<b>Chapter </b><b>12 </b>


    Sam and Melissa didn’t look pleased. The fact that their great–grandchildren didn’t take the Edwards name was embarrassing.


    “Reba, are you still upset about your sister? I can promise you. Theodore will never get involved with J again. If they dare to keep on anything, I swear they’ll face the consequences<b>!</b>” Melissa looked at Reba, her promise firm.


    “Reba, you shouldn’t change the kids‘ surname without discussing with us. People will think we are a joke if they find out,” Sam added, frowning.


    Debra listened to their sarcasticments and couldn’t help butugh. She mocked, “A joke? Who would dare tough at <b>us</b>? Let theme to me, and I’ll shut their mouths!”


    “Reba,” Theodore’s voice was frosty, “I don’t give a damn what you decide before the birth, but once that kids are out, it’s taking myst name. Period.” His tone left no room for argument.


    “I’ll find someone to change their birth licenses. And since they’ll have my surname, I’ll take care of all their expenses. You don’t need to worry about it.” Theodore then firmly decided.


    <b>Sam </b>and Melissa breathed a sigh of relief. Their grandchildren should carry their surnames. If they bore someone else’s name, it would be a stain on the family’s honor.


    Since Theodore was willing to step in, Sam and Melissa were reassured. After all, the Edwards family had a vast business empire. As long as Theodore wanted to change, it would be easy to alter the children’s surnames.


    “Reba, don’t worry. <b>We </b>will treat you well in the future.” Melissaforted Reba, believing the matter was settled.


    Reba had initially thought Sam and Melissa were kind to her, but over the past few days, she realized they were actually siding with Theodore. After all, an outsider would never be more important than their own grandson.N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    “Don’t even think about it! All of the paper work are done. It can’t be changed!” Reba snapped, her voice cold. Debra looked at the group mockingly. The Edwards family was one of the top elite families in Maeloria. Without the Carters, Becky might not have stood a chance against this shameless bunch. But now, with the Carter family backing Becky, how could these people still think they could push her around? That was a pipe dream.


    “What?” Melissa eximed in disbelief. “You’ve alreadypleted the children’s official birth registration?”


    “Alright, enough’s enough.” Debra waved her hand dismissively. “Reba needs some rest. She just gave birth, for crying out loud. Let’s not bother her with this nonsense.” She started to usher them toward the door.


    15 78 Th?, 18 Jul an


    Suddenly, the sound of a cane hitting the floor echoed through the room!


    Everyone was startled, and the room fell silent Instantly. They all turned toward the source of the sound – Sam.


    and


    Sam, who had always been calm, now looked sternly at Reba. He said in a cold voice, “Reba, you Theodore can fight over your personal issues all you want, but you have no say when ites to children.


    “Tomorrow, you both go to change the children’s surname on the license. End of discussion. Stop being unreasonable!” Sammanded firmly.


    With that, Sam turned and walked away, clearly done with the argument.


    Melissa’s face was also grim. She watched her husband leave and then looked at Reba.


    Her health had never been good, and now she felt a pain in her chest. It wasn’t good…


    With trembling hands, she popped a pill and swallowed it. Melissa then gave Debra a cold nce and walked over to Reba. She reached out, gently holding Reba’s hand, like a worried elder trying to console a younger one.


    “Reba, can we talk for a moment, just you and me<b>?</b>” Melissa lowered her raspy voice, pleading.


    Theodore gave Reba a long, deep look before finally turning to leave.


    Reba, alone and vulnerable, was easy to manipte. Just like when he forced her to sign the divorce license, he had ways to make herply. This little act of defiance was just a scene.


    Melissa didn’t leave. Instead, she nced meaningfully at Debra, clearly wanting her to leave so she could speak to


    Reba alone.


    Reba pressed her lips together and didn’t say a word no matter what Melissa said.


    Over the past few days, she hade to realize that only her mother truly cared about her. None of the Edwards


    could be trusted.


    Melissa waited for a long time, but Reba didn’t budge. The expectant–look <b>in </b>her eyes gradually faded into disappointment, ending with a weary sigh.


    “Reba, you’re still so young. There are many things you don’t understand yet. When you grow older and wiser, you’ll understand what I’m trying to tell you.


    “What does it matter if he’s with other women? Men like him, well, they don’t usually settle down young. We’ve all been there. In a few years, you’ll see things differently. You’ll realize love isn’t everything. As long as you’re the one by Theodore’s side, in the end, when he gets older and settles down, everything will be yours.


    “And don’t forget,” Melissa added, “the Edwards family fortune and properties will all be yours too.


    <b>2/3 </b>


    * 15:38 Thu, 18 Jul


    “You’re on your own now. Your foster parents are partial to your sister, and you won’t get a penny from the


    Mitchells. As women, we have to look out for ourselves. Don’t throw away what you’ve already got.”


    With that, Melissa turned to leave. But before she did, she gave Debra a long, hard look. She didn’t like Debra. It


    felt like her obedient and sensible Reba had been influenced poorly by this woman.


    The Edwards had all left, leaving only Reba, Debra, and the babies in the room.


    Debra let out a snort. “Who cares about the Edwards family’s scraps?” she scoffed, unwrapping a piece of candy and popping it into Reba’s mouth.


    Reba opened her mouth and carefully ate the candy her mother offered.


    “Becky, don’t listen to that old woman’s nonsense. When ites to the background, the Carters family is just as good as the Edwards family. One day, all the Carter family’s wealth will be yours. Let the Edwards keep their scraps and feed them to the dogs!” Debra said disdainfully.


    She continued, clearly angry, “And about her saying that rich guys love to fool around. Heh! That’s just a load of crap from someone who doesn’t know how to raise a decent son. The Carters are nothing like that. She just lives at misera