Steven withdrew his gaze from the rearview mirror and shot a dark look at the driver. "That is Mrs. Fullbuster to you. Do I need to teach you how to address her?"


    The driver''s heart lurched, and cold sweat broke out on his palms as he said, "Yes, Mr. Malone." Then, he sped up the car immediately.


    Steven nced at him and said nothing further. After some time, he said in a low voice, "There will be no next time."


    Jonathan cared much about Anneliese and had even openly shown off their affection during the morning call. Steven knew that it was a warning from Jonathan.


    He was implying that their marriage was solid and warned Steven not to think about getting close to Anneliese through Ellie.


    Even though Steven had no such intentions and found it almostughable, he also knew what kind of consequences would happen if Jonathan ever heard what the driver said. At that point, he probably wouldn''t even be able to ask Anneliese to take care of Ellie again, and Steven had no desire to create unnecessary misunderstandings.


    However, what he didn''t expect was that no matter how deliberately avoided, some things could still be stirred up by someone scheming behind the scenes.


    Without his knowledge, photos and videos of Anneliese interacting with Ellie at yesterday''spetition venue had begun appearing in several private chat groups, sparking discussion.


    Someone from their social circle posted pictures of Anneliese and Ellie, as well as group photos of Steven holding the child while chatting andughing with Anneliese and Wendy.


    ''Is the Malone family about to celebrate something?''


    ''Who is this woman? Is she the child''s mother? They look kind of simr.''


    ''This gives a family of four vibe. She is probably Steven''s baby mama. She looks so young.


    ''No wonder he never revealed the child''s mother. Looks like she wasn''t even an adult back then.''


    When Ellie was first brought back to the Malone family, it caused an uproar. Steven suddenly having a daughter with the child''s mother remaining hidden had always been a topic of spection. Now that seeing photos of Ellie in Anneliese''s arms and standing together with Steven and Wendy-and with Anneliese and Ellie sharing simr features—the rumors immediately felt "confirmed," spreading rapidly.


    Naturally, such gossip avoided the parties involved. It spread quietly in small circles while the people concerned remainedpletely unaware.


    At the Banyans, Anneliese carried Ellie into the vi. Margot came out of the dining room with a smile.


    "Is this Ms. Ellie? She is such an adorable child. You don''t say, she actually resembles you quite a bit, Mrs. Fullbuster."


    Ellie was nervous when she saw a


    stranger as well as in such an unfamiliar environment. Then, buried her face into Anneliese''s neck.


    Seeing that she was scared, Anneliese hugged her tighter and said to Margot, who


    looked a bