âStop your crying. Come in and wash your face.â
Earl approached Melody and carried her in his arms.
Even though Melody scolded him and said that he was naughty, she still wanted her daddy to hug her.
She hugged his neck as she continued to cry.
Earl carried her and headed into the washroom. He kicked the door closed.
The three boys who were left outside looked at each other.
Haroldâs lips quivered and said in a choked voice, âWhy do I feel that Daddy has become more terrifying than before?â
âSomething is off about him.â George frowned. âAlthough Daddy has always been strict, he would never look at us that way. Itâs as ifâ¦â
â¦heâs looking at a bunch of clowns.â
Alden sneered, âPerhaps these are his true colors.â
âHe deceived Mommy, Melody, and I with gentleness and patience. When we finally accepted the winters family, he revealed his true colors.
Iâm just glad that heâs still willing to coax Melodyâ¦
âOtherwise, her autism would act up againâ¦â
At that moment, they heard Melodyâs cries from the washroom.
Aldenâs expression darkened as he ran in that direction and kicked the door open.
He then saw Melody standing there, drenched from head to toe. Her pink dress was soaked too.
âWhat did you do to my sister?!â
Alden came in and shielded Melody.
George and Harold hurriedly joined in and glared at the man in front of them furiously.
Earl put one hand in his pocket and shrugged, feeling unbothered . âI accidentally wet her dress when I was trying to wash her face. Why are you guys panicking?â
Aldenâs gaze was filled with anger. He took in a deep breath and suppressed his rage. He tugged on the towel next to him and wiped Melodyâs wet hair.
He did it gently. He was afraid that Melody would cry again.
âMel, itâs okay. Iâll buy you ice cream later.â Harold comforted her, not knowing what to do.
George looked at Earl and asked softly, âDaddy, you used to bathe Mel, and youâve never made such a mistake before.â
Earlâs heart skipped a beat when he heard what George said.
âThis brat is too smartâ¦
âHas he figured it out already...?
âDuke is dead and thereâs nothing that I should worry about.
âBut these children are making things difficult for me. They are truly being bothersome.â
Earl stroked his chin and said indifferently, âI was so occupied with work that I didnât even get enough sleep. My hands were shaky.â
He knelt and said, trying to make his voice sound as gentle as possible, âMel, Iâm sorry. Can you forgive me?â
Melody blinked. Her gaze became radiant after crying. She suddenly smiled and said sweetly, âIâve already forgiven you, Daddy.â