Albert inspected the baby closely, nodding.
âSheâs a beauty.
She takes after Marcus.
â
Melissa nodded in agreement.
Matthew took after her, while Kiana resembled Marcus more.
Albert handed out two carefully wrapped gifts, one for the baby, one for her brave mama.
Melissa took them without a soft âThank you.
â
She asked gently, âHowâs everything with you?â
Albert knew what she was getting at and grinned, âSame old.
I moved back home.
At my age, I need someone to carry my legacy.
Doesnât matter if Iâm the real dad or not, as long as that kidâs healthy.
â
His words left Melissa stunned.
But she couldnât probe further.
Unexpectedly, he continued, âHer momâs hardly around.
The poor girl cries every night.
But her mom just gets annoyed and leaves her with the nanny.
â
âMr.
Waston.
â
Melissa didnât quite know what to say to comfort him.
Albert shrugged with a hint of a smile.
âItâs probably better that her mom stays away.
The poor kid gets scared every time she shows up.
â
After what felt like ages, Marcus returned with a steaming cup of coffee.
Albert took a couple of sips, and then set it down.
He gave Marcus a pat on the shoulder, saying, âTake care of Melissa and cherish what youâve got.
Building a family isnât a walk in the park.
â
Marcus nodded, replying, âLet me give you a lift home.
â
Albert waved him off.
âNah, my driverâs waiting downstairs.
I squeezed in a visit, but duty calls.
I must
head back to Heron tonight.
My daughter needs me.
â
His words weighed heavily on Melissa.
Still, Marcus insisted on walking Albert out.
As they waited for the elevator, Albert chuckled.
âSince when did you become so attentive?
Itâs a bit odd!â
Raising an eyebrow, Marcus retorted, âI guess I didnât leave a good impression.
I just thought Iâd mention, that Jessie is back.
She might pop by the hospital to see Melissa.
If you stick around, you might catch her.
â
Jessie was back?
Albert was floored.
He had never seen that coming.
He hadnât heard a peep from her in over six months.
Truth is, he couldâve checked up on her if he wanted to, but he didnât bother.
Theyâd cut ties and heâd been blacklisted ages ago.
Even if she shared her life highlights online, he couldnât sneak a peek.