Chapter 531

Sean had always wanted to bring his parents back together. He'd even made a secret pact with Brad and said he'd do everything he could to keep his mother at Phoenix Villa. But after hearing what his mother just said, he didn't feel that way anymore. In fact, he started to dislike his father. He could have given his mother an apple, yet he had never done so. Sean could only imagine how sad that must've made his mother feel. When Keira gave him candy, he was so happy that he couldn't bear to eat it and insisted on keeping it in his pocket to take home. He gave Keira an apple and got candy in return. His mother had given his father candy yet received nothing in return. This was entirely his father's fault. At that moment, the little guy not only disliked his father but also felt a deep sympathy for his mother. Even though he didn't understand the complexities of their relationship, he understood one thing: if Keira gave him candy and he didn't give her an apple, it would make her sad. Being the considerate child he was, Sean sat up from Nadine's lap and wrapped his arms around her neck, planting a sweet kiss on her cheek. "Since Daddy won't give you anything, let's not give him anything either! Daddy's so mean, and I don't like it here anymore! Let's go back to Avery's house!" After realizing how much his father had hurt his mother, the little guy no longer wanted to be on Brad's side. He climbed out of bed on his own to put on his clothes. Once he was dressed, he headed to the bathroom to wash up without needing Nadine's guidance. The sound of running water echoed from the bathroom, and Nadine couldn't help but smile as she watched her son brush his teeth while wiggling his little bottom. She wasn't one to sleep in, and this was Phoenix Villa, not Rose Garden. So, after a brief moment of disappointment, she climbed out of bed, feeling like a warrior ready to take on the world. She didn't need a man. They'd just hold her back. Right now, she should focus on researching and curing Adam's illness. After getting dressed, she got off the bed and opened the door, intending to freshen up in the guest bathroom. But as soon as she opened the door, she found Brad standing outside, looking despondent, his face pale and ashen. His eyes lit up when he noticed she was the one at the door. Nadine was momentarily caught off guard. However, she quickly averted her gaze and walked past him without sparing him another glance. Brad watched her walk away and parted his lips as if he wanted to call out to her, but he couldn't bring himself to say her name. He had listened to their conversation in the room earlier, and he knew how much he'd hurt Nadine, so he couldn't find the courage to ask her to stay. As a result, he stood at the door to Sean's room and watched as Nadine's elegant figure slipped into the guest room, his expression desolate. What had he been doing all these years? If he could turn back time, he'd never have treated her like that. But there was no cure for regret. No matter how much he wished he could take it all back, he felt he had lost the right to show up in front of Nadine again. After washing up, Nadine gathered her long hair into a messy bun and returned to Sean's room to pack her belongings before heading downstairs with him. She'd only descended a few steps when she spotted Brad standing by the dining table. The table was adorned with all of her and Sean's favorite breakfast items. Brad had a smile on his face, and he looked like he wanted to please them as he waved at Sean. "Come over and have breakfast." Nadine didn't want to interact with the man who didn't love her, nor did she want to see him. So, she instinctively turned him down. "No, thank you. We'll have breakfast at Rose Garden." If it were up to her, she would prefer to never see Brad again for the rest of her life. Every time she looked at him, she was reminded of how low she'd once stooped, and of how deeply she'd loved but was never able to have him. All those painful memories reminded her of how hard she had tried to attain the love that had always remained out of her reach.