Chapter 150
The members of the Brown family had no idea what Clarence was secretly plotting.
After seeing Clarence off, William turned and walked back into the living room.
The moment he stepped inside, a middle-aged woman hurried toward him.
She was elegantly dressed, her demeanor gentle and refined—it was his mother, Katherine Porter.
When Katherine saw William, all restraint shattered.
Her eyes reddened as she rushed over and hugged him tightly, her voice thick with emotion.
"William, you're finally back! Do you know how much I’ve suffered these past days? I thought... I thought I'd never see you again."
In the past few days, she'd lived in pain and worry, unable to eat or sleep.
The mere thought of losing him had felt like a blade twisting relentlessly in her heart.
But now, seeing him return safely, all her emotions surged up and turned into tears.
Being held by Katherine and feeling her warmth, William felt a pang of sadness, too. He rubbed her back gently, soothing her.
"Mom, I'm sorry for making you worry. But look, I'm back, and I'm okay, aren't I?"
“It’s good… it’s good you’re back…” Katherine repeated the words over and over, as though convincing herself it was real. After a while, her emotions gradually calmed down.
She reluctantly released him, wiping away her tears before looking him over from head to toe, her gaze filled with concern.
"Are you hurt? How are you feeling?"
“It’s nothing serious,” William replied lightly. “Just a few minor injuries. I rested for a while, and I’m better now.”
William explained casually, telling her about how he'd been seriously injured in an accident, was lucky to be rescued, had to find somewhere to recover, and couldn't reach anyone. He eventually got Katherine to accept the explanation.
Though Katherine still had doubts, she chose not to press further.
Nothing mattered more than the fact that her son had returned safely.
Then her gaze fell on Oscar and Nina quietly standing nearby.
The two children stood there obediently, looking at her with wide eyes, their adorable faces doll-like.
Just like Raymond, she immediately noticed the children's features—their eyes and brows looked exactly like Aiden's and like William's when he was young.
Katherine asked, confusion in her eyes and a hint of anticipation.
"William, who are these children?"
"Mom, this is Oscar and Nina. They're both my children."
William introduced the children's identities again.
"Really?"
Katherine's eyes lit up instantly, her face full of joy.
Without a second thought, she hurried over, crouching down in front of them, her expression softening into pure tenderness.
“My grandchildren…” Her voice was filled with delight. “They’re so adorable.”
Nina, ever the sweet one, blinked her large eyes and called out softly, "Hello, Grandma."
Oscar followed, "Hello, Grandma."
“Oh—what good children…”
Katherine was completely charmed by the children's greetings. She lifted Nina into her arms and took Oscar’s hand, her smile widening, unable to hide her happiness.
These grandchildren had appeared out of nowhere—and yet, she accepted them without hesitation.
As for Oscar and Nina.
Though they'd just arrived at the Brown estate, they weren't shy at all and adapted with surprising ease.
Especially Nina, one moment she was acting cute in front of Raymond, the next she was clinging affectionately to Katherine, effortlessly winning over everyone’s hearts. Laughter gradually filled the room.
Watching the scene unfold, a rare warmth softened William’s gaze.
As Katherine played with the children, something suddenly occurred to her. She looked up at William, her smile fading slightly, replaced by a hint of seriousness.
"William, what about their mother? Why didn't she come back with you?"
It was a question she had been holding back all along. Now, she could no longer ignore it.
The children were already grown, which meant their mother must be someone extraordinary.
As William’s mother, she naturally wanted to meet her.
Katherine's question made the atmosphere in the living room suddenly quiet.
Even Raymond, who had been playing with Oscar, paused and looked up, his eyes filled with curiosity and expectation.
Clearly, he also wanted to know who the children's mother was.
William's expression darkened. After a moment of silence, he slowly spoke.
He told them everything about himself and Emily, from that one-night stand years ago to their later unexpected reunion, learning that Emily had given birth to the children, and how she'd been raising Oscar and Nina alone, working hard to raise them.
William also spoke of Emily's current situation.
He emphasized especially on Emily's independence and resilience, her unwillingness to depend on others.
He didn’t embellish nor soften the truth. He simply stated everything as it was.
But even so, his words still made Katherine and Raymond feel admiration and sympathy for Emily.
A woman raising two children alone for so many years.
The hardships behind that reality were unimaginable.
Moreover, Emily was beautiful and strong-willed, and hadn't used the children as an excuse to use the Browns.
That alone was worthy of respect.
Katherine’s eyes softened. As a woman, she understood Emily's hardships even better.
Her heart was full of sympathy. Looking at William, her tone grew firm—almost urgent.
"William, Emily is a good woman. She gave you two such lovely children and raised them alone. She must have suffered so much. How can you let her continue living like that? You should bring her here right away and let her enter this family properly. As her mother-in-law, I'll definitely treat her well."
In her view, since Emily was willing to have these two children and raise them so well, she naturally deserved a rightful place by William’s side as his wife.
Raymond nodded in agreement.
"Your mom's right. Emily is rare. She not only gave you two children, but her character is also exceptional. I want to meet her too. Find a time to bring her back."
At this moment, in Raymond's mind, Emily was the right person for William, and her background meant nothing.
After all, no background could measure up to the Browns anyway.
What truly mattered was her character and Emily had already proven hers.
If she wasn't suitable, then who was?
Facing Katherine and Raymond's urging, William shook his head, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes.
"Grandpa, Mom, I know Emily is a good woman, and I know she's suffered a lot, but now isn't the right time. I can’t bring her back yet."
"Why not?"
Katherine frowned immediately, confusion written all over her face.
"The children are already here. As their mother, shouldn’t she naturally be here too?" A trace of suspicion entered her gaze. “…Or is it that you’re looking down on her?"
William hadn't expected Katherine to be reading it that way, and he froze on the spot.