I already knew the story behind this incident. A classmate had taunted Andy for being motherless and mocked his father for keeping a mistress.
These rumors were widespread in their circle.
I had foolishly felt pity for the children and defended them, only to offend the influential White family.
This time, I calmly told the caller.
"I'm sorry, but I've just married into the Green family. I don't have any authority yet. You should take this up with Martin."
Hearing my words, Andy stomped his feet in frustration.
But this matter was no longer my responsibility.
I picked up a finance book and immersed myself in it.
Reclaiming my parents' inheritance was my priority now. The Green family's dirty affairs could be Martin's problem.
4
That evening, the children were brought back by Emma.
She showered them with comfort, accusing the White family of being unreasonable.
From the tone of her voice, it was clear she had offended the White family deeply. Instead of apologizing, she'd lashed out at them, emboldened by Martin's backing.
When the three of them returned, they gave me sarcastic looks, but I pretended not to notice.
During dinner, Emma proudly boasted to Martin about how she'd handled the situation, but Martin only frowned slightly, not taking it too seriously.
Yet, I knew the White family held grudges. In the future, every little ailment or injury their son suffered would be blamed on this day's conflict.
In my previous life, I had been stuck between the White family's threats and Martin's complaints.
This time, Emma had taken on that burden herself, and I felt a weight lift off my shoulders, even eating an extra bowl of rice.
"You know, your wife is completely useless," Emma said as she twirled her immaculately manicured fingers through her hair. "Your son was insulted, and she did nothing to stand up for him. If I hadn't stepped in, who knows how badly he'd have been humiliated. He is your son, after all. You should be thanking me."
Martin smiled gently, reassuring her, "I'll come over tonight. Didn't you say you wanted that resource? I'll get it for you."
I stifled a laugh.
This was always how it went. Every time Martin came home, Emma found some excuse to whisk him away.
So I hadn't had a single intimate moment with Martin by the time I turned 30 in my last life.
This time, I should thank her for that.