Chapter 333

Lapter 333 Soon, there was another knock on the door. Madeline saw her brothers looking serious and wondered what was up. She opencil the door to find her grandparents standing there she was overjoyed. Grandpa, Grandma! You got here so fast. I bet it was Gavvy who insisted you come early. You shouldn’t have listened to him; it must’ve been exhausting to rush here. Did you take the train or a flight? You must be tired–come in and sit down Madeline took the pile of things from their hands.

Helena beamed with joy. “Maddie, I brought you a fresh chicken, caught this morning at dawn. Your grandpa even went to the pond early to catch a big fish for soup.

This bag here has veggies from home–all fresh. And there are some wild onions you like, borrowed them from your aunt next door since I didn’t have time to pick them myself. This package is filled with dried spring mushrooms your grandpa gathered–

they’ll keep for a long time.”

Frank, quieter than Helena, asked Madeline, “Is the child here? Why didn’t you tell us sooner? Women need good nutrition after having a baby. Your grandma had health issues because she didn’t back then.

Helena sighed, “Yes, you should’ve told us about this.” She couldn’t help feeling sad. She thought, Madeline had a child and we didn’t even know until now when the child is already two years old Madeline said, “Grandma, it’s a misunderstanding. The child just came here recently, and I’m not married. It’s not what think-”

you “What? Had a baby without getting married?” Helena’s voice jumped. She walked into the living room where two spots had been cleared on the couch Eugene was holding the baby, “Mrs. Lewis, Mr. Lewis.”

Helena glanced at the baby in Eugene’s arms, feeling a bit breathless. She looked around at the circle of men–there were nine of them. It was almost too much for her to take in.

Madeline tried several times to speak, but Frank kept stopping her. He knew Madeline was sensible and wouldn’t keep something this big from them unless something was wrong. He thought, ‘She must be upset Being here, he was determined to support Madeline. Even in his old age, he was ready to stand up for her. “Maddie, you don’t need to speak. I want to hear what the father has to say.”

Helena looked around, clearly figuring the dad must be there. “Whose child is it? Own up.

Silence filled the room.

Frank grew more agitated. “What kind of men are you if you won’t take responsibility? Madeline is a bright star with a great future, now stuck with a child and no marriage.”

He was heartbroken. He thought, just look at this! A big crowd in the house, yet Madeline has to answer the door and is wearing so little–it’s like they don’t treat her right. I used to think highly of Maddie’s brothers for visiting and being polite, but apparently I was wrong!‘

Caleb pressed his lips together and said, “The child’s father hasn’t been determined.

“What does that mean?” Frank was baffled. “You mean you don’t know who the dad is?” He thought, ‘Unbelievable!

Helena licked her dry lips, unsure what to say.

“I’m the father. Gavin stepped up. “Mr. Lewis, Mrs. Lewis, I called you”

“No, it’s me,” Eugene said while holding Grace. “Maddie and I are only missing a certificate. If you convince her, we could hit the courthouse tomorrow. I’ll offer 20 million dollars right now as a promise. Eugene flaunted his wealth effortlessly.

Helena was shocked. She thought, ’20 million dollars? This doesn’t sound like typical irresponsible behavior. Why are they all eager to claim the child? And the father still hasn’t determined?

Finally catching on, she looked worriedly at Madeline. “Maddie, just how many guys are you seeing?”

Chapter las by couldn’t help but chuckle. “Mrs. Lewis, any of us could be the father.”

Helena was stunned. She wondered, “What kind of girl has nine men claiming to be the father? Her face turned bright red h disbelief. Aren’t you her brothers? How could you...”

She thought Madeline must have been coerced and she wouldn’t agree to this willingly.

Madeline saw things spiraling out of control and quickly interjected, ‘Grandpa, Grandma, it’s really a misunderstanding. The child just came here a few days ago. She’s not mine; her parents passed away, and she’s only two months old. I just couldn’t bear it...

“Oh. I see. Helena let out a sigh of relief, her heart finally calming down, though slightly disappointed. “Maddie, when will you get married and have a baby of your own?”

“It’s the same thing. You adopted me and loved me like your own, Madeline said, holding Helena’s arm. “Blood isn’t what matters most–we all know that. Helena nodded, understanding completely.

She gazed at the nine men around her–some familiar faces and some strangers. “Maddie, are you going to adopt this child? Be her mom? What about her dad?”

Madeline said, “We can temporarily put her under my name. I’ll tell her about her origins. I can be her sister or a godmother- it doesn’t really have to be about having a dad.”

Gavin chimed in, “Mrs. Lewis, you should convince Maddie to let me help. Raising a child alone is tough for someone so young, right? With me helping, it’s perfect.

“Well” Helena wavered, finding Gavin quite agreeable. The notion of having both a Grandson–in–law and a baby was rather appealing to her old heart, eager for family harmony and peace.

Eugene, holding the baby, frowned and spoke up, “Mrs. Lewis, look how the child is drawn to me. It’s obvious I’m more suitable as the father–and I can support Maddie and the baby. I’m good-

Gavin cut in bluntly. “Who says? Just talking doesn’t prove anything. Mr. Lewis, Mrs. Lewis, guys who rely on smooth talk are often the ones you should be wary of.”

Eugene chuckled, “I meant literally–I’m healthy. If I marry Maddie, we could easily have a couple of kids in three years.”

Hearing this, Helena was rather pleased–it sounded promising to have both a boy and a girl so soon.