Ch. 781..785

Chapter 781 Sylvia frowned and replied, “Yes, but | went there to be with the children. | didn’t do anything besides that.”

“You're a woman who runs to your ex-husband’s house every single day and stays late into the night. How is it that you do nothing but spend time with the children?” Ramona was furious at the direct look that Sylvia was giving her and glared at her. “I think you’re truly contemptible and shameless!” Sylvia’s body turned cold and she immediately clenched her hands.

Seeing that Sylvia continued to look as if she had not done anything wrong, Ramona sneered, “Stop pretending to act noble in front of me. If you hadn’t done anything, you wouldn't have followed Thomas abroad and come back with a big belly. If you have any shame, then stay away from Odell. He has a fiancee now. You’re not even bothered about maintaining your own virtue. How dare you try to steal Lily’s man?” After saying that, she barked at her driver. “Hurry up and drive. Just looking at her makes my eyes feel dirty.” The driver immediately closed the door and returned to the driver’s seat.

The high-class MPV quickly drove away and disappeared.

Sylvia stood where she was.

She could not even be sure whether it was because the wind was too cold, but her body felt like it was freezing. The words Ramona had said were like a magic spell that continued to reverberate in her head.

‘Shameless.

‘Contemptible and shameless.

‘Not bothered about maintaining your own virtue.

‘Just looking at her makes my eyes feel dirty...”

Every word was like a sharp and icy thorn.

The more Sylvia thought about it, the more her body stiffened up

After a long time, she finally came back to her senses when her phone rang. Isabel was calling her.

Her hand trembled as she brought the phone to her ear.

“Mommy, where are you? Why aren’t you here yet?” The little girl’s crisp and childish voice sounded out. Sylvia’s tense body suddenly loosened. She smiled and said, “I was a little delayed by something. I'll be right over.” “Okay, then hurry up. Liam and | are waiting for you.”

“Yeah, I'll be there soon.”

Hanging up the phone, Sylvia took a deep breath and went to the roadside to hail a cab.

When she arrived at the old Carter residence, she found that Odell had already left. Isabel and Liam ran over to her.

Both their faces were adorable.

The moment Sylvia saw them, her mood eased greatly. However, what Ramona had said continued to ring in her head from time to time.

She really could not stay here until late anymore. If Lily, Odell’s fiancee, found out, she would definitely be unhappy. Thus, when it was time for Isabel to do her homework in the afternoon, Sylvia did not let her play anymore but patiently coaxed her to do her homework.

However, the little girl still wanted to play and kept acting like a pampered child.

Sylvia could not bear to be strict with her, so she made up an excuse and said, “Isabel, be a good girl and do your homework. | have to go home early at night, or your little brother or sister will be uncomfortable.”

Isabel's eyes widened. “Why would my little brother or sister be uncomfortable?” Liam also looked over. Sylvia said stiffly, “Because | have to rest early. It’s not bad for the baby if | rest late.”

Actually, she would accompany the little ones to nap here every day, so she had enough daily sleep. When Isabel heard this, she pursed her small lips, and her chubby face immediately looked contrite. “Mommy, did you and baby not rest well before?”

Sylvia quickly said, “No, | was fine before. | just didn’t feel well rested these past two days.

Chapter 782

Isabel lay on Sylvia’s stomach, rubbing her little face onto the stomach. “I’m sorry, baby. | didn’t mean to do it. | just wanted to stay with Mommy a little longer.”

After saying that, the girl obediently sat behind the desk and picked up the pen. She also did not forget to call out to Liam. “Liam, hurry up and teach me how to do my homework.”

The little girl figured that the sooner she finished her homework, the sooner she would be able to play with her mommy and let her go back to rest early.

Liam put his book down and sat next to her. Sylvia pursed her lips and forced back the stinging in her eyes.

The little girl was very efficient when she decided to be serious, and she finished all her homework in less than half an hour. Then, she clung to Sylvia's side again.

Sylvia smiled and kissed her, then she played games with her and Liam. When it was almost dark, Odell’s car came back.

