As I entered the room, I saw Erik sitting on the couch, wearing a frown upon his face. Lamia sat by his side, exuding a domineering aura as she cast provocative glances in my direction.

Ashton threw himself into Erik's arms, shouting "Dad."

Erik forced a smile, comforted Ashton in her arms, then turned his head and asked me in a low voice, "Claire, what did you say to my mom?"

I sneered in response, not directly answering him.

I pulled out a chair and took a seat, saying, "For three whole hours, from eight to eleven, you showed no concern for Ashton being lost and found. Instead, you chose to blame me?"

Seeing my stern attitude, Erik said with a sullen face, "Claire, let's focus on the facts. Have you been disrespectful toward my mom?"

I sneered. "Focus on the facts? Fine. Then tell me, was it your mom who lost Ashton first and then flirted with older men?"

Erik's face changed instantly. Before he could speak, I pulled Ashton out of his arms, took him to the room, changed him into pajamas, and put him to bed.

I could hear Lamia yelling from the living room. I closed the door, picked up a storybook on the bedside table, and started reading.

Ashton leaned against me and whispered, "Mom, did you have a fight with Dad and Grandma?"

Rather than answering his question, I gently caressed his head and asked, "Do you like your grandma?"

Ashton shook his head cautiously. I said, "How about I hire a nanny to take care of you? Then you can eat whatever you want every day."

Ashton nodded, then gradually fell asleep.

When I came out of Ashton's room, Erik was standing on the balcony. I ignored him and turned into the bedroom.

He rushed over, grabbed my hand, and said, "Honey, don't be angry. I have asked my mom to go back.

"It was my fault today. I lost my temper. I was just too worried about Ashton."

I shook his hand off angrily. If I weren't waiting for an opportunity to ruin his reputation, I would have divorced him.

He took a deep breath and said in a hoarse voice, "Honey, it has not been easy for us along the way, and we should cherish what we have."

I turned to look at him, but the dim lighting inside the house obscured his features, leaving only a hazy outline visible to me.