In that moment, Vera Warner even felt her breath catch a little, a strange ache climbed up to her heart, making her feel like she couldn't breathe.
Looking at the usually mischief-loving Chloe Warner, this time with company, she was actually obediently helping to clean up.
Even if they did make the place messier, the kids really wanted to help, and with that attitude, Vera couldn't bring herself to scold them at all.
In the end, she sighed and stepped forward, "Alright, let me do it myself!"
But the two little helper weren't about to loaf around—they insisted on helping.
"No way, I'm a strong man, I have to take good care of Mommy."
"They say daughters are Mom's little warm jacket, so I want to be Mom's little helper too."
Seeing this scene, Vera felt so comforted. She waved for the two kids to come closer, and when she hugged them, her heart finally felt at peace.
Before, Vera used to have opinions about Zola, mostly because he was Luna Warner's son. She and that woman had deep, irreconcilable hatred.
They say love the house or even the crow on it, but hating Luna made it impossible for Vera to like her son.
But now, those feelings seemed to have vanished completely—she had to admit this kid was genuinely adorable.
Soon, under Vera's leadership, after busily working for over two hours, the three of them collapsed exhausted on the sofa.
Seeing the two kids sleeping in her arms, Vera truly felt content with life.
If... if this child wasn't Luna's, but really hers—how wonderful would that be!
But soon, Vera was amused by her own shameless thoughts.
The next morning, just as the three were having breakfast, the doorbell rang. Usually, if anyone visited at this hour, it'd be Ian Lockwood; otherwise, no one else.
But when Chloe ran to open the door, Vera heard her cheerfully call out, "Daddy, you're here!"
Sitting at the table, Vera nearly choked on her cough, almost unable to catch her breath.
The man at the door strode in, handed her a glass of water: "Why so excited—could it be you've got your eye on me?"
Vera waved him off, trying to get him to stay far away, but said, "You flatter yourself—such terrifying talk, please don't ever say it. Since you're here, take your son back home."
Zola added, "I'm your son too."
Now Vera was completely flustered—she glanced pitifully at this little troublemaker, afraid he'd say something outrageous.
"Anyway, hurry up, take him away! And you, don't show up in front of me anymore."
Vera knew very well—as long as Zola was in her house, Victor Morgan could drop by any time. People already called her his secret lover—if this kept up, who knows what rumors about seducing a married man would spread.
That was something she had to avoid—absolutely avoid.
But Victor asked calmly, "What if I don't want to take him away?"
"...Bravo, shameless and flawless answer indeed. Are you seriously going to cling to me? Just tell me what you see in me, I'll change, okay?"
She remembered they used to dislike each other; why was he suddenly so interested in her?
"Don't get it twisted. I'm doing this purely for Zola. I just came to let you know—starting today, Chloe can go to The Morgan Group's kindergarten with Zola."
"What if I don't agree?"
"If you refuse, I'll make sure you can't stay in Aethelgard."
She'd seen her fair share of shameless people, but never anyone who clung this outrageously. Vera couldn't even describe him in words.
From behind, Chloe heard she could go to school with Zola and jumped with joy: "Awesome, Mommy, now I can go to school with my big brother—I won't be lonely anymore!"
The struggles of a single mom raising kids, and the missing piece of affection—these were Vera's greatest regrets.
Originally, she'd worried she couldn't handle the people here, but seeing how well Chloe and Zola got along—like twins—she instantly felt reassured.
Vera looked gently at her daughter's head, asking, "Chloe, do you really want to go to school with Zola?"
In these matters, the child's own interest mattered most, so it was better to seek her opinion.
Chloe nodded decisively: "I really do, Mommy! Let me stay with Zola—I like him."
Now her daughter was perfectly happy with them. If Vera insisted on sending her to another fancy kindergarten, chances are she wouldn't be happy anyway.
So Vera had no choice but to relent. She glanced at Victor's confident face and said, "I'll go with your plan this time. I'll pay all the fees, don't worry."
Victor just snorted and said, "The annual fee is five million. Do you want cash or card?"
"..."
Vera had only one thought: is it too late to take back what I just said?
But Victor went on quicker: "Of course, that fee can be reduced for you—but I have conditions."
Hearing there could be a discount, Vera perked up, eyeing him curiously: "Name your terms!"
"Starting today, we'll have our family meals here. I've found that in this environment, it helps Zola's character, fills in the gaps of what he's missing."
That was the last thing Vera expected! She thought he'd make her work for free to compensate, maybe even something as dramatic as selling herself.
But she never imagined he'd say it this lightly.
This was five million! What on earth was she supposed to cook for them to earn that?
"I'll give you one minute to think about it. If you regret, I won't mind."
"No need! I'll answer right now—I agree!"
For money, lots of things were negotiable anyway.
Victor glanced at her disdainfully, as if to say, As expected—this woman loves money. To save on fees, she'll do anything.
Vera quickly got into hostess mode and said politely, "President Morgan, would you like some breakfast? Starting today, I'll serve you."
Victor scoffed, snorted coldly, "You're pretty quick to catch on!"
He walked to the table, and seeing the two kids, something stirred in his heart—he had to admit, he genuinely liked Chloe.
Otherwise, as someone so aloof who never meddled, why else would he personally arrange a spot for Chloe and let her go to school with his son?
Who knows what other thoughts he had, but he picked up the spoon and started eating the half bowl of leftover porridge on the table.