Chapter 217 She’s My Child


    Chapter 217 She’s My Child


    Tess knew better than anyone how heartless he could be toward her.


    She pressed a hand to her chest, almost pping herself to snap out of it.


    That tiny flicker of hope from before had dug into her heart like a thorn.


    <b>78 </b>


    s


    Ever since she got out of prison, she’d reminded herself not to get her hopes up about anyone. But now, seeing the smallest change in Finn had made her revert to that naive, hopeful version of herself.


    Tess gritted her teeth and punched her chest, punishing herself for even thinking that way.


    “Wahhhh-”


    La suddenly cried from the bed.


    Tess‘ heart clenched, and she hurried to pick her up. Immediately, La stopped fussing and looked up with wide, pitiful eyes.


    Tess realized she’d probably scared La and softened her voice. “Good girl, La … ”


    But unlike before, when a bit of coaxing worked, La still looked upset, reaching her little hands toward Tess as if trying tofort her.


    Tess froze, her nose tingling.


    For so long, she’d beenpletely alone in Aetheris, carrying everything on her own. But now, she had La. Her restless heart finally felt anchored.


    She hugged her daughter close, letting La’s unique scent calm her racing thoughts.


    Feeling her mother’s calm, La finally smiled.


    Tess was about <i>to </iy La back on the bed when her phone buzzed.


    A message from Connor lit up her phone.


    “Are you home?”


    Recalling his gentle, kind face in her mind, Tess politely replied, “Yes. Thank you for your help at the g.”


    9:47 Wed<b>, </b><b>Oct </b><b>8 </b>


    Chapter 217 She’s My Child


    <b>78 </b>


    s


    Connor replied quickly, “It’s my duty. You’re one of Cavrielle’s top designers. We always take care of our own.”


    Tess let out a rxed smile, relieved.


    Thinking back on the g, she typed back, “I should thank you properly. How about I treat you to a meal tomorrow? Please allow me the honor.”


    “My pleasure.”


    The next day, Tess wore afortable, simple white dress. She didn’t leave La with the nanny at Evermount Vi as usual. Today, she kept her daughter by her side.


    Yesterday’s g would surely be all over the inte, and today would be full of chatter. Bringing La was also her way of fighting back against the media’s rumors about her. Who her father was didn’t matter; what mattered was that La was her child.


    Tess headed straight to the restaurant with La.


    It was a delicate Crorusese pastry shop. Arriving early, they ran into the breakfast rush.


    Connor was already there, wearing a crisp white suit. Even with a few streaks of white in his hair, he still drew attention with his upright posture and handsome face.


    Passersby couldn’t help sneaking nces, wondering who would be honored enough to have him wait on them.


    Soon, Tess appeared.


    As a young woman, she exuded aposed presence, like a calm, motionless sea.


    The crowd quickly looked away, some faces flickering with a mix of awe and regret.


    “Hello, Tess,” Connor said with a smile. His gaze swept over La, but he didn’t ask anything right away.


    Instead, he handed Tess a ss of in buttermilk and a te of matcha pastries. “I heard these are the specialties here. Give them a try.”


    Tess felt a bit embarrassed.


    <b>9:47 </b>Wed<b>, </b>Oct <b>8 </b>


    Chapter 217 She’s My Child


    <b>78 </b>


    s


    It was a breakfast ce with a strong Crorusese style. She’d overlooked whether Connor, being mixed–race and possibly more foreign, would be used to it.


    “Is this okay for you?” she asked, apologetic. She’d just wanted to treat him to local specialties.


    Connor caught her dilemma. “Of course. I’m half Crorusese and these aremon at home. My brother is super picky, so we always have a professional Crorusese chef anyway.”


    Tess nodded, relieved.


    Then, Connor turned his attention to the child in her arms. “She is …


    Tess was a bit embarrassed. “She’s my child. I didn’t want to leave her alone at home, so I brought her. I hope you don’t mind.”


    He froze, staring up at Tess, clearly caught off guard.


    <i>Her </i><i>child</i><i>? </i>


    Beforeing here, he’d already looked into her background, knew about her struggles with Lock Group and Finn, and had an idea of her broken marriage.


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    <strong>Olivia Harris</strong> is an emerging author celebrated for her captivating romantic and steamy novels. With a talent for crafting deep emotional connections and fiery chemistry between her characters, Olivia’s stories offer readers an escape into worlds filled with passion, intrigue, and heart-stopping drama.