Chapter 29 Why is Grace at Hayes Manor?
Alexander felt suspicious.
"That man?"
Max said, "My mom's father. Mom says she's cut all ties with that man, so she won't let me call him grandpa."
Alexander walked over to Max and crouched down. "You want me to play your father—how exactly?"
Max said, "It's simple. You treat me like your real son and come to the party with me."
Alexander said, "I have no obligation to do that."
"That's why it's a trade!" Max said. "Everyone in the Foster family thinks I'm some fatherless bastard. I just want them to know I do have a dad!"
Alexander said, "Then why don't you ask your real father to go with you?"
Max suddenly fell silent.
Alexander said, "Hasn't your mommy told you who your real dad is?"
Max said, "I know! But I can't say."
Alexander gave a cold laugh. "Is he someone with a shameful identity?"
Max rolled his eyes speechlessly. How could someone talk about themselves like that?
Liam found this interesting and raised his hand as if to say he wanted to go too.
Max said, "Does Liam want to come along?"
Liam nodded.
"Great! Then you can play my dad, Liam can play my half-brother, and you and Mom can play a remarried couple in a blended family!" Max had already worked out the script and assigned the roles.
Alexander said, "I haven't agreed yet."
How was this little guy already making arrangements?
A servant suddenly knocked on the door from outside.
Alexander said, "What is it?"
The servant said, "Mr. Hayes, Miss Blake is here."
"She says she's brought fresh strawberries for Mrs. Hayes, knowing how much Mrs. Hayes loves strawberries. She also bought Liam's favorite LEGO set."
Hearing that Emily had arrived, Liam's smile immediately faded as he buried his head in his homework.
He didn't like Emily—genuinely disliked her from the bottom of his heart.
Although Emily was very good to him, taking care of every detail and indulging him, he felt that Emily didn't genuinely like him but was just trying to please Daddy.
Alexander stood up, but Max suddenly grabbed his hand. "You haven't promised me yet!"
Alexander said, "I promise you."
"Really?" Max held out his pinky finger. "Then let's pinky promise!"
Alexander asked, "Do you think I'm someone who lacks credibility?"
Even so, his large hand was already reaching out, gently hooking Max's little finger.
"This is our agreement—absolutely can't be broken!" Max pressed their thumbs together in a seal, then happily went over to sit beside Liam to help with homework.
Alexander suddenly considered that with Max's brilliant mind, perhaps having him as Liam's study companion could help Liam's academic progress significantly.
In the living room.
As soon as Alexander came downstairs, he saw Emily and Mary sitting on the sofa. Mary clearly disliked her and showed no warmth.
Emily was already used to this and continued smiling pleasantly.
She knew why Mary disliked her.
During that car accident years ago, if Alexander hadn't protected her, he wouldn't have been injured so severely.
Afterward, Mary had sent her abroad, ostensibly for graduate school, but really just to keep her away from Alexander and prevent her from causing him more harm.
But Emily had her trump card.
Alexander treated her so well because he knew he owed her a debt.
Therefore, she felt confident.
However, seven years had passed. Although Alexander had divorced Grace, Liam was already seven years old, yet Alexander hadn't shown any intention of marrying her. Naturally, she was anxious.
She knew Alexander was considering Liam's feelings. Since Liam didn't like her, Alexander had never made any moves!
"Alexander!"
Seeing Alexander appear, Emily stood up with a smile. "I brought strawberries for Mrs. Mary Hayes and Liam's favorite LEGO set."
Mary muttered from the side, "Your gifts are rather cheap, aren't they?"
Emily's smile stiffened slightly.
Mary continued, "Emily, don't blame me for speaking harshly, but when will you start thinking about your own life? Instead of thinking about marriage, how long do you plan to keep pestering Alexander?"
Emily said, "Grandma, I've said I'll only marry Alexander!"
Mary said, "I don't approve—how can he marry you? You and Alexander aren't suitable. Must I speak more bluntly? I think you haven't caused Alexander enough harm and still want to..."
"Grandma." Alexander interrupted her in time.
Mary angrily turned her face away. "Anyway, I don't like her!"
Emily frowned, looking somewhat embarrassed.
Alexander said, "It's been so many years—stop bringing up that incident."
Mary said emphatically, "If it weren't for her, would you have been injured so badly and bedridden for so long? I almost lost you—it's all her fault!"
Alexander said, "It was my choice to protect her."
"Why did you have to protect her?" Mary found it incomprehensible. "The Hayes family doesn't owe her anything! Whatever compensation was due has been paid!"
Emily said, "Grandma, my feelings for Alexander are genuine."
"Don't call me Grandma!" Mary stood up, looking disgusted. "I never said I acknowledged you! You haven't married Alexander yet—don't call me Grandma!"
With that, she headed upstairs, saying coldly, "Take the strawberries back—I can't afford such luxury! If you don't take them, I'll have someone throw them out."
Emily's eyes reddened, feeling utterly wronged.
Alexander sat down across from her.
Emily said, "Alexander... when will Grandma ever forgive me? I know that incident traumatized her, but I've always valued your life more than my own."
"Alexander!"
Grace's voice suddenly came from upstairs.
Emily froze in shock.
Grace called, "Have you seen Max?"
She had just reached the top of the stairs when she saw Emily, and her voice stopped abruptly.
Emily stared at Grace in bewilderment, shocked by her presence at Hayes Manor.
Alexander said, "He's in my study, helping Liam with homework."
"Oh... you're busy. I'll just..." Grace turned and headed toward the study.
Once she was gone, Emily urgently asked, "Why is she at Hayes Manor?"
Alexander said, "Liam likes her and is even willing to speak now. He can't be separated from her, so I asked her to stay."
Emily said, "Alexander, you can't judge a book by its cover. Liam is so young—how can he tell who's good or bad? What if she abuses Liam when you're not home?"
Alexander said, "She's my ex-wife."
Emily said, "Do you know her well enough?"