Chapter 172

S21 3. The Queen of This House

“Kara,” Frank whispered softly, “do you mind if my mother lives with

us?”

Kara glanced at Philip briefly. They had the same idea. She was sure Frank had it too, but he also had no choice.

“This is your house and she is your mother. Of course she has the right to stay here, Frank. I have no right to forbid it.” Kara curled up the corners of her lips.

Frank caressed her face. After restoring his smile, he lowered his gaze. “Kids, would you mind if your grandmother lived with us?”

The twins stared at each other. Their cheeks puffed out and their brows furrowed. After one breath of resignation, Emily said, “It doesn’t matter, Daddy.”

“Yeah, after all, she is your mother. We don’t want Daddy to be a di disobedient son,” Louis continued, half-heartedly.

The curve of Frank’s lips turned crooked. “Thank you, Kids.”

After giving them kisses, Frank turned back to Melanie. “You can stay

wiwith us.”

MMelanie breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you, Son. Thank y

WWithout hesitation, she pulled Frank into a hug. “From now aa real mother and son. I promise not to leave you again. L upup for the times that we just missed”

FrFrank took a deep breath. His lungs seemed bottomless. “Yea ststart over from the beginning.” He patted Melanie on the back, avawkwardly.

+25 BONUS

FrFrank had once longed for that hug. He thought that his mother’s wwwarmth could heal the remaining wounds in his heart. However, knknowing that Melanie had hidden intentions, he felt empty. That’s not wlwhat he imagined.

“H&How about we go in and chat inside? It would be much more

cocomfortable than talking in front of a gate like this.” Kara widened her snsitcile. The twins nodded, supporting her suggestion.

Yeah Melanie said hoarsely, “let’s have a talk inside. There are a lot ofahthings/want to hear about you, Frank, and about you guys.”

Melletaale tooked at Kara and the twins one by one. The look on her facece asalsifriendly, but the toddlers were holding their breath. They seppendedklike not wanting to suck in the air polluted by falsehood.

“Excusesaanej Sir Ma’am,” Philip interrupted politely. “Which room should loeber prepared?”

“My old bocols is fine,” Melanie answered with a triumphant smile. Her eyes flasheded with disdain before returning her gaze to Frank warmly. You havena chelmanegerbyour parents’ room, right?”

Frank noddedestiftifflyPPhilip, please clean that main room.”

“Okay, Sirsir.”

11

For me, any room wiWidodo, Barbara said lightly. All eyes in turned to her.er.

ly

“What? Aren’t I welcome

too?”éter gaze ended on Frank. ”

mind accepting your half-bisister do you?”

Frank sighed faintly. Prepapare room for her.”

“Okay, Sir.”

While Barbara and Melanie isiniteitert fathtly, Frank stroked the twil heads. “Kids, why don’t you take young grandmother in? Philip will

+25 BONUS

accompany you..

“Where are you going, Daddy? Aren’t you coming in with us?” Emily’s eyes widened.

“Daddy and Mommy are still jet lagged. We want to get some fresh air for a moment. We will follow soon.” Frank stroked his daughter’s chubby cheek.

“Bali is 15 hours faster than us. It’s natural that Mommy and Daddy are jet lagged.” Louis patted Kara’s arm twice. After his mother put him on the ground, he immediately grabbed Emily’s hand. “Come on, Emily. Let’s do our job. Grandma, Auntie, please come with us.”

While Melanie and Barbara got into the limousine, Philip swiftly lifted the suitcase. “Thank you for coming back on time, Sir,” he whispered as he halted for a moment at his boss’ side.

Frank patted Philip on the shoulder. He understood the meaning of that wry smile. “Sorry if they are hard to handle.”

“Understandable.”

After the limousine left, Frank reached for Kara’s hand. “Sorry. You must be surprised.”

“Yeah, I was surprised. But what are you apologizing for, Frank? It’s not your fault.” Kara put on an innocent look.

Frank lowered his head and sighed. “I have promised a happy life for you and the twins. But now…, I think my mother’s presence could be

a threat.”

I

Kara pursed her lips. With her other hand, she rubbed Frank’s arm. You know that thoughts can control reality, right? What if we just think positively? Think of this as an opportunity for us to get to know your mother and sister better.”

“My half-sister,” Frank corrected, frowning.

”

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