Sylvia took their completed homework and came to the

living room with them.

The man’s tall and straight figure walked in through the door.

Sylvia smiled at him.

Odell glanced at her and sat down on the sofa.

“Odell, they've finished their homework today.” Sylvia walked up to him and handed the children’s homework to him for him to check as usual.

Odell looked at Isabel behind her.

The little girl and Liam both clung to Sylvia’s side, each child hugging one leg each as they looked at him obediently with their little chubby faces.

However, Odell frowned. He knew that the little girl did not usually do her homework until the evening. Why was she so well behaved today?

Before he could figure it out, she suddenly pouted at him and muttered, “Hurry up and check the homework, Baddie. Mommy and baby have to go back early to rest.”

4 His eyes darkened as he looked at Sylvia.

Sylvia gave him a polite and pleasant smile.

“Daddy, it’s almost dark. Hurry up.” Liam also suddenly urged him.

Odell instantly withdrew his gaze and looked at their homework with a cold face.

He glanced at it quickly and finished flipping through it in just two minutes.

Sylvia asked, “They did well, right?” “Hm.” His voice was low and displeased.

Sylvia also sensed his displeasure, but she did not want to figure out what it meant. Furthermore, Ramona’s words were still echoing in her head. She could not stay here until late at night for no reason.

“Then I'll take my leave now.” After that, she looked at Isabel and Liam. “Be good and go to sleep after dinner. I'll come see you again tomorrow.” Isabel said, “Okay.” Liam also hummed in reply. Sylvia turned and walked out.

The two little ones followed at her heels. Only Odell remained sitting alone on the sofa, his face cold and dark.

‘Go back to rest early? She usually goes back late. Has she not been getting enough rest?

‘Or is it because she doesn’t want to tire Thomas’ child in her belly?”

The night passed quickly. The next day, Sylvia came to the old residence on time.

Isabel was not as naughty as before and finished her homework with Liam early, leaving ample time to spend with Sylvia.

Time flew by as they were having fun, and in the blink of an eye, evening had arrived. Sylvia waited until it was dark but did not see Odell come back.

‘He should have been back a long time ago. Has he been delayed by something?’ At that thought, she took out her phone and sent him a message. “Odell, are you on the way back?”

After waiting for a few minutes without a reply, she immediately took her phone, photographed the homework that the children had completed, and sent it to him page by page.

Chapter 783

Not far outside the gate, a black MPV had been parked there for a long time.

Ding ding ding... The phone in the man’s hand kept on ringing.

It rang for about a dozen times before stopping.

Looking at the pictures flashing by on the screen, his face could not help but darken.

‘This woman is really smart. She even remembered to take pictures and send them to me. ‘Is she in such a hurry to leave?’

Ding! His phone rang again. It was another message from her.” Odell, this is Isabel and Liam’s homework. You can check them when you're free.”

His expression chilled, and he put the phone back into his pocket.

At that moment, a slim figure walked out of the door of the mansion.

Yes, that slim figure was Sylvia.

Although her belly had already begun to swell, the rest of

her body was still the same as before. From the back view, she even seemed slimmer than she had been six months ago.

She did not look his way but went out of the gate toward the other side of the road. It was clear that she was intending on hailing acab.

He stared at her in silence.

After a long time, when she got into the car and left, he said, “Get Ben to follow her secretly.” In the driver’s seat, Jacob quickly answered , “Yes, sir.”

Late at night, in the Springsteen residence.

Lily had just finished washing up and was sitting at the small table by the window. She was wearing designer silk pajamas as she elegantly held a tall glass of wine.

Aknock sounded outside the door, and Madam Springsteen called out, “Lily, are you asleep?” Lily replied, “Not yet.”

Madam Carter pushed open the door and walked in, carrying Lily’s favorite snacks in her hand. Lily smiled at her. “Thanks, Grandma.”

Madam Springsteen sat opposite her and asked with a smile, “How was it? Have you heard back from the person who went to keep an eye on the Carter residence?”

“Not yet. I'll ask him.”

“All right.”

Lily took her phone out and made a call.

