---- Chapter 165 Jenna's expression flickered with guilt, but the look of panic vanished as quickly as it came. Her eyes filled with tears again as she looked at Wendy. "If you really feel that way... if you're willing to come home for Ethan, then of course I'll leave." It was the same words again. Wendy looked at her coldly and sharply. "You seem to have it backward. It's not me coming home, and then you leave.

You leave first, and then I'll consider coming back." In that instant, the hierarchy was clear. Who was the rightful one, and who had inserted themselves into someone else's life, was no longer up for debate. Ata loss for words, Jenna could only cry harder. "Then I'll go today," she sniffled. "Ethan, be good, listen to your dad. Mommy will be home soon." She gave Ethan one last, lingering look, like she might walk out the door at any second. Ethan immediately burst into tears. "No!

I don't want you to leave, Aunt Jenna!" He was too young to handle separation, especially from someone he'd grown used to relying on every day. And now, Ethan didn't know if Wendy really wanted him back, ---- or if life would go back to being "strict and boring" once she returned. Upon hearing his sobs, Jenna quickly pulled him into a hug. Before she could speak, Liam let out a cold laugh. "You really enjoy playing mom, don't you, Ms. Jenna?" Wendy watched, her brows drawn tighter and tighter.

If it weren't for Ethan clinging so tightly to Jenna, she would've stepped in already. "Liam, don't," Wendy said, looking away. "It's not entirely Jenna's fault. Let's be honest . If James hadn't given her the opening, she wouldn't be playing stepmom now." Her voice was low and icy, each word cutting through the air sharply. Jenna was too busy sobbing to defend herself anymore. She just clung to Ethan as if he were her last lifeline. Elias couldn't take it anymore.

"Do you have to push it this far? Are you satisfied now that she's like this?" Wendy turned to him, expression stony. "You wanted proof that she was lying. Now you have it. What else is there to say?" Ethan was crying -but not because of Wendy. It was Jenna who stirred this up. Elias knew it too. He just didn't want to admit he had misjudged Wendy. Besides , seeing her standing strong with another man at her side only made Jenna seem more isolated by comparison.

---- The tension thickened in the room. Not wanting to be confronted any longer, Jenna let go of Ethan and turned to leave. Ethan cried harder and ran after her. Elias hesitated only a second before giving Wendy a long, unreadable look. He then followed them out. Silence finally settled over the room. Wendy gripped the edge of her desk, her strength nearly gone. Liam stepped forward to steady her. "Are you okay?" "just skipped lunch, so I'm probably a little low on blood sugar.

I'll be fine." She forced a weak smile. Liam frowned. "You don't need to put on a front with me. I'm here for you because I want the real you. I'm not like them." It took her a while before she finally looked up at him. This time, her eyes looked tired-a little lost and sad. "Thanks... for stepping in again," she murmured. "But don't do it anymore." "Why not?" Liam frowned, his voice tight. "I won't just stand by and watch you be mistreated . I'll always speak the truth when I see it."