Chapter 6

After mulling things over for a moment, Dad pulled Mom aside to discuss the matter.

Mom still looked reluctant, but she eventually said, "Sure. We can move into the rented house, but you'll have to give both of us a thousand dollars each every month."

I almost laughed out of anger.

"Alright, but if I'm giving you an allowance, Oliver has to as well. We're family, after all."

Mom immediately became displeased. "Oliver's not as rich as you. You have a vast fortune and a large business, so why are you so concerned with making him pay?"

I ignored her and continued, "Anyway, I'll match whatever amount Oliver gives you."

Mom wanted to argue further, but Dad stopped her with a pointed look.

Since we'd ended on an unpleasant note, Mom dragged Dad back into their guest room as soon as we were done talking.

She even pressed me to find her a good house by tomorrow, claiming that she didn't want to remain here any longer than she had to.

I couldn't be bothered to argue with her, so I contacted a few good landlords I'd become acquainted with while house-hunting in the past.

After asking around for a bit, I finally managed to rent my parents a spacious house with a decent environment and great accessibility before nightfall.

As soon as Mom heard that the paperwork was done, she couldn't wait to drag Dad over there.

They had already packed all their luggage and were ready to leave at any time.

Elena and the children came home and noticed that my parents were gone.

Elena asked, "Why did Mr. and Mrs. Stewart go home so soon?"

I took a bite of food and swallowed it before replying, "I told them that I didn't want them to stay permanently and that Oliver would come by to fetch them in a few days. They weren't willing to impose on Oliver, so I helped them rent a place nearby and hired someone to look after them."

Elena picked up on my displeasure and didn't question me any further in front of Timothy and Tessa.

It was only once we'd returned to our room that she took my hand and asked, "What's wrong, honey? Even though they've left, you still look unhappy."

I squeezed her warm palm in return.

"I only discovered the extent of their shamelessness today. This afternoon, Mom insisted that if I didn't agree to let them stay, I'd be an ungrateful son. She only backed down after I threatened to call security on them. I just get the feeling that she won't let things go so easily."

Elena gently held my hand. "It'll be alright, honey. Timothy, Tessa, and I will always be right by your side."

My unease lessened a little.

Soon, the day that Oliver was due to pick up our parents arrived.

As expected, things didn't go as smoothly as I hoped.

Oliver called me, and the moment I picked up, he snapped accusingly, "How have you been looking after Mom and Dad? Why's Mom bedridden, and why have you been indifferent to it?"

I was rather surprised, because I'd hired a caregiver, Donna Miller, to look after Mom and Dad. She couldn't possibly have been so negligent.

Elena, who overheard our conversation, told me, "I'll drive you there, honey. Let's see the situation for ourselves."

We soon arrived at the rented house, where I saw Mom lying pale-faced in bed.

As soon as she saw me, she threw a bowl from the table at me. It shattered into pieces on the floor.

"You ungrateful wretch! How dare you show your face here? It's all because of you that I'm like this now!" she shouted.

Oliver hurriedly patted Mom on the back.

"Don't be angry, Mom. It's bad for your health," he said soothingly.

He then walked up to me and asked harshly, "Didn't you hire a caregiver for them? How did Mom still fall so ill?"

I frowned heavily and studied Mom closely.

One of my good friends had recommended Donna to me. She was a professional, highly efficient, and excellent at cooking. She would even prepare nutritious meals based on her charges' health condition.

Just as I was about to step forward for a closer look, Oliver suddenly stopped me.

"You didn't take care of Mom when you were supposed to, but now you're acting all concerned."

Dad added in a low voice, "Weren't you unconcerned with our well-being? Why did you show up now, then?"