The call ended quickly, and her expression turned a few degrees colder.

Madam Springsteen asked, “What did he say? Is that woman still staying at the mansion?”

There was a contemptuous look in Lily’s eyes. “She still went over every day for the past two days, but she left before it got dark.”

“Hmph, how dare she still go there? I'll call Ramona again.” Madam Springsteen was about to get her phone.

“There’s no need, Grandma.” Lily picked up the glass and sipped the wine. “She has the two children as a bargaining chip. If Aunt Ramona goes to her again, she might become unhappy and use the children to complain to Master Carter. That won’t be good for Aunt Ramona either.”

“You're right, but are we just going to let her come and go out of the Carter residence like this? Although you only have a contract engagement with Master Carter, you completed the engagement ceremony in front of all your friends and relatives. It's too uncultured for her to come and go out of his house like this!” Madam Springsteen

became angrier and angrier as she spoke.

Lily sneered. “Of course, | won't let her do as she pleases.

Madam Springsteen's expression changed as she asked,” Do you have an idea on what to do?”

Lily narrowed her eyes. “The best way is to make Master Carter feel disgusted with her and then fall in love with me.”

Madam Springsteen smiled. “How are you planning to do that?”

“| heard that she’s Sunflower.”

Madam Springsteen frowned and said in disdain , “Yes, she has been highly sought after in previous years, but she hasn't produced any works in the past year. I’ve seen her paintings, but they’re nothing spectacular.”

Lily smiled. “Creation requires inspiration and skill. So, she hasn’t produced any work for a year. Maybe she can’t paint anymore?”

“Huh, that’s most likely that case.” “Grandma, Grandpa is holding an art event in a few days. Let's invite her there too.”

Madam Springsteen’s eyes lit up as she smiled. “Yes, it just so happens that she’s on the invitation list. I'll contact the Art Association later and make sure that they

invite her over.”

Chapter 784 A day later.

Sylvia stayed at the old Carter residence with Isabel and Liam as usual.

The sun was shining nicely today and it warmed up the room, making everyone feel a little lazy.

Isabel was watching a show on her tablet as she lay her head on Sylvia’s lap.

Liam sat beside her with his back to the sunlight that was shining through the window, as he quietly read a book. Sylvia yawned and was about to doze off as she leaned against the wall when her phone suddenly rang.

It was a message from Christopher.

She had reconnected with the Art Association a while ago after her return, and Christopher had sent her a message two days ago, asking her to attend an art activity held by Master Springsteen.

Not only had the famous artists from Westchester been invited to this event, but many collectors had also been invited. With the Springsteen family’s reputation, many people from high society would definitely attend the event.

Sylvia had not wanted to show her face, so she had refused the invitation. This time, Christopher sent her another message inviting her to the event.

His words were sincere. “Sylvia, Master Springsteen’s assistant contacted me again, saying that Master Springsteen really wants you to go, so he instructed me to ask you again. We haven't seen each other in a long time too, and Simon and the others miss you as well. Why don’t you join us? Think of it as a get-together with us.”

Sylvia frowned.

She did not want to go not only because she did not want to make an appearance, but also because she had not produced any new works in the past year.

It was not that she had not wanted to paint, but since the time she had gone to Galston, she had not finished a painting It was because she had not had any inspiration for half a year. She even wondered if she had already run out of ideas.

If a painter’s creativity dried up, how could she have the courage to participate in such activities? After a moment of silence, she replied, “Sorry, President Dendro. | really don’t want to go.” Christopher replied, “Has something happened to you, Sylvia?”

Sylvia replied, “I’m pregnant, so it's not convenient for me to participate in such activities.” Christopher typed, “That’s fine. You can just sit down and chat with us.”

Sylvia pursed her lips and held her fingers over the screen without replying Probably guessing that she was still thinking of an excuse not to go, Christopher sent another message. “Sylvia, | don’t want to force you either, but Master Springsteen already had someone call me three times. He has always sponsored the Art Association. With his identity, | can’t afford not to listen to him.” ‘He called three times? Is Master Springsteen that eager to see me?’

