Chapter 45 Good fortune wasn't all that important to children . However , businesspeople often took geomancy seriously , and Carter was no exception . When it came to Arielle and Adrian , he couldn't afford not to . Carter wasn't as attentive as a woman nor as expressive as other fathers . But that didn't mean that he didn't love his kids . His love was just quiet . He was the kind of man who believed that he had fulfilled his duty as a father as long as he provided a suitable environment for his children to grow up in . " Alright , " Carter said . Lately , things really hadn't been going smoothly . Lauren smiled . " I've actually heard that some kids act out or get moody because of the geomancy in the house . I happen to know a geomancer who's really good . Do you want me to call him ? " Carter , still looking exhausted , replied , " Yes , please . Thank you. " At noon , Alisha came to report , " Mr. Jamison , Ms. Arielle won't eat . " Carter had just finished with his work in his study . Frowning , he made his way to the dining room . Since Arielle was sick , Alisha had been taking great care of her . The latter had even tried to feed the young girl by hand . However , Arielle refused to let Alisha feed her . Lauren offered to try instead , but Adrian stepped in and stopped her from getting close . " What now ? " Carter asked , clearly out of patience . Arielle's eyes shimmered with tears . " Dad , can you feed me ? " " You're six years old . Do you still need someone to feed you ? " " When I got sick before , Mom always did . " Arielle lowered her head , looking hurt . At the mention of Rhea , Carter's frustration flared even more . She still hadn't returned . But even so , his pride wouldn't let him be the one to reach out . Once Carter sat , Arielle asked , " Dad , can you video call Mom ? I miss her . " Carter had strictly told Alisha yesterday not to call Rhea , so Alisha didn't dare do anything . Lauren stepped in . " Sweetie , anything Rhea can do , I can do too . She's busy with work right now and spending time with some friends . Let's not bother her , okay ? " 1/2 Chapter 45 Her words hinted that Rhea had chosen her social life over them . Arielle frowned . " Even if Mom's busy, she still cares about me . Carter didn't want to call Rhea . He picked up the spoon and held it out to Arielle . " Let's eat first . " +25 BONUS Arielle pressed her lips together . Her ponytail was crooked , and her forehead was still wrapped in bandages , making her look small and fragile . " Are you eating or not ? " Carter finally snapped . " No , " Arielle said , her voice sharp with defiance . She wanted to see Rhea . " Then stay hungry , " Carter said coldly . " Rhea's the one who spoiled you like this . Not everyone's going to coddle you all the time . " " I want Mom ! " Arielle yelled . " If she were here , I wouldn't be like this ! " " She's not your mom ! " That was the first thing Rhea heard when she walked in . Carter's firm and unwavering tone made her heart skip a beat when she heard that . She hadn't planned on coming back . But Alisha had secretly messaged her , telling her that Arielle had gotten hurt , had gotten some stitches , and had been crying for her . She couldn't bear it , so she came back to check on Arielle . However , she hadn't expected to walk into that . " Mrs. Jamison ? " Alisha gasped , full of relief . " You're finally back ! " Upon hearing that , Carter and Lauren both turned to look at Rhea . Suddenly , the whole house came alive . One maid started preparing a separate lunch for Rhea , and another went to help her with her things . The way the household staff treated her made it clear who the real lady of the house was . Lauren bit her lip . From the very beginning , she had never received such treatment . The bitterness of it stung her to her core . " Mom ! " Arielle and Adrian jumped from their seats and ran straight to Rhea . Rhea was exhausted , but she kneeled and opened her arms wide to hug them . Her eyes welled up when she saw the bandage on Arielle's forehead . " That must've hurt so much . " 2/2 Chapter 46