Chapter 45
Seeing Jaylan's performance, I couldn't afford to fall behind.
"Oh, come on, it's not that grave!" I said calmly, "However, investments need to be cautious. It's not wise to touch the money in the family account. We have to think long term. After all, we have three kids, and we need to secure their future.
You know as well as I do, the higher the profit, the higher the risk in business. We need to lay a solid foundation for the kids. If the business fails, we can always bounce back. But we can't gamble with the kids' future."
I was resolute, "This money is off-limits. You better return it as soon as possible!"
Jaylan remained silent, didn't readily agree to repay the money.
"Honey, there's no need to be upset. My health isn't great, and I'm feeling insecure. You have to understand! I'm still the homemaker here. If there's no money in the family account, how am I supposed to feel a ease?" I reasoned, "I can't help you with the business right now, but you've got to let me feel secure about household matters, right?"
"Fine!" Jaylan's tone was somewhat impatient, "Once I get the payment, I'll return the money!"
With that, he stood up to go upstairs. I stopped him, seizing the opportunity, "Honey, I contacted Probert's former preschool principal yesterday. I'm thinking about sending Carl there in the next few days!" Before Jaylan could respond, Zora rushed out of the kitchen, "Madam, isn't it a bit early to send Carl to the preschool? Maybe we should wait a bit longer!"
Ignoring her, I continued, "He needs to learn something. Monique and Probert were already babbling rhymes at his age. The only thing Carl has learned so far is how to hit people! It's best to let the teachers discipline him at preschool!"
I said this for Zora's benefit, indicating that I'm aware of her encouraging Carl to hit me. Does she really think I would swallow it?
And, I deliberately chose this moment to tell Jaylan, since he was in the wrong about the money. Obviously, he can't interfere with sending our kid to preschool.
Jaylan paused, thought for a moment, and responded, "Whatever you say!"
Zora seemed frustrated, calling out, "Sir..."
Jaylan didn't even glance at her, heading straight upstairs, coldly saying, "Do your job!"
Zora clamped her mouth shut, not daring to speak again.
Since Jaylan agreed, I didn't hesitate. The next day, Jaylan and I sent Carl to preschool. I couldn't let Zora use my child as a shield anymore. When sending Carl, Zora insisted on coming along. Seeing Carl crying heartrendingly and constantly looking at Jaylan, my heart ached. Jaylan turned to me, asking, "Is he too young?"
I snapped back, "Is this your first time being a dad? Didn't our first two cry when we sent them?"
With that, I gritted my teeth, got in the car, and Zora looked at me pleadingly, "Can I stay here a bit longer? If he can't adapt, I'll bring him back!"
I didn't expect Zora to care so much about Carl. I couldn't tell if this was a blessing for Carl, a tragedy for me, or just her ulterior motives. But thinking about the missing drug, my heart hardened.
I just don't believe this vixen could actually be kind-hearted. If I make a move against her and she uses the child as leverage, I would be helpless. "Go! It's necessary. If worst comes to worst, he'll cry for a few days, get a little sick, and then he'll adapt!" I said, hard-hearted.
Zora reluctantly got in the car with us, even shed some tears.
Ha! She was really into it, more than me, his own mother. If you didn't know better, you'd think she was his mother!
That day, both Zora and I were a bit distracted. It wasn't even four o'clock when Zora knocked on my door, asking if we could pick up Carl early.
I sat up from the bed, yawning, "I'll go with you!"
Zora immediately said sincerely, "No need, ma'am, I can go. You wait at home!"
Her response was exactly what I wanted. I nodded my approval and even let her drive my car to pick him up.
Soon, I saw Zora, all dressed up, happily driving my car away from the house.