Chapter 13: Bonds That Divide
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Immediate Affection
Elena quickly became the heart of the household. The quadruplets adored her, clinging to her every word and following her around like ducklings. She made their meals fun, turned chores into games, and read stories that transported them to magical worlds.
Max, however, found himself increasingly sidelined. Whenever he attempted to engage with the children, they'd respond politely but would soon drift back to Elena.
One evening, as Max tried to help Ella with a puzzle, Evan called out, "Elena! Can you help us? You're so much better at this!"
Max stiffened, masking his irritation with a tight smile.
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The Breakfast Incident
At breakfast, the children were unusually animated. Elena had introduced a "build-your-own-pancake" activity, complete with toppings and whipped cream.
"Look, Max!" Ethan exclaimed, holding up a pancake shaped like a star.
"It's 'Dad,'" Max corrected automatically.
Ethan hesitated. "Okay... Dad. Do you want to make one?"
Before Max could answer, Elena swooped in to help Ella pour syrup. The children erupted in giggles as she playfully pretended to "steal" a bite from Evan's plate.
Max pushed his chair back abruptly. "I have work to do," he said, leaving the table.
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A Private Confrontation
Later that day, Max found Elena in the kitchen, helping Mrs. Collins bake cookies with the children.
"Ms. Harper," Max said curtly, gesturing for her to step aside.
Elena followed him into the hallway, her brow furrowed. "Is something wrong, Mr. Grant?"
"Yes," Max replied. "I feel like I've been replaced in my own home. The children are my responsibility, but they seem to think you're the one in charge."
Elena folded her arms. "With respect, Mr. Grant, they're not trying to replace you. They're simply seeking comfort in a time of confusion and loss. I'm here to help, not to overshadow you."
Max's jaw tightened. "It doesn't feel that way."
"Then maybe you should spend more time with them," Elena said softly. "Be present, Mr. Grant. That's all they really want."
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Emma's Breakthrough
That evening, Max decided to take Elena's advice. He found Emma sitting alone in the playroom, sketching in her notebook.
"May I join you?" he asked hesitantly.
Emma looked up, surprised, but nodded.
Max sat beside her, watching as she drew a picture of a treehouse. "That's very detailed," he said. "Did your dad help you build one like this?"
Emma's eyes filled with tears, but she nodded.
"I bet it was amazing," Max said gently. "Maybe we could build one together someday."
Emma glanced at him, her expression softening. "Maybe."
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Elena's Support
From the doorway, Elena watched the interaction with a small smile. Later, as Max passed her in the hallway, she stopped him.
"You did well with Emma tonight," she said.
Max frowned. "Why does it feel like I have to earn my own children's trust?"
"Because trust takes time," Elena replied. "You're not just their guardian, Max. You're their anchor now. Let them see that."
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Cliffhanger (End of Chapter)
That night, as Max reviewed more of his brother's belongings, he found a key hidden among the documents. It was small and nondescript, with a tag that read, For the safe.
Max's mind raced. What safe? And what secrets had Jonathan hidden?
The questions burned in his mind as he stared at the key, his skepticism toward Elena growing once again.
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