Back when Azure had devised the plan of using Lucas and Camila to threaten Nathaniel, Anya had also played a part in masterminding the plot.
Nathaniel had recently discovered that the culprit behind Christina's kidnapping had something to do with Anya too. However, he did not have sufficient evidence and no way of preventing her from causing any more trouble in the future.
On top of that, Anya was a member of the Gibson family. Hence, even though he was capable of going against the Gibsons, it would still stir up plenty of unnecessary trouble if he recklessly accused her.
It was not difficult for the five-year-old boy to answer Nathaniel's question. Lucas had an excellent memory, and he was clever. He repeated what Anya had said to him word for word, recounting every detail to Nathaniel. “The evil woman said Great-Granny misses Camila and me. And Mommy, too. She hoped Camila and I could forgive them, then asked me to persuade Mommy to go back and visit Great-Granny and Granddad together. The evil woman would bring yammy food and come to look for us at the kindergarten. She even got my phone number and would send me photos of Great-Granny and Granddad.
Camila and I never ate the food she gave us. However, if I didn't reply to her messages, she said she'd let everyone know about the bad things Mommy did so that Mommy couldn't be a designer anymore.”
When Lucas mentioned Christina, he suddenly became anxious. His small hand clutched the hem of Nathaniel's shirt nervously. “Daddy, you must teach that evil woman a lesson and protect Mommy.’
Nathaniel picked him up in his arms and comforted him patiently. “Could you let me have a look at the messages she sent you?”
Lucas nodded solemnly. Climbing out of Nathaniel's arms, he ran over to his bed, stuck a hand under the covers, and felt about for something. Then, he handed his phone to Nathaniel, his innocent eyes shining with determination.
Nathaniel stroked his head. “Don't tell your mommy about this for now, okay?”
“Okay. It's our little secret. Let's make a pinky promise, Daddy,’ said Lucas, sticking out his little finger.
Nathaniel hooked his pinky finger with Lucas’ and gave it a gentle shake. “There's a good boy. Why don't you head on downstairs and have your dinner first? I'll be along in a short while”
“Hurry up and come down, Daddy.” With that, Lucas turned and left the room.
The tenderness in Nathaniel's eyes faded instantly, replaced by a piercingly cold look.
Since Lucas’ phone did not have its lock screen enabled, he easily found the messages and photos Anya had sent Lucas.
Even now, she was still texting Lucas persistently.
Her message said: Your mommy has been lying to you all this time. She's going to divorce your daddy very soon. Shell have to leave with nothing and become a penniless pauper. Without your granny’s help, she won't be able to provide for you and your sister. Youll become motherless wild children. In the future, your daddy will marry someone else and bring home a stepmother for you. Afier they have children of their own, he won't want you anymore, and the two of you will end up as little street beggars. That's why if you can get your sister to help you persuade your mommy to come home and patch things up with your great-granny and granddad, you'll still get to have a good life even if you're not with your father.
Nathaniel's gaze was icy as he read the message. Then, he typed a reply into the text box. It read: As an outsider, you've no right to make remarks about the Hadleys' family matters. The Gibson family itself is in dire straits, so you should focus on dealing with your own problems instead. After thinking of another lengthy message, Anya was about to have a sip of coffee and take a break. She planned to wait for Lucas to reply with an emoji like usual before continuing her brainwashing strategy.
Unexpectedly, a message that carried a strong, intimidating tone popped up on her screen.
She was so shocked that she spat out the coffee in her mouth, nearly choking on it.
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