Chapter 299

Harper's sudden outburst made Christina's heart ache even more, but she forced a smile at Thora to avoid upsetting her daughter.

"I'm really sorry, Ms. White. I didn't see this coming today. Hope we didn't bother you too much."

Thora felt a surge of satisfaction at Christina's apology, but she didn't show it. Instead, she waved her hand dismissively.

"Ms. Windsor, this isn't your fault. I must've done something wrong to make Harper act out like this."

"I think my being here is just making things harder for your family. Maybe I should leave. Harper might adjust to you better if I'm not around."

With that, Thora turned to leave.

Seeing Thora about to go, Harper panicked and rushed forward, clinging to Thora's legs.

"Mom, don't go! You can't leave me!"

"It's all Ms. Windsor's fault! If it weren't for her, you wouldn't be leaving me!"

"If you have to go, take me with you. I don't want to stay here at all!"

Harper's cries were heart-wrenching, as if Thora would disappear from her world any second.

Thora's lips curled into a smug smile as she turned her back to the others. She had no intention of leaving. This was all an act for Christina and William.

She wanted them to see their beloved daughter clinging to someone they didn't respect.

If she left, how could she continue to watch Christina's breakdown and enjoy the drama that would unfold?

Turning back, Thora saw Harper nearly fainting from crying. She gently held Harper in her arms, then looked apologetically at William and Christina.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Cavendish, Ms. Windsor. Harper's reaction is normal. You should take her away. She'll probably calm down after I leave."

"No, I don't want that!"

Harper quickly broke free from Thora's embrace and pushed against Christina's legs.

"You're the bad woman trying to take me away from my mom and steal my dad!"

"Go away! I never want to see you again!"

Christina's heart broke at her daughter's rejection. She wiped away her tears and forced a smile at Thora, though it looked more like a grimace.

"Harper needs you the most right now, Ms. White. Please stay. We need to take things slowly and not upset Harper any further."

Thora felt triumphant but stepped forward and gently held Harper.

"Harper, Mom's not leaving. Please stop crying, okay?"

"If you keep crying, Mom might really leave."

Harper immediately stopped crying but continued to sob quietly.

"I won't cry. Harper won't cry. Just don't leave me, Mom."

Harper's sobs shattered Christina's heart. She couldn't approach Harper, as any step closer made Harper cling to Thora even more, her eyes filled with distrust.

This was the hardest part, but Christina had to endure it.

"Okay, Harper. Mom won't leave you."

Thora smiled warmly, her face full of affection. Harper stopped crying at Thora's words, making Christina feel even worse.

She looked at William, who understood her unspoken plea. Despite their separation, their long-standing connection allowed him to grasp her meaning.

Harper wasn't entirely rejecting him, so he might be the key to breaking through.

William stepped forward, crouching to Harper's eye level.

"Harper, how about Dad joins you for breakfast?"

Harper's tear-streaked face lit up, and she nodded seriously, a smile breaking through.

"Okay, but Dad has to sit with Mom."

William nodded, not sparing Thora a glance. He let Harper lead him to the table, sitting beside her.

Harper looked at them and shook her head.

"No, I want Dad and Mom to sit together!"

She looked at William, her face full of hurt.

"Dad, if you don't sit with Mom, I'll think you don't like her and want to be with Ms. Windsor."

William sighed. Normally, he wouldn't indulge such behavior, but Harper was his daughter, and the doctor had warned against upsetting her.

Reluctantly, he switched seats to sit next to Thora.

Seeing her parents together, Harper finally smiled.

She then noticed Christina standing awkwardly and hesitated.

"Even though you're mean, you apologized to me and Mom. If you want to join us, you can sit down."

Despite Harper's amnesia, her politeness touched Christina. She forced a smile.

"Okay, let's eat together."

With Christina seated, the morning's drama finally wound down.

Harper happily served food to William and Thora, occasionally remembering Christina.

Christina's heart ached, but she hid her feelings, not wanting to upset Harper.

After breakfast, William had to leave for work. Christina, with fewer obligations, planned to check on her studio but saw Harper clinging to Thora, begging for attention.