"We''ll just go to that amusement park you used to take Keen to all the time. Ms. Pearce, you''re wee to join us if you''d like."


    Haynes'' fingers unconsciously tightened on the steering wheel.


    He and Rachel had taken Keen there a few times, that much was true.


    But he''d never once gone there with Ste.


    Rachel''s voice was soft and gentle. "Alright, I''ll let you know when I arrive."


    After the call ended, a calm silence settled over the car.


    Before long, Marvin took the initiative to start a conversation, chatting with Ste to ease the mood.


    Haynes and Neville, on the other hand, stayed quiet.


    When they arrived at the amusement park, they found Rachel already waiting inside.


    Clearly, she''d made up her mind to spend the day with Ste and the others.


    Keen handed Rachel a lipstick. "Rachel, this is yours."


    Rachel gave an embarrassed littleugh. "I''m so scatterbrained, always leaving my things everywhere."


    Neville quipped, "If Ms. Pearce didn''t insist on riding in Mr. O''Brien''s car, she wouldn''t have this problem."


    Rachel smiled. "You really do love to tease, Mr. Connolly."


    Neville left it at that and said no more.


    With Rachel joining them, the group suddenly looked less like a random mix and more like two families out for a fun day together. They blended in, and the sight of such a handsome group-attractive men, beautiful women, and two adorable kids —quickly drew quiet whispers from the people around them.


    "Those kids are gorgeous. I don''t think I''ve ever seen such a cute little boy."


    "Well, just look at their parents-such a good-looking bunch."


    "That boy and the man with the serious expression-no doubt they''re father and son. They look so much alike."


    "The other boy doesn''t really resemble his dad, but that man is so handsome. Totally my type!"


    "I just wonder which of the two women is actually the kids'' mom."


    At that moment, Ste was holding both children''s hands, making it impossible to tell who truly belonged to whom.


    Rachel, however, standing next to Haynes and chatting with him, created a subtle air of misunderstanding.


    She turned to Haynes. "Haynie, the next round of thepetition starts the day after tomorrow. Will youe watch?"


    Haynes'' expression was cool. "I have a contract to sign that day. I won''t have time."


    Rachel didn''t give up. "When do you think you''ll be free?"


    Haynes didn''t answer, but his gaze instinctively drifted over to Ste.


    Rachel noticed and bit her lip,


    forcing a smile. "Ms. Cameron is et


    That made Haynes nce at her. "Didn''t expect her to be that impressive."


    Rachel''s smile faltered for a moment before she looked down, her voice dropping. "She really hasz improved a lottely, unlike me... just can''t seem to move forward. At this rate, forget cing-I might not even make it through the next round."


    Haynes hadn''t attended thestpetition, but he''d watched the footage afterward. Ste''s high score spoke for itself; her win at the kindergarten event clearly hadn''t been a fluke.


    As for Rachel... He couldn''t help but think of her illness, and his expression softened.


    "You''re strong too. Don''t sell yourself short."


    Just then, the two boys tugged Ste toward the carousel.


    Ste didn''t refuse. She picked a pumpkin-shaped carriage close to the children


    and took a seat.


    As soon as she settled in, someone sat down across from her.


    She looked up—and found herself face-to-face with Neville.


    Ste blinked in surprise. "Mr. Connolly, you''re riding the carousel too?"