Adrian patted Gianna on the back affectionately.


    "Oh dear... are you saying I don''t love you?" Pepper joined them with a mischievous grin. Spearing a piece of mango, she brought it to Gianna''s lips.


    Gianna eagerly took a bite. "Yum, it''s so sweet! You''re the best, Aunt Pepper! I know how much you love me. Dad, you should try a bite too!"


    Picking up another piece of mango with a fresh fork, Pepper brought it to Adrian''s mouth.


    Adrian reached out to take the fork, but Gianna was clinging to him so tightly that he couldn''t move his arm. In the end, he could only open his mouth and ept the mango directly from Pepper''s hand.


    Pepper smiled. "Is it sweet? I know how much you love mangoes, Adrian, so I picked these specially for you. The ripeness should be just right."


    "It''s not bad." He nodded. "Thank you. You''re really thoughtful."


    Hearing his praise, she pressed her lips together, trying to hide the smile that threatened to escape.


    Gianna''s gaze flicked between the two of them, then she covered her mouth to stifle


    a giggle. "We look like a family of three right now."


    Pepper blushed, but before she could say anything, Adrian scowled darkly.


    "Gianna!" he scolded, his expression stern.


    "Why are you snapping at me, Dad?" Gianna flinched, the color draining from her face. "Is it wrong for me to want a warm, happy family? Mom would rather protect a stranger than care about me! Aunt Pepper is the only one who shows me any motherly love!"


    Tear welled again in her swollen eyes. Heartbroken, she leaped to her feet and ran upstairs.


    "Don''t be mad at Gianna, Adrian. She''s just a child." Pepper fought hard not to cry. Her face had gone pale, and her body trembled as though she might copse at any time. "It''s all my fault..."


    Seeing her about to faint, Adrian instinctively stood to support her.


    "Adrian..... was I wrong?" she whispered, leaning against his shoulder, tears blurring her vision.


    He patted her shoulderfortingly. "You said it yourself—she''s just a child. Don''t take her words to heart."


    "I just felt sorry for her," she murmured, nodding quietly. "She has always longed for parents who loved each other—for a warm,plete family. But that wish..... will nevere true."


    Thinking of Wendy, his eyes darkened with gloom. He gently released Pepper, then sank back into his seat and crossed his legs with a weary sigh.


    "Yeah... I don''t even know if I''ll ever win your sister back."


    She secretly clenched her fists, nails digging into her palm. Her eyes burned with frustration and resentment.


    Her words were meant tofort him-not remind him of her sister.


    Why? After all these years... I''m the one who stood by his side, offering him warmth and care. I''m the one who stayed through thick and thin. Yet... why? Why does he only have eyes for her?


    "I''m sorry, Adrian. I didn''t mean it that way..."


    Her expression softened with worry as she moved to sit beside him, her voice warm and soothing. "Please don''t be upset. I really don''t understand how my sister can be so cold hearted. It''s been so many years. Even as a bystander, I was moved by your sincerity. Yet she stil refuses to see how much you''ve done for her."


    She reached for his hand, but he withdrew his hand.


    "I''m fine. How did it end up with youforting me instead?" His voice was soft and gentle.


    Her fingers stiffened for a moment before sheposed herself. Then she smiled and mock-scolded him, "See? It just proves how bad you are atforting women."


    A bitter smile tugged at his lips. If I''d been good atforting women, then I would''ve soothed the hurt I caused my ex-wife and coaxed her home by now.


    Feeling slightly down, Adrian decided to change the topic. He didn''t want to continue talking about his ex-wife. Taking a bank card from his wallet, he handed the card to Pepper.


    "There''s ten million on the card..."


    Pepper blinked in shock, then she hurriedly grabbed his hand and tried to refuse. "What are you doing, Adrian? You''ve already helped me so much over the years. I can''t take this money!"


    "It''s not for you. Gianna must be feeling upset after being wronged, so I hope you''d spend some time with her."


    Her gaze softened immediately.


    Moved by his actions, she squeezed


    his hand tightly. Tears shimmered in


    the depths of her eyes. Gianna


    lucky to have you as her father. I take back what I said earlier."


    He simply pushed the card into her hand. "It''s alright. You should go check on Gianna."


    Nodding, she tucked the card away and moved the te of mangoes closer to him. "Have some more. I prepared them myself, so don''t let them go to waste."


    He nodded. Then, she went upstairs.


    ...


    Upstairs.


    After a quick shower and a change of clothes, Gianna finally restored her usual polished appearance. The disheveled mess from earlier was trace Sitting on her,


    gone without a


    bed, she dialed Adrian''s assistant.


    "About Anneliese ude... You received my father''s instructions, right?"


    The assistant confirmed quickly, assuring her that he was already making the necessary arrangements.


    She smirked, a twisted pleasure curling at the corners of her lips. Twirling a lock of hair around her finger, she added, "Don''t notify her yet. Wait for my call. Understand?"


    It wouldn''t be fun if she discovered so quickly that her ce in thepetition had already been taken from her.