---- I wanted to explain, but I shut up when I thought about how Jasper would always choose to side with Maeve every time I had a conflict with her. I just wanted the argument to be over with, so I said gently, "Sorry, my hand slipped." Jasper seemed even angrier when he heard my apology. "I hate you. What else can you do besides apologize? I know you did it on purpose. You're trying to get back at me and embarrass me because I didn't paint you for the competition!" My eyes reddened. How could Jasper think of me like this? As his mother, I would never think of getting back at him even if he did something wrong. Jasper's acceptance speech came to my mind again. He had said, "I painted the mother of my dreams. I hope that one day, she can really become my mom." Jasper did not want me as his mother anymore. Maeve tapped Jasper on the head. "How did I educate you? How could you be so mean to your own mother?" ---- She turned to look at me again. "Naomi, I'm sorry. I didn't educate Jasper properly. I apologize to you on his behalf." Maeve spoke as if she were the madam of the house and Jasper's mother while I was just a guest. In the past, I would have argued with her, but I did not want to do so anymore. She would probably become the true madam and Jasper's mother after I left. She continued to regard herself as Jasper's mother, squatting down to coax Jasper. "Don't be upset. I'll send someone to issue an order immediately. I'll buy you 100 cakes." Jasper cheered up and gave Maeve a peck. "Ms. Leighton, you're the best. You're 100 times better than my mom. She'll only apologize when she encounters a problem, but you'll always find a way to solve the problem." Ihad no idea why Jasper saw me this way. When he gained weight, I accompanied him to exercise. When he was falling behind in his studies, I got a teaching certificate to teach him myself. I also hired the best ---- doctor when he was sick. I was always like Superman, solving every problem he encountered. The butler, Alfred Daniels, was furious and seemed to want to defend me, but I raised my hand to stop him. After Maeve took Jasper out to play, he said indignantly, "Mrs. Cole, why didn't you refute? How could Mr. Jasper talk to you like that?" I smiled at Alfred. "It doesn't matter. He's still a child. Speaking of which, have you memorized today's party rundown? I'm going to have to trouble you for future parties." "Why?" Felix's voice suddenly rang out behind me.