Chapter 524
Ivy already felt guilty enough about deceiving the elders; she hadn’t expected even the kids to start asking questions.
Caught off guard, she hesitated, unsure how to respond.
Davina Foster quickly called out to her son, “Eat your dinner now, sweetheart. Grown-up matters aren’t for kids to worry about.”
But Halley wasn’t so easily distracted. He fixed the adults with a determined look and asked again, “Uncle Jamie, what kind of sickness do you have? Does it hurt?”
Just as Jamison was about to answer, Adela Ludwig jumped in, “Your uncle has a condition that means he can’t have children, but it’s got nothing to do with you. Now eat up.”
“Can’t have kids?” Halley’s eyes went wide as he mulled that over, then—quite suddenly—he announced, “Then I can be their kid! That way, Uncle Jamie and Aunt Ivy won’t have to worry about it!”
Ivy stared at him in shock, glancing instinctively at Jamison, then at Thad and Davina.
This is getting out of hand…
“Hal, finish your dinner. This isn’t something you need to worry about. Your uncle and aunt will figure it out,” she said quickly, anxious that Davina might feel upset.
After all, what mother would ever willingly give her child away? Ivy certainly had no intention of taking someone else’s child.
Jamison, however, looked amused. He played along, asking, “So, you want to come live with me and Aunt Ivy?”
“Yeah! Then I won’t get in trouble anymore!”
Thad’s expression darkened. “Have I even punished you lately? If you stopped causing trouble, I’d never have to scold you.”
“See? You’re scolding me again. You’ve been mad at me every day lately!”
“And do you know why? This week alone, how many times did you sneak your mom’s lipstick, perfume, or jewelry to school to give to your teachers and classmates? I haven’t even punished you for that! You can’t even handle a little scolding?”
“They’re my friends! What’s wrong with giving gifts to my friends?” Halley shot back, chin lifted, full of righteous indignation.
The father and son were soon arguing, the dining room growing more and more chaotic.
Finally, Halley burst into tears, wailing, “I don’t want this dad anymore! I want a new dad—boohoo—bad daddy, I don’t want you—”
Still crying, he shuffled over to Jamison, hiccuping and sniffling, “Uncle Jamie, can I—can I go home with you? Can I be your son? Please?”
Jamison scooped up his nephew and, taking a warm towel from the housekeeper, gently wiped away his tears and snot.
But his answer was unexpectedly blunt, “Sorry, buddy. Uncle Jamie doesn’t want to be a dad. I just want to have some time alone with Aunt Ivy.”
Halley stared at him, big eyes brimming with tears, then—mouth open wide—he let out a fresh, earsplitting wail.
“Mean Uncle! I don’t want you either! Grown-ups are so annoying! I’m running away from home—”
Heartbroken, Halley wriggled out of Jamison’s arms, wiping his nose as he stormed off.
Davina hurried after him, scooping him up and soothing him with gentle words.
Adela seized the opportunity to lecture both her sons at length.
So much for a peaceful family dinner—it had started with laughter but ended in complete chaos.
Carla, meanwhile, remained quiet throughout, as if none of the commotion had anything to do with her.
After supper, Adela retired to her room to rest, leaving the others in the living room, chatting over tea.
Carla slipped away to say goodbye to her mother in the bedroom, then returned, ready to leave for the night. Passing by the little garden near the side hall, she overheard voices drifting in from outside.
“Jamison, are you two planning to stay childfree, or is it just that Ivy doesn’t want kids? You know, lying to Mom like this—eventually, you’re going to get caught…”