NovelBookChapter 544 Selena knew her son like the back of her hand. Even though he was just a little guy, his calm demeanor often made her and Ava joke that he was an old soul in a young body. Whatever had shaken him up this much had to be something serious. Her heart clenched as she knelt down to embrace him, trying to soothe his worries. Gently running her fingers through his hair, she whispered, "Hey, little Mateo, mom's right here. No need to be scared. Can you tellwhat's going on? Who said those things to you? Was it... your dad?" She was pretty sure this was what had him so upset last night. Just as Mateo was about to spill the beans, a deep voice cut in, "Tto head down for breakfast." Selena looked up. There stood Everett, tall and composed at the door, his dark eyes observing them with a quiet intensity. He seemed worlds apart from the brazen man she had dealt with the night before. For a second, she wondered if last night had just been a figment of her imagination.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtMateo, seeing Everett, clammed up and dropped his gaze to the floor. With no response from the two, Everett strode inside, scooped up his son, and made his way downstairs.
Snapping out of her thoughts, Selena quickly followed them to the dining room. Everett set Mateo next to him at the table, where Kate had laid out a spread of breakfast choices. With a nod, he gestured, "Grab whatever you like." But Mateo kept glancing at the door, waiting for his mom. He wasn't thrilled about being alone with Everett.
Everett picked up a slice of bread, casually spreading blueberry jam on it. He wasn't oblivious to the little boy's hesitation and let out a soft chuckle. "You'll have to learn to eat on your own someday. Your mom can't always be right there." Mateo's face scrunched up at the blunt comment, his eyes welling up again with tears.
Selena walked in just in tto catch Everett's words, her face immediately turning serious. "Everett, watch how you talk." What kind of father zeroed in on his kid's soft spots like that? She rushed over, lifted Mateo onto her lap, and asked gently, "What do you feel like eating, Mateo? Mommy will get it for you." Everett glanced at her lazily, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Selena, what did I say that was wrong? You don't want to move back in or continue being Mrs. Bennett, which means you can't always be with our son." QUMS "Instead of filling his head with dreams that'll shatter, isn't it better for him to face reality right from the start?" Selena was livid. "Everett, do you realize Mateo is only three? He's in the most innocent, joyful stage of his life, and you..." "My son isn't going to be that fragile. The future heir of Bennett Corporation cannot afford to be fragile." Everett's gaze swept over Mateo and then landed on Selena's shocked face. He gave a small, sly smile and went back to his breakfast without another word.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmSelena couldn't tell if he was just trying to rile her up or if he genuinely believed what he said. If it was the latter, this kind of parenting wasn't just stealing away a happy childhood; it was at risk of turning Mateo into someone like Everett-a man who didn't understand love, or worse, didn't care for it.
The thought sent a shiver down her spine. That was a reality she couldn't accept. Mateo had already faced so many challenges since
before he was born, always moret The content is on Ex.com!
delicate than other kids. She Then content is on novelenglish.net! cherished and protected him эл
wanting nothing more than for him to be healthy and happy as he grewn up-not shaped by Everett's harsh ways.
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