Chapter 136 Take A Photo
After learning from her previous experience, Eileen returned home before eight o’clock. She also went to the hospital to have her stitches removed. The wound was healing, but there was still a noticeable scar. It had scabbed over, and as long as she didn’t exert too much force, it wouldn’t reopen.
In the study of the Smith residence, an intangible pressure lingered. Jasper sat at his desk, waiting for the video conference to end. Only then did he lift his gaze to the person standing before him, dressed in a school uniform that was worn incorrectly. “You haven’t been home these past few days. What have you been doing outside?”
“What else can I do? Don’t you already know?” Elm replied, hands tucked in his pockets, fiddling with the lighter inside, tilting his head.
Jasper leaned back leisurely. “You’re right. I do keep tabs on your every move. I have people watching you, not because you pose any threat to me, but to ensure you don’t cause trouble for me out there. Do you think just because you bear the surname Smith, you can act recklessly? Today, at the office, I received a lawsuit from the legal department accusing you of bullying and fighting on campus…”
Jasper took out the documents from the table and threw them directly in front of Elm. “I’ve been busy with work lately and haven’t been able to keep an eye on you. I thought you’d behave yourself, but instead, you’ve surprised me, huh?”
Elm picked up the file from the ground with a somewhat ingratiating smile. “It’s just a joke among cla*smates, Jasper. There’s no need to take their words to heart.”
Suddenly, at that moment, there was a knock on the study door. A beautiful woman in her thirties or forties walked in, carrying two cups of milk and some snacks. “Seeing you still busy with work, I made some snacks for you. I don’t know if they suit your taste.”
Ruth was only forty that year, but her well-maintained skin made her look no more than in her early thirties. Her eyes were soft and tender, exuding the unique charm of a woman from Jacaster. Her narrow, captivating fox-like eyes were a trait inherited by Elm from Ruth.
The arrival of Ruth subtly shifted the initially eerie atmosphere. Jasper never made any attempt to hide his deep-seated hatred for that woman. “Who let you in? Get out!”
Ruth wasn’t angry at all, her voice soft as she said, “Did Elm make another mistake? Elm, aren’t you going to kneel down and apologize to your brother?”
Elm’s brows furrowed instantly, and he lowered his gaze in silence. He just quietly observed Ruth, seeing in his mother’s soft eyes what seemed to be a desperate plea.
Elm licked his back teeth, letting out a cold, sarcastic laugh. He bent one knee and knelt
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Chapter 136 Take A Photo
down in front of Jasper.
Ruth turned around, “Jasper, look, even Elm has knelt down. He knows he’s made a mistake. Considering his young age and lack of understanding, won’t you forgive him this time?”
Jasper said, “No wonder you’re mother and son, accustomed to kneeling and unable to stand. If you’re so keen on kneeling, get out and kneel until this matter is resolved, then you may stand up.”
Ruth stepped forward to support Elm. “Elm, listen to your elder brother.”
Throughout, Elm didn’t utter a word. He stood up and walked out.
After the study door was closed again, Ruth stared at her son with heartache. “I’m sorry. It’s
fault that you’ve been aggrieved,” she said, caressing Elm’s face.
my
From the moment Ruth entered, Elm remained silent throughout, not uttering a single word.
“Don’t worry, go home! I’ll figure something out,” said Elm.
Ruth replied, “Mr. Smith isn’t here today, so I’ll stay here with you.”
“What can you accomplish here?”
Ruth covered her mouth and nose, turned her head to the side, coughing.
Elm asked with concern, “Have you taken your medicine?”
Ruth had asthma, a lingering consequence of an incident years ago. Despite the pa*sage time, it had never been fully cured. However, as long as she remained cautious, it would rarely act up.
of
“Don’t worry, I did. What on earth have you done this time? Didn’t I tell you to control your temper and not to cause any more trouble for Mr. Smith? He’s already having a hard time at the Smith residence.” Ruth looked at him, her words stern, but she couldn’t bring herself to blame him even a little.
Elm nodded understandingly. “I know. You should go back to sleep.”
After coaxing her to leave, Elm knelt on the ground at the entrance of the study until half past eleven at night.
The person in the study didn’t take a single step outside.
Suddenly, Elm’s phone, tucked away in his pocket, began to ring. Upon seeing the caller, Elm ignored the call without a second glance.
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Chapter 136 Take A Photo
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Eileen had just stepped out of the bathroom, drying her hair with a towel. A wisp of steam lingered around her. For Elm, that was the beginning of his nightlife, so she decided to make a surprise ch*ck to see what he was up to.
The call had barely gone through when it was abruptly ended.
Eileen furrowed her brows. Why did he hang up so quickly? Was he feeling guilty or up to something?
She quickly dialed the same number again.
Again, Elm didn’t answer.
When making the fourth call, it took Elm a long time to answer.
Eileen’s voice was deep as she began to speak. “Why are you only answering now? Elm, what on earth are you doing?”
Elm chuckled and said, “Why do you sound like a girlfriend checking up on her boyfriend? What’s the matter? Afraid I may cheat?”
“Have you been fooling around outside again? I knew it. You have no patience for studying at all. Have you done the test paper I asked you to bring home today? If this is really the case, even if I waste all my time on you, I can’t save you.”
“You’re so fierce. Who would dare to marry you in the future? Let’s talk later. I’m hanging up!”
After ending the phone call, Eileen felt a tightness in her chest. However, as she calmed down, she noticed the absence of any background noise during the call. It was unusually quiet. He must have been afraid that I was checking up on him, which is why he took so long to answer. He probably found a quiet place to take the call.
Frustrated, Eileen threw her phone onto the bed. Just when his grades were finally improving, he starts slacking off again. He is truly hopeless.
Soon, the phone on the bed vibrated twice. It was a message from Elm.
Elm: I have finished the test paper. The last math problem was quite similar to a major question from last year’s university entrance exam. I used two methods to solve it. Should I take a shower first and then take a picture to show you, Ms. Swan? Or would you like to see something else? I don’t mind sacrificing my dignity.
Eileen looked at the text, shaking her head helplessly. She felt no emotional response and chose to ignore the last two sentences. She replied: Remember to memorize five Uprian words before going to bed every day. We’ll have a quiz tomorrow.
Elm chuckled lightly as he typed: Okay.
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Before long, the door to the study opened, and Jasper stepped out.
Jasper’s eyes were cold as he said, “If you want to continue living in the Smith residence with your mother, keep your distance from her”
Elm replied, “I’m afraid I may disappoint you, Jasper. She’s clinging to me so tightly that I
can’t shake her off.”
Jasper towered over Elm, looking down at him. “Apart from resorting to tricks like your lowly mother, what else can you do?”
Elm tilted his head up, fearlessly meeting his brother’s gaze. At least the goal has been achieved. However, she is unwilling to get any closer to you
Jasper suddenly lifted his foot, stepping on Elm’s shoulder, and leaned down slightly. “You think you can compete with me, you worthless piece of junk?”
