Chapter 78

Eliana was stunned when Robert informed her that Aidan wanted her to take care of Evan. “What?” Eliana blinked, “Did he really say that?” “That’s right.” Robert nodded in confirmation. “But...but I don’t know how to take care of a child,” Eliana admitted ashamedly. “Miss Harvey, please don’t worry - I’m sure you’ll do just fine,” Robert reassured her, “If you need any assistance, feel free to let me know and I’ll get someone to help you.” Eliana looked down at Evan and quietly studied the little boy for a moment - as much as she adored him and wanted to take care of him, she was worried that Aidan and Laura would come and find fault with her about matters concerning the latter. She was also concerned that Laura would despise Evan even more now that he’d chose Eliana over her… Seeing the conflicted look on Eliana’s face, Robert pet Evan on the head as he whispered to the little boy, “Evan, you can take your Auntie’s hand if you wish to stay with her - if you don’t, I’ll send you back to be with your mother. What do you say?” Robert didn’t think that Evan would react - alas, the little boy actually reached out to hold Eliana’s right thumb. There was no way that Eliana could turn Evan down. And so, after Robert had taken his leave, Ellie crouched down to caress Evan’s face - she smiled, “Evan what do you feel like playing? Auntie will play with you, okay?” Instead of saying anything, Evan looked down at the ground - Eliana followed his line of vision to realize that the former was looking at some ants on the ground. She pulled Evan to squat down together with her as she suggested, “Ooh, shall we watch the ants together?” And so, the two of them watched the ants on the ground - Eliana couldn’t help but gaze at the little boy as he was absorbed in them. She couldn’t help but marvel at just how beautiful and innocent Evan looked under the sunlight. … “How is Evan doing with Eliana?” Aidan asked gruffly when Robert returned to his office. “Oh, Miss Harvey is very patient with him,” Robert praised endearingly, “She’s currently watching ants with him.” Aidan couldn’t help but furrow his brows - he let Eliana take care of Evan, and she was just going to watch ants with him? Alas, even though he was displeased, Aidan eventually decided to let it slide as the psychologist whom he’d consulted did mention that Evan should be exposed to nature as much as possible. … A dark shadow loomed over Evan just as Eliana was talking to him about ants - the latter eyes went cold when she realized that it was Laura hovering behind the little boy. “Do you think that you can replace me just because Aidan asked you to care for him for a few days?” Laura scorned, “Dream on.” “Go complain to Aidan if you have a problem with this arrangement. Don’t try to pick a fight with me.” Eliana replied. Laura gasped, “You...you atrocious woman!” She then picked Evan up and started to walk towards the villa. Eliana immediately got up to block her way, “What do you want to do with him?” she questioned unhappily. As Laura moved around her and walked into the living room, she declared loudly on purpose, “Ellie, please don’t misunderstand me - I’m not saying that you’re incapable of caring for children. I’m just concerned that spending too much time in the sun will harm the child.” Sure enough, Aidan and Robert came down from the study after hearing Laura’s voice - Aidan narrowed his eyes when he saw that she was carrying Evan. “What’s going on?” he asked coldly. “Nothing’s the matter, Aidan,” Laura said quickly, “I was just worried that Ellie was letting Evan stay out in the sun for too long - it’s not good for him.” Ellie sighed exasperatedly, “He hasn’t even been out for that long - besides, it’s good for Evan to get some vitamin D in his system from time to time. Just look at how pale and sick he looks.” “Ellie, are you accusing me...of not taking good care of Evan?” Laura gasped, “Oh, Aidan, this is exactly what I’ve always been afraid of - people judging my ability to care for a child just because I’m an adoptive mother. I’ve always done my best - you know that, don’t you?” “I know - Eliana is in no place to criticize you,” Aidan reassured as he put a comforting hand on Laura’s shoulder. He then narrowed his eyes at Eliana and scowled, “You don’t think that I think highly of you by getting you to take care of Evan now, do you?”