The nanny, alarmed by the commotion, rushed in, full of worry.
After witnessing the situation, she tried to mediate and calm Patricia down, âMs. Howard, whatâs the matter? Did Baber piss you off again? Heâs just a kid; he doesnât know better. Please donât pick on a child.â
Patricia was in no mood to see anyone at that moment, and she snapped, âI told you to get out! Who let you back in here? Who do you think you are to give me your two cents?â
The nanny quickly lowered her head, responding with respect, âMs. Howard, I wouldnât dareâ¦â
Patricia, with nowhere to vent her anger, suddenly slapped the nanny, âYou wouldnât dare? You wouldnât dare, yet you just waltzed in here! I hired you to take care of my child, look at what youâve done to him! He cries the moment he sees me! Am I a monster or a demon that heâs so scared of me? I bet youâve been filling his head with nonsense!â
The nanny clutched her face in pain and tried to explain, âMs. Howard, I didnât teach Baber anything bad⦠Itâs normal for you to be a bit impatient with the kid sometimes since youâre a first-time mom. If you were a bit more patient with Baber, he wouldnât be scared of you.â
Patricia slapped her again, âYouâre saying I donât have patience? Do I need you to teach me how to be a good mother? Look at yourself. Who do you think you are?!â
The slap was so fierce that the nanny fell to the ground and began sobbing uncontrollably.
Watching the woman who usually took care of him get knocked to the ground made Baberâs cries grow louder and more terrified.
However, the nanny hadnât closed the door when she barged in, and Balfour, freshly changed into his loungewear and about to head downstairs, happened to pass by the door and witness Patriciaâs violent act.
âWhat are you doing?!â
Balfour walked in, his face a mask of anger. Seeing both the nanny and Baber crying, he asked sternly, âPatri, whatâs going on?â
Balfourâs sudden appearance threw Patricia into a panic.
She quickly hid her anger, her eyes darting around before she put on her usual gentle facade and ran into Balfourâs arms, crying.
âBalfour, you came just in time. This nanny is absolutely awful! She was feeding Baber without even cooling the food first, and his mouth is all red from the heat! I caught her in the act and reprimanded her, but she wouldnât admit her mistake and even talked back! It involved Baberâs health, so I was so angry I hit her!â
Balfour, without a change in expression and not hugging her back, looked at the sobbing Baberâs red mouth, then asked the nanny seriously, âIs that true?â
Patriciaâs eyes flickered nervously. Balfour was asking the nanny for confirmation? Balfour wouldâve simply taken her word for it before.
What on earth was going on with Balfour lately?
The nanny got up, ready to explain herself, but she saw Patriciaâs threatening gaze.
She felt scared. Considering Balfourâs usual favoritism towards Patricia, even if she told the truth, she might not gain his trust and would likely upset.
Patricia In the end, the nanny didnât dare tell the truth, âMr. Howard, I didnât do it on purposeâ¦â
Balfour frowned, coldly saying, âIf you canât take the time to care for a child properly, start packing up and leave!â
The nanny reluctantly nodded, giving Baber a look full of regret before leaving silently.
Patricia breathed a sigh of relief, seeking solace in Balfourâs arms like she always did, âBalfour, that nanny was truly out of line! If I hadnât caught her in time, Baber might have been bullied by her!â
Balfour, hands on Patriciaâs shoulders, pushed her away without a comforting word. âIf you think others canât take care of your child well, you should do it yourself! Baber is your child, donât expect others to care more about him than his own mother!â
Patricia was taken aback, feeling a strange distance between her and Balfour, as if there was something untouchable in between.
âI understand, Balfour! From now on, Iâll try my best to take care of Baber myself!â
âGood.â