The child appeared to be about the same height as Chris, with half-closed eyes, a listless expression, and his face covered in large patches of red eczema, making it difficult to see his original features but eliciting pity nonetheless.
Alessia's heart tightened involuntarily, and she couldn't care less about avoiding suspicion. She continued forward to offer assistance.
Unexpectedly, Dominic sidestepped her.
His cold gaze locked onto the flustered shopkeeper, his voice devoid of any warmth as he calmly asked, "Did you add seafood to your food?"
"No, I didn't!" The shopkeeper, about forty years old, was on the verge of tears. After denying it at first, he suddenly seemed to remember something.
As if grasping at a last straw, he admitted in rapid succession.
"Yes, yes, when I was marinating the chicken tenders, I added seafood sauce to them. Why? Can seafood sauce also cause food poisoning? That's impossible!"
"It's not poisoning, it's a food allergy," Alessia said calmly from the side.
So the child wasn't suffering from food poisoning but an allergy instead, which was pitiful for someone so young.
Dominic glanced deeply at Alessia, seemingly surprised by her quick response. But it was only a glance, and he quickly withdrew his gaze coldly.
Without denying it, Dominic said coldly, "That's right, my son is allergic to seafood. It has nothing to do with the food. Please step aside!"
After speaking, Dominic, with a strong aura, carried the child through the crowd. His tall and steady figure quickly disappeared.
No one expected it to be a false alarm in the end. The crowd dispersed, leaving behind some gossiping bystanders.
Alessia stood there, staring at Dominic's back as he held the child and walked off.
For some reason, she felt a lump in her chest.
The man who used to prefer staying in hotels and didn't want to go home had now learned to take care of his family.
Indeed, there's no question of good or bad, only love or lack thereof!
He cared so much for that child; he must also love the child's mother dearly.
Judging by the child's age, he was about the same age as Chris and Eleanor.
Alessia's gaze became complicated as she thought of the anonymous text message she received before the divorce. She had reached a conclusion in her heart.
This child, judging by the timing, must be the child of Dominic and that woman.
"Mom, are you fine?" Christian and Eleanor walked over, seeing Alessia hadn't spoken, Christian asked and held Alessia's hand protectively.
Alessia looked at her two lively and obedient children on either side of her and breathed a sigh of relief.
Even without a father, she would give them even more love!
"Let's go, let's go home!"
Alessia stopped dwelling on it, and the frustration in her heart dissipated. She kissed each of her children on the cheek.
In the evening, after dinner, she sat on the sofa.
Her phone vibrated with a buzz, and Alessia received another anonymous email.
[Miss La Rosa, are you anxious to meet again? The game is on again. See you tomorrow at the X fishing zone. Wait for my message.]
After sending this email, the phone remained silent.
Staring at the screen, Alessia rubbed her head.
"Mom, are you feeling unwell? Let me massage you," a pair of small hands reached up and began to massage her temples.
Alessia concealed her exhaustion, smiled, and pulled Eleanor into her arms.
"I'm not feeling unwell."
"Really?" Eleanor asked earnestly.
"Of course." Alessia booped her nose.
Eleanor flashed a bright smile, revealing her small, white teeth, and from her embrace, she pulled out an invitation and handed it to Alessia.
Looking down, Alessia saw a beautifully designed, pale pink letter with shiny golden letters, "Toronto-ChicCouture Award-- Fashion Design Competition Invitation".
ChicCouture was the largest fashion design company in Toronto, sponsoring the event. It had been held for eight consecutive years, and its awards were highly regarded in the industry.
Before returning to the country, the person in charge of this competition had invited her to be a guest presenter through various means.
At that time, she had agreed since she was planning to return to the country anyway and had the invitation sent to Forest Hill.
She remembered that the awards ceremony was tomorrow, but she had to go to the X fishing area tomorrow.
Alessia shifted her gaze to the fair, tender face of Eleanor, gently brushing aside her soft, fragmented hair, and began to speak in a consultative tone, "Eleanor, tomorrow I..."
"Mom, we're not going to this event tomorrow, of course," Eleanor interrupted before Alessia could finish her sentence.
Pouting, Eleanor continued, "Mom, I don't want to go out tomorrow. I want to stay at home and play with Chris!"
Alessia stared at her daughter's flawless little face, tenderly rubbing her small head.
How could this little one not want to participate in this event?
When she established the fashion studio, it was because Eleanor loved fashion design.
Eleanor must have sensed her dilemma and, to avoid making her sad, cleverly spoke up in advance, saying she didn't want to go.
This thoughtful little one was truly heartwarming!
"Mom, I really don't want to go, don't keep frowning, it doesn't look good. Come on, give me a smile!" Eleanor, nestled in her arms, placed her chubby little hand on her cheek, mimicking a smile.
"Ha-" Alessia couldn't help but laugh, amused by her antics.
This obedient little one was hard not to love.
"That's right, you look the best when you smile!" Eleanor said with a beaming smile, being her usual sweet self.
Alessia rested her head against Eleanor's forehead, feeling warm inside.
She decided to let it off this time and make it up to Eleanor another time.
After spending some time together, the mother and daughter separated, and Alessia returned to the study.
At this moment, a small head popped up from behind the sofa, and Christian accurately snatched the other invitation hidden in Eleanor's pocket.