After leaving the kindergarten and getting into the car, Alexander couldn't hold back any longer. He leaned over to Ethan, planted a firm kiss on his face, and said, "Dad, you're so mighty. You were really handsome just now. From now on, you're my idol..."
Ethan enjoyed the flattery. Pretending to be angry, he glared at Alexander. "If this happens again in the future, remember to fight back. If something happens, I'll have your back."
Moved to tears, Alexander couldn't contain himself and kissed Ethan's face again. "Dad, you're so good to me. I love you so much."
Ethan looked at him with a tender gaze, as if his eyes could drip water. He took out a first aid kit from the storage compartment, gently tending to Alexander's face. His heart ached seeing the blood at the corners of his mouth.
"Did you refuse to go to kindergarten before because of this?" Ethan asked, realizing his son might have been bullied.
No wonder Alexander had been diagnosed with a tendency towards depression. As an irresponsible father, he hadn't noticed his son being bullied at school. Fortunately, it was discovered early, or he couldn't imagine the consequences.
Alexander shook his head. "It's in the past; it doesn't matter."
Ethan felt heartache for his mature and sensible son. "I'll have Jade find you a better kindergarten!"
Alexander nodded vigorously. Ethan fell silent, sitting quietly beside him. An invisible barrier seemed to surround him, enclosing him in his own world.
Alexander felt that his father was somewhat different today. Unable to contain his concern, he asked, "Dad, what's wrong? Are you in a bad mood?"
Ethan patted his head, shook his head, and gazed thoughtfully out the window. In a blink of an eye, five years had passed since Jessica's death. Her memorial day was approaching... And he had completely forgotten about it. Since when did he start forgetting...?
Grandpa Miller completed a series of examinations and was admitted to the hospital the same day. Ethan arranged a quiet VIP ward for him.
Sitting upright on the hospital bed, Grandpa Miller looked at the busy Samantha with a face full of affection, feeling content.
"Sammie, is your relationship with President Miller really just that of a customer?"
Samantha took out items one by one from the shopping bag— a toothbrush, a cup, a towel— and casually replied, "Yeah, just a customer relationship."
Grandpa Miller spoke meaningfully, "But I can see that he treats you differently!" Ethan was notorious for his ruthless methods in the business world and was strict with his subordinates. If Samantha was just a simple chef, why did he treat her so well? He didn't treat Suzy the same way.
Samantha chuckled, teasing, "That's because I've captured his stomach! Of course, he lets me have my way!"
Hearing her words, Grandpa Miller's eyes suddenly reddened. As she placed the cup on the bedside table, he tightly grasped her hand, choked up, "Sammie, you must have endured a lot these past few years!" To make a pampered young lady cook so well, the hardships could be imagined.
Sitting by the bed, Samantha gently shook her head, smiling, "I haven't suffered! Watching the children grow up day by day, calling me mommy, I feel very satisfied."
Talking about the children, Grandpa Miller seized the opportunity, "Bring the kid to see me tomorrow! My granddaughter's child must be as clever and bright as you."
Samantha nodded, "Yes! Tomorrow is Saturday; I'll bring them to see you."
Grandpa Miller immediately caught the loophole in her words, "Them? More than one?"
Samantha nodded, not wanting anyone to know about Alexander's background, and replied, "I gave birth to twins back then. The girl is named Charlotte, and the boy is named Alexander.”
Hearing that there were two children, Grandpa Miller was so excited that his whole body trembled. "Two, it's actually two... I want to see them. Bring them to see me tomorrow morning..."
Samantha reluctantly agreed, "Okay!"
Grandpa Miller, in a contented mood, patted Samantha's small hand.
After a while, remembering something, he returned to the topic, "You should keep your distance from President Miller in the future. He is now engaged to Suzy, and the mother and daughter have sinister hearts. If they see you getting close to President Miller, I'm afraid they will harm you."
He had finally reunited with his granddaughter. He didn't want his granddaughter to encounter any more troubles.
Samantha perfunctorily answered, "I understand!"
Grandpa Miller sighed deeply, regretful, "Alas, I actually think Ethan is a good kid. He has power and influence, respects me, and treats me better than your biological father. Unfortunately, he got involved with Suzy. If you could be with him, with his protection, I could die in peace even if I die."
Samantha felt uncomfortable in her heart, hugging Grandpa Miller tightly, "Grandpa, you won't die. I won't let you die! I haven't properly shown my filial piety to you!"
Grandpa Miller was infected by her emotions, tears wetting his eyes.
...
Samantha couldn't stay at the hospital for long. After setting up two caregivers for Grandpa Miller and telling them to take good care of him, she bounced.
Her first pitstop? Chelsea Creek.
Guess what? Ethan wasn't home.
So, she whips out her phone and tries giving him a ring. Phone rings once, bam, disconnected. She's not one to give up, so she tries again.
Same result.
Next try?
"Other party's phone is powered off."
Ouch.
It's crystal clear now--Ethan's avoiding her calls like the plague.
Frustration level through the roof, Samantha shifts gears to Whatsapp and shoots him a message: [Tried calling about dinner plans. Since you're MIA, I'm whipping up a feast. If it's not your jam, just say so.]
Message sent, she rolls up her sleeves and heads into the kitchen. In a flash, she's got a full spread - meat, veggies, the whole shebang.
After ditching the apron, she tells the housekeeper, "Mr. Steele and the young master's dinner is served. If it gets cold, tell the kitchen squad to heat it up. I'm off to the kindergarten to grab the kids; I'm out."
The housekeeper, digging Samantha's hustle, smiles and gives the nod.
But wait, a lightbulb moment hits Samantha. Nick's words pop into her head. She sidles over to the housekeeper and drops a low-key question, "You know Jessica?"
The housekeeper's face goes from 0 to 100 real quick. He signals to keep it down, "That name's like Voldemort here. Don't mention it, or the master's gonna blow his top."
Curiosity piqued, Samantha goes in, "Is she... you know, gone?"
The housekeeper nods, adding a friendly warning, "Her death anniversary's coming up. Master's mood's off the charts during these days. Don't poke the bear, alright?"
And there you have it. Mystery solved.
***