Samuel had long become accustomed to Harper's caring companionship, even dependent on her. Unknowingly, his initial mutual benefit had turned into maintenance. Seeing Ethan ignore Harper, he immediately frowned. "What kind of attitude is that? Is that how you treat your mother?"
Ethan turned around and looked at him. "My mom died a long time ago."
Harper's face stiffened.
Ethan looked at Harper and Samuel. "Did you look for Charlotte the other day?"
Harper immediately felt weak. Ethan had warned her not to look for Charlotte.
"We just ran into her at school and had a casual chat," Harper said, her voice subconsciously weakening.
"A chat?" Ethan's lips curled slightly but quickly straightened. He looked at her calmly. "Harper, I used to call you 'Mom' because I knew it wasn't easy for
