Baber was just a kid, clueless about the adult world. He innocently bore the brunt of Patriciaâs harshness, a trauma that undoubtedly left a deep scar on his soul.
Ellinor stroked Baberâs head tenderly and said, âDonât worry, kiddo. No oneâs going to hit you anymore?
Baber snuggled into Ellinorâs shoulder, feeling a sense of security and comfort heâd never known before.
He didnât know why, but he believed every word that kind woman said.
When they arrived at Howard Mountain Villaâs dining room with Baber, the servants had already prepared a hearty breakfast for them.
Bartlett was dining alone. Seeing them, he cracked a smile, âWhy is it just you bringing Baber? whereâs Theo?â
Ellinor, carrying Baber, walked over and sat a few seats away from Bartlett, then answered, âHeâs changing his clothes, heâll be here in a bit âOh.â Bartlett picked up his glass of milk and took a slightly disappointed sip.
Ellinor didnât engage with Bartlett further. She put Baber on a chair and started feeding him breakfast.
Baber was still young, and no one had the patience to teach him how to use cutlery, so he needed someone to feed him.
Baber had developed a habit of grabbing food with his hands. His grandma was hot and cold with him, mostly not willing to make the effort to feed him. That was the first time in a long while that someone had taken such good care of him. Baber cherished it, biting into the bread Ellinor fed him, thinking it was the best thing heâd ever eaten!
âEllinor.â
Bartlettâs voice rang out again, with a hint of amusement.
Ellinor wiped the breadcrumbs from Baberâs mouth with a napkin, didnât look at Bartlett, and casually asked, âWhatâs up?â
Bartlett said in a teasing tone, âThis is a bit surprising.â
âWhatâs surprising? That Theoâs coming back today?â Ellinor responded nonchalantly.
âNo.â Bartlett chuckled warmly, âI didnât think you would be so generous, accepting the child Theo adopted with another woman as if it were your own.â Ellinor stopped feeding Baber, was silent for a moment, then turned to look at him and said, âI donât see him as my own child. But heâs innocent, and my sympathy for him is genuine. Mr. Rex, any thoughts on this?â
Bartlett gave a small smile and said, âNone. Itâs just that you pity Baber, and I pity you.â
Ellinor furrowed her brows slightly, not understanding Bartlettâs meaning. Just as she was about to ask him, Thedâs voice drifted over.
âWhat are you feeling sorry for her about?â
Bartlettâs face stiffened for a moment before he laughed it off. He looked at Theo, who had just entered, and said with a smile, 1 feel sorry for Ellinor. Sheâs about to have her own child but has to take care of another one.â
âTâll take care of my wife; thereâs no need for others to worry.â Theo responded, then sat down next to Ellinor, took Baber from her, and began to feed him. He said gently to Ellinor, âIâll feed him; you eat.â
Ellinor didnât respond; she simply began eating her breakfast.
Bartlett shrugged, took a sip of his milk, and smilingly changed the subject, âTheo, have you settled everything abroad?â
Theo continued to feed Baber as he responded, âNo, I just came home to spend some time with my wife. Iâll deal with the rest later. Do you need me for something?â