---- Chapter 269 "It's okay," Wendy said softly. "Ethan, you can watch the video with me. If there's anything you want to say, just tell me -just like before." Her gentle tone calmed Ethan down instantly. He gave a firm. nod, tears still clinging to his lashes. When he got into trouble, Wendy never yelled or scolded him right away. She'd always listen first, piece the whole story together , and then decide whether he needed discipline or a hug.

James stood nearby, watching Wendy with that calm, patient expression he remembered so well. Something inside him cracked just a little. The Ethan she'd raised had never once told a lie. That thought hit him hard, and his brow furrowed even more tightly. But this time, it wasn't just some kid -level mistake. This was serious. It was about character and integrity. If the accusation was true, it meant Ethan had crossed a very different kind of line.

James's thoughts churned, but he didn't say a word. He simply stood still as Wendy pulled Ethan close and tapped the screen to play the surveillance footage. Footsteps echoed from outside the room. A second later, Jenna and Mary stepped in. Jenna relaxed noticeably the moment ---- she saw the two of them watching the footage. Thank God Wendy hadn't blurted anything out. What could she even say? The video was clear as day-Ethan.

grinning as he lifted her skirt, even repeating words no kid his age should've ever learned. What difference would it make if Wendy stuck her nose into it? None. James would end up hating her even more for it. She was only going to dig herself deeper. Suppressing a satisfied smirk, Jenna looked down, feigning a modest expression. She said sweetly, "James, maybe let's just drop this. You already scolded Ethan. I'm sure he won't do it again." She looked toward Ethan and held her arms out.

"Come here, Ethan. I forgive you." Ethan looked at her, then snuggled even closer to Wendy. It was the first time in weeks that he had openly chosen Wendy over anyone else. Jenna froze, and panic twisted inside her. Ethan was still running to Wendy whenever he felt wrong. It seemed some things never changed. He seemed to have forgotten all the kindness she'd shown. him lately. Just like Wendy, he was ungrateful through and through.

---- Awkwardly, Jenna pulled her hand back, guilt written all over her face. "If I'd known this would happen, I never would've told James about it. Look, now Ethan doesn't even like me because of your criticism." James shot Ethan a cold glance and said sharply, "Such behaviour should have been caught and corrected earlier." But correction didn't just mean scolding or punishment. Wendy finished watching the video.

She could feel Ethan leaning into her, relying on her, but she didn't feel the slightest bit triumphant. She locked her phone and turned to Jenna. "Even if it were you who Ethan supposedly 'bullied,' I still wouldn't take sides." Shaping a child's values always came first. Ethan whimpered beside her. "Mommy, I swear, I didn't do it " "Oh, you're still lying?" Mary finally spoke up, sounding almost heartbroken. "We saw the footage. It's all right there.

You really learned this kind of thing from your mom?" Wendy laughed bitterly, shaking her head in disbelief. " Funny. When I was the one raising him, nothing like this ever happened. But now, after just one month with Jenna watching him, this kind of crap shows up-and you're blaming me?" Mary's face turned pale. "Watch your tone. Is this how you're supposed to speak to your mother?"