Chapter 273

Cecilia's heart twinged with pain. She could understand why Gladys might consider Alston as her father, growing up in a situation akin to a single-parent household and declaring sovereignty against those who coveted her father. Cecilia swallowed back her tears and forced a gentle smile onto her face. "Gladys, you can't say things like that in the future, okay?" "You can't answer Daddy's phone without his permission! That's very rude!" Tears welled up in Gladys's eyes as she nodded. Her voice choked, "Mommy, if I'm polite, Daddy won't hit you, right?" Cecilia rubbed Gladys's head. "No, Daddy didn't hit Mommy." She took Gladys's sunscreen jacket and helped her put it on, whispering, "Gladys, be good. We're going to Grandma and Grandpa's with Daddy." Gladys huddled in Cecilia's embrace, nodding with a sense of grievance. She was very obedient, a trait that had been apparent since she was young. Cecilia licked her dry lips and quietly instructed Gladys, "Gladys, promise Mommy that you won'