Chapter 200: Chapter 200



The little girl grinned and offered her hand formally. “My name is Aurora Watson.”

Adrian gazed at the small hand; it belonged to his daughter. He sat upright, vowing to eternally cherish that fleeting contact. “Mr. Miller?”

“Very well.” Adrian briefly clasped her hand before releasing it. “Your surname is Watson?”

Neither Miller nor Romero, but Watson, adopting Joelle’s surname. Aurora nodded enthusiastically. “Daddy said that Mommy went through a lot to have me, so I should take her last name!”

Adrian grudgingly admitted Rafael outshone him in this arena; at least Rafael held Joelle in higher regard. A bitter irony washed over him. He couldn’t decide if this revelation was a blessing or a curse.

Aurora bounded off the sofa and dashed back to her room.

Gina, tucking Ryland in, called out, “Aurora, where are you going?”

Aurora emerged, dragging a transparent case brimming with toys. “I want Mr. Miller to play with me!”

Gina eyed the toy-filled case—a sea of Barbie dolls. Would Adrian truly play with those?

After a while, she peeked out to find the usually formidable CEO meticulously applying makeup to Aurora’s dolls with comical seriousness.

“Why does your makeup look so bad? My daddy does it much better!” Aurora complained.

How could his hands compete with those of a doctor? Adrian mused. Yet, to see Aurora beam, he soldiered on with determination.

“Then can you teach me?” he asked.

As the unlikely duo became engrossed in their playtime, Gina quietly retreated to keep watch over Ryland.

Meanwhile, Joelle was mourning Irene. She gazed at the monochrome photo, lost in a labyrinth of memories. Regardless of the dynamics within the Miller family, Irene had consistently been genuine in her interactions with her. It was unfortunate that she hadn’t had the chance to see Irene one final time.

She turned to leave, fighting back the tears that threatened to fall. Suddenly, Amara’s sharp voice cut through the air behind her. “So it really is you, Joelle Watson. What are you doing here? We don’t welcome you!”

Over the past three years, Joelle had delved into a few psychology tomes. Amara, having lost her spouse and subsequently becoming profoundly sensitive and distrustful, was a quintessential example of manic-depressive disorder. Thus, Joelle chose not to take Amara’s words and demeanor to heart, understanding that Amara merely sought to release pent-up emotions without truly considering the impact on others.

In the past, Amara had been Joelle’s mother-in-law, and Joelle had made a concerted effort to win her favor, yearning for her validation. However, those days were now behind them, and such efforts were no longer required.

Joelle responded calmly, “Irene was always good to me. I couldn’t miss her funeral, no matter the circumstances.”

Amara scoffed derisively, “I believe you’re just having a hard time out there and want to return to latch on to my family.” She circled Joelle like a shark smelling blood, scrutinizing her. “I heard you even had a child? Why didn’t you bring the child over? But even if you did, it wouldn’t make a difference because Adrian and I don’t need you or the child anymore. We’ve got everything we ever wanted. Everything!”

Her voice captured the attention of those nearby. Joelle maintained her composure. She had previously taken the stage in front of tens of thousands, after all. If she were intimidated by these mere spectators, she would be far too timid and undeserving.

She smiled and said, “Congratulations, Amara. Though I must admit, I do feel a bit sorry for Adrian.”

“Sorry for what? He’s the one who should feel sorry for you!”

“Obviously, sorry that he has a mother like you.”

“What did you just say?” Amara’s hand flew up, poised to slap Joelle. But Joelle caught her wrist mid-air with lightning reflexes. “Isn’t it true? Irene’s body is barely cold, and you’re already reveling in inheriting all her assets. Remember, great joy can lead to sorrow. Be cautious; your current happiness might turn into future misfortune!”

“Are you trying to curse me?” Amara found it incredulous. “Who do you think you are? How dare you curse me!”

“She’s my daughter-in-law. Who do you think she is, anyway?”

A new voice came from another direction. All heads swiveled to see Rafael and his mother, Belle Romero. Amara lowered her hand, folding her arms. “Belle, since when did Joelle become your daughter-in-law?” Belle paused by Joelle’s side, instilling a feeling of security. Joelle had shared her childhood with Rafael. This marked the first occasion she stood by Belle’s side as her daughter-in-law.

“Amara, are you really that out of touch? Joelle and Rafael got married overseas a long time ago. Now they’re raising two kids, a son and a daughter. Double the happiness.”

Amara scoffed, “So what? She’s still taking care of my son’s child, isn’t she?”

“Who told you the child is your son’s?”

Amara’s eyes darted to Joelle. “Isn’t there a daughter who belongs to Adrian?”

In contrast to Amara, Belle exuded an air of elegance and poise. “The girl is registered under the Romero family. She has no connection to Adrian.”

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