McNeil frowned at Gwh. "You ate candy? When was this?"


    Gwh nced at McNeil''s car, catching a glimpse of Violet''s clothes through the window. So Violet was here too?


    Afraid her dad would me Violet, she quickly exined, "It was that day I had cotton candy."


    The day Gwh got lost had started with her begging for cotton candy. McNeil had bought some, but by the time he returned, she had disappeared. When they finally found her, it was the cotton candy that finally soothed her tears.


    McNeil seemed satisfied with her answer. "No more sweets from now on, alright?"


    Gwh nodded, avoiding looking at the car.


    Violet had already seen them, but she hadn''t expected Victoria toe pick up Gwh as well.


    She''d been about to get out, but hesitated and chose to stay in the car instead. McNeil could handle things; there was no need for her to get involved.


    Besides, the past few days had been so busy at thepany with the new project in development. She''d only managed toe out today because she wanted to spend time with McNeil and maybe remind herself why being Mrs. Langford was worth it.


    Honestly, everything she had depended on McNeil. Being with him was more important than work. As for everyone else, she could choose to keep her distance.


    "Are you going home with Mom or Dad?" Victoria asked, her eyes flicking to the car. She wasn''t blind-the shadowy figure behind the half-lowered window clearly wasn''t McNeil''s assistant.


    Gwh didn''t answer as quickly as she used to. She looked up at her mom, not wanting to leave her, but worried Violet might be upset.


    But her teeth ached, and she shrank closer to Victoria, whispering, "I want to go home with Mom."


    Victoria was surprised, but nodded. McNeil showed no emotion and just patted his daughter''s head.


    "Daddy has some things to finish up. I''ll see you at home tonight."


    Gwh wanted to ask if Victoria would be staying over too, but with Violet in the car, she kept quiet.


    "Okay," she agreed, hurrying into Victoria''s car.


    She stole a nce at her dad''s car. Violet didn''t get out, didn''t even look her way. A wave of disappointment washed over Gwh.


    Whenever Violet was around, Gwh was always the first to run up and hug her, expecting her to be just as happy to see her. But today, Violet didn''t evene out to say hello.


    "Gwyn, does your tooth still hurt?" Victoria asked, her heart aching at the sight of her daughter''s red, swollen cheek.


    "Yeah. It hurts—" Gwh replied, her voice small. The school nurse had cleaned her teeth and sternly told her no morete-night sweets, and to always brush before bed.


    Maybe Mom was right after all, Gwh thought. Maybe her tooth hurt because she hadn''t listened.


    "Mom-" Gwh threw herself into Victoria''s arms, not sure why thinking of Violet made her so sad today. Why hadn''t Violet evene out to see her?


    "Don''t eat anything you shouldn''t while your mouth is sore. Remember to brush your teeth before bed. If you feel unwell, just rest. I''ll tell your teacher you''re taking the night off from homework, and tonight I''ll stay with you, okay?"


    Every time Victoria gave advice, she watched Gwh''s face for any sign of irritation. If Gwh didn''t mind, she''d continue.


    Her marriage to McNeil was over, but no matter what, she didn''t want that to affect Gwh''s well-being or make her resent her mother. After all, Gwh was her only child her precious girl. No one could ever rece her.


    "Okay, I understand."


    Victoria looked down at the soft crown of Gwh''s head, pausing for a moment. It seemed like, overnight, her little girl had grown up.