A few seconds later, Robert said, "We will let things run their course!"

"If you won't back Layla up, I will," Ivy said. "We can't all turn our backs on her. What if she runs away from home?"

An idea appeared in Robert’s mind, and he said, "How about this? If they really do get into a fight, you will back Layla up, and I will be on Dad's side to get him to calm down."

"Sure!" Ivy said. "What would Hayden think of this?"

"Probably the same as Dad," Robert said flatly. "They resemble each other more and more as the years go by, both in their ways of presenting themselves and their values... I respect the two of them more than anyone, though."

"Maybe you will be like them in the future."

"No, I won't. I'm more like Mom in terms of personality." Robert knew himself well and said, "I might look more like Dad, but, deep inside, I'm like Mom. I'm not all that ambitious and only want our family to stay together happily ever after."

"That's good! I love Mom." A gentle smile appeared on I