Chapter 39
“No wonder the forecast said it would rain-my little sun must be crying again.” Matilda’s voice came before she did.
Allen and Jolene’s dim eyes lit up at once as they both turned to look.
Matilda walked over with her bag in hand. Her hair swayed with each step, her eyes lifted slightly, and her red lips curved into a soft smile. She gave off a calm, healing warmth.
“Matilda!” Jolene reached out for her.
She had wanted to hug Matilda’s legs like before, but Matilda bent down, slipped her arms under Jolene’s, and lifted her straight up.
Jolene instinctively wrapped her arms around Matilda’s neck. Her eyes were still wet, but she couldn’t stop herself from smiling.
Allen stood with obvious relief on his face. “What do you want to eat? I’ll get it for you.”
“Do they have Domburgh dishes?” Matilda asked.
“Yes, every day.” Allen headed off to fetch food.
Matilda acted like she didn’t know why Jolene had been crying and asked her again.
When Jolene hesitated before saying she wanted to invite Matilda to the parent-kid activity, Matilda answered right away, “Of course. I happen to be off tomorrow.”
“Really? You’ll really come with me, huh?” Jolene’s eyes sparkled.
Matilda nodded. Jolene hugged and kissed her, then ran over to hug and kiss Allen when he came back with food, grinning ear to ear the whole time.
If Matilda showed up at the event as Jolene’s family, criticism was unavoidable.
Allen was about to bring it up, but Matilda cut him off firmly, “I already agreed, so don’t say anything.”
Allen paused, then dropped his head with a quiet laugh. Steam from the dishes fogged up his glasses, hiding the gentle fondness in his eyes.
After dinner, Jolene asked if they should wear matching outfits.
Not wanting to disappoint her, Matilda remembered a store she used to buy from. “Sure. Let’s pick something online and get same-day delivery.”
“Okay!” Jolene snuggled closer.
Matilda casually lifted Jolene onto her lap.
Allen sat across from them, his gaze fixed on Matilda, unable to look away.
When he first met her, he never imagined he’d see a scene like this.
“You’re safe now.” The girl had once stood in front of him, looking down with cool, sharp eyes.
She stared at him for a moment, then pulled a wet wipe from her bag. Kneeling down, she scrubbed the blood from his face
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without much gentleness.
In the streetlight, he noticed a faint mole beneath her right earlobe.
“What’s your name?” he asked, mustering his courage.
She shot him a sideways glance and said, “Matilda, studying Microelectronic Science and Engineering at Astina University in Itera City.”
Greenapple Kids didn’t stress academics. Instead, the school focused on developing physical abilities.
Classes included horse riding, dance, basketball, shooting, tennis, fencing, field hockey, and outdoor activities like climbing, surfing, skiing, and even overseas summer camps.
Parent-child activities were held twice during the summer. The first, right after school started, let parents see their kids’ weaknesses. The second, at the end of summer break, showed the progress they had made.
They called it an activity, but in truth, it was a competition, complete with trophies and rankings, meant to build kids’ competitive spirit.
Lola, Brandon, and Shelby walked hand in hand to the registration desk.
Normally, Brandon showed up in public in sharp business suits. But today, dressed in a silver-gray top and white shorts, he looked taller and more relaxed.
On his left wrist was a Crossen Technology Infinity Watch. Without the usual chill of a man in power, he looked like a striking young man instead.
Lola and Shelby wore silver-gray starry dresses, custom-made overnight.
The fitted design highlighted Shelby’s figure, full of grace and elegance.
The fabric Lola picked shimmered even under cloudy skies, like she was wrapped in the Milky Way.
They both wore Infinity Watches that could project images anywhere.
Lola beamed as she projected photos from her birthday onto the signature wall. Pointing at Shelby, she announced, “This is my mom. Isn’t she pretty?”
Most of the parents there were business elites. Whatever they thought, they smiled politely. “Yes, yes, young and beautiful, gentle and kind.”
But once they turned away, the whispers began.
“Remember that old saying-Matilda is always right? Who knew it would all end like this-love turning to ashes, words like knives, and Matilda running off with debts like a stray dog.”
“She brought it on herself. Not worth pity.”
“No matter what, Matilda’s looks and presence were rare. One in a million. And this one? Besides being young, what does she
have?”
Several people sized Shelby up at once. Her clothes and jewelry sparkled, but her presence was thin, her beauty forced, like something bought.
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Mr. Grimes really can’t tell who’s better,” someone sneered.
Just then, a stir rippled through the crowd near the entrance.
Is that Lola’s real mom?” someone gasped.
“My God! She is stunning.”
“Holy crap-Mr. Grimes is in matching outfits with another woman, and Mrs. Grimes just walked in arm in arm with another man, huh?”
Everyone’s eyes swung to the door.
Matilda had arrived. Her hair was tied high, giving her a sharp, fighting energy. She wore a red cropped athletic top that showed off her delicate skin, slim waist, and long legs. With makeup on, she looked both cool and fiery.
Beside her stood a man in a red-and-black athletic set. Tall and upright, his shorts clung to his legs, and glasses on his nose gave his brow more definition.
His refined, deep eyes carried the calm strength of someone who’d weathered much. His presence was even heavier than Brandon’s, who had long stood at the top.
In front of them walked a five-year-old girl with a high ponytail, dressed in red athletic wear. She carried herself with the right mix of grace and freshness, smiling sweetly, cute and polite.
“This is how parent-child activities should look,” someone murmured.
“With Mr. Grimes and his new partner here today, it’s bound to be a battlefield. This’ll be a show,” another said.
The moment Brandon heard Matilda’s name, his hand tightened around the pen. He instinctively turned, scanning over the crowd until his eyes landed on her.
He froze, stunned by how breathtaking Matilda looked in sportswear.
