Chapter 713
Serena pulled a small box from her bag and held it out to her niece. “Here, sweetie. I bought this for you ages ago, but never had the chance to give it to you p>
Evelyn’s eyes lingered on the gift, her curiosity barely masked. Watching her, Serena couldn’t help but probe a little further, gently drawing the girl to her side. “Evelyn, have you ever thought about your dad marrying someone new? Maybe having a new mom p>
At that, Evelyn’s head snapped up, her little face suddenly serious. “I don’t want a new mom,” she said quietly but firmly. “I just want my own mom p>
Serena was momentarily taken aback, but quickly knelt to soothe her. “Evelyn, just think about how kind Miss Vanessa is to you! She buys you lovely dresses and brings you presents. She really cares about you, doesn’t she p>
“But she’s not my mom!” Evelyn set the unopened gift on Serena’s bed, her voice trembling with determination. “I just want my mom p>
Serena felt her patience fraying, but forced herself to stay calm. “Evelyn, try to understand, sweetheart. Your mom and dad aren’t here anymore. In the future p>
“I don’t want a new mom, I just don’t!” Evelyn huffed, spun on her heel, and darted out of the room.
Serena stared after her, stunned. Was Evelyn really growing up, or had Eleanor managed to fill her head with these ideas? She had never been this resistant to Vanessa before. In fact, hadn’t she liked her just fine? Serena was sure this was all Eleanor’s doing.
Well, maybe after her brother finally married Vanessa and brought her home, she could talk some sense into Evelyn.
A bitter little thought surfaced: If Evelyn was so against the idea of a new mom, it was hard to imagine she’d warm up to a new dad, either. And if Eleanor cared about Evelyn’s feelings as much as she claimed, then maybe Xavier didn’t stand a chance.
Downstairs, Evelyn threw herself into her grandmother’s arms, her voice trembling with indignation. “Grandma, I don’t want a new mom. I don’t p>
Gina looked at her in surprise. “What’s this about a new mom p>
“Aunt Serena said Dad wants to find me a new mom,” Evelyn grumbled, her small fists clenched.
In that instant, Gina understood exactly what her daughter had been telling her granddaughter. She stroked Evelyn’s hair, soothing her. “No one’s finding you a new mom, darling. Aunt Serena was just being silly. Go play, now, all right p>
Evelyn darted off toward the garden, and Gina headed upstairs, only to find Serena emerging from her room. “Serena, come here a moment p>
“What’s wrong, Mom?” Serena asked, noting the stern look on her mother’s face.
“Did you just tell Evelyn something about a new mom? She’s still a child, Serena. Don’t bring up things like that with her p>
“She may be a child, but just because I don’t say it doesn’t mean it won’t happen. Sooner or later, my brother’s going to marry Vanessa,” Serena replied, her lips pursed.
Gina frowned. “And what makes you so sure? Your brother hasn’t mentioned anything lately. I haven’t heard a word about it p>
“Just the other week, when Vanessa was sick in the hospital, he dropped everything and flew home from overseas to take care of her. If that’s not love, what is? He even made me promise to keep an eye on her and call him the minute anything happened p>
“Is that so?” Gina seemed genuinely surprised.
“Of course! The only reason Grandma doesn’t like Vanessa is because she doesn’t know what’s really going on. My brother practically worships her,” Serena insisted.
Gina had long since learned to keep her distance from her son’s romantic affairs. She’d tried interfering with his marriage to Eleanor once, and he hadn’t listened then. Now, she’d decided to let him make his own choices-whether he reconciled with Eleanor or married Vanessa, she wouldn’t interfere.
“Mom, you remember when you were sick abroad? Wasn’t Vanessa the one who stayed by your side the most?” Serena pressed.
Gina nodded. “Vanessa really did look after me. I’m grateful to her for that p>
“See? And Eleanor was back home, living it up while Vanessa was sacrificing for our family. My brother should’ve married Vanessa long ago, let her enjoy some happiness for once,” Serena said, clearly frustrated on Vanessa’s behalf.
“It’s not fair to blame your brother. He’s been swamped at work these past two years,” Gina replied. “He’s busier than ever, and from what I hear, he’s just acquired several biotech companies p>
“I’m sure Vanessa understands, but honestly, he could at least make it official— give her some standing. Right now, she’s just left hanging.” Serena muttered under her breath that if Vanessa were Mrs. Goodwin already, Eleanor wouldn’t be able to boss her brother around every time she went on a business trip.