As I entered the room, I saw Erik sitting on the couch, wearing a frown upon his face. Lamia sat by his side, exuding a domineering aura as she cast provocative glances in my direction.
Ashton threw himself into Erik's arms, shouting "Dad."
Erik forced a smile, comforted Ashton in her arms, then turned his head and asked me in a low voice, "Claire, what did you say to my mom?"
I sneered in response, not directly answering him.
I pulled out a chair and took a seat, saying, "For three whole hours, from eight to eleven, you showed no concern for Ashton being lost and found. Instead, you chose to blame me?"
Seeing my stern attitude, Erik said with a sullen face, "Claire, let's focus on the facts. Have you been disrespectful toward my mom?"
I sneered. "Focus on the facts? Fine. Then tell me, was it your mom who lost Ashton first and then flirted with older men?"
Erik's face changed instantly. Before he could speak, I pulled Ashton out of his arms, took him to the room, changed him into pajamas, and put him to bed.
I could hear Lamia yelling from the living room. I closed the door, picked up a storybook on the bedside table, and started reading.