Delia shook her head, then quickly nodded under her mother''s sharp gaze.


    "Yes... I shouldn''t have called N''s child a bastard," she muttered.


    Emerald''s expression didn''t soften. If anything, she looked like she wanted to p her again.


    Delia shifted ufortably. "Mom... was I wrong?"


    Watching her daughter''s clueless, hesitant expression, Emerald felt an


    overwhelming sense of regret. She had spoiled Delia too much-never taught her to


    be calcting. And now, she had grown this stupid.


    "I''m not mad at you for what you said," Emerald said coldly. "I''m mad because you made a scene and embarrassed yourself in front of the servants."


    If word of this got out, Mary would have a field day mocking them in front of Edward.


    Before Mary entered the picture, Edward had grown distant from Emerald, but at least he hadn''t actively resented her and the children.


    Ever since Mary became his mistress, she had constantly instigated, poisoning him against them. Now, Edward couldn''t stand the sight of her or their kids, nitpicking at everything they did.


    Just the thought of it filled Emerald with frustration.


    And Delia... Well, Delia was a fool. The girl was cruel, yes but stupid.


    "Mom, I''m sorry. I won''t do it again," Delia murmured.


    Emerald narrowed her eyes. "I''m not saying you can''t deal with N. I''m saying you need to do it properly. If you''re going to make a move, don''t leave any loose ends. Understand?"


    Delia looked confused, understanding only a little. She didn''t dare voice it, however, and quickly nodded. "I understand."


    Emerald knew Delia would obviously do something stupid again. She sighed but couldn''t bring herself to scold her anymore. "Go sit down. Let me treat your face."


    Delia obediently sat while Emerald retrieved the first-aid kit.


    oline''s


    As Emerald cleaned up after treating Delia''s wounds, Delia suddenly. reached out and hugged her around the waist, resting her head on her. shoulder


    "Mom, I''m sorry for disappointing you again..." she apologized.


    Emerald softened, patting her back. "Alright, alright. You''re not a child anymore. Enough with the dramatics. Go back now. I have work to do."


    "No matter how old I am, I''ll always be your baby," Delia said stubbornly.


    Emerald chuckled. "Alright, that''s enough. I really have work to do."


    Delia pouted. "Fine. Will you have lunch with me today?"


    "I can''t. I have errands to run. Eat by yourself," Emerald replied.


    "Oh..." Delia''s mood visibly dropped.


    Emerald sighed, pinching her daughter''s cheek with a smile. "Alright, don''t mope. I''ll bring you your favorite ck Forest cake tonight."


    "Yay! Thanks, Mom!" Delia chirped.


    Watching her daughter''s mood flip so easily, Emerald smiled. Delia was still a child. She wondered if she''d ever grow up.


    Once Delia left, Emerald packed up her files and made a call to Filipe instructing him to prepare the car. Then she grabbed a few documents and left the house.  fo


    Back in her room, Delia called over one of the maids. "Go up to the attic and douse her with cold water. Let''s see that helps het remember her ce  ?wnovels