Patricia fled downstairs and ran into the rest of them who were just heading back in after their walk.
Scott noticed that she seemed a little flustered, so he walked over and asked, “What’s the matter, Mommy?”
Patricia’s face was scarlet as she combed her fingers through her hair.
“Everything’s fine. We should go home now.”
Elizabeth and Phillip were reluctant to see them go. They very much enjoyed their walk with the three children earlier.
Both of them were fond of children and did not want to part with these three so soon. They even hoped that the kids could stay over for the night.
Elizabeth came forward and held Patricia’s hand.
“Tricia, why don’t all of you stay the night? Phillip is very happy right now. Both of us are reluctant to see the kids go.”
However, all Patricia could think about was what just happened with Isaac, so she dared not remain here any longer.
“Old Mrs. Arnold, the kids have school tomorrow, and I have to go to work as well, so it’s best that we take our leave now. We’ll come and visit you again soon.”
She then took Sylvie’s hand. “Let’s go.”
The family of four climbed into the car and soon, they drove out of Arnold Manor.
All was silent in the house once more, and Phillip’s expression turned gloomy.
Just then, Isaac came downstairs. While passing by the living room, he asked, “Did they leave?”
Elizabeth called him over. “Isaac, come here. I have something I want to ask you.”
Isaac did as he was told. As he sat down on the couch, he seemed slightly downcast.
Elizabeth poured him a cup of tea. “The tea’s quite fragrant. Give it a try.”
It was the one Patricia had given them. Though it was not a particularly well-known or luxurious brand, its fragrance was exceptional.
Knowing the kind of person Patricia was, she would have given the best that she could.
Isaac drank a mouthful of tea before turning to look at Phillip. He seemed to be doing quite well lately, but when was he going to recover fully?
How long do I have to wait until I won’t have to worry about angering him?
“Isaac, have you ever had unprotected sex?”
The more Elizabeth observed Scott and Stellan, the more they seemed like Isaac. She felt a strange sort of familial connection with them.
This was especially pronounced when it came to Sylvie. It was like the little girl was her own great-grandchild.
Isaac thought about it. He had, during that dream—well, not a dream, but he could not find the woman from that night.
Patricia was very much like her. It was why he yearned for her.
“Gran, you shouldn’t concern yourself with these sorts of things.”
He was about to get up when Elizabeth added, “Scott and Stellan look exactly like you when you were little. Do you think those three children could be yours?”
Elizabeth looked serious. She had a strong suspicion, but she was afraid that it would not be true.
Isaac glanced at Phillip, only to see his breathing become more and more laborious. It looked like he still favored Adeline.
If those three kids were his, Phillip would probably get a heart attack.
Wouldn’t I know if I’m the father? He had never encountered Patricia before, so it could not be her.
“No, you must be wrong, Gran. Those two boys do look quite handsome, but don’t all kids look like that?”
It had been over twenty years anyway, so would Elizabeth still remember how he looked when he was a child?
Elizabeth nodded. “Alright. I’m sure you know best. But remember, don’t get a woman pregnant and shirk your responsibility after. It’s very hard on a woman to raise a child by herself.”
When Phillip heard their exchange, he became so emotional that his eyes rolled back as he fainted.
The servants were petrified as they cried out, “Old Mr. Arnold! Old Mr. Arnold… Are you okay?”
Elizabeth got a fright too. “Phillip? Alright, I’ll stop bringing this up. I won’t bring it up ever again. We’ll do what you want, alright?”
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