Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled novel Chapter 474

"Hiram." Karina looked at Hiram, seemingly sensing something amiss. She gazed with explicit threat, despite in the presence of everyone.

It was hard to describe how I felt. How could someone look at their own child in such a way? It was as if he wasn't her son but an insubordinate slave.

Hiram fell silent and shrunk back submissively.

I knew what he was afraid of. If I spoke out, he might have to face Karina's punishment.

Even if I didn't say anything, he would still be scolded.

"I have nothing to say." The words died in my throat. No matter how much I disliked Hiram, I couldn't bear to see him punished by Karina.

He was like a puppet that Karina had meticulously crafted. He appeared to be cherished, but in reality, he wasn't truly cared for.

Karina exhaled in relief knowing I wasn't going to continue. If she provoked me any further, it would only be disadvantageous for her.

The Whitmore family was now a complex mess with Karina and Hiram’s return. I was ready to leave with Serena, but Neil stopped me. "First clear it up, what did Karina make Hiram do?"

"Dad, Mommy didn't make me do anything. Don’t misunderstand her!" Hiram, seeing Neil getting serious, quickly went over to hug Neil's leg and pleaded, "Don't blame my mommy, okay?"

He started crying as he spoke, and Neil's expression softened slightly. He loved his son deeply.

I left with Serena in his moment of hesitation. This was their family matter, and I didn't want to get involved.

...

"Rena, you're back."

Just as I got home, I found that my mom had returned. She was tending to the vegetable garden in the yard.

I was surprised. "Mom, why are you back? Where's Dad?"

"Your dad is still dealing with some errands, so I came back first." My mom looked weary. Her eyes were red and swollen. She managed to squeeze out a faint smile.

"Are things still not settled over there?" I asked softly. My heart ached as I saw my mom’s tiring face.

Mom paused before answering with a choked voice, "Your aunt, Emily... didn't make it. After we took care of her funeral, I came back first. I just felt too heartbroken there and couldn't bear it. Your dad suggested I come back first."

That's when I learned of Emily's passing. Mom had never told me before that.

I couldn't help but feel a lump in my throat, and my heart was heavy.

Silence fell over the yard until my mom put down her work, dusted her hands, and came over to check on Serena in the stroller. "Where did you take her? Why did you leave Brandon home alone?"

"I took her out for a bit." I didn't want to tell mom that I had gone to Neil's house. She was already in a terrible mood, so I didn't want to make her feel worse.

Mom washed her hands and then picked up Serena, showering her with kisses. "I missed these two little ones. The weather is so hot, and you should avoid taking her out in the sun too much. Don't damage her delicate skin."