The gratified expression on Shane’s face, in particular, was what made her even more indignant.
She didn’t understand what was there for him to be proud of. Isn’t it just a lousy trophy? That’s not even his biological son.
Even though that was her true feelings, she wasn’t intrepid enough to voice them. Drawing in a deep breath, she recollected herself and walked over, all smiles. “What are you discussing here?”
“We’re celebrating Connor’s win.” Sharon pointed at the trophy in Shane’s hand and replied with a smug face.
As though it was her who won the trophy.
Jacqueline looked at the trophy and added, “Is that so? Well, Ms. Smith, you’re an outstanding parent.”
“Thank you.” Natalie gave her a nonchalant smile. “Actually, I don’t really educate them much. They’re smart on their own.”
She ruffled her children’s head.
Jacqueline was exasperated within.
Smart?
I’d say it’s only street smarts.
“Mrs. Wilson,” Shane put the trophy on the coffee table as he called out.
Coming out with a tray full of glasses of juice, Mrs. Wilson answered, “Is there anything, Sir?”
“You clean up a room later and turn it into a trophy room for Connor and Sharon to keep their trophies and medals,” Shane said as he handed the trophy to Mrs. Wilson.
Natalie furrowed her brows. “That’s not really needed.”
Jacqueline was also of the opinion that he was making a big deal out of it.
He’s just rewarded by chance, isn’t he? Is there a need to make a trophy room just for that?
It would be a total joke if they can’t win any more trophies in the future.
Shane didn’t know what Jacqueline had in her mind, but he looked at Natalie and replied, “Of course it’s needed. I’m sure this will not be the last trophy.”
“I believe in Connor, too.” Mrs. Wilson took the trophy over admiringly. “Sure, I’ll get to cleaning up later. Connor is awesome!”
Connor answered with a smile, “Thank you, Mrs. Wilson. Thank you, Daddy.”
“It’s no big deal. I hope you’ll fill up the trophy room in the future,” Shane replied with a serious look.
Meeting his gaze, Connor’s expression turned solemn as well and gave him a firm nod. “Rest assured, Daddy. I won’t disappoint you.”
Only then did Shane shifted his gaze from Connor with a gratified smile.
Seeing as such, Natalie didn’t say anything else. She smiled and just let them be.
Since Shane has so much confidence in Connor, I’m sure Connor will not let him down as well.
So what’s there for me to worry about?
Only then did Jacqueline start, “You’re Connor, right? You’re impressive. At your age—”
Connor looked up at her and cut her short, “Ms. Graham, you’re pretty forgetful!”
“Connor, what are you talking about?” Natalie pursed her lip and berated her son.
Shane also raised an eyebrow upon hearing that. He didn’t know why Connor remarked Jacqueline as forgetful.
Jacqueline’s lips twitched at that and she felt like hitting someone, but she kept a smile on her face, bent down a little, and laid her hands on her kneecaps, looking Connor in his eyes. “Little boy, why are you calling me that?”
“Why?” Connor tilted his head to one side. “Because you’re foolish, Ms. Graham. Daddy just called my name, and you asked if I’m Connor again after that. Isn’t this forgetful? Besides, it’s not the first time you meet me and Sharon. Why are you pretending as if you don’t know us?”
“I…” Jacqueline was tongue-tied, and she lowered her head, feeling aggrieved. “I didn’t. I’m not pretending; I’m just trying to integrate into you…”
“Alright, that’s enough.” Shane stood up. He was aware that Jacqueline had met the kids at the hospital earlier as well, so it wasn’t possible that she didn’t know them.
Even though he didn’t understand why she acted as though she hadn’t met them before, he had to help salvage her dignity and not let the matter escalate.
“Let’s not talk about it anymore. I’ll bring you to your room,” Shane said to Jacqueline as he turned to her.
Jacqueline nodded with tears in her eyes. “Alright.”
And the two of them went up the stairs.
Connor pursed his lips. “Mommy, she can really act.”
“It’s good that you’re informed now. Don’t say such things anymore in the future, and don’t provoke her further,” Natalie pinched his cheek as she replied.
