Chapter 6

Wendy POV

Seeing the mother and son, Lucas strode over with sharp steps.

"What are you doing bringing the child to the Sterling house?"

"Liam is a Sterling."

Melody raised her chin, her red lips curving into a provocative smile.

"The Sterling family has a banquet every three months. There's no reason we shouldn't attend, is there?"

As she spoke, her fingers traced up Lucas's chest, the movement suggestive.

Leaning close to his ear, she lowered her volume.

"You talk about caring so much about her, but a few days ago when you had me pinned on the bed, I didn't see you hesitate. Now in front of her, you don't even dare acknowledge us?"

Lucas's Adam's apple bobbed, the lines of his profile taut with tension.

He grabbed Melody's wrist, his gaze sharp with warning.

"Don't make trouble."

Melody laughed lightly, as if she'd heard something amusing.

She stopped paying attention to Lucas and led the child straight toward the Sterling family members.

"I brought Liam to see you all. Liam, say hello to Grandpa and Grandma."

The little boy called out obediently.

"Oh my, it's Liam! Haven't seen you in months and you've grown so much!"

Lucas's mother beamed, reaching out to pull the child close and examine him carefully.

"Look at those features. Just like Lucas when he was little!"

Though Lucas's father said nothing, his gaze on the child held a measure of warmth.

"Melody, it's been a while since you came by."

Lucas's mother then warmly took Melody's hand.

"Still so beautiful and elegant. Unlike some people..."

She then glanced at me standing to the side, her meaning pointed.

"Some people, even if they squeeze into this circle, ultimately don't belong to it."

"Exactly. Melody is a proper Sinclair heiress, not like those from ordinary families who, even dressed in gold and jewels, can't hide that petit bourgeois air."

The people around chimed in, their expressions showing unconcealed contempt.

My fingers at my sides curled slightly.

"Enough."

Lucas's voice was cold and heavy as he cut them off with displeasure.

He walked to my side and tried to take my hand, his face full of apology.

"Wendy, I didn't know she'd bring the child. Otherwise I..."

"Daddy!"

Before he could finish, a small figure suddenly ran over and tugged at his sleeve.

Liam looked up at him expectantly.

"Will you come play with me in the garden?"

Lucas hesitated, looking at me. His lips moved as if he wanted to say something.

I spoke up.

"Go ahead."

"But you..."

"I'm fine. You don't need to stay with me."

"Wendy, thank you."

Lucas breathed a sigh of relief, his eyes showing gratitude.

"I knew it. You're the most understanding person. I'll come find you as soon as I'm done with him."

Watching Lucas walk away holding the child's hand, I mocked silently in my heart.

Understanding?

I wasn't being understanding.

I just didn't care. I wasn't in love anymore.

This banquet lasted from afternoon into evening. Lucas was occupied with the child's games and play. The rest of the Sterling family practically revolved around Melody. The vast manor filled with warm laughter and cheer.

Only I was like a ghost, ignored from beginning to end.

To this, my heart remained utterly indifferent.

I even felt like laughing.

I knew what Melody wanted to demonstrate by bringing the child today.

But what she didn't know was that to me, this banquet was nothing more than a perfunctory show before leaving, one that wouldn't alert Lucas.

Before the banquet ended, knowing full well the entire Sterling family disliked me, I went to the upstairs balcony for some peace and quiet.Suddenly, an angry boy's voice came from behind me.

"Bad woman!"

I froze, then turned around to see Liam glaring at me with hatred.

I frowned with displeasure.

"Why are you calling me a bad woman?"

"Because you broke up my daddy and mommy! My mommy said it's because of you that Daddy can't live with us! You're a bad person!"

I broke them up?

But clearly I was the one who'd been deceived, lied to, and even cheated on during marriage.

I wanted to argue my case, but the words reached my lips before I reconsidered. What was the point of arguing with a child?

Even if I explained, this child wouldn't necessarily understand.

So I swallowed my words, stopped looking at Liam, and planned to walk past him and leave.

However, just as I reached the staircase preparing to go down, someone shoved me hard from behind.

"Bad woman, go die!"

I had no defense. I lost my balance completely and tumbled down the spiral staircase.