Sylvia frowned and asked, “What exactly is this activity?”

He replied, “It’s just a get-together to appreciate a few paintings. There should be nothing more.”

She asked, “Will there be a live painting session?” Christopher replied, “I've seen the itinerary, but there’s no such program, so there shouldn't be.”

Sylvia let out a breath and said, “Okay, I’ll go with you

then.”

Christopher immediately replied, “Send me your address. I'll go and pick you up.”

Sylvia responded, “There's no need. I'll go to you.” After chatting a little more, Sylvia put down her phone. At that moment, Isabel and Liam both raised their faces to look at her.

The moment she met their cute and confused expressions, Sylvia’s face changed as she asked with a smile, “What's wrong? Why are you guys looking at me like that?”

“Mommy, you kept frowning just now. Did something bad happen?” Isabel fell into her arms and hugged her. Sylvia replied, “I was talking to a friend about something. It wasn’t anything bad.” “What were you talking about?” Isabel questioned.

Sylvia told them the truth. “He invited me to an event the day after tomorrow.” “What kind of event?” “It's just a gathering.”

Chapter 785

“Oh.”

“Did you agree, Mommy?”

Sylvia said, “Yeah, | did, so | might have to leave a little early the day after tomorrow.”

“Mommy, do you not want to go?” Liam looked at her with his big, clear eyes.

Sylvia was stunned. She had not expected him to ask that.

Before she could answer, he continued, “If you don’t want to go, then you shouldn't go.”

He was clearly just a five-year-old boy, and he still had a child’s voice, but he spoke like a little adult. Hearing that, Sylvia actually felt a little bit more reassured.

She smiled and stroked his little face, saying gently, “I already promised, so | can’t go back on my word.” Liam frowned. “But you'll be unhappy.”

Sylvia smiled. “I was just a little worried. I’m fine now.”

Seeing her gentle and happy smile, Liam pursed his lips silently.

“Mommy, why don’t we go with you?” The little girl

suddenly spoke up.

Liam instantly looked over.

Sylvia was silent for a moment. “The event isn’t suitable for you two. Just be good and stay at home. Don’t worry about me.”

“Okay.” Isabel pouted and said, “Mommy, just remember to go back home early to rest.” Sylvia smiled. “I know.” The little girl quickly picked up her tablet and continued to watch her show.

Liam also turned back to read the book in his hands.

Two days later.

It was a Saturday.

The children had no homework to do over the weekend.

Sylvia came early in the morning and played with them to their heart's content.

After lunch, when the little ones were sleepy and she had started to doze off, she went back to their room with them.

It was only when she put the children to sleep that she found that she had received a message from Christopher and Simon on her phone.

The event Master Springsteen was holding would be this evening. They both asked for her address so they could pick her up. Sylvia could not refuse them, so she sent them the address of the old Carter residence and told them to pick her up in the evening After chatting with them, she soon became sleepy and fell asleep At this time, a black MPV was parked at the gate of the old residence.

The man who had been socializing all morning got out of the car, walked up to the front door with a steady pace, and entered the living room.

The living room was empty, and he asked Sebastian beside him, “Didn’t she come today?”

Sebastian quickly said, “She did. She’s in the children’s room now. | believe she should be napping with them around this time.” Odell’s expression softened. He strode up the stairs and soon arrived at the children’s bedroom.

The door was unlocked , so he pushed down the handle and pushed it open.

In the warm bedroom and cozy bed, Sylvia lay in the middle with Isabel in her arms and Liam sticking close to

her.

Mother and children were sound asleep.

The look in his eyes softened slightly, and his legs subconsciously moved. Soon, he walked up to the bedside and bent down, looking at her sleeping face from up close.

This was the first time he had been this close to her since he had allowed her to come here to see the children. He did not know if depression had made her timid and anxious, but every time she saw him, she was like a mouse looking at a cat. She seemed to want to stay away from him rather than spend more time with him.

Looking at her moist and smooth face, he could not fight the urge in his fingers to raise his hand and cup her face.