?Chapter 1118:


    Jack’s fear finally broke through—he crumbled, bursting into tears right then and there.


    Tasha turned her head to where Dani had disappeared, a thought pressing at the back of her mind. “Dani is truly a force to be reckoned with.”


    The next morning, as Dani descended the stairs, she found Jack quietly tinkering with his toys on the living room floor. Spotting Dani, he stole a wary nce at her, hesitation flickering in his eyes. Dani met his gaze briefly before heading to the kitchen.


    After some hesitation, Jack shuffled towards Dani, his voice small as he mumbled, “Auntie…”


    The wild defiance of yesterday had given way to careful effort today—clearly, someone had coached him.


    “You don’t have to call me that if you don’t want to,” Dani said, taking a sip of her milk. Her tone was indifferent. “You don’t like me, so don’t force it. Titles like ‘Auntie’ mean nothing. If it bothers you, just use my name.”


    Jack studied Dani carefully.


    Dani met his gaze. “My name is Dani.”


    Jack hesitated, then said, “Dani.”


    She didn’t seem the least bit angry. Jack exhaled in quiet relief.


    Dani eyed Jack steadily. “This house belonged to my mother. You’re wee to stay, but I don’t tolerate noise—like what you pulled yesterday. And I certainly don’t allow shoes on the sofa. If you keep it up, I’ll have no choice but to ask you and your mom to leave.”


    Fresh stories here gα?ησν????s?c?m


    Jack frowned slightly. “But my mom lets me do that.”


    Dani remainedposed. “When you’re at your mother’s house, follow her rules. But here? This is my house, and my rules stand. Got it?”


    Jack hesitated, then gave a small nod. “Will you send me to an elite private school?” he asked, eyes expectant.


    “No.”


    “Why not?” Jack blurted out, frustration creeping into his voice.


    “Because I don’t have to,” Dani replied, her tone level, devoid of condescension. “I have no obligation to send you to an elite school. You’re not my child, and we’re not even truly rted.”


    Jack didn’t fully grasp her words, but he did recall what his mother had told him. “But my mom says if you don’t treat me well, no one will look after you when you’re old.”


    Dani arched a brow at his remark. Joyce really filled this kid’s head with everything.


    “Oh? If I ever need a child, I could always adopt one—one who’s more obedient, smarter, and much quieter than you. I have plenty of money, but I don’t owe you a single cent, and trust me, you won’t be getting any of it.”


    Jack didn’t quite follow but echoed, “Then I won’t take care of you when you’re old.”


    Dani nodded, unfazed. “That’s fine. You don’t have to.”


    Jack frowned, confused. As far as he knew, refusing to care for Dani in her old age should have been a serious threat. That was what his mother had made him believe. Yet, Dani didn’t seem to care in the slightest.


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