Chapter 534 The Kids Are Anxious The atmosphere was reduced to a state of awkwardness after Natalie finished.
Besides, Franklin and Sophia looked crestfallen upon hearing her words.
The next moment, Franklin pulled Kennethâs sleeve and argued determinedly, âGreat-grandpa, it was nothing like what she said.
She said so because she thought you didnât like her. Also, how can Sophia and I be so clever?â
Sophia blinked at Natalie repeatedly and chimed in, âExactly! Franklin is right. Mommy, please tell Great-grandpa that you have prepared the gifts for him, while Franklin and I only brought the gifts along with us!â
Since Kenneth was observant, he roughly knew what was going on.
âWhy do you say so?â
Franklin and Sophia quickly cast a pitiful glance at Natalie as though they were begging her.
Franklin and Sophia did so much, hoping to improve the relationship between Kenneth and Natalie. Therefore, their effort would pay off only if Natalie played along.
Deep down, Natalie also knew that the kids did it for her.
However, she wouldnât claim the credit because she didnât prepare the gifts in the first place. All the more so, it wasnât as simple as the kids thought to deceive Kenneth.
As Natalie looked into Kennethâs stern eyes, she explained, âFranklin and Sophia thoughtfully prepared the gifts for you, for they know that these will be just to your liking. I donât really understand you nor know your preferences. Besides, I canât possibly know what the horse and lotus mean to you.â
Franklin and Sophia were nervous upon hearing her statement.
âMommy, Great-grandpa believed that you are the one who has prepared the gifts for him. Why did you want to clarify it?â As Sophia felt that her effort was in vain, tears began to well up in her eyes. âNo one knows the truth if you donât say it.â
Meanwhile, Franklin clenched his fists in frustration and asked Natalie, âWhy do you have to be bothered by it? It makes no difference as to who has prepared the gift, as long as your relationship with Great-grandpa can improve. Besides, we donât mind if you claim the credit!â
While Sophia began weeping, Franklin was all irritated.
At that moment, Natalie felt that the children sincerely loved her even though she wasnât their biological mother.
After a while, Natalie squatted down and pulled Sophia and Franklin closer to her.
Natalie wiped away the tears on Sophiaâs face and gently pried open Franklinâs clenched fists. Then, she said slowly, âYou donât mind, but I do. I understand you wanted to show your great-grandpa that Iâm a kind person. However, I didnât wish to do so.â
Natalie paused for a while and continued, âI canât claim credit for something I didnât do. At the very least, I must make things clear beforehand. Although itâs good to be liked and understood by others, we have to be righteous first and foremost!â
As Sophia and Franklin stared at Natalie, their frustration and impatience slowly faded away.
Franklin lowered his head and said, âWe only wanted Great-grandpa to treat you better. Since he was biased against you, Sophia and I wished to make him understand you more.â
Sophia nodded in agreement after Franklin finished.
At that moment, Natalie couldnât continue lecturing them but hugged them tightly.
Kenneth stood with the help of his walking stick and witnessed how Natalie got along with Franklin and Sophia. Hence, his stereotype toward Natalie slowly changed. He felt that Natalie understood the childrenâs thinking better than Yara and could teach them how to become better people.
As the saying goes, actions speak louder than words.
Kenneth began to understand why Franklin and Sophia were fond of Natalie.
Then, the coldness on Kennethâs face wasnât as intense when he glanced at Natalie.