Chapter 40: She Was Showing Off

“Wen Xuxu, are you fucking insane? Who the hell gave you permission to come here? Do you think this is your personal playground? Is this some kind of free-for-all for you?!”

Huo Sijue finally spoke—each word laced with venomous fury, as if he wanted nothing more than to drag her over and chop her into tiny pieces right then and there.

Stupid dad. Always yelling at Mommy again!

Mobo, watching from the side, scowled and was about to step in to defend his mom.

But no one saw it coming—just then, Gu Xia stepped in smoothly.

“Sijue, don’t be like that. Wen Miss is technically your doctor now. She wouldn’t have come unless there was a reason. Please don’t treat her like this.”

Then, with a bright, effortless smile, she walked straight toward Wen Xuxu in front of everyone.

“Miss Wen, is there something you need? Come on, let’s eat first. It’s lunchtime—you probably haven’t eaten yet. I’ll have the maid set another place. We can talk while we eat.”

She stood before Wen Xuxu, every movement graceful and poised—classic elegance radiating from her like a queen stepping onto a throne. Her casual orders to the staff were delivered with such quiet authority that even the air seemed to bow to her presence.

Wen Xuxu clenched her fingers tightly. A cold smirk curled at the corner of her lips.

“No thanks. I’ve already eaten. I came because I heard Lin say that today I took Yinyin to Huo Corp—and nearly lost him. So I just wanted to check on him. Make sure he’s okay.”

“Oh? That’s all? Well, then, no worries. Xiao Yinyin’s doing just fine. He’s always been a quiet kid—he doesn’t like talking much, and he tends to keep things inside. I’m guessing he was looking for his father and couldn’t find him, so he ran off downstairs. But it’s really not a big deal. Don’t worry, Miss Wen.”

Gu Xia offered another soft, reassuring smile—calm, composed, utterly disarming.

And just like that, Wen Xuxu couldn’t hold back anymore.

Her small, delicate face paled instantly, a flash of icy rage flickering across her features.

She could hide her feelings toward that bastard man in front of this woman—she’d mastered the art of silence, of control. But not her son. Not her flesh and blood.

If someone dared take her place as his mother… she’d lose her mind.

“Fine,” she said through gritted teeth. “Since he’s safe, I’ll be going.”

She turned sharply, ready to leave.

“Miss Wen, why are you being so formal? You’re already here—why not stay and eat with us? You’ve had your meal, but you can still enjoy some dishes. Don’t let my husband scare you—he’s just… like that.”

No one expected it.

The woman actually *refused* to let her go.

Before Wen Xuxu could protest, Gu Xia grabbed her arm—firm, unyielding—and pulled her toward the dining table with a warmth that felt more like a trap than hospitality.

Wen Xuxu: ……

What the hell does this bitch want?

She sat stiffly, her spine rigid, refusing to look up at the man across from her. One glance at that dog of a man, and she’d throw down her chopsticks and storm out—right in front of her son.

And that was the last thing she’d ever do.

“Mommy… did you come just to see me?”

“Huh? Oh… yes, I guess so?”

Wen Xuxu blinked, stunned. The little boy had somehow appeared beside her without her noticing—her voice cracked slightly, caught off guard.

Idiot mommy. After everything she’s been through, still acting so innocent.

Mobo slid into the seat next to her, waved casually at the maid. “I want to sit here. Bring my bowl.”

“What? You want to sit *there*?”

The words spilled out—shock rippled through the room.

Even Gu Xia froze. And across the table, Huo Sijue’s expression shifted—just slightly—from surprise to disbelief.

“Get back to your seat! Now!” His voice snapped like a whip. His handsome face darkened with anger. “You don’t sit there. Go back and eat properly!”

But Mobo wasn’t budging.

This was his mom. Everyone in this room was bullying her. And as her son, if he didn’t protect her, who would?

He copied Huo Yinyin’s signature icy stare, glancing coldly at the others.

“I’m not moving. Mommy came to see *me*. I’ll sit by her.”

Then, turning to Wen Xuxu, his little face lit up with a sweet, hopeful smile.

“Mommy… I want that dish. Can you help me get it?”

“Of course! Right away!”

Tears welled up in Wen Xuxu’s eyes. She grabbed her chopsticks, scooped a generous portion of the dish he pointed to, and placed it gently into his bowl.

“Thank you, Mommy.”

“You’re welcome. Eat up.”

Silence.

Absolute, frozen silence.

Because no one had ever seen the little master act like this—never seen him ask for help, never seen him beg for food. He was just like his father: a severe germaphobe. If someone touched his plate, he wouldn’t even *look* at it.

This was madness. Pure, uncontainable madness.

Gu Xia finally cracked.

Her fingers dug into her palm, knuckles white. Her eyes locked onto the mother and son—burning with hatred so intense it bordered on monstrous.

And Huo Sijue?

He was seething.

He never thought—*not in a million years*—that this damn woman could corrupt his son in just *one day*. What the hell was she planning? Was she trying to steal his son next?

Dream on.

That would never happen.