Chapter 14
Ever since then, under Samantha’s instructions, the staff at home gradually stopped caring about the two children.
Not only did no one take them to school anymore, but even their daily meals were no longer specially prepared for them.
They could only eat whatever was left after Samantha finished her meal.
As the scorching summer sun baked the city, the air conditioners in the Faron family villa buzzed continuously.
Yannick and Yvonne lay on the carpet in the game room, building blocks as they stole glances at Sarriantha, who was testing lipsticks in front of her vanity mirror. Yvonne asked timidly, “Aunt Sam, could we go get some ice cream? You promised…”
Last week, Leonard had bought Samantha some new jewelry. In a flash of good mood, she kicked at the two children who were on the floor and said that she would take them out for ice cream later.
But now, without even turning her head around, Samantha snapped, “Can’t you see I’m busy?”
Yannick mustered up his courage and said softly, “But you said you’d take us last week…”
“You’re so annoying!” Samantha suddenly turned around, smearing a harsh red line across her lips with the lipstick. “All you ever think about is eating! Just look at how fat you’ve gotten!”
The two children shrank into themselves in fear.
Since Jennifer left, they stopped feeling any warmth from Samantha.
That gentle and kind smile was gone, replaced by constant frowns and sharp scolding.
“Go back to your room!” Samantha grabbed a wet wipe and wiped the corner of her mouth. “Just looking at you is annoying!”
Yvonne’s eyes filled with tears, but she didn’t dare to cry out loud.
The last time she cried, Samantha had pinched her thigh and threatened to throw away all her favorite toys if she dared to tell Leonard.
That night, Leonard informed the house that he would be staying home, which was a rare occurrence of late.
By the time he arrived, the children were already asleep.
Samantha greeted him in a silk nightgown. The scent of perfume clung to her lightly, and the glow on her skin made it clear how well she maintained it.
“Are you finally done with work? You’re willing to come home now?” she teased, taking his briefcase.
“There was an issue with a recent acquisition. Things are settling down now, so I’ll be around more.” Leonard loosened his tie and looked around, asking, “Where are the kids? Why haven’t I seen them yet?”
“They went to bed early. Don’t worry, I’ve been taking good care of them.” Samantha smiled and clung to his arm.
She pouted and said, “Leonard, there’s a charity gala tomorrow, and I’m missing a necklace for my outfit. Could you…”
Before she could finish, Leonard absentmindedly nodded. “Pick one yourself. Just use my credit card.”
The next morning at breakfast, Leonard finally saw his children.
But to his surprise, Yvonne and Yannick were unusually silent.
Upon closer inspection, the two of them seemed thinner. Their chins were sharper than before.
Leonard set down his coffee cup and frowned. “What’s wrong? Are you not feeling well?”
“No!” Yannick immediately shook his head in a panic. His hands trembled, and the spoon clinked loudly against the bowl.
Samantha walked out of the kitchen holding a fruit platter, glancing at them before smiling lightly. “Don’t worry, Leonard, the kids are doing fine.”
She bent down and ruffled Yannick’s hair affectionately and said in an unusually gentle tone, “Right, Yan?”
Yannick’s body stiffened as he said softly, “Yes…”
Just then, Leonard’s phone rang.
He glanced at the caller ID and stood up. “Work’s calling, I’m heading out.”
As soon as the door shut behind him, Samantha’s smile vanished.
She snatched the cup of milk from Yvonne’s hands and said coldly, “Why are you drinking so slowly? Do you want to be late? Hurry up and eat! While your dad’s home for these few days, you’d better go to school properly and don’t stir up any trouble. Or else…”
The threat worked instantly. Yvonne trembled and stuffed bread into her mouth, but accidentally choked on it.
“So useless!” Samantha scowled in disgust, not sparing Yvonne a second glance. “You’re utterly pathetic, just like your worthless mother!”
