"I don't think so." After all, Ernest did grow up under Heinz's care. "Daddy only forgets things when he's angry. He's usually a perfectionist."
"One is useless if he's unable to show his abilities in crucial times," Little Gary said. "Only when one can react well under pressure, can they be considered mature. Do you understand?"
Ernest was confused at his words. "Gary, why do you refuse to acknowledge Daddy when I've acknowledge Mommy immediately?"
Little Gary paused at the question. Then, he replied, "It's because soft-hearted people like you have no principles. That's why there's an old b*stard who enjoys bullying people."
Ernest fell silent and stared at Little Gary with wide eyes.
After a long pause, Ernest retorted, "Gary, although you sounded reasonable, it's just a matter of time for you to acknowledge Daddy. Why are you so proud that you can't do it now?"
Little Gary turned to Ernest and frowned, "Ernest, are you trying to fight me?"
"Gary, you acting like this will only worry Mommy. Just call him 'Dad', and he'll probably be really happy," Ernest continued.
"Of course, I will." Little Gary said, "But not now."
"Then, when do you plan to do it?" Ernest thought it was unnecessary to wait for the perfect timing. After all, wasn't having a father something to be happy about?
"When I think it's the right time." Little Gary turned to Ernest and Grace. "You guys don't have to worry about it. Even if I started to call him 'dad,' it wouldn't change things."
Grace sighed and looked at Little Gary, saying, "You've inherited your father's arrogance."
"Mom," Gary said solemnly. "Don't humiliate me. I'm your son, and we're the closest."
"Your father loves the both of you very much." Grace said softly, "Although it was accidental that I gave birth to both of you, but when I saw that the both of you grew up to become such healthy and happy boys, I feel blessed to be walking alongside your father and the both of you. I don't regret giving birth to both of you at all."
"Mommy," Ernest looked at Grace with twinkling eyes. "I'm happy, too."
"Well, the first problem now is to deal with those two monsters. Then, well celebrate," Little Gary stated calmly.
Grace could not help but sigh in awe. Little Gary was very analytical when it came to solving problems, and he was also stubborn and determined. He managed to consider everything carefully.
After Heinz finished his call, he came back and saw Grace sitting on the bed with the two boys. He said, "Go rest. I'll meet with Simon." "I'll go with you," Little Gary said, "You can't do anything by yourself."
"Kid, you are only five years old," Heinz reminded.
"Age is just a number. I'm mature at heart. Although I cannot be compared with others, I'm stronger than you." After saying that, Little Gary turned to Grace and Ernest, "Mommy, you and Ernest should sleep before it's too late. Leave the rest to Heinz and me."
Grace didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "Little Gary, you and Ernest can rest here. I'll go with your father."
"Mommy, there's no need for you to do that." Little Gary wanted to stop his mother's further involvement in this matter. He felt that she had suffered enough as it was.
Grace shook her head and got off the bed. She said, "This is my battle with them. I must deal with it myself."
Nobody could replace her.
Simon and Marry had gone too far.
Little Gary was stunned. He looked at Heinz with a frown.
There was guilt and pain written all over Heinz's face. He looked at Grace and said gently, "Rest with the children. I'll take care of the rest. Grace, you've always been the one to face them in the past. Now, it's my turn."
Heinz felt indebted towards Grace, Little Gary and Ernest. Both Simon and Marry really didn't hold on to any sort of moral compass.
He didn't want Grace to remember the cruel past.
"No, I want to go," Grace said firmly. She looked at Little Gary and Ernest and said, "My children, go and rest. This is adult's business and you children shouldn't participate."
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