Paul’s words held little weight compared to Eric’s revelation. Paul had never told him anything-how did he know?
The girl beside him, far more excitable than Paul or Kimberly, reacted instantly. Emily’s voice rang out, “What? You’re not their child?”
“What? Because I’m not their child, you don’t want me anymore?” Eric turned to look at the noisy woman beside him. She was nothing like Aurora-completely different in every way. So what spell had he fallen under that made him let her stay by his side?
Was it really because of her joke about “keeping him for a month”? Truth be told, his current wealth could easily buy out the entire Langdon family without breaking a sweat.
He despised loud, chatty people the most, yet somehow, he tolerated this chirping little bird who never stopped talking in his ear.
“How could that be? We agreed-one month is one month!” Emily shook her head firmly and clung to his arm even tighter.
At the same time, her mind raced, filling in all kinds of melodramatic backstories. Judging by the situation, Eric must have been born into a poor family, abandoned by his parents, and later adopted by Paul.
Poor boy. If only she’d saved up more pocket money, she could have extended their “arrangement” for a few more months.
Eric caught Emily’s gaze and immediately knew her imagination was running wild again. This girl loved romance novels and idol dramas-she was probably cooking up some grand story about his origins.
“I’m warning you, don’t overthink it. Whatever you’re imagining, you’re wrong!” Eric knocked lightly on Emily’s forehead. She definitely wouldn’t think in a positive direction.
“Okay, I won’t.” Emily gave him a sympathetic look, as though she understood that this must be a secret he didn’t want others to know.
What should have been a serious and startling revelation was completely derailed by Emily’s antics, and the atmosphere lost all gravity.
“Eric, who is this girl?” Kimberly momentarily set aside the mystery of Eric’s identity and focused on the woman beside him.
Eric was in his twenties now, yet he’d never dated anyone. Over the years, Kimberly had introduced him to countless daughters of prestigious families, but he never so much as glanced at them.
Fine, if arranged marriages weren’t his thing, she told him to find someone he genuinely liked, regardless of family background. All she cared about was that he had a girlfriend.
But Eric had insisted he didn’t like anyone, which worried Kimberly immensely. She even began to suspect her son might have an unusual orientation.
Seeing Emily now, Kimberly finally felt a weight lifted from her heart, even momentarily forgetting Paul’s earlier words.
“Mom, this is James Langdon’s daughter, Emily,” Eric introduced her briefly.
There was no way he could explain their unusual relationship, but Emily had already let go of his hand and snatched the bouquet he was holding.
“Kimberly, you can call me Emily. I heard you’re not feeling well, so we came to visit. I hope you get better soon!” Emily cheerfully placed the flowers on the table.
Her presence was like a burst of sunshine, instantly easing the heavy gloom in Kimberly’s heart.
“Emily, you’re so beautiful. My Eric has finally come around! I thought he didn’t like girls. I never imagined he’d bring home such a lovely young lady.”
A mother’s love for her child is instinctive, and in that moment, Kimberly’s heart was filled with light. She immediately liked this adorable girl.
“Mom, she’s not-” Eric started to explain, but Emily cut him off.
“You have great taste, Kimberly! Actually, I’m pursuing Eric right now. He hasn’t agreed yet, but I’ll definitely succeed and marry him one day!” Emily declared with determination, clenching her little fists.
Kimberly laughed at the spirited girl. “You don’t mind the mess our family is in right now?”
The Blake family had once been a prestigious name, but Paul’s recent scandal had turned them into the butt of many jokes. Most people were eager to distance themselves from the family, yet this bold girl seemed intent on diving right in.
“I’m marrying him, not the family,” Emily replied confidently, but before she could say more, Eric dragged her back.
“Mom, don’t listen to her nonsense. She never takes anything seriously!” Eric was exasperated. What kind of woman casually talked about marriage like this, especially when they hadn’t even known each other that long?
“Mom… Eric… I don’t even know if I can still call you my mom now. How did you find out about this?” Kimberly brought the conversation back to the earlier topic.
“Yeah, Eric, I never told you about this. How did you know?” Paul chimed in.
“Let’s just say I know. Don’t ask me how. Even though you’re not my biological parents, you raised me. You’ll always be my parents,” Eric said firmly.
This was why Eric had always been somewhat distant toward them-he felt gratitude but little familial affection. He was slightly warmer toward Kimberly but remained cold and detached from Paul.
When Paul had been fired from the company, Eric hadn’t been the least bit moved. Cheating was something he despised most, and Paul had crossed that line.
Both Kimberly and Paul studied Eric closely, realizing they hardly knew this son of theirs. What was he really thinking?
“That’s all that matters. No matter whose child you are, you’ll always be my son. That will never change,” Kimberly said, patting his shoulder.
“Now that I’ve apologized, can you show some mercy and let my son go?” Genevieve seized the moment, seeing that Kimberly’s mood had softened slightly.
“Ma’am, assault is a crime. My mom could’ve lost her life from that stab wound. How can you expect us to forgive it with just a few words?” Eric interrupted before Kimberly could respond.
“That’s right. I’ll never let it go. Those few slaps you gave me don’t even begin to atone for your past actions. Don’t expect me to spare Zachary either.
Since you, as his mother, failed to teach him properly, I’ll make sure he learns his lesson in prison!” Kimberly said coldly.
“Please, I’m begging you! As a mother yourself, can’t you show some compassion and spare my Zach?” Genevieve pleaded, throwing herself at Kimberly’s feet.
“Genevieve, life isn’t that simple. Actions have consequences. Go home. Nothing can change this outcome,” Eric said firmly.
His words erased any fleeting trace of softness in Kimberly’s heart. This was the only thing he could do for Aurora now.