Chapter 4 Esteemed Mr. Brooks
855 Words
A little boy, around six years old, was leaning on the bed. He had blonde hair and blue eyes that were reminiscent of the ocean, making him an exceptionally beautiful child.
However, his face was taut, and Emma could feel a palpable hostility emanating from him.
Realizing this might be Phillip Brooks, the future heir to the Brooks family, Emma immediately sat up straight.
"Ahem, esteemed Mr. Brooks... You are Mr. Brooks, right? Please allow me to explain. I didn't mean to end up in your father's bed. It was an accident. And besides, nothing happened between your father and me. I assure you!"
Emma earnestly explained.
Her respectful address and serious demeanor seemed to soften Phillip's expression a bit, but it wasn't enough to earn his full trust.
"Don't try to fool me with such excuses. Even though my mother isn't around, I warn you, she will return one day. None of you can take her place!" He lifted his chin, speaking arrogantly.
The little boy's defensive posture amused Emma, but it also piqued her curiosity.
Was Mrs. Brooks not around? Where was she? She had always heard that the Brooks couple was very loving.
Just as she was lost in thought, there was a knock on the door.
The butler, William Johnson, stood respectfully at the entrance.
"Ms. Foster, breakfast is ready. If you're ready, please come downstairs. And Phillip, your father has instructed that you must eat your breakfast on time until you grow up."
"I know, William. You and my father are both so nagging."
Phillip stood up in displeasure and left the room.
"Well, excuse me..."
Emma called out to William, who was just about to leave.
"Sorry to bother you, but could I get a change of clothes? And about my clothes from yesterday..."
Emma was wearing a navy-blue silk men's pajamas. She was sure nothing had happened between her and Ethan, but she wasn't sure who had changed her clothes or how far things had gone.
Looking kindly at Emma, William didn't answer her question directly but spoke respectfully.
"Apologies, Ms. Foster. That was my fault. I'll have some fresh clothes sent up immediately. As for your clothes, I think it would be best to ask Mr. Ethan."
The fresh clothes arrived quickly.
As Emma changed, she suddenly recalled that her flash-marriage husband was also named Ethan Brooks.
But she quickly dismissed the thought.
Even if they shared the same name, it didn't matter. This man was the head of the Brooks family and was already married with a six-year-old son!
After buttoning up the last button, Emma calmly walked downstairs.
Phillip was already sitting properly at the dining table, though he wasn't eating but toying with his food.
A grape rolled under his fork and eventually fell off the plate, landing on the table.
He ignored the grape and continued playing with his bread.
"William, I don't like today's breakfast. I hate bread. Give me cookies."
No wonder Phillip, despite living in such luxury, looked thinner than other children his age.
Emma instantly understood. Ethan was busy with work, and his wife was absent. Even if the servants catered to Phillip's needs, he lacked someone who genuinely cared for his growth and well-being.
Seeing William bringing a plate of cocoa cookies, Emma shook her head to indicate she wanted to handle this herself.
"Phillip." Emma approached with a gentle tone, "I don't like plain bread either. How about I make it tastier for you? Butter? Blueberry jam? Or would you prefer it with a fried egg?"
Her attempt at familiarity did not earn Phillip's favor. Instead, her less-than-formal address made him frown immediately.
"What's it to you?"
Emma sat down beside him and sighed.
"Well, that's true, but I have a secret recipe for making cocoa milk. After every day after breakfast, I make myself a cup. It's warm, sweet, and delicious."
At the mention of cocoa milk, Phillip instantly stopped stabbing his bread.
"I planned to share it with you since I happened to be your guest, but it seems you don't like it." Emma smiled at Phillip.
"I like cocoa milk!" Phillip rebutted urgently.
"Then let's finish breakfast first, alright?"
"Alright!" Phillip picked up his bread and blurted out without hesitation. Just then, he realized that Emma had subtly controlled his decision.
"You manipulative woman! Do you think you can win my father's favor with such tricks?" Phillip angrily threw down the bread. He couldn't let himself be fooled by her.
"Phillip, let me repeat, I have absolutely no interest in your old and frail father."
Emma's words had just left her lips when William respectfully announced from behind her.
"Good morning, Mr. Brooks."
Emma froze, quickly turning around to see Ethan standing at the top of the stairs, a stiff smile on his face.
She was mortified and didn't know how to explain herself, but Phillip had already rushed over and hugged his father's leg.
"Dad, did you hear that? That woman said you're old and frail!"
Ethan walked over to Emma and repeated her words in a low, menacing tone.
"Old and frail?"
- Writer
