Chapter 5 Returning To The Gardner Residence

• A sharp pang hit Jeanette's chest. She was well aware of Taylor's relationship with Stefie. She had even heard their intimate whispers in bed with her own ears.
• She just hadn't expected that during her return to the country, she would stumble upon their engagement. It was truly unfortunate.
• “If Stefie loves picking up my discarded trash, then let her. Why should I care about a scumbag?” Jeanette said indifferently.
• She had long erased the man who had cheated and betrayed her from her heart. All she wanted now was to earn a decent living and raise her son into adulthood.
• “What are you even saying? You're in no position to look down on Taylor's family background!” Wynona couldn't help but retort defensively on behalf of her future son-in-law.
• “Isn't that the case, though? Your daughter has always been fond of picking up what I leave behind in this household. I've gotten used to it.”
• “You...” Wynona was so angry that she turned pale. Indeed, she had brought her daughter into the household when she was twelve, but by that time, Jeanette had already been enjoying the treatment of a young lady for quite some time. She knew that Jeanette had always looked down on the status of her illegitimate daughter.
• “Mommy, since we can't see Granddad, I want to go home.” Charles tugged at Jeanette's clothes, not wanting to see her stuck in a bad mood.
• “All right, let's go!” Jeanette was about to leave with Charles when she heard a familiar voice behind her. “Ms. Jeanette! Wait!”
• The person who arrived was the Gardner family's old butler, whose hair had long since turned white with age. He reprimanded the housekeeper who was opening the door, “Ms. Jeanette has returned from studying abroad. Hurry up and open the gates!”
• Seated in the car, Wynona glared at the butler and drove in first.
• The butler led Jeanette all the way to the master bedroom on the second floor.
• Once she reached the master bedroom on the second floor, she called out, “Dad, I'm back.”
• Craig stepped out from within. Five years had passed and he had aged significantly. His recent illness had turned half of his hair white. He looked at his eldest daughter in surprise and joy but was utterly stunned when he saw the child standing next to her.
• He looked at the child, then at Jeanette. “Jeanette, he... is he... your child?”
• Jeanette nodded silently.
• She crouched down and gently nudged her son. “Give Granddad a hug.”
• Charles immediately embraced Craig with joy, wrapping his arms around his thigh. Craig crouched down and held his small frame. This genuine feeling stirred up immense excitement within him.
• In a fit of anger, he had driven his eldest daughter away. Over the past five years, he had regretted his actions every single day. Now, seeing this adorable child, he felt even more remorseful.
• This bout of illness had given him a new perspective on many things. For him, he could let go of everything now. He could forgive and forget all the terrible things his eldest daughter had done in the past.
• He would accept the child as long as it was hers.
• “What a good boy! He has the Gardner family's features, and these ears are just like mine.” Craig couldn't help but swell with pride as he sized up Charles.
• Jeanette observed her father's sudden shift in attitude. He was becoming more affectionate toward her and Charles. She didn't want to cause him any more pain.
• “Dad, I've decided to stay and live in the country this time. I'll be able to visit you often,” Jeanette said, her voice choked with emotion as she looked at her father's white hair. “I won't just run away from home anymore.”
• “All right, all right, it's great that you want to come back. Let's just put the past behind us. Now that you're living alone with a child, I can't help but worry. If you don't want to stay at home, that's fine too. I can buy you a place to live on your own.”
• Craig was considered a moderately wealthy businessman, and he certainly had the means to spoil his daughter and grandson.
• “Okay.” Jeanette didn't want to refuse her father's goodwill.
• Downstairs, Stefie, who had just returned from outside, felt a surge of resentment upon hearing that Jeanette was back. Even though she was with Taylor now, he had never truly forgotten Jeanette in his heart.
• She's back and right before my engagement with Taylor. She must have some plan in mind. She's not fooling anyone! I know she wants to seek revenge!
• Years ago, she had put in so much effort to sleep with Taylor after he was drunk. Over the years, she had also established a stable relationship with Taylor. She would definitely not let Jeanette ruin her plans.
• Craig invited Jeanette and Charles to stay for lunch.
• But as lunch wasn't ready yet, she settled down to rest in the living room on the second floor. Just then, a woman sneered, “Jeanette, why have you returned? You're not welcome in this home.”
• Jeanette turned her head and cast a frosty glance at Stefie, who was standing by the entrance. “It seems I've been away from this house for too long, and you've forgotten who the real daughter of the house is. Did your mother teach you to yell at me like that?”
• “The Gardner family only has one daughter, and that's me. Who do you think you are? When you sold yourself at the hotel, Dad spent a fortune to cover up your scandal! You led a disorderly private life and even bore a child. I wouldn't be surprised if this child was conceived during one of your escapades,” Stefie retorted without holding back.
• “It's none of your business.”
• Stefie warned, “I'm just here to tell you that Taylor is mine. Stay away from him or I'll show you no mercy.”
• “It's your choice to rummage through the trash. I simply find it disgusting,” Jeanette said dismissively.
• Stefie's face flushed with irritation, yet a sense of relief washed over her at Jeanette's words. As long as Jeanette didn't pursue Taylor, she could avoid a confrontation with her before their engagement.
• At noon, on the dining table, aside from a plate of green vegetables, all the other dishes were laden with chili peppers. It seemed they were intentionally challenging the only child at the table.
• “What is wrong with you people? Don't you see there's a child at the dining table today?” Craig slammed the table in frustration and turned to Jeanette. “Jeanette, let's go out to a restaurant. Charles won't be able to eat this.”
• Jeanette was more than happy to agree. “Sure, Dad. Let's go, then!”
• Wynona hadn't expected Craig to be so angry. She was taken aback for a moment before she quickly called out, “Hey! I'll just have the kitchen whip up a few more dishes!”
• Craig scolded, “Don't think I'm oblivious to your antagonism toward him. He's my grandson, and I won't let anyone bully him!”
• Stefie quickly tried to pacify him. “Dad, it must be a misunderstanding on the housekeepers' part. Why would Mom make things difficult for a child? It wouldn't take long for the kitchen to whip up a few child-friendly dishes.”
• “That's enough. I'll just take them out to eat,” Craig said impatiently, waving his hand. He carried Charles out the door and then added, “Get a smarter chef to cook next time.”
• Wynona, feeling wronged and resentful, shot a glance at Jeanette. She had instructed the chef to prepare spicy dishes, but she hadn't expected Craig to want to replace the chef. He's clearly protecting Jeanette and her son.
• She has only been back for a day, and Craig's attention is completely fixated on her! Even with an illegitimate child, she still manages to make him so happy. This is truly maddening!
• Stefie looked at their receding figures with a grimace and gripped the cutlery in her hand. Jeanette stole away Dad's affection so effortlessly.
• Wouldn't she... steal Taylor away from me effortlessly too, then?
• No! I have to drive Jeanette away, and if I can't... then I'll make sure they vanish from this world.