Chapter 456
“Once Mom wraps up her errands, we’re out of here p>
“What’s she got to do p>
“No clue, but I know for sure we’re leaving.
Aileen’s eyes sparkled with excitement at the news, visibly lifting her spirits.
She pressed on, “Did your mom tell you that herself p>
“Yep p>
“Does Elijah’s dad know about it p>
“He does p>
“But… Elijah needs your mom’s care, doesn’t he? Will Elijah’s dad really let your mom leave p>
Elliot squinted slightly, realizing this old lady was sharper than Nola, hitting right on the mark with her questions.
Elliot responded smoothly, “Of course, he would. Elijah’s much better now, he doesn’t need my mom to stick around all the time. Plus, if Elijah needs anything after we leave, his dad can just call my mom for advice. There’s no need to keep my mom tied down by Elijah’s side. We’ve got our own lives to live p>
Aileen nodded in agreement, fully convinced by Elliot’s logic. Her curiosity satisfied, just then, the maid burst in, brimming with excitement, “Ma’am, the coral and jade sculpture you ordered has arrived p>
Aileen’s eyes lit up at the news, clearly delighted with the sculpture. She hurried them, “Bring it in carefully, please. It’s a precious piece I’ve spent a fortune on p>
“Right away p>
The maid dashed off to relay the instructions, and Aileen, casting a glance at the kids, said, “We’ve got a few ponies in the back. If you like, you can go for a ride. I know things have been tough financially for your family, and you’ve probably never ridden a horse. Since you’re here, go have some fun. Don’t be shy p>
Elliot’s eyes flickered with an odd light at her words. Horseback riding? Was this her way of changing the subject after all the questions? How convenient, he thought, his own agenda also complete. It was time to turn the tables.
Led by the staff, Elliot, Evan, and Emmett headed to the stables.
Aileen called Nola, “The kids are off to the stables. You can let off some steam, but remember, no fatalities! And don’t be overly harsh on purpose! I’ve installed cameras there, you know what I mean p>
Nola was thrilled, “I got it, Mom! You mentioned it this morning, installing cameras to cover our tracks. Just in case anything happens to those kids, we can prove it wasn’t our doing. Don’t worry, Mom, I’m on camera. I know exactly what to do. Don’t forget, I’m an actress, the best at putting on a show p>
“Good, I know you’ve been fuming these past days. Take it out on those brats. But remember, you can hurt them, leave them crippled, but try to spare their lives. If it does lead to a death, even if we avoid legal trouble, it won’t look good for your reputation p>
“Understood p>
After hanging up, Aileen looked disdainfully at the space where the kids had been sitting, calling over a maid, “Change these cushions. Kids from poor families carry a stench of poverty. We don’t want it rubbing off on us p>
The maid hurriedly complied, while Aileen muttered, “And keep them far away p>
Just as she finished, a maid escorted several men inside. They carefully carried in a sculpture covered with a red cloth, handling it with utmost care. Aileen’s eyes shone with delight, “Be careful, right here p>
Meanwhile, at the stables, Nola watched the three kids being led in by the staff, her teeth clenched, a mix of fury, satisfaction, and malice flickering in her eyes.