Chapter 26

After dinner, Uncle John took Alvin and Alvina to the toy room to play. Finding the right moment, Melissa seized Joseph aside and asked quietly "Didn't you say you wanted me to clear things up? Why did you have our child call you ‘Dad’ at the manor entrance again?” "I changed my mind, is that not allowed?" Joseph responded coldly, without a hint of politeness. Melissa was filled with irritation "As the second young master of the Clarkson family, is your conscience comfortable with deceiving your grandmother along with two five-year-old children?” "So what? Even a five-year-old knows to do things when there are benefits to be gained." he retorted. Joseph was not in the mood to explain any further to her, attempting to walk away, Melissa quickly stepped forward, grabbing Joseph's arm. "Wait, it's almost ten 'o’ clock. When are you going to send us back?" "Back? Didn’t grandmother ask Alvin and Alvina to stay?” Joseph feigned confusion, and then added "You didn't refuse at the time, so you agreed by default." Upon hearing this, Melissa was utterly speechless. "Grandmother is so old, how could I possibly reject her kind request face to face?" Melissa clung to Joseph's sleeve, refusing to let go. "Well, I can't help it either." Joseph said ominously, "Since you decided to come, then stay." After declaring this, Joseph turned to leave with a large stride, only to be hauled back by a strong hand, causing him to nearly lose his balance. "Melissa! What are you trying to do? Didn't we agree to have the two children make grandmother happy, and you will be remunerated?” "How long are we supposed to keep this up? What if 'grandmother’ becomes so attached to the children that she refuses to let them leave?” Melissa expressed her concerns. How could she allow her children to live in a stranger's house for an extended period of time? "Alright. If grandmother cannot bear to let them go, I will agreed to pay you more compensation, is that satisfactory?" Joseph really had no time to deal with this woman. He didn't want this incident to be exposed, as it would be as cruel as pouring a bucket of cold water over his grandma's warm heart. "Joseph! I don't want money! I don’t care, I must go back with the kids, and you have to take us!" Melissa was determined, her anger ready to burst forth at any moment. "Do you think I want you here? If it wasn't for my grandmother's hunger strike, I wouldn't have gone through all the trouble to bring you here!" Joseph volume increased, if it wasn't in consideration of his grandma's happiness and improved appetite tonight, he wouldn't have foolishly planted this ticking bomb in the Clarkson family. Melissa suddenly became aware due to Joseph's words. Exactly, if she stays here, perhaps she will have the chance to encounter Liam and Nancy that pair of despicable lovers, and then seek revenge when the opportunity arises. This, for Melissa, could be a perfect game plan! After pondering for a moment, Melissa fell silent. At that time, Grandma Julia slowly came down the stairs: "Joseph, Melissa, what are you doing here?" Seeing Grandma coming, Melissa hurried up to help her. "Oh, we're just discussing something. Granny, haven't you gone to bed yet?" Melissa asked with concern. She noticed that during the few hours she spent with the old lady, she had developed affection for her. “I can’t sleep." Grandma Julia pouted and sounded like a petulant child "Melissa, why don't you sleep with me tonight. Let the kids sleep with their dad, you don’t mind, do you, Joseph?” What did grandma mean by this? Did she assume that she would share a room with that man?