A shadow flickered across McNeil''s eyes.


    "Her affairs have nothing to do with me."


    Violet nodded quickly. "Of course. I won''t ask about her again."


    It was obvious—just mentioning Victoria McNeil instantly soured his mood. He must really despise that woman.


    Violet checked the time. "Gwyn''s almost out of school. How about I pick her up while you stay here with the guests?"


    "No need," McNeil replied. "It''s all arranged. We''ll bring Gwyn home together, then head back to the office for dinner."


    "Alright."


    No matter how assertive Violet could be in public, in front of McNeil she was always unfailingly polite and obedient, as meek and gentle as amb.


    Outside the school, Marcus and Victoria had already gotten out of the car and were waiting.


    The kindergarten was a familiar ce for Gwh, but for Victoria, this was the first time she''de here without the intention of picking her up. She figured if McNeil hadn''t called her, he must have made other arrangements, and frankly, she was tired of getting involved in the father-daughter drama.


    Marcus was tall, so as soon as Max appeared, he spotted him. Max saw Marcus too, but wasn''t expecting to see Victoria standing there as well.


    Instead of running straight to Marcus as usual, Max nearly barreled right into Victoria, unable to contain his excitement.


    "Miss Fannie!"


    He lit up at the sight of Victoria and his uncle together. Every time he saw other kids get picked up from school by both their parents, a quiet envy would rise in his chest, something he could only swallow back and cry about once he was home.


    Even though his uncle and Miss Fannie weren''t his parents, their presence still meant the world to him—a child''s simple longing and hope-so today he was especially happy.


    "Look at you," Marcus said, ruffling Max''s sweaty hair as he took his backpack. "You''re always running around until you''re drenched."


    Just as Max was about to climb into the car, he suddenly stopped and ran back toward the school.


    "Uncle, Miss Fannie, I just remembered something I''ll be right back!"


    Max darted off, leaving Marcus puzzled. Victoria just smiled. "Let him be, he''s happy. That''s what matters."


    Watching Max''s retreating figure, Victoria couldn''t help but remember when Gwh was even younger, scampering everywhere with that same boundless joy.


    Marcus caught Victoria''s radiant profile as sheughed, her smile dazzling. In that moment, he was certain-she truly loved children. If they ever got married, would they have three kids? Four? Two boys and two girls, that would be perfect.


    Max raced through the halls, finally finding Gwh in her ssroom.


    "Hey, ugly duckling-Miss Fannie''s here to pick me up!" he crowed, pulling a goofy face at her. Gwh''s cheeks flushed bright red with anger, but before she could retort, Max spun around and sprinted away.


    Fuming, Gwh chased after him but only managed to catch a glimpse of his back.


    "He''s so full of himself," she muttered. "Well, Violetes to pick me up, too." She grabbed her backpack and stormed out, cheeks still puffed with frustration. At the school gate, she spotted McNeil''s car-and Violet climbing out. Instantly, Gwh''s mood lifted a bit as she ran toward Violet.


    Max, seeing her approach, waved and called out, "Hey, ugly duckling!"


    Following the sound of his voice, Gwh saw Max-and right beside him, Victoria.


    McNeil stepped out of the driver''s seat and walked over to Violet and their daughter.


    Gwh, still smarting from Max''s teasing, looked even more upset when she saw Victoria. Her face darkened.


    Violet and McNeil stood by the business car, conveniently shielded from view by the vehicle.


    "What''s wrong? You look upset," McNeil asked, noticing the stormy look on his daughter''s face.


    Meanwhile, Victoria had already noticed McNeil''s car. Marcus nudged her.


    "Fannie?"


    Startled out of her thoughts, Victoria looked away. "Let''s go."


    She''d been right—it was McNeil and Violet. The two were always together, inseparable. And yet, he wanted her to join Vertex Dynamics? It was clear he only cared about his little sweetheart, barely sparing a thought for her.