Chapter 160

Chapter 160
# Elena's POV

We arrived at the exploration site deep in the forest over an hour later, significantly delayed by our morning drama. The other students and their parents had already gathered and begun their activities.

"Max, why are you so late?" the teacher asked as we hurried toward the group. "Everyone's already started on their tasks!"

"We had some trouble on the way," I explained breathlessly, not elaborating on our family drama. "What are the children doing today?"

"Oh, it's quite special! They're tracking animal footprints, identifying forest plants, and helping the forest rangers maintain the environment. See what task cards they still have available."

As I looked around the bustling activity site, I realized this was indeed a genuine outdoor parenting activity.

"Patty, have you seen my brother and sister?" Max asked a small friend. "They came earlier."

"Yes, I did! They went treasure hunting at the creek with your dad!"

When I heard "wheat planting in the field," my eye twitched involuntarily. The image of Richard—corporate executive extraordinaire—kneeling in dirt made me want to laugh. His business world lifestyle had likely dulled his natural instincts. The man practically lived in boardrooms; I doubted he even remembered what soil felt like.

"Mommy, what's our task?" Max tugged at my hand, eyes bright with excitement.

The teacher handed us a small woven basket and a card. "You two will be collecting medicinal herbs. Return your gathered herbs to the forest guardian over there, and he'll exchange them for lunch ingredients."

I examined the task card. Participants had to complete assignments to earn their meal—a clever simulation of survival skills. I couldn't help but appreciate the school's creativity.

"Come on, Mommy!" Max pulled me toward the forest meadow, practically skipping with excitement. "I've never done an activity like this before!"

I smiled at his enthusiasm. This was indeed his first outdoor parent-child activity.

Max bounced along the path with his friends, their childish laughter echoing through the trees. The simple joy on his face warmed my heart. These moments of pure childhood happiness were precisely what I'd fought so hard to protect.

"Look, Mommy! I can see the wheat field!" Max pointed ahead, then suddenly gasped. "I see Lily and Kathy too!"

He waved frantically, his eyes glowing with excitement. "Lily! Kathy! I'm over here!" His small hand flailed wildly as he tried to catch their attention.

I followed his gaze toward the small field, and the scene before me was... well, ridiculous.

Richard stood majestically at the edge of the plot, dressed in a perfectly tailored charcoal suit complete with a silk tie. He looked like he'd stepped out of a board meeting, not a nature activity. Beside him, Emma looked equally out of place in her designer outfit and needle-thin heels that were already sinking into the soft ground.

In stark contrast, Lily and Kathy were properly dressed in the outdoor gear I'd prepared: sturdy boots, sun hats, and comfortable shorts.

"Are they seriously dressed like that for a field activity?" whispered another mother beside me, her voice thick with confusion. "How will they plant wheat in the soil?"

I suppressed a smirk.

As we approached the field, I fully intended to ignore Richard's group and continue to our herb-gathering area. But Max's enthusiastic shouting had drawn their attention.

"Elena! Wait!" Emma's voice cut through the open air. She was hobbling toward us, her heels sinking deeper with each step.

I reluctantly stopped. "What is it?"

"Where are you headed?" she asked, breathless from her awkward trek.

"We're collecting medicinal herbs," I replied flatly, already turning to leave.

Emma's eyes lit up. "Herbs? You're so lucky! That's the easiest task!" She grabbed my basket without warning. "I'll switch with you. You take over the wheat planting."

I pulled back, anger flaring. "What's wrong with you? Why would I switch?"

"Because I saved your son's life," she replied with a saccharine smile. "If I hadn't brought Max back from that hospital, he might have died. You owe me."

The emotional blackmail rendered me speechless. She was right—I did owe her for that. Before I could formulate a response, Emma had already snatched my basket and my son.

I stood frozen, seething with rage. What kind of people are these? Is this how all of Richard's friends behave—entitled and manipulative?

Looking over at Richard, I could see his face had darkened considerably. Even from this distance, I could feel waves of resentment radiating from him.

I hesitated, torn between walking away and approaching the field. The children's lunch was at stake. If we failed our tasks, the children would go hungry.

Damn it all. With a resigned sigh, I headed toward the wheat plot.

Lily's face lit up the moment she spotted me. "Mom!" She rushed over, wrapping her arms around my waist.

Kathy smiled as she walked to my side.

I deliberately avoided looking at Richard, though I felt his piercing gaze.

"Let's plant some wheat seeds, shall we?" I guided the children toward the field edge, completely ignoring Richard's presence.

I organized our approach. "Lily, you help me plant the seeds in the rows. Kathy, sweetheart, you don't need to get your hands dirty. Would you help us by holding the seed pouch?"

"No problem, Mom!" Lily responded enthusiastically.

Kathy nodded silently, accepting the small pouch I offered.

From the corner of my eye, I noticed Richard watching our interaction with an increasingly dark expression. His thoughts were practically visible—fury at how things were unfolding. This wasn't his plan. He'd intended to show me my place, to demonstrate that I had no right to insert myself into the Blackwood family affairs, that my position could and would be replaced.

I quickly discovered that planting wheat seeds properly wasn't as easy as it sounded. I awkwardly made furrows in the soil, dropping seeds at inconsistent depths and distances.

"Mom, how deep should we plant the wheat seeds?" Lily asked, watching my clumsy attempts.

"I'm not entirely sure," I admitted honestly. "I think I just haven't found the right technique yet." I glanced around at the other parents successfully planting their rows. "Let me ask that gentleman over there."

The father I approached was immediately helpful, his eyes lingering appreciatively on mine.

"Wheat seeds need to be about an inch deep," he explained eagerly, "and you need to space them properly for optimal growth."

"What's the best spacing method?" I asked, genuinely curious.

"You need to create consistent furrows like this..." He reached for my hand to demonstrate.

Before his fingers could touch mine, Richard's voice cut through the air like a whip.

"Elena Winter, get over here!" he growled. "Can't even plant a simple seed?"

I flushed with embarrassment. "Sorry," I muttered to the helpful father. "The children's father has... anger issues."

Returning to Richard, I finally lost my patience.