Chapter 184

Margaret’s eyes widened. "That won't do! They are Everett children, too! I will never favor one over the other. Since they are all Everett children, I will treat them equally and dote on them all! The trial is next month. This time, we must get custody!"

Bruce sighed. He couldn't persuade his grandmother, and knowing her age and health, he didn't want to upset her. "Where are the children? I'll go see them."

"Upstairs."

Bruce went directly to the second floor.

Crack!

He pushed open the door to the children's room. Davian and Irvin sat dejectedly. To prevent them from escaping again, the Everett family had implemented strict security measures: protective netting on the windows, surveillance cameras, and 24/7 monitoring.

"Davian, Irvin!"

Bruce saw the boys had lost significant weight, despite the numerous servants. Davian, eyes red, glared at him. "Big bad wolf, we want to go home! We want Mommy!"

Bruce hesitated, unsure how to comfort them.

Davian, his face puffed up, demanded, "Bad guy, when are we leaving?"

Irvin, more outgoing, looked at Bruce pitifully. "Daddy, please send us home? We miss Mommy and our sister. Please?" He blinked innocently.

Bruce sighed. "Just a few more days. You'll see your mommy soon…"

Meanwhile, in the hospital, Joanna had just had her dressing changed. Pain wracked her body.

Creek! The ward door opened. Jaydon entered, carrying lilies. He placed them on the bedside table and looked at Joanna seriously. "Joanna, what happened?"

"Jay, why are you here?"

"I heard something happened, so I rushed from Mossbourne." He looked at her bandaged arms and knees. "How did this happen?"

Joanna smiled weakly. "I was hit by a car."

Jaydon exclaimed, "You're injured badly, and you say you're fine!"

"Don't worry. How's the factory in Mossbourne?"

Jaydon sighed. "Don't worry, everything's normal."

Relieved, Joanna said, "That's good. You must be exhausted."

"It's alright."

"I heard you're suing the Everetts."

Joanna's eyes clouded. "That's right. The trial is the 15th of next month. I've hired a lawyer."

Jaydon looked grave. "If the children are given to the Everetts…"

"I'll keep appealing! I won't give up custody!"

Jaydon's face darkened. "Bruce is a bastard!"

"Stop talking about him."

"Joanna…" Jaydon took her hand. "No matter what, take care of yourself. You've lost weight."

Joanna smiled. "You too. Are you hungry? I want Honeymoon Dessert's spaghetti with extra pepper sauce."

"Alright, I'll get it." He left to buy food.

Less than five minutes later, Bruce arrived.

"Joanna!"

Joanna's face fell. "Bruce, why are you here?"

He sneered, sitting on the bed. "Why? Do you hate seeing me?"

"You should be with your fiancée."

Bruce's expression cooled. "Joanna, can we talk nicely?"

Joanna rolled her eyes. "Bruce, it's useless!"

"Why are you like this? You never listen!"

Joanna knew what he wanted to say but didn't want to hear it. "Bruce, you'll have many children and women. Give me back my babies."

"Do you only care about your children?"

"Yes! They're more important than anything!"

Silence fell. Twenty minutes passed.

Creek! The door opened. Jaydon rushed in. "Joanna, I—" He stopped, seeing Bruce. Bruce's face darkened. "Jaydon, why are you here?"

"Heh. No wonder you're in such a hurry to leave! Meeting your lover?"

Joanna's face darkened. "Bruce, leave!"

"Looks like you can't leave Jaydon!"

"Bruce, shut up!" Joanna snapped. "Jay, ignore him."

Bruce glared at Joanna. "You ignored everything I said!"

"It's my business who I date!"

"Fine!" Bruce slammed the door.

"Joanna…"

"Ignore him. He's insane!"

(Note: The promotional text "Sᴇaʀch Thᴇ Findnøvel.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality." was removed as it's not part of the narrative.)