Tailsa said she wouldn't let Timmy play.
However, as Timmy ran over to call her "Godmother," Tailsa couldn't help but laugh as she welcomed the girl with open arms.
The little one was dressed in a delicate, airy traditional gown, her hair styled into two playful buns adorned with floral accessories, her fluffy bangs curling down to her eyebrows.
As she ran, her pink skirt fluttered, reminiscent of a dancing butterfly.
Her innocent eyes sparkled as she exclaimed, "Godmother, is the puppy at home?"
This title had been suggested by James while they were in the car, and Amanda hadn't objectedâif anything, she seemed to support it.
All of Tailsa's jealousy vanished the moment the little girl held her hand.
No one could resist such a charming little girl.
She shot James a sideways glance but ultimately accepted the title.
"Yes, she's at home! She's a little timid and hiding in her snug corner."
Tailsa led Timmy by the hand, pointing at a newly built doghouse in the yard.
Timmy followed the direction Tailsa pointed, spotting a small wooden structure.
Inside, a snowy white puppy huddled timidly, peeking out and sniffing at the air, as if contemplating playing but too afraid to venture out.
Timmy excitedly tugged on Tailsa's hand, rushing over to crouch beside the fluffy little pup.
She wanted to reach out and pet it but hesitated, fearful of being bitten.
"What's its name?" she asked eagerly.
"The name hasn't been decided yet. What would you like to call it?"
Timmy pondered for a moment as the little puppy, still hesitant, timidly ventured out, sniffing Timmy's hand.
Gathering her courage, Timmy gently patted the puppy's head and declared, "Let's call it Little White!"
Tailsa had also considered naming it Little White but remembered James had said that was too ordinary.
He had preferred something with a bit more flair, a name that sounded imposing.
"Your dad wouldn't like that name," Tailsa replied playfully.
Timmy blinked, thinking it over. "Um... how about Big White?"
Tailsa smiled, "I think that works! Big White sounds commanding and fierce."
At that moment, the puppy sensed Timmy's kindness and rolled over to reveal its belly, inviting pets.
"Look, Godmother! Big White can roll over! How cute!" Timmy squealed excitedly.
"All dogs can roll over," Tailsa replied, amused.
"How old is it?"
"About two months old, I believe."
"Is it still drinking milk?"
"It can drink milk or eat dog food. I've asked the caretaker to feed it goat's milk mixed with dog food."
"Will it bite Timmy?"
"No, this little one is a pet dog, a Samoyed. They rarely bite."
"Oh! What about its mom?"
"She's at the pet store; she's huge!"
"......"
Tailsa was a friendly, cheerful person who loved to have fun and joke around; apart from a hint of jealousy now and then, she had no real faults.
Timmy, on the other hand, was that lively little girl who never feared new experiences, directly calling Tailsa "Godmother" with an enthusiasm that warmed her heart.
The pair, one big and one small, crouched side by side, chattering animatedly, quickly bonding.
James watched the scene from the doorway, feeling delighted. He turned to Amanda and said, "Timmy is so cute; who wouldn't love her?"
Amanda smiled softly, unconcerned that Timmy had easily won over Tailsa; she was just a bit surprised by Tailsa's quick acceptance of the title.
"That's not always true; only pure-hearted girls like Tailsa could embrace Timmy like that."
Hearing Amanda praise Tailsa, James couldn't help but tease, "Sis, you really know how to flatter someone. Tailsa gets jealous of a little girl; you're calling her pure-hearted?"
Amanda shot him a playful glare. "Tailsa is a good girl; I can see that."
James sighed dramatically, "You're the wise one, always ready to be generous."
Amanda chuckled, not bothering to argue.
She genuinely believed Tailsa was a good person.
Having encountered numerous overly indulgent girls at the barâthose who flaunted their skin, draped over older men, and lived recklesslyâthis was a refreshing perspective.
While they smashed bottles of wine, puffed smoke, and seemed indifferent to the world, Tailsa had bright, clear eyes, which spoke to her fundamental beliefs.
She wouldn't sacrifice her principles for money.
Girls like Tailsa, whose intentions were genuine, expressed their feelings openlyâif they liked someone, they would show it; if they didn't, they would say so.
Amanda found herself quite fond of Tailsa's approachable nature.
Watching the little puppy chase after Timmy all around the garden while Tailsa stood back saving her energy, coaxing Big White to return, made James smile warmly.
They appeared to be having a fantastic time together, so he felt at ease as he took Amanda's hand and led her inside the villa to relax.
Wu Ma greeted them with a smile, asking, "Boss, what would you like for lunch? I can run to the supermarket for groceries now."
"Anything, really," James replied without a second thought.
Wu Ma's smile faltered. After all, "anything" could be a world-class challenge.
Glancing at Timmy outside, she cautiously asked Amanda, "Amanda, can Timmy eat fish now? Bass has no bones and is high in protein."
"Sure, that's fine. Thanks, Wu Jie," Amanda replied graciously.
"Oh, it's no trouble. I've watched Timmy grow up. I can't believe how beautiful she's become in just a few years!" Wu Ma beamed, her laughter exuding warmth.
She was the kind of gentle, middle-aged woman whose voice was soft and kind, never prying into others' private lives.
After chatting with Amanda about Timmy's daily life, she didn't mention anything about Amanda's own affairs.
After inviting James to sit, she served him freshly cut melon and fruit before cheerfully taking her basket outside to shop.
James appreciated her forthright nature and approachable demeanor.
He settled on the sofa and asked Amanda if she wanted an increase in her pay.
Amanda replied, "Once people start earning money, they often lose motivation to work. Right now, things are good; if we wait a little longer before a raise, she might feel happier about it."
James considered her reasoning and didn't press the matter further.
They both sat quietly on the sofa watching a movie, while outside Timmy and Tailsa laughed and played around, their giggles filling the air.
In that moment, James embraced the ephemeral tranquility amidst the joyful noise.
A wealthy lifestyle often felt effortlessly comfortable and serene.
Without worries or haste, it was as if there was nothing to concern them, no burdens to bear.
Everything was taken care of; all they needed to do was enjoy.
James leaned back against Amanda's lap, closing his eyes as she gently began to massage his temples.
Her thoughtful caresses left him reluctant to switch positions.
The longer he relaxed, the more the other side of his body felt neglected.
Yet it seemed unreasonable to turn and miss her tender touch.
He gazed at her, feeling greedy, his eyes wandering over her form.
Amanda was dressed in a V-neck white button-up shirt paired with a sleek black A-line skirt.
She radiated a powerful presence, exuding the characteristics of a leading lady.
At the same time, her soft, gentle expression created a delightful contrast.
"Hey, sis, you're so good to me. I feel like I can't live without you," he mused.
Amanda's fox-like eyes twinkled with amusement, her lips curling into a subtle smile that stirred something inside him.
"You smooth talker, save those lines for the younger girls."
"Don't you believe me?" James feigned indignation.
"I believe you, everything you say," Amanda teased back softly.
"Ugh, what would it take for you to truly believe me?" James sighed, rolling his eyes.
Seeing that he still wanted to play it out, a mischievous sparkle appeared in Amanda's eyes.
"Well, when Tailsa gets here, if you can repeat what you just said, then I'll believe you."
James's heart raced at her challenge.