Chapter 501
Chapter 501
Gwendolyn hurried to the children's side and shielded them from the vile and wicked woman. “What are you doing, Candace Dannings?”
Candace's face fell when she heard the way Gwendolyn addressed her by her full name.
After all, the housekeepers and the Ashton brothers were all there to watch the situation unfold.
“Gwen, what did you just call me? Regardless of the circumstances, I'm still your stepmother. You should call me Aunt Candace.”
Noticing Juliette crying, Gwendolyn cradled the little girl's cheeks and asked, “What's wrong, Juliette?”
Juliette pouted her tiny lips and pointed at her head. She plucked my hair. It hurts!
The little girl was perplexed as to why anyone would yank her hair. Her long hair was something she treasured the most. This lady definitely adored my hair as well because she plucked it and kept it!
Seeing Juliette's reaction, Gwendolyn glared daggers at her stepmother. “Why did you pull her hair? She's just a child! Come at me if you have a problem with me!”
A trace of nervousness flitted across Candace's face when she heard that. I must make up an excuse for pulling Juliette's hair so Gwendolyn doesn't associate this incident with me using the hair to get a paternity test.
With that thought in mind and having noticed Michael was coming downstairs, Candace regained her composure in an instant. I better pretend to be a loving stepmother and grandmother.
“Gwen, this is a misunderstanding. There was a bug in Juliette's hair just now. I panicked and accidentally pulled her hair because I was worried she'd get bitten by it. I meant no harm.”
Everyone heard Candace's explanation since her voice was loud; Michael was no exception. He approached Juliette and asked, “What's wrong, my little darling?”
He had a warm grin on his face when he looked at Juliette.
The moment Juliette saw Michael, she spread her arms, asking for a hug.
Michael lifted her into his arms before she uttered, “Great-grandpa, this lady pulled my hair! It hurts so much!”
Juliette was great at being a tattletale, especially in front of so many people. She wanted to protect her mother and her brothers, too.
Even though Michael would dote on little children, he wasn't an unreasonable man who would spoil them blindly. “I'll blow on it for you so that it won't hurt anymore, all right?”
Nodding, Juliette answered, “Okay!”
As she spoke, she cast a glance at Candace. I remember this lady now. She's a bad person, and I must stay away from her as far as I can.
Gwendolyn spoke a few words to Justin and Julian, deciding not to make a fuss. “Grandpa, it's getting late. I should head back with the kids now.”
At this moment, Francine and Christina came over to them. “Gwen, since you've returned to the Ashton family, why don't you move back here?” they suggested.
It was always beneficial for them to flatter Michael, especially when Candace wasn't thriving in the family. If they work harder to do so, their husbands' positions in the company might also improve.
Or, even better, perhaps Michael might even appoint their husbands as the heir.
Or, even better, perhaps Michael might even appoint their husbands as the heir.
Bearing that intention, Francine and Christina held Gwendolyn's arm as they spoke.
With her arms crossed in front of her chest, Candace furrowed her brows. These snobs have always been treating people differently according to their status. Even if Gwendolyn is currently being favored by Michael, my daughter is the one who will be marrying into the most influential family in Avenport. She's the one bringing pride and honor to the family. At that point, they will still have to curry favor with me.
Meanwhile, Gwendolyn looked at Francine and Christina, then responded, “There's no need. I'll continue staying at my current place.”
She then looked at Michael. When he was in her room just now, he had already asked her opinion on moving back to the Ashton residence. Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.
However, she declined the offer, stating that she and her children enjoyed staying at the mansion Michael had purchased for them.
Holding her sons' hands, Gwendolyn told Juliette, “Juliette, come down. Your great-grandpa can't carry you any longer.”
Yet, Juliette tightened her embrace around Michael's neck and refused, “No! I like to be hugged by Great-grandpa. It's so warm.”
Juliette leaned her little face against Michael's. Her chubby face felt soft, instantly elevating his mood. “Hahaha! What a clever little girl. I like her! Don't worry. I can still carry her.”