Seeing the change in everyone's attitude, Naomi glared at me, her face pale. "They're outsiders, but you're Bennett's aunt. That's different, isn't it?"
I quickly waved my hand. "Bennett's grandmother hasn't said anything yet. What does an aunt like me count for?"
Everyone turned to look at Madeline.
Madeline opened her mouth but said nothing.
Naomi was already extremely impatient. "Fine, fine, Mom, you take care of Bennett. I have an appointment for prenatal care and need to leave soon."
She then asked Johnson to take her to the beauty salon.
Under the watchful eyes of the neighbors, Madeline, anxious to the point of losing her voice, said, "That's not possible. This little rascal hits people. At my age, what if he hits me and something happens? Zoey should take him away."
I was both amused and exasperated. "If you're afraid of being hit, so am I. Why don't you ask the kind neighbors if anyone isn't afraid and let them help?"
Madeline looked around, and the neighbors quickly ran away.
I quickly grabbed my bag and went out.
I didn't know if it was an illusion, but as I left, I saw Bennett out of the corner of my eye. It seemed like he was smiling at me.