?Chapter 1306:


    The room’s disapproval closed in around Hank, only fueling his anger. “So what, just because she’s got money, you all defend her? Fine—keep depending on her! Don’t expect anything from me from now on!”


    He stormed out, mming the door shut behind him.


    Patrick’s small voice broke the silence in the room, “Mom, will you abandon me after the new baby is born?”


    Ellie reached over to pat his head. “Of course not. You’re my child, and I love you more than anything. That will not change.”


    Patrick nodded, then hesitated. “But I’m not Dad’s real son. When your new baby is born, I—”


    “You are my child, Patrick. And maybe you don’t know, but from the day you were born, even though Thiago isn’t your biological father, he’s cared for you like his own. Think about how he treats you—hasn’t he always shown you love?” Ellie interjected.


    Patrick answered without doubt, “I understand now. You and Dad both love me.”


    “Good. Now go y for a bit.” Ellie picked up her phone, firing off a sharp message to Hank.


    From the side, Tori said to Ellie, “Don’t let Hank get under your skin. He’s just acting like a spoiled kid.”


    Mattie rose to her feet, sensing that Hank’s behavior had only lowered his chances of getting Ellie’s help. If he wanted a better job, he’d have to apologize to Ellie and mend things.


    “I’ll go find him and make sure he apologizes to you and Patrick,” Mattie told Ellie.


    That evening, Patrick was in his room, phone in hand as he called Brenna. The robotic dog sat obediently by the bed, waiting for its nextmand.


    Brenna, fresh back from a trip to Plomond with Thiago, had just settled in for dinner when she received the call.


    “Did you miss me, Patrick?” she asked warmly.


    “Brenna, I really love the robot dog you made. Thank you so much,” Patrick said in a sweet tone.<fn1826> Official source is F?ndNovel</fn1826>


    “I’m d to hear that,” Brenna replied with a lightugh. “And that’s only one design. I’ll make a smaller version for you to y with soon. How does that sound?”


    “Okay. But… Brenna, is that rack on the dog’s back meant for a submachine gun?” Patrick asked curiously, his eyes on the slot that looked suspiciously like a weapon mount.


    “Sharp eye, kiddo,” Brenna remarked with a smirk. “But I don’t have a gun to give you. If you want one there, ask your dad to get you a toy version.” She set the phone on speaker and took a bite of her dinner.


    Their light chatter carried on for a while before Patrick’s voice turned somber. “Brenna… My mom’s having a baby. Do you think my parents won’t like me anymore after the baby is born? I want to go and live with you.”


    “That is not true! Who’s been filling your head with that nonsense? I’ll teach them a lesson!” Brenna’s voice tightened with anger. How could someone say that to a kid?


    “Uncle Hank told me that,” Patrick muttered, his voice low. “Can I stay with you for a few days, Brenna?”


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