I Owe the Tyrant Four Little Heirs novel Chapter 131

Scrawled crookedly on the left side of the drawing were the words: A Happy, Loving Family.

A sharp pain lanced through Niamh’s heart.

Sensing his mother’s change in mood, Jove discreetly nudged Keir.

Keir caught on immediately and quickly explained, “Mommy, don’t get the wrong idea! That’s not a daddy, that’s Grandpa.”

Jove rolled his eyes. Way to make it obvious, genius.

“Mommy, I won another award!” Jove quickly interjected.

“Oh?” At the mention of an award, Niamh’s spirits lifted.

“I got first place in the city’s math competition again!” Jove proudly held up his certificate and trophy.

“My Jove is so brilliant!” Niamh gave him a thumbs-up, beaming with pride.

Phaedra chimed in, “Mommy, my teacher said I played the keyboard really well today. She wants me to perform a solo at the city’s Children’s Day festival.”

“That’s wonderful! My Phaedra is so talented too!” Niamh praised.

Aurelia pouted and muttered, “Big deal.”

Keir immediately jumped to their defense. “Aurelia, if you’re so unimpressed, why don’t you play a song for us on the keyboard? Face it, you’re not good at anything except eating. And by the way, you’ve gained weight again.” He finished by poking her belly.

Smack.

The thought brought a pang of guilt. “Aurelia, Mommy loves you the most,” she said softly. “In my heart, you’re my most treasured baby.”

Aurelia looked smugly at Keir. “So what if you can draw? Mommy still loves me best.”

“No, she doesn’t! Mommy only likes you because you’re dumb!” Keir retorted.

Niamh’s expression hardened. Keir was going too far.

“Keir, I’m ordering you to go stand in the corner for half an hour. Aurelia, you two supervise him. If he stands for one minute less, he has to stand for an extra hour.”

“Your turn, Keir,” Aurelia said gleefully, completely forgetting his insult. It wasn’t the first time he’d called her dumb.