Harper scoffed coldly. "Do you think you're fit to be a mother, when you're shifting blames onto a child who has no say in the matter?"
Jennifer's eyes reddened with anger. "Who put these words in your mouth? Was it her?" She pointed towards Eleanor, her tone sharp with accusation. "Look at how you've raised her. What has she become under your care, living in our old home?"
"That's enough. Grandma isn't your biological mother, so she's not obliged to listen to you. After all, you haven't been particularly filial to her, so she doesn't owe you anything."
Harper walked over and stood in front of Eleanor, speaking softly. "Grandma, are you okay?"
Eleanor shook her head and whispered, "Don't argue with your mom..."
Harper bit her lip and stayed silent. She understood Eleanor's predicament but couldn't bring herself to comply with Jennifer's demands.
Harper simply didn't want to make things difficult for Eleanor, so she remained quiet.
She turned to Jennifer, her face devoid of expression. "If you're done here, you can leave now. Grandma needs to rest."
Jennifer remained motionless, her eyes cold and filled with deep-seated discontent and coldness.
Just as Harper turned her head to walk over to Eleanor, Jennifer suddenly lunged at her, pushing her aside.
Harper's side collided with the bed railing, sending a sharp pain through her.
Eleanor hurriedly called out, "Harper!"
Harper gritted her teeth and shook her head at Eleanor. She was grateful that she managed to grab onto the handrail to prevent herself from falling. Otherwise, she would be faring far worse now.
Jennifer stood there without any remorse or change in expression, speaking indifferently. "Harper, even if I dislike you and don't want to see you, I gave birth to you. You should show me respect, otherwise, you won't have it easy."
With those words spoken, Jennifer walked out without a second glance.
Harper stared at her departing figure for a long time before finally coming back to her senses. She didn't want Eleanor to worry, so she said, "I'm fine. It's just a little bump so don't worry about me."
But the pain hadn't subsided yet. It was really painful, but she didn't feel anything in her abdomen, so she wasn't sure if the baby was hurt.
Harper chatted with Eleanor for a while, reassuring her not to take Jennifer's words to heart. She also told Eleanor that she didn't need to worry about anything because she wouldn't let Eleanor suffer, nor would she allow anyone to bully her.
Harper's words made Eleanor nod repeatedly. Eleanor then asked, "Harper, if I were to ask you to help me with something, would you agree to it?"
"Probably not. So Grandma, please don't ask because I don't want to reject you, but I also don't want to go against my own wishes."
"With your words, I feel relieved. It's more important to stick to your own principles than anything else."
This was Eleanor's constant reminder to her.
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