CHAPTER 292: CHAPTER 292: MRS. CINDY IS STILL THE KINDEST TO ME!

Tanya Sinclair returned home with the milk.

Aunt Tawny had just come in from the balcony after collecting the clothes.

"Ma’am, why did you take so long?"

"Oh, I just went for a walk downstairs." Tanya put the milk in the kitchen and said to Aunt Tawny, "You should rest now, I’ll need your help to take Caden to school tomorrow morning, and I’ll pick him up in the evening. I have to go out during the day."

"Okay, ma’am." Aunt Tawny reached the doorway, then turned back with a cheerful smile at Tanya, "Ma’am, I think there’s something different about you."

Tanya touched her face, puzzled, "What’s different?"

Aunt Tawny chuckled, "Just a feeling, something’s different."

Tanya found it amusing and urged her, "Go to sleep."

After Aunt Tawny went back to her room to rest, Tanya walked to Caden’s room and saw a light seeping through under the door. She gently knocked.

"Caden, Mom’s coming in."

When she opened the door, she saw Caden quickly retract his hand from under the blanket.

"Mom." He seemed a little guilty.

Under the blanket was a phone he was using to video call his sister.

Tanya pretended not to notice and said gently, "Rest well, sweetheart. Aunt Tawny will take you to school tomorrow morning, and Mom will pick you up after school."

"Okay." Caden nodded obediently.

Tanya was about to close the door and leave when Caden called out to her.

"Mom... are you still mad at my sister?" Caden asked softly.

"..."

Thinking of her daughter Joy, a trace of bitterness flashed through Tanya’s eyes.

Tanya sat down by the bed, looking at Caden’s sensible and worried little face, she said gently, "I’m not mad at your sister, it’s just... I have my own life to live too. Since Joy really doesn’t want to accept me as her mom, I respect her, and I don’t want to keep hurting myself."

Watching her daughter grow close to someone she resents, Tanya felt a deep pain, so she chose to let it go.

She had already risked her life to give birth to these two children... The last attempt was in the Ferris wheel park.

Had there been any moment when Joy showed reluctance, Tanya’s heart would have softened.

But the reality hit her like a slap, brutally waking her up.

Caden sighed softly, understanding that Joy had truly hurt their mom.

"Mom, what Joy said to Abby today was really out of line. I’ll talk to her."

"Mmm." Tanya felt a wave of comfort seeing her sensible son, "Good night, sweetheart."

"Good night, mom."

As he watched Tanya leave and the door close, Caden took out the phone from under the blanket.

"Joy..."

Just as Caden wanted to say something, Joy sullenly interrupted him.

"Brother, I’m going to sleep."

"Joy, you need to apologize to Abby tomorrow. Okay?" Caden reminded her, but Joy ended the call without responding.

In her room, Joy tossed the phone aside and curled up under the blanket.

She felt aggrieved and upset inside.

She had heard everything Tanya said earlier...

The customized ringtone from outside the blanket sounded—it was Cindy Lynn calling.

Joy hesitated for a while before pulling back the blanket to find the small phone and answered.

"...Mrs. Cindy." Joy rubbed her eyes, looking at Cindy on the video, "Are you feeling better? Dad said you were sick and in the hospital. Dad also said you’re going abroad in a few days. Mrs. Cindy, when are you coming back? I miss you." Joy spoke with a muffled voice.

If Tanya didn’t want to be her mom, so be it. It didn’t matter to her, as Mrs. Cindy would love her.

In the hospital room, Cindy’s smile froze on her face after hearing Joy’s words.

Vincent was planning to send her abroad?!

For now, holding onto Joy was the key!

Caden, that little brat, was already siding with Tanya. Vincent only had Joy as his precious daughter! Even if Vincent didn’t allow it, as long as Joy couldn’t leave her side, over time, he would come around!

Cindy quickly changed the topic.

"Sweetheart, are you upset? Who bullied my little princess? Tell Mrs. Cindy." Cindy asked gently. She had watched Joy grow up and understood how all the little girl’s emotions were written on her face.

Joy had been feeling hurt and upset, and Cindy’s question prompted her to spill everything about how she had pushed Abby today, called her a beggar, and got punished by Tanya.

"Brother wants me to apologize to Abby tomorrow, and Dad says I was wrong too..."

"How can it be your fault?" Cindy exclaimed with a heart full of pity, "Obviously, it’s that Abby who went too far. Without you, how could she have met the talented Caden? Joy, I remember you used to protect her at school, right? She’s repaying kindness with betrayal! A child without parents is just like that, no manners, just pretending to be pitiful!"

Cindy feigned anger, "How could Abby compare to even a finger of our Joy? And Tanya hit you because of Abby! Poor thing, it’s all my fault for not being there with you tonight and letting my sweetheart suffer."

Joy’s tears, held back all night, finally flowed.

Mrs. Cindy was the only one on her side.

"Mrs. Cindy, you’re the best..."

"Of course, sweetheart, to me, you’re like my own daughter. No more crying, my heart breaks when you cry."

Cindy casually opened a message from Ms. Underwood in the parents’ group and saw an announcement.

"Joy, there’s a parent-child event at your school this weekend. How about Mrs. Cindy accompanies you? Let’s keep it a surprise from Dad for now, shall we?"

Joy: "Okay!"