---- Chapter 171 "Exactly !"" Jenna snapped the moment Wendy's name came up. "Back when she was still around, all I had to do was go on a few dates with James and occasionally entertain Ethan." But now? Taking care of the energetic Ethan had become her job. Chris gave a disgruntled grunt. "I told you from the beginning , don't rush it. You could've waited until Ethan got older, but no one listened." Mary glared at him. "What do you know?

There's not a woman alive who can stand the thought of her man in bed with someone else." From a young age, she'd taught Jenna that if she wanted something, she had to fight for it. She could never lose out because she didn't try hard enough. Even if she lost, defeat was only temporary, and she would get it back eventually. She reached out and gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind Jenna's ear. "You're so beautiful, Jenna. Men are drawn to you like moths to a flame.

Just look at Elias." Mary's face, even lined with age, still held a trace of elegance from her youth. Jenna dropped her gaze, suddenly shy. "Mom, stop... I only see Elias as a big brother. There's nothing more to it. Mary just gave her a knowing smile, her eyes sharp and ---- unreadable. "Don't worry. I'll figure out a way to get Wendy back to that house where she belongs. You just focus on staying pretty and making James kick both of them out." "Mom, stop it.

I still have to pick Ethan up from school tomorrow ," Jenna said with a hint of mock annoyance , but the smug smile tugging at her lips suggested she loved every second of it. Just then, the video doorbell rang. One of the maids rushed to answer it. Moments later, Elias walked in carrying two shopping bags. "Elias! What are you doing here?" Jenna jumped up from the couch, practically beaming.

"And Laura, why didn't you grab an umbrella for him?" Laura Smith was one of the maids at the Sanders residence . Elias' shoulders were soaked through. Laura coughed lightly. "Ms. Sanders , I was in the middle of cooking chicken soup for you, and you asked me to keep the heat just right." Jenna pouted. "You could've stepped away for a minute." "Tt was just about to boil. If [left and it burned, you'd have me make it all over again." Laura's tone was tired, almost weary.

She'd been with the Sanders family for nearly 20 years, and now the only person she really cared about-Wendy-was ---- hardly ever around. Laura had asked to resign more than once, but they never let her go. Mary said impatiently , "Just finish cooking the soup and go get some rest." Laura nodded and headed back to the kitchen. Elias placed the bags on the table. "These are from my parents. They just got back from overseas and asked me to drop this off for your mom and dad." Jenna faked a pout.

"Nothing for me?" "Of course, there's something for you." Elias smiled at her. How could there not be?" He started to reach into his jacket pocket , but Jenna grabbed his hand before he could pull anything out. "Don't show my parents. Come upstairs and give it to me in private!" Just like when they were kids, she held onto his hand affectionately , not the least bit concerned about appearances. Mary didn't say a word-just smiled and gave Elias a look full of meaning. "Go ahead. Keep Jenna company."