lilia. You've been out all day. Rest here."

"No. I'll pick them up tomorrow."

She couldn't stay; it would only give Bruce an opportunity to bully her.

Seeing her resolve, Bruce said, "Joanna, aren't you going to stay with your sons?" "I'll sleep next door."

"Mommy, don't go!" Irvin pleaded, "Just stay one day! We know Lilia needs you more. Just one day, okay?"

Joanna looked helplessly at her sons.

Bruce added, "I'll drive you to the hospital tomorrow."

Joanna studied Bruce, searching his eyes for deceit. He smiled playfully, knowing her fears. "Don't worry. If I want you, even outside the Everett family, you can't escape."

This angered her further. If not for the power imbalance, she would have slapped him senseless.

"Fine. I'll stay tonight."

"Great! Let's go!"

Joanna got out, followed by Davian and Irvin. Their mother's presence calmed their fears.

The servants, overjoyed to see the children, cried out, "Welcome home, Mr. Everett! Welcome home, Davian and Irvin! Welcome home, Mrs. Everett!"

Joanna paled. She wasn't accustomed to this, despite previous instances. They were divorced; Mrs. Everett was inappropriate.

"I'll bathe Davian and Irvin."

"Let the servants do it."

"No, I'll do it myself."

Bruce was incredulous. "They're boys, four years old. It's not appropriate!"

Joanna, speechless, could offer no counterargument.