Chapter 123
Emma was momentarily caught off guard. "Oh, just the usual."
Jude frowned, a serious expression settling on his face as he scrutinized her. "What exactly do you mean?"
Jude didn't have much experience with Victoria.
At just five years old, most of his time was spent at the Harrison Villa. Since he could remember, his grandparents were the people he was most familiar with. Jude had only seen Victoria a handful of times, and every encounter left him with a negative impression.
Jennifer frequently warned him to keep his distance from Victoria, labeling her a bad Mom, a useless housewife who couldn't help with his studies or teach him the piano and who bothered him with toys and storybooks.
And honestly, she was right. Every time Jude returned home, Victoria would eagerly show him the dollhouse she prepared and insist on reading him a bedtime story.
She was indeed a distraction.
But after meeting Emma and observing her bond with Victoria, he found it hard to accept at first. He wanted to strive for that connection.
Eventually, Jude began to question everything. Were his previous ideas right? Was Jennifer's perspective really right?
Moreover, His Mom was clearly capable. She could prepare toys and read stories and even excel in photography, showcasing master–level skills.
He began to doubt his earlier beliefs while simultaneously wanting to learn how other kids connected with their mothers.
Jude's seriousness caught Emma's attention as she blinked. "I don't know. It's probably similar to how I interact with Ms. Victoria."
Jude frowned again. Similar? He still didn't quite grasp it.
Just then, Emma's smartwatch beeped, and she exclaimed, "My mom's calling!"
She was about to dash away to answer but paused, recalling Jude's words. "If you want to know how I get along with my mom, you can listen over there, but keep quiet!"
Jude nodded earnestly. "Okay."
Emma called out sweetly, "Mommy!"
"Sweetie, I'm coming back tomorrow. Are you excited?" Evie's gentle voice came through the speaker.
"Yes, I miss you so much! Did you get me a gift?" Emma asked eagerly.
Evie snorted softly, "Give me a kiss me, and I'll tell you."
Emma promptly kissed the phone. "Mom, is it my favorite bunny doll?"
"Of course," Evie replied. "But have you been good? Have you disturbed Ms. Victoria's work?"
"I've been very good! Ms. Victoria even asked me to be her goddaughter!" Emma beamed with pride. "Mom, do you agree?"
Evie smiled, "Of course! That way, you'll have two mothers who love you."
Emma glanced over at Jude, whose expression had darkened. He looked so pitiful; she had two loving mothers while he had none.
"But Victoria has a child. If you want to be her goddaughter, you'll need her child's approval, okay?" Evie said, sounding serious.
Emma appeared confused. "Why?"
Evie smiled, "I'll explain when I get back, okay?"
"Alright". Emma agreed.
After chatting for a while longer, Evie hung up.
Emma turned to Jude, who still looked tense, and asked, "Do you agree?"
Jude's face was tense, his lips pressed into a firm line, and his eyebrows knitted together. He thought briefly, his expression serious, then shook his head. "No."
Emma's eyes widened slightly. "Why not? Don't you want a sister? Wouldn't it be great for me to be your sister? I could help you!"
She genuinely liked Victoria and wanted to be her goddaughter.
It would be such an honor to tell others that she had two mothers who loved her.
But Jude's refusal left her feeling dejected.
Jude replied firmly, "If I wanted a sister, my mom could have another baby, but you can't be my sister."
He noticed how much Victoria adored Emma, and once Emma became Victoria's goddaughter, she would inevitably drift further away from him. He didn't want that.
Emma snorted, "Fine! Then don't expect my help!"
With that, she jumped off the couch and dashed upstairs.
Jude lowered his gaze, a stubborn look on his face. He simply wouldn't agree. His mother was his alone.
By the time Victoria finished her work, it was already late at night.
After taking a bath, she checked in on Emma and Jude, relieved to find them both asleep.
As she returned to her room, her phone rang. When she saw it was Barrett calling, she answered, "Hello?"
"Victoria, you need to come quick! Henry's gone crazy and can't stop drinking!" Barrett said, his voice laced with urgency.
Victoria maintained her calm, replying, "If he wants to drink, let him. That's his choice. You don't need to tell me."
Barrett was stunned. "But Henry's been calling for you! He wants to see you. You need to come get him."
He lowered his voice a bit. "Henry is not well. If you don't take him away, he will spoil the fun."
Victoria scoffed. It turned out Henry was ruining their night out.
"You can just drop him off at a hotel nearby," she said flatly.
Barrett said, "Charlotte, I have a say in Ms. Aroma's affairs..."
"You..."
"Fine. I'll be there." Victoria's tone turned icy as she hung up.
Barrett knew she was Ms. Aroma. Since he was a friend of Henry, he might inadvertently spill something.
Victoria didn't want to take that risk. The divorce wasn't finalized yet, and she wanted to avoid any additional complications.
At the Night Club, the room buzzed with energy–some were playing cards, others were engrossed in games, and the atmosphere was electric.
Yet this liveliness did nothing to lift the spirits of the man slouched on the sofa.
Henry held a wine glass, several buttons on his black shirt undone, exuding a reckless charm despite the frostiness in his strikingly handsome features.
"Victoria, nice try..." he muttered, downing his drink in one gulp.
Barrett, having just entered the room after hanging up the phone, frowned upon hearing Henry's words. He could sense Henry's anger when he called Victoria's name and wondered if it was just his imagination.
As Henry reached for another drink, Barrett rushed over to intervene. "Henry, stop! I called Victoria, and she'll be here soon."
Henry shot him a cold look. "Who told you to call her?"