Chapter 163: Parenting

Since the establishment of Penny’s fan club, most members have been busy even at weekends. Lily wanted to keep the momentum and thus, she was hosting a charity event on the weekend. Although not every member participated due to a variety of reasons, the ones who signed up were enough to support the cause.

Because of this, even their parents or guardians had to support them or help in a way.

It was the same for Allison and Jessa.

When Saturday rolled in, Jessa had to visit the Bennet Mansion to do some large cooking for tomorrow’s event. Helping her in the kitchen was Allison. Allison could have asked the chefs to do it for them, but Jessa already told her she was coming to teach her and also to use Allison’s kitchen because it was more spacious.

As they chopped some vegetables quietly, Allison couldn’t help but glance in Jessa’s direction. Unlike her, Jessa had been slicing through everything with precision.

’It’s amazing,’ she thought. ’I think she has better knife skills than some chefs.’

Allison gazed down on her chopping board, and she took minutes to finish chopping some carrots. When she was done, she turned to Jessa. Her small bowl of chopped vegetables was akin to an ant compared to Jessa’s output.

"Where do I... put these?" she asked meekly, making Jessa pause.

Jessa glanced at her before her eyes fell on the small bowl. "We’re feeding an entire community, and that’s all you got?"

"I’m not used to feeding an entire community."

"Tch." Jessa snapped her tongue before she tipped her head. "Put them there and start working on the onions. Peel all of them to make things easy."

"Should I ask the chefs for help? This, I think, will make it easier for the both of us."

"Well, up to you." Jessa didn’t bother with her anymore as she resumed what she was doing.

As for Allison, she called for their chefs to help peel the large amount of ingredients needed for the event. Although that lifted off some of Allison’s burden, Jessa still busied herself with the rest.

After some time, Jessa stopped once again and turned to Allison. "What now?"

At this point, it was more like it was Jessa’s kitchen and Allison was on the way.

"I’m just curious." Allison cleared her throat. "How’s Nina?"

"Ah. She’s fine, don’t worry." Jessa shrugged nonchalantly and continued. "Don’t worry about the kid. I’m not hurting her or whatever you think I’m doing with that brat."

Allison pressed her lips into a thin line. "I’m sorry."

"Hah." Jessa snorted but still didn’t bother casting her a look. She wasn’t even interested in what that sorry was for; Allison should be sorry for a lot of things.

"Charles told me that he reached out to you the night before the parents were called to the headmaster’s office," Allison continued as her eyes softened. "I’m sorry that we failed Nina for raising her right."

This time, Jessa stopped and arched a brow. She slowly veered her eyes to Allison, only to catch the bitter smile on Allison’s face. All this time, Jessa assumed Allison was still being stubborn and thought of Nina as an angel sent from above.

Who would have thought this annoying goody-two-shoes woman would admit she pampered Nina so much?

"I’ve been her mother for the past thirteen years," Allison explained as if she could read Jessa’s mind. "So I know when she’s blatantly lying and not. I might’ve been stubborn and purposely turned a blind eye because I did not want to accept that I raised her like that, but it’s Penny’s safety that’s already affected."

"Good," Jessa intoned with a nod. "Good for you." And then, she resumed working again.

Allison pressed her lips into a thin line, sighing heavily. ’It’s not like I was expecting anything from Mrs. Cortez to say anything else.’

"If you’re guilty, then you should be guilty." After a few seconds, Jessa spoke again with a tinge of nonchalance. "You earned that feeling. If pity is what you’re looking for from me, then you’d be waiting forever. Moreover, you don’t need to apologize to me. Apologize to Penny and then make up for it for the rest of your life."

"Though I’m not trying to make you feel better, but I don’t think Penny even took your actions and decision to heart. That kid probably expected you to mess up — she’s annoying in many ways, but also a smart and wise one," she continued indifferently. "As long as you know your wrongs and shortcomings, that’s good enough to know."

She paused and added, "As for Nina, I got that girl under control. She’s cunning and spiteful, but I understand since not long ago, she got all the spotlight, only to be told that the spotlight wasn’t even for her. It’s alright. Another mouth to feed, but it’s better that she didn’t have the same monstrous appetite as Penny. At least I know we won’t be begging the street for food."

Allison chuckled a bit before her smile slightly faded. "If you need any help..."

"Nah, don’t bother. You guys sheltered your kids so much that they’re almost out of touch with reality." Jessa shook her head. "I believe in gentle parenting, but firm and aware parenting is something I’m more used to. Moreover, all children require different parenting approaches. Your husband knew that, but it’s something a fragile glass like you need to learn."

"I see..." Allison rocked her head and sighed faintly. She watched Jessa chop some ingredients again.

Although she was worried about Nina, despite knowing what she was capable of, she wanted to trust Jessa’s parenting skills. It was embarrassing that Jessa had to clean up their ineffective parenting. It wasn’t like Jessa mocked them directly, which was a bit surprising considering Jessa’s personality.

"What else do I need to do?" asked Allison.

Without looking at her, Jessa tilted her head in a direction. "Get those things over there and start peeling. I don’t think you’d be a great help with the bulk dishes needed. So, get those things — it’s for Penny’s snacks."

A smile turned up on Allison’s face, a little taken aback that Jessa still remembered their arrangement. Having said that, Allison started working as well.

The kitchen was then filled with chopping noises, but somehow, there was this peace between the two women.