Chapter 1611

"I've spent seven years crafting this web of illusions. No matter which woman I call now, I'm sure none of them will be interested in listening anymore," Chandler said with a hint of pride. "Oh really?" Helen replied playfully. "Sounds like you're calling quite a few women these days!" "Helly!" Chandler chided, feigning exasperation. Helen laughed. "Okay, I won't tease you anymore. Why are you calling so soon after we just parted? Is something going on?" "Indeed, there is," Chandler said. "It'll be another two months before I can bring you and the kids back. Maddie's children have their birthdays coming up, and she wants to wait until after the celebrations to move out." "That's fine," Helen said with a smile. "We've waited this long; a few more days won't hurt." "I just don't want you or the kids to feel inconvenienced." Chandler sighed, then changed the subject. "By the way, could you take Lincoln to the hospital to visit the Portell family's daughter, Bailey? She has a broken arm." "Daughter? I thought their son was the one who got hurt," Helen said, her face showing confusion. "The Portells always wanted a son, but Mrs. Portell hasn't been able to have one, so they've raised their daughter as if she were a son," Chandler explained casually. Helen let out a sigh, feeling a wave of sadness wash over her. "That poor girl." It was hard enough to feel unwanted at birth, and now she had to live under a false identity. It was an immense burden for a child to carry. "That's why our kids need to understand the weight of their actions," Chandler said earnestly. "Getting beaten up by a boy can leave deep emotional scars on Bailey. "Lincoln really crossed the line this time. Taking him to apologize will help him recognize the consequences of acting without fully understanding the situation." Helen nodded in agreement. "I understand; I'll take care of it." "Is Nana asleep?" Chandler asked. "She went out like a light," Helen replied. "After all the excitement at your engagement party, she was completely exhausted. She fell asleep right after her bath." Chandler felt a twinge of disappointment. "She was just calling for her 'daddy' at the party, and now that I'm not around, she's sleeping so soundly. Looks like she doesn't really need me after all." Helen laughed at his remark. "Kids have short memories! If you're aiming to step into the role of 'Dad,' you have a long road ahead!" "Well then, I guess I just need to put in a bit more effort," he replied. Their conversations about the kids always seemed to stretch on. After chatting for over half an hour, they finally hung up. Setting her phone down, Helen made her way to Lincoln's room. She pushed the door open and found him completely engrossed in his computer. His fingers danced over the keyboard as he diligently typed away at the code based on the materials she had given him. As she approached, he quickly abandoned the keyboard and turned to face her. "Mommy, what brings you here?" "I came to see how you were doing," Helen replied. Glancing at the code on the screen, she noted his impressive progress. "Mommy, is there something you want to talk about?" Lincoln asked, his perceptive nature shining through. "How did you know?" Helen raised an eyebrow. "You usually only come to find me at this time if something's going on; otherwise, you're with Nana putting her to sleep," Lincoln said straightforwardly. "Is that so?" Helen chuckled, feeling a bit awkward. Shrugging it off, she chose to get right to the point. "Alright then, let's get to it." She bent down and placed her hands on Lincoln's shoulders, speaking gently. "Linc, the kid you fought with at the party broke his arm. How about we go visit him tomorrow so you can apologize?" Lincoln's expression turned to a frown. "I don't mind visiting, but Mommy, I didn't do anything wrong. I don't want to apologize." "I understand you were trying to protect Ivy, but you're both just kids. You shouldn't have been so rough, especially since she's a girl," Helen explained candidly. "A girl?" Lincoln looked confused. "Mommy, are you sure? I thought I was fighting a boy." "I thought so too, but it turns out she's actually a girl," Helen clarified.