On the Ruins of His Regret I Soar novel Chapter 208

“Amy was wandering around the hospital by herself,” Jessica said. “What if she’d run into someone dangerous? Is this how you watch her? On top of that, she came in here and accused me of having a ‘paramour.’ A four-year-old doesn’t come up with words like that on her own.”

Catherine hugged Amy tightly. “Jessica, if you suspect I’m the one who taught her that, you can say it to my face. You don’t have to be passive-aggressive. But I swear, I have never said such things in front of Amy. I’ve only ever spoken well of you to her.”

Jessica let out a humorless laugh. Some people really had no conscience.

Lance clenched his jaw. “And for that, you hit her?”

Jessica took a deep breath. “First, the only reason you don’t think it’s a big deal is because in your eyes, I can be insulted freely. Or maybe, in your heart, you already believe I am what your daughter called me. You don’t care because it’s not your reputation on the line, but I have to care. Second, are you proud that your daughter speaks this way? If she did this in public, people would say you have no idea how to raise a child, that the Smith family has failed in its duty! I am also her mother. What is wrong with me teaching my child right from wrong?”

Lance was stunned into silence. For a split second, he had the unsettling feeling that she was right.

Catherine picked Amy up. “But Jessica, if Amy had said this about someone else, would you have still disciplined her? Everyone knows children say things without thinking. Why are you so determined to punish a child for it?”

Jessica just stared at Catherine with a faint, knowing smile.

Catherine took a sharp breath, feigning anger and hurt. “Are you telling me you didn’t discipline Amy today because the person she was talking about is your… rumored boyfriend?”

Lance’s gaze hardened. “Answer her, Jessica Brown. Are you feeling guilty?”

She let out a long, weary sigh. “Don’t take it to heart,” she said to George. “She’s just a child. I’m sorry you had to see that.”

George shook his head, his gaze fixed on her. “Are you… upset?”

Jessica lowered her head, silent.

“If you want,” he said hesitantly, “I could… ask Mr. George for help. We could find a way to get custody back for you.”

Jessica shook her head. “There’s no need. Forcing her to stay with me would only make her resent me more.”