Once she had departed, the mall manager gave a slight nod to Lindsey and stole a nce at Domenic.


    Beads of sweat formed on his forehead, and he hastily left.


    Lindsey sensed that the manager might have intervened on her behalf, but she wondered why he would do so.


    Fortunately, the matter found its resolution.


    Otherwise, Shelia clutching onto the incident of ine biting her would’ve been quite a problem.


    “ine, it’s all right.


    ” Lindsey crouched before ine, lightly tapping her nose, and said, “But always remember, you can’t just go around biting people.


    That’s not the way to do things.


    ”


    ine sniffled, her grievance clear.


    “She said I’m ill-bred.


    I won’t let anyone say that about Mommy’s nurturing!”


    After a brief pause, Lindsey grasped the situation.


    “ine, did you think she was speaking ill of your mommy?”


    ine nodded firmly.


    “Yes, my mommy’s been hurt a lot.


    I won’t let anyone speak ill of her.


    I have to protect her!”


    It turned out that ine’s actions weren’t driven by fear or defiance but by her unique way of protecting her mother.


    A twinge of sadness tugged at Lindsey’s heart.


    ine had disyed more strength than she had anticipated, yet at just so young, she was the one who should be receiving care and protection.


    She cradled ine in her arms, stroking her soft hair.


    “You know, ine? Your mommy used to be quite awesome.


    She was a very influential star, and many people admired her.


    That’s why they supported her, and the people who hurt her would be held ountable by the police.


    Those past events wouldn’t recur.


    ”


    “My mommy used to be quite awesome?” ine blinked in disbelief and said, “Is it true? Is she more awesome than that ugly woman?”


    Lindseyughed.


    “Of course! Furthermore, what your mommy seeks right now isn’t safeguarding but assistance because she aims to regain her former strength.


    ”


    “If she bes awesome again, she won’t get hurt anymore?” ine tilted her head, seeking assurance.


    “Certainly.


    ” Lindsey patiently replied, “However, if your mommy wants to change, she can’t be with you all the time.


    Do you get it?”


    ine nodded, seeming to grasp the concept.


    “I want her to be just as awesome as she used to be and not be pushed around anymore.N?velDrama.Org owns this.


    So, it’s alright if she can’t always be with me.


    I’ll be there to support her!”


    Lindsey embraced ine tightly, a satisfied smile on her face.


    Domenic observed Lindsey consoling ine with tenderness.


    There seemed to be stars in his clear eyes, shining brightly and warmly.


    And his heart melted.


    After dinner, Lindsey called Sh and learned that her meeting wasn’t finished yet.


    Sh requested Lindsey to look after ine for a bit longer.


    Lindsey agreed wholeheartedly.


    She remembered how ine, like Sh, used to be confined to her home, rarely having the chance to go out and y.


    She was eager to explore the world.


    Lindsey’s heart softened.


    She crouched down and asked, “ine, if there’s anything else you’d Like to do or something you enjoy, just tell me.


    I’ll do my best to make it happen for you.


    ”


    “Okay… ine tilted her head, deep in thought.


    Suddenly, her eyes lit up.


    “I love stars and fireworks! Can you two take me to see them?”


    Lindsey hadn’t anticipated her saying that, and she felt self-conscious.


    “Even though I also enjoy stars and fireworks, I…”