Chapter 4

Ellen shivered, her back drenched in cold sweat, anger burning in her chest.

The children squealed with glee. "She looks so pathetic! She deserves it!"

Fury overwhelmed Ellen, and she fainted.

She didn't know how much time passed before the clamor around her stirred her awake. She struggled to open her eyes.

"I'm so sorry. It's my poor cooking that hurt the kids. It's all my fault!" Rosalyn said.

Samuel sighed helplessly, his tone indulgent. "How could I blame you? You're not good at cooking. It must be those kids' silly idea. Don't take it to heart."

"But I caused you to misunderstand Mrs. Howard, and now she's in the hospital," Rosalyn replied, glancing at the children with mild reproach. "You shouldn't have lied for my sake. She's still your mother."

Belen clung to Rosalyn's leg, whining. "I didn't want Dad to blame you over something so small. I'm waiting for you to be our mom!"

Nathan huffed indignantly. "Besides, it's her fault for not making our lunches in the first place."

Under the blanket, Ellen's hands clenched into fists, a bitter smile curling her lips.

These were the children she nearly died giving birth to?

During her difficult labor, she endured it without anesthesia to save them.

For years, she never slacked in caring for their frail health.

If Samuel's neglect was a slap, her children were a knife plunged into her heart.

Ellen's eyes reddened, tears pooling but refusing to fall.

Her grievances, resentment, and bitterness morphed into a mocking smile.

So this was the difference between love and indifference.

Her phone pinged with a message. "Three days from now, my people will arrive in Arton to pick you up. Be ready."

Ellen set the phone down.

The next moment, Samuel pushed the door open, frowning as he studied her.

After a long pause, he sighed and softened. "I've cleared things up. Rosalyn made the lunch. I misjudged you."

His tone was light. "But you can't blame Rosalyn. She was just trying to help the kids. Let it go."

He added, "This is still your fault for not doing your duties as Mrs. Howard. Rosalyn only stepped in to cover for you."

Ellen let out a cold laugh, her eyes brimming with mockery. "So I should thank her?"

Even though she was used to his double standards, she felt suffocated.

When no reply came, Ellen's expression grew colder.

She asked, "So that's it? We're done?"

Samuel nodded.

Ellen gave a faint hum, lying back on the hospital bed, turning away from him.

Confusion flickered in Samuel's eyes. He expected her to make a scene.

He took a deep breath. "In a couple of days, the four of us are going abroad for a gala. Take care of yourself."

He waited for Ellen to beg to come along.

Maybe he'd be generous and take her.

But she didn't react at all.

Unease stirred in Samuel's chest. He was about to press further when Rosalyn's voice called from outside, and he left.

Ellen watched his retreating figure with cold eyes, a mocking smile tugging at her lips.

She wouldn't let this injustice slide.

She picked up her phone and sent a message. "When you arrive in Arton, I have something for you to do."

While recovering, Ellen's phone buzzed constantly.

Rosalyn eagerly shared details of their overseas trip.

From family outings to public events, the media and the kids treated Rosalyn like Mrs. Howard.

Belen nestled in Rosalyn's arms, beaming with pride. "My mom is the best in the world!"

Nothing like the way she dodged Ellen at school meetings.

Someone in the crowd raised a question. "Who was that woman always looking after the kids at past events?"

Belen answered without hesitation. "Just our housekeeper."

Her tone dripped with disdain.

Ellen glanced at the message, powered off her phone, and tossed it aside.

Two days later, the kids returned to the house.

They rushed to Ellen to brag. "Mom, Rosalyn took us to a shooting competition, and we won first place! Everyone says she should be Mrs. Howard!" Belen said excitedly.

"Dad gave Rosalyn the handgun that's always been with him," Nathan added. "I heard it saved his life countless times. It's more important than his own life."

Ellen, immersed in her painting, gave a half-hearted hum.

Ignored, Belen's face twisted with dissatisfaction. "If you keep ignoring me, I'll..."

Spotting the paints, she reached to knock them over without thinking.

But her eyes caught the canvas, vibrant and dreamlike, stirring something beautiful within her.

"It's so pretty!" Belen exclaimed. "If I show this at school, everyone will be so jealous. Mom, give me this painting!" she demanded as if it were her right.

Ellen ignored her, frowning at the canvas before suddenly slashing it with a utility knife.