Rose knew that Trevor had always been especially indulgent toward Ariel.
He acted like a genuinely responsible father—sending gifts every year, checking in regularly, and never missing important milestones.
Aside from being overseas, he had never failed in any of his responsibilities.
She showed him the message on her phone.
Ariel could already read well enough to understand exactly what Trevor meant.
The little girl immediately puffed up her cheeks and said seriously, "Mom, I can read. You don’t have to relay messages to me."
She even had WhatsApp of her own.
Whenever she encountered a word she didn’t know how to type, she simply sent a voice message instead.
The little girl was beginning to develop a strong sense of pride.
Her tiny face looked especially serious.
Rose couldn’t help laughing.
She cupped Ariel’s soft cheeks and kissed her forehead.
"Alright, alright."
Then she smiled. "Go get changed. Mommy will drive you there."
Ariel immediately ran to her wardrobe to choose an outfit.
Looking at the closet packed with children’s clothes, Rose couldn’t help whistling in admiration.
Dr. Nathan Hale and his wife were practically raising Ariel like a princess.
It seemed as though they wanted to buy out every children’s store in the city.
Whenever the elderly couple had free time, they wandered through malls looking for things to spoil her with.
"This dress is adorable."
"That hat is so cute."
"This hair clip is perfect."
"That stuffed animal is so soft."
The entire closet looked like a princess’s wardrobe.
Mrs. Hale, who hadn’t traveled much recently and was currently staying in New York, happened to walk into the room.
Still holding a spatula, she called out, "Come back early—the food tastes best when it’s hot."
Meanwhile, Dr. Hale sat nearby wearing reading glasses as he studied a research paper.
Without looking up, he said, "Drive carefully."
Rose waved goodbye, grabbed Dr. Hale’s car keys, and ran off with Ariel.
*****
At the dinner venue, Trevor was replying to a message on his phone.
James happened to notice something unusual.
Trevor seemed to be...
Smiling.
The smile was extremely faint.
Anyone not paying close attention would have missed it entirely.
The sight made James feel strangely uneasy.
After all, there was still an engagement agreement between their families.
Even though his sister hadn’t been found yet, as her older brother, he still felt responsible for protecting everything that belonged to her.
"Mr. Robinson, busy with work?" James asked casually.
Samantha also looked over.
After all, Trevor had been so occupied earlier that he hadn’t even shaken her hand.
Ryan remained indifferent.
Sitting comfortably with a glass of brandy in hand, he observed everything with detached calm.
He had no interest in other people’s private affairs.
Trevor slipped his phone into the inside pocket of his suit jacket.
Clinking glasses with James, he replied, "No. It’s a family matter."
James’s eyebrows twitched slightly. "How is your father doing?"
Then he added meaningfully, "When I have time, I should visit him."
Trevor could practically hear the hidden message beneath James’s words.
The reminder.
The warning.
The subtle emphasis on the relationship between the two families.
Without showing any reaction, he nodded.
"You’re absolutely right."
Just then, someone approached to discuss a business project.
Trevor stepped aside and engaged in a detailed conversation.
Watching him from across the room, Samantha turned to James.
"Is the engagement between your families really going to continue indefinitely?"
James, usually carefree and relaxed, became noticeably more serious.
"He’s my sister’s future husband."
His tone was firm. "It’s a good match. Naturally, I intend to hold onto it for her."
As long as the Taylor family didn’t formally cancel the engagement, the Robinson family could continue honoring the arrangement.
Samantha could tell that even a playboy like James genuinely adored his younger sister.
The affection was unconditional.
Almost enviable.
She smiled lightly. "Your sister is very lucky."
For a brief moment, she found herself imagining what would happen if James’s sister suddenly returned.
Given how protective he was, he would probably introduce her to everyone in their social circle and demand that people treat her like a princess.
She would become the center of attention.
The most cherished young woman in their world.
Then what about Samantha?
Would she still receive the same attention?
Would all that kindness simply transfer to someone else?
The thought made her frown involuntarily.
Even her smile stiffened.
Instinctively, she rejected the idea.
Fortunately, she quickly dismissed it.
He nodded politely. "Mr. Knight, let’s meet another time."
Only then did Ryan look up. "Of course. Safe travels, Mr. Robinson."
James, however, watched him carefully.
As Trevor lowered his head to answer another message, James asked, "You just returned to the country. Is there really something so urgent that you have to leave an event like this halfway through?"
Ryan also glanced over casually.
Tonight’s gathering was significant.
Industry leaders.
Government officials.
Major investors.
Everyone was present to discuss future policy directions and strategic plans.
Leaving early for business reasons seemed unlikely.
Trevor finally looked up.
After locking his phone screen, he answered calmly.
"It is indeed an urgent matter."
He paused briefly.
Then he lifted his phone and, for the first time that evening, a faint smile appeared across his normally stern features.
"My daughter came to pick me up."
His voice was calm. "I need to spend some time with her."
"Please excuse me."
For a moment, the entire banquet hall seemed to fall silent.
Even the clinking of glasses appeared to stop.
James’s expression changed instantly.
Ryan’s fingers froze against the stem of his wine glass.
Slowly, he turned toward Trevor.
Samantha blurted out before she could stop herself, "Mr. Robinson has a daughter?"
Her eyes widened. "Are you married? Or do you have a girlfriend who had a child out of wedlock? How have I never heard about this?"
In a single breath, she had asked every important question.
Among wealthy families, children born outside of marriage weren’t uncommon.
A mother could gain status and influence simply through the child.
Even without legal recognition, she could still secure almost everything she wanted.
Trevor clearly had no intention of discussing his private life.
He simply nodded. "My daughter is waiting for me at the entrance."
Then he offered a polite farewell. "Until next time."
Without another word, he turned and walked away.
James stared at Trevor’s retreating figure.
His expression darkened dramatically.
A storm seemed ready to erupt behind his eyes.
One thought echoed repeatedly in his head:
Holy hell... is my sister getting cheated on?

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