Chapter 16

Zachary said, "Mommy's really nice, not mean at all. You only got scolded'cause you made her mad."

Eileen sided with Jonathan. "But Seven is right, sometimes Mommy can be mean to me too."

Kyle,looking disappointed ín Eileen, said, "You never think, do you? It's always 'cause you're being disobedient that Mommy has to teach you a lesson. She's doing it for your own good."

Eileen, not backing down, retorted, "Anyway, Seven isn't a bad person.You can't talk about him like that."

Zachary looked disgusted, "We don't like him talking about Mommy.You shouldn't take a stranger's side."

If Kathie didn't step in, her three little ones would start fighting. Though they usually got along, they were still kids and had their disagreements.When Eileen couldn't win an argument with Kyle and Zachary,she

tended to get physical.

"Alright, that's enough," Kathie said, stepping in.

She glared at Jonathan. "Seven, you really know how to stir things up. You've only been here a short time and already turned our house upside down.

"

Jonathan felt wronged, thinking, 'God knows, I didn't even get a chance to speak while they were arguing.

.Eileen grabbed her hand, "Mommy, don't blame him. He said you're really nice,and he's not married. Maybe you should control your temper and be with him." Kathie coughed twice and glared at Jonathan. Ever since he arrived, her sweet daughter had been defending him.

Jonathan shrugged helplessly. "It's all her own idea."

Kyle pressed, "So, are you saying you don't like Mommy?"

This was a life-or-death question for Jonathan. If he said he didn't dislike Kathie, the three little ones would definitely try to set them up. If he said he did, he might not survive the night.

Kathie raised an eyebrow, curious to hear his answer.

Zachary added, "Mommy isn't mean, but she does hold grudges."

Jonathan knew this better than anyone. Last time, he scared her once,and she made his life miserable for a whole day. He couldn't afford to offend her.

He had no choice but to humble himself. "A guy like me,with amnesia,injuries, and no money, isn't worthy of your mom. I'm not good enough."

Kathie nodded in satisfaction. "You're right. You better keep that in mind.If I find out you have any inappropriate thoughts,I'll deal with you."

Kathie put down the medicine bowl and led the kids out.

Jonathan felt a huge sense of relief. Life in this house was anything but easy.

The next day.

Kathie got up early to prepare lunch. She had to meet Tom and clear up what happened four years ago.

After yesterday's incident, she checked the house inside and out before leaving. She had only met Tom twice before and never really talked. She initially arranged to meet him at a coffee shop, but he said he was busy with businessat a hotel and asked her to meet him there.

To save time, Kathie took a cab to the hotel.

At the hotel, she waited in the lobby until Tom messaged her to come to his room.

Kathie laughed coldly at the message. His intentions were too obvious.

Despite this, she went to his room as instructed.

She rang the doorbell, and as expected, a bald, overweight man opened the door.He looked even worse than in his photos.

Tom's eyes lit up with a lecherous gleam when he saw the beautiful Kathie.

His expression was downright sleazy.

"Ms. Cavendish, please come in," he said.

As soon as Kathie stepped inside, she heard the door lock behind her.

The room had only a large bed, no place for business discussions. There was no way he was conducting business here.

"Mr. Coleman, you should know why I'm here today," Kathie said coldly.

Tom ogled her, practically drooling. He had seen many beautiful women,but Kathie was a rare gem.

"Of course, you're here to sleep with me. That night four years ago must have left quite an impression on you."

"So,it was you that night."

"Of course. I still remember how soft your body was, and all the positions Kathie felt nauseous hearing his vulgar words but held it in to continue questioning, "Who sent you that night?"

Tom thought for a moment. "No one. We were all drinking and decided to prank the bride and groom. I saw you lying alone and couldn't resist."

As Tom moved closer, Kathie dodged nimbly.

"And my dress that night, you tore it?" she asked.

Tom leered at her and said, "I was too eager. I'll be gentle this time, I promise."

He reached out, but Kathie slapped his hand away.

Tom wasn't angry; instead, he perversely sniffed his hand.

"Smells good. If you like, you can keep hitting me. I won't fight back."

"Now that I know what happened, let's talk. I had a few kids. When will you acknowledge them and pay child support?"

Tom's face stiffened. To appease her, he pretended to agree.

"Sure, after we sleep together, I'll take care of everything."

"You're not lying?"

Tom eagerly nodded, unbuttoning his shirt. "I swear. Come here, let me kiss you."

As he leaned in, he suddenly felt his body stiffen. He couldn't move, only his head. He looked down to see several silver needles in his body.

He tried to struggle but felt intense pain. Kathie sneered, "Don't move, or you'll damage your acupoints and become disabled."

"What did you do to me?"

Kathie held a silver needle in front of him. "I'm a shaman now. These needles can save or kill."

Tom hadn't known this and thought he was in for a good time, not risking his life.

"Don't do anything rash. I'm the father of your children," he said fearfully.

Kathie slapped him. "You think I'll believe anything you say? You're not the man from that night."

"I am!" Tom insisted.

Kathie slapped him again. "I was wearing a wedding dress,not a gown,and it wasn't torn. How could you forget that? When I mentioned having kids, you looked disdainful. What father reacts like that?"

Tom shook his head frantically as Kathie held the needle close.

"Stop lying, or I'll make you blind," she warned.

"Shirley sent me. She wanted to ruin your reputation so you'd leave Randy.

"Why didn't you enter the room?"

"I was going to, but someone knocked me out. I woke up on the stairs and don't know what happened."

Both Shirley and Tom admitted to the plot, but there was more to that night. Unfortunately, the surveillance footage was destroyed, and she couldn't find the person responsible.