Chapter 10

Just as Ashley Kaller was about to say something else, Leana Frost interrupted her: “Sis, I’m going back now. Let’s not talk about that anymore.”

After Leana Frost left, the huge room suddenly became empty. Ashley Kaler pulled the blanket around herself, her gaze deep and unreadable—whether filled with joy or sorrow, it was hard to tell. Leana, I know there’s guilt in your words. But as long as I can stay by your side, even if it’s just as your sister, I’m willing to do so.

On the other side, the lights in the Yun family’s house were still on. Lady Riley sat in the living room. It seemed she had expected Liana Frost to return. Without even lifting her head at the sound of the door opening, she said, “You’re back?”

Leana Frost felt a little awkward and scratched her head. “Auntie, is Uncle… okay?”

“I can’t die yet; I’m still breathing.” Lady Riley’s tone was somewhat resentful, but she wasn’t really angry.

Leana Frost remained silent. She knew that she had gone too far today.

Mrs. Riley looked at him and sighed deeply. “We older people can’t understand the thoughts of young people like you. But you know Hudson’s personality well enough. On the surface, he seems gentle, but deep down, he’s very stubborn. If pushed too far, he’ll do anything. Just keep things in check. Your father and I won’t need you to worry about anything.”

These words made Leana Frost feel sad. He nodded and was about to head toward Mr. Riley’s room when he saw Mr. Riley sticking his head out, glancing at him stealthily. When Mr. Riley noticed him looking, he immediately let out a “hmm” and walked back into his room with his head held high, acting like a child throwing a tantrum.

“Ignore him. Once you calm Hudson down, he’ll surely calm down too,” said Lady Riley.

“Auntie, Liana Frost and Ashley Kaler aren’t at all what you think they are,” Liana Frost hurriedly explained. “In the United States, she helped me a great deal. I can’t be ungrateful.”

“Only you know the answer to that,” said Lady Riley, looking up at him. “I remember when you first came to our house, the son of the McMahons next door called you something rude. Hudson rushed over with scissors in hand, and it almost led to a big problem. That girl may seem simple-minded, but she’s very perceptive. She knows exactly who’s kind to her and who’s not. For your sake, she even dared to offend her childhood friends. How could that be less important than someone she met in America during a year-long stay?”

“Elsie Kaller is different.” Leana Frost’s tone was firm and decisive.

“What’s different?” Lady Riley’s voice rose in pitch. “Although I’m just a housewife, I can tell that everything went exactly as she had planned since she arrived today. We’re all being led around by her.”

Leana Frost remained silent for a moment, then said in a low voice, “……I know.”

“You know?” Lady Riley was surprised.

“But I promise, it won’t happen again.” Leana Frost’s eyes were filled with determination. “She and I are too much like each other. I know what she’s afraid of—just as I’m afraid of losing Hudson.”

Mrs. Riley looked into his determined eyes and finally relented. “Never mind. I won’t interfere in your affairs anymore. Go find Hudson. As long as you promise not to let her get hurt, I’ll be relieved.”

Leana Frost pushed the door open and stepped into Hudson Riley’s room. Immediately, a teddy bear pillow flew at her, hitting him right in the face.

“Still angry?” Leana Frost smiled and rubbed her face affectionately.

“What are you back for? Don’t you need to be with your nice sister, Ashley Kaler?” Hudson Riley turned his face away, his voice laced with a strong nasal tone and resentment.

“She’s not mine. You are.” Leana Frost ignored her resistance, pulled her into her arms, and kissed her.

Hudson Riley was so angry that he bit out of sheer frustration. His teeth left a gash on his upper lip, and the smell of blood instantly filled the air. Hudson Riley panicked and quickly covered his mouth with his hand, his eyes filled with distress. “Why didn’t you dodge?”

Leana Frost smiled, though the wound at the corner of her mouth caused her pain. Still, she said gently, “Now, are you calmer?”

Hudson Riley was both angry and heartbroken. His eyes reddened. “You’re such a scoundrel!”

“I’m only a scoundrel when it comes to you.” Leana Frost lowered her head and gently rubbed her hair. “Regarding Ashley Kall, I’ll tell you more about it later. Just remember that the person I love is you, and I’ll never leave you. She’s my sister—not by blood, but like a family member to me. That’s all.”

Hudson Riley hesitated, unable to speak. The unease in her heart wouldn’t go away. Subconsciously, she touched the amethyst bracelet on her wrist. The cold sensation made her feel even colder inside.

Leana Frost held her tightly in her arms, feeling the fragility of the person she held. Her fingers gently stroked her hair, but somehow, the look in Ashley Kaler’s eyes came to mind—those eyes filled with sorrow and unwillingness. It made him feel a pang of pity.

Early the next morning, the Yun family’s elders tried their best to be quiet, not wanting to disturb the two children. Lady Riley knitted a scarf, occasionally glancing toward Hudson Riley’s door. Mr. Riley sighed repeatedly while looking at the go board, hoping that Leana Frost would get up soon so he could play a game with her.

The doorbell rang suddenly, breaking the cozy atmosphere. Mrs. Riley thought it was the Little Mab from next door coming to pay New Year’s greetings. But as soon as she opened the door, her smile froze instantly. Her tone was sarcastic: “What brings Miss Ashley Kaler here? You sure have a lot of energy, don’t you?”

Elsie Kaller remained politely smiling, unaffected at all. “Mrs. Riley is just joking. I’m still young, so of course I have plenty of energy. I really envy you and Uncle for being in such good health.”

As soon as Mr. Riley saw her, he remembered the argument from the night before. He immediately glared at her and said, “You’re looking for Liana? She and Hudson are still asleep. The children were exhausted yesterday, so we won’t disturb them.”

Mrs. Riley gave Mr. Riley a mental thumbs-up—this old man has finally come around!

Upon hearing the words “The two children are completely exhausted,” a hint of unnaturalness crossed Ashley Kaler’s face, and her smile faded slightly.

Just then, Hudson Riley ran out in a pink-and-white pajama, with messy hair and sleepy eyes. She threw herself into Mrs. Riley’s arms and muttered, “Mom, Liana is so mean. She kept bullying me last night and wouldn’t let me sleep.”

Mrs. Riley immediately interjected, raising her voice on purpose: “Exactly! That’s completely unacceptable! But it also shows that he only has eyes for you. Do you see him bullying anyone else?”

The mask on Ashley Kall’s face split open completely. Just then, Leana Frost stepped out, wearing the same blue-and-white striped pajamas. The wound on her lip was particularly noticeable. He rubbed his eyes and, upon seeing Ashley Kall, froze for a moment. With an awkward tone, he said, “What are you doing here?”

Elsie Kaller managed to force a smile. “You didn’t come back last night. I was worried something might have happened to you, so I came to check on you.”

Hudson Riley took Leana Frost’s arm, giving Ashley Kaller a provocative look. “Anyone who tries to take her from me won’t have it that easy!”