chapter307
After shouting, Maxine lay down to sleep.
She’d exhausted herself all day.
Winnie’s tantrum pushed her past her limit.
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But lying there, she wondered if she’d gone too far.
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Her own daughter worked for Blair Avery–should she really treat his child this way?
Even if the girl needed discipline, Maxine didn’t want to make things difficult for her daughter.
The confrontation left her wide awake.
Seeing Maxine asleep, Winnie fearfully lay down beside her.
Scooting closer, she whispered: “Grandma Maxine, are you mad at me?”
Just as Maxine pondered how to smooth things over, Winnie spoke first.
Seizing the chance, Maxine pulled her close, softening her tone: “I just couldn’t bear your crying, sweetheart. Let’s keep this between us, okay?”
Winnie burrowed into her embrace, hiccuping twice before nodding. “Okay.”
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Secretly, Maxine considered threatening to have Diane abandon her if Winnie refused–but the quick agreement surprised her.
The next morning, Diane returned just as Winnie woke.
Spotting her, Winnie scrambled barefoot from bed and flung herself at Diane, weeping: “Aunt Diane! You’re back!”
Diane crouched, cupping Winnie’s face. “What’s wrong? Are you upset?”
Winnie said nothing about last night, tilting her head up. “No school today. Stay with me?”
Diane hesitated. “But I have a meeting with my advisor.”
Winnie pouted. “Fine then.‘
Noticing her disappointment, Diane offered gently: “How about Grandma Maxine keeps you company?”
Remembering last night’s fury, Winnie recoiled. “No!”
Diane frowned. “Why not?”
“I’d rather stay with Grandpa,” Winnie deflected.
Diane didn’t press further. “Want me to take you?”
Winnie nodded silently.
After dropping her off, Diane headed straight to the kitchen where Maxine cooked breakfast.
“Mom.”
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As soon as she entered the kitchen, Diane Huffman called out.
Maxine turned around, smiling at Diane: “You’re back?”
When Diane approached, she frowned and asked: “What happened to Winnie?”
Maxine set down what she was holding. She wiped her hands with a towel before looking at Diane to reply: “She cried all last night. It made me so distraught I couldn’t help it–I shouted at her, and fiercely too.”
Hearing this, Diane’s furrowed brow finally relaxed. She said gently to Maxine: “Next time she cries, don’t shout. Just hit her directly. I’ve been sick of her for ages, just never found the chance to teach her a lesson. Mom, consider it doing your daughter a favor.”
Underhanded Tactics
Maxine saw Diane’s grave expression and braced for scolding, never expecting this topic.
Hearing it, Maxine chuckled softly, whispering to Diane: “Actually, I’ve secretly pinched her too.”
Diane laughed, nudging Maxine gently: “Mom always has the best ideas.”
Patting Diane’s hand, Maxine sighed: “But it’s hard on you–smiling at those you despise.”
Grinning, Diane countered: “A few smiles for status and power? Fair trade.”
Maxine nodded: “Can’t argue with that logic.”
Both dropped pretenses, talking freely.
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Suddenly, a shadow fell across the kitchen doorway.
Diane was about to suggest more pinching for Winnie when Blair’s voice cut in: “What’s the secret chatter?”
Leaning against the doorframe, Blair crossed his arms with lazy amusement, faint smile in his eyes.
Diane’s face flushed guiltily at his voice, but she steadied herself: “Perfect timing, Blair! Mom and I were discussing Winnie’s weekend event–deciding who should chaperone.”
The school scheduled an autumn outing despite early winter’s chill.
Since it was preschool arrangement, Blair didn’t question it.
After a pause, he offered: “Go if you’re free this weekend. Otherwise, her mother can.
Diane responded after brief silence: “I’ll go, Blair.”
“Only if you’re not tired,” he cautioned.
Approaching him, Diane insisted: “I’ll go. Winnie will be happier that way.”
Relenting, Blair conceded: “True enough.”
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