Chapter 4 Howard has children?

In front of everyone, Katherine grabbed the boy's hand and led him back to the room. A servant, clearly unhappy, tried to stop her but backed off when she shot him a fierce look.

Once the door was closed, Katherine gently patted the boy's head and said softly, "Don't worry. I'm here, and I'll protect you."

The boy didn't say anything, but Katherine didn't mind. She kept her gentle smile and asked, "What's your name? Who are your parents?"

The boy seemed to react a bit to that. He slowly lifted his head, looked at Katherine, and then glanced around the room.

Finally, his eyes landed on Howard lying on the bed.

"Dad... Dad..." His voice was soft, his words unclear, and his throat sounded hoarse from not speaking for a long time. But Katherine could still make out what he said and her eyes widened in shock.

She asked again, "What did you call him?"

"Dad... Dad..." the boy repeated. This time she heard it clearly.

Katherine took a deep breath to steady herself. No one had told her Howard had a kid. No wonder the boy was so young, yet sick and bullied by the servants.

His dad was in a coma, and his mom was nowhere to be found. With no one to protect him, he was an easy target.

Katherine felt even more sympathy for the little boy.

The boy looked at his unconscious father with longing eyes and didn't say anything else.

The room was too quiet, so Katherine grabbed a piece of fruit from the table. She picked up a small piece of apple and brought it to the boy's mouth, hoping to distract him.

Before the boy could take a bite, the door was violently kicked open. A bunch of old maids stood there, yelling, "Mrs. Martinez said to teach this bitch a lesson."

Katherine saw the boy shrink in fear and her brows furrowed.

One of them added, "Bring her out. What are you waiting for?"

Katherine shot a sharp look at the speaker and said coldly, "I'll come out myself."

Hearing this, the person snorted, "Smart move."

If it weren't for the fact that there was a child and a comatose person in the room, she wouldn't have gone with them so easily.

She softly said to the boy, "Be good. I'll be back soon. Stay in the room."

Katherine was about to leave when she felt a tug on her clothes. Looking down, she saw the boy's small hand.

Katherine bent down and tried to explain, "I'll be right back. Nothing will happen."

The Mrs. Martinez they mentioned was probably Elijah's mother, Howard's stepmother, Laura Stone. Even if Laura hated Katherine and Howard, she had to keep up appearances. Even if she didn't, Katherine's skills would ensure she wouldn't suffer.

Katherine tried to gently pry the boy's hand off, but he held on tightly, afraid she would leave him. The people at the door, getting impatient, shouted, "Hurry up. Mrs. Martinez is waiting downstairs."

With no other choice, Katherine held the boy's small hand tightly and took him downstairs with her.

In the hall, Katherine saw Laura. She looked elegant and dignified in her attire, but her sharp and mean expression made her instantly unlikable.

Laura looked her up and down with a critical eye but smiled, "The Wilson family sent someone like this?"

One moment she was all smiles, the next, her attitude changed, her words sharp and harsh, "Just a seductive woman."

The maid beside her, remembering Katherine's earlier glare, chimed in, "Yes, you should teach her a lesson."

Laura asked with interest, "What kind of lesson should we give her?"

Hearing that Katherine was to be bullied, the boy quickly took a few steps forward, standing in front of her. Though he didn't speak, his actions were clear, showing he wanted to protect Katherine.

Katherine was moved by him.

Laura sarcastically remarked, "Even a bastard knows how to protect someone? Then let's teach you a lesson too."

Katherine frowned. She didn't expect this vile woman to even target a child.

Before she could speak, Laura arrogantly shouted, "Show them the family rules!"

Katherine smirked mockingly, "So Mrs. Martinez has such little tolerance, can't even stand a child."

Laura remained indifferent, looking unconcerned. Katherine continued, "If outsiders knew, who knows what they'd say behind your back."

In high society, reputation was everything. She didn't believe Laura wouldn't care at all.

Sure enough, Laura's face darkened with anger, and she raised her hand to slap Katherine.

"Stop!" An elderly but strong voice called out. Katherine looked towards the voice and saw a kind yet stern old lady walking over with a cane.

"Mrs. Gloria Martinez." Laura withdrew her hand and respectfully greeted.

Katherine was surprised to see such a figure in this household. She coldly watched Laura fawn over Gloria Harrison.

But Gloria, standing in front of Katherine, bent slightly and smiled kindly, waving to the boy, "Barry, come to me."

It was then that Katherine learned the boy's name was Barry Martinez.

Barry looked at Gloria, then at Katherine, and finally shook his head, standing in front of Katherine, as if Gloria would bully Katherine.

Seeing this, Laura instigated, "Mrs. Martinez, he is an ungrateful kid."

Hearing this, Gloria straightened up, her face stern.

Everyone thought Katherine was in trouble, including herself. But Gloria said, "Barry being close to his mother, how is that ungrateful?"

Everyone was stunned.

Katherine raised an eyebrow, thinking Gloria was interesting and sensible.

"I think it's you who has ill intentions." After saying this to Laura, Gloria took Katherine's hand and smiled kindly, "Your name is Katherine, right?"

Katherine was bewildered by this sudden kindness and nodded blankly.

"I see Barry likes you very much. I also find you very pleasing. From now on, stay at the Martinez Mansion with peace of mind."