Chapter 196

“Finished?” Hedda raised an eyebrow, her words drawing the attention of everyone in the living room. Regina glanced in Cecilia’s direction, her expression stiffening. “Are you planning to leave?” Cecilia was about to nod when Gladys, who was leaning against her shoulder, suddenly stirred. Gladys straightened up, her eyes meeting Hedda’s. The little girl’s body shrank, her chubby arms tightly wrapped around Cecilia’s neck. Tears welled up in Gladys’s eyes, falling quickly and copiously. “Mama, she hit me!” “I’m scared!” The childish voice sounded particularly abrupt in the living room. Although Gladys was only three, her words were clear. Despite her voice being choked with sobs, everyone could understand what she was saying. Especially Cecilia, whose body stiffened immediately. No one spoke. Gladys freed one hand to point at her swollen, red cheek. “Mama, this bad woman hit Gladys! It hurts so much!” Cecilia’s gaze instantly focused on Gladys’s face. Gladys’s fair, tender face was red