Stephanie walked over, took the bowl from Ashley's hand and placed it in front of Emily, "You're seven now! You can eat on your own. You can't have mom feed you anymore, okay?"
Emily smiled at her and took up the spoon.
With a weary sigh, Ashley confessed, "Emily could indeed feed herself... I merely anticipated a chaos on the table that would take precious time to clear. That's the reason I opted to feed her."
"But that's far from fair. Emily's big now... Imagine if her peers see her being spoon-fed. They would laugh at her! Emily, it's crucial for you to master the art of tidy eating, alright?"
Emily responded with a nod and a smile, conscientiously consuming her meal.
Surrendering with another sigh, Ashley admitted, "Fine then, she'll dine solo from hereon. Steph, why did you drop by at this time?"
"It's Friday today, so I planned to head home... I just thought I'd stop by. Rest easy! My mom has been informed, and so has Silver Fox."
"That's quite unexpected. At least let me know next time, so that I could prepare a meal for you!"
"Nah... Given the gastronomical adventures Emily has endured with your culinary skills, I think I'll pass. No need to extend the agony to me. I can whip up something far more palatable!"
"Steph, you're starting to despise me!"
"Hahahaha... Not at all. I’m just telling it like it is, right, Emily?"
Emily nodded in agreement, "Yes! Steph's cooking is the best!"
"Emily, how about coming home with me? My mom's cooking is even better!"
"Okay!" Emily immediately nodded in agreement.
"No! He even helped me..."
"That's good... As long as he didn't cause you any trouble because of me. If he offers help, you can accept it. You can also go to him if you need help..."
Ashley took a deep breath, "He owes me a lot...and Emily too. I don't want his compensation anymore...but he can compensate you! So Steph, if you ever need his help, don't hesitate to ask."
Stephanie replied, "I don't think that will ever happen. And I won't give him your address. I won't let him disturb you."
"He probably won't dare to come... At most, he might just take a distant look at us. After all, he knows Emily exists... Let it go. I don't blame him anymore."
But she also didn’t love him anymore.
"Heh... You really do know him."
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