Nevertheless, Raphael took him to the garage, and together, they patched the walls and the leaking ceiling.

Even with his face covered with dirt, Brantley smiled heartily as he worked.

At some point, Elissa brought them some water and snacks. "Actually, I think he is a very good and sweet boy," Raphael remarked, referring to Brantley.

But Elissa didn't say anything in response.

Raphael held her in his arms and continued in a low voice, "I know you didn't have the heart to see him end up in an orphanage. But you didn't want them to see you as a softie either. That's why you asked him to choose between you and the money. Elissa, why do you have to torture yourself like this? We can see very clearly that he likes you a lot."

Elissa was usually a very easy-going and understanding woman. But when it came to this matter, she seemed to be quite stubborn.

She continued to be indifferent to Brantley.

But still, she looked after him very well. From his meals to his clothes and even the stationery he needed for school, she prepared everything for him without complaints.

When they went out to have dinner, Elissa wrapped up the leftovers.

Raphael thought she was just being frugal, but just as he was about to tell her they could afford food and she didn't have to eat leftovers, Elissa took the food and added some shrimps to it before carrying it downstairs to feed the stray cats.

Brantley went with her. It was late at night and the street light was dim in the lanes, so he turned on the flashlight so she could see better.

From where he stood, he could see a few stray cats scrambling for the leftovers.

Elissa turned to look at him and said in a cold tone, "You think I'll be fond of you just because you follow me around? Don't be ridiculous. To me, you are no different from these stray cats. I'm just having pity on you, understand?"

Brantley stood still and said nothing.

Frankly, Elissa's words made him feel very sad.

But still, when Elissa was going back inside, he followed her quietly and held her arm so she would not be tripped over by something.

“Stop it. I am not your sister," Elissa rebuked him.

Brantley was stunned to hear this. But after thinking for a while, he asked her, "Can I call you mom then? I want you to be my mom. Raphael is already like a father to me."

Elissa was shocked and just couldn't say anything for a long time.

Eventually, she said through gritted teeth, "My Dad was a well-known scholar before he became a businessman. Your mother was also a talented woman. How could they have given birth to someone so stupid Like you?!"

With that, she quickened her steps and walked away from him.

Worried that Elissa might run away, Brantley quickly caught up with her.

By the time they got back inside, Raphael had set up a room for Brantley.

Everything in the room was brand new.