---- Chapter 266 About half an hour later, the cab stopped outside the gated community. Private vehicles weren't allowed into the area without prior clearance, and Wendy didn't want to reveal her identity to the driver, especially not with everything going on at the hospital. She didn't want to risk escalating the situation. She got out of the car and removed her mask. The security guard at the gate immediately recognized her and called for a shuttle to take her to the villa.

The moment she stepped off the shuttle, she heard a child wailing inside the house -heart -wrenching , uncontrollable sobs. Wendy rushed toward the door and rang the bell. Zelda answered , her eyes widening in surprise. "Mrs. Frank! You're back?" Wendy caught the tension in her face and furrowed her brow. Before she could respond, Ethan's cries from inside grew even louder. She looked toward the living room, and Zelda quickly explained, "Mr. Frank is... disciplining Mr.

Ethan." Her expression showed concern as she added, "You should go take a look. It's about Ms. Sanders." ---- Wendy gave a slight nod, removed her hat, and stepped inside, though she didn't pick up her pace. The closer she got, the clearer Ethan's crying became. Of course, it broke her heart. No matter what had happened , he was her son. She had carried him for ten months and raised him for six years-she knew him better than anyone.

And if James was punishing him over something related to Jenna, it didn't sit right with Wendy. Sure enough, as she stepped into the villa, the first thing she saw was Jenna, still smiling, unable to wipe the expression off her face in time. Seated beside her was Mary. If Ethan had truly done something so hurtful to Jenna that it justified James' harsh punishment, then why was Jenna smiling? Why didn't she look even remotely upset?

'As soon as they saw Wendy, both Jenna's and Mary's expressions changed instantly. "What are you doing here?" Mary blurted. Jenna gently tugged at her sleeve. "Mom, this is Wendy's home. It's normal for her to come back. Since she's here, maybe it's time for us to head out." Mary tried to calm herself. Her gaze toward Wendy softened, but the resentment lingered. Now that Jenna was living in the villa, Mary didn't even ---- pretend to act civil anymore.

There wasn't a trace of motherly affection left in her. Wendy couldn't care less. She shot them both a cold glance and headed toward the stairs. The crying was coming from Ethan's room. She had only taken a few steps, not even reached the stairs yet, when Jenna suddenly stepped in front of her, blocking the way. She said sweetly , "Wendy, James is disciplining Ethan right now.

Maybe it's not the best time to go up." The guarded look in Jenna's eyes told Wendy everything -she wasn't worried about discipline. She was scared Wendy would expose her for laughing moments ago. Wendy's eyes turned icy as she shot her a glance. "Ethan is my son. If James is disciplining him, why would it be inappropriate for me to go up? You, on the other hand, who gave you the right to interfere?

You've got some nerve, trying to stop me while you're bullying a kid." With that, she shoved Jenna's arm aside. Jenna stumbled and fell to the floor, her eyes reddening . "I was just worried you'd fight with James over Ethan. How could you say that to me?" She paused, then added pitifully, "Besides... What Ethan did really was out of line..."