?Chapter 1406:


    Did Joy really have to be legally recognized as Eric’s daughter to get into school?


    “Ernest… what about other schools? Do they all require this?” she asked, her mind in turmoil.


    “Yes,” Ernest answered with a firm nod. “Top private schools here all have simr requirements regarding nationality.”


    Hadley fell silent. She didn’t know what the right call was.


    Eric must have sensed her inner conflict. He leaned in and reassured her, “No rush. We’ll discuss it in detailter.”


    “Alright.” Hadley nodded. “For now, let’s eat.” Eric smiled.<fn9c6b> Content originallyes from find?novel</fn9c6b>


    Ernest raised his hand to signal the staff. “Go fetch Locke and Joy—”


    “Ernest,” Hadley cut in, exchanging a knowing smile with Elissa.


    “We’ll get them ourselves.”


    “That works.” He briefly nodded and turned to Elissa. “Locke listens to you. Just don’t let him cling to Joy too much. I know he’s excited about having a cousin, but I don’t want his enthusiasm to scare her.”


    “Got it,” Elissa replied at once, a blush creeping across her cheeks. Shetched onto Hadley’s arm and tugged her along. “Come on!”


    Hadley smirked teasingly. “Your face is all red.”


    “What?” Elissa froze for a second, stunned. Then, she burst outughing and reached over to tickle Hadley’s side. “How dare you tease me!”


    “Haha. Stop!” Hadleyughed so hard her eyes watered. She tried to squirm away and pleaded through her giggles. “Alright, Elissa! I’m sorry! I won’t do it again!”


    “Humph!” Elissa huffed yfully and finally let go. “Come on. Let’s go.”


    Before long, they came back downstairs with Locke and Joy in tow. The kids were made to wash their hands, and then they were guided to the dining table.


    By the time they arrived, the food had already been set out.


    “Joy,” Locke said as he reached for the serving spoon, “this is delicious.”


    “Thank you, Locke,” Joy beamed.


    He grinned and shook his head. “You don’t have to thank me. Just tell me what you want, and I’ll get it for you.”


    “Okay!” Joy pointed eagerly with her little fingers. “This meat, that shrimp… and yogurt!”


    “Got it.” Locke diligently scooped up each item she mentioned. He really liked taking care of her.


    The children got along so well that none of the adults had to step in. Eric reached over and ced some food on Hadley’s te. “Just this once, don’t think about your figure.”


    “I know, I know.”


    Across the table, Ernest did the same for Elissa. True to his quiet demeanor, he simply set the food down in front of her and said, “Eat up.”


    The meal continued with warmth. Laughter drifted across the table. Both the grown-ups and the kids seemed to be enjoying every bite.


    When the tes were cleared and the staff took away thest of the dishes, Hadley leaned toward Elissa and tugged her arm. “Let’s slice up some fruit and make animals out of them. Joy loves that sort of thing.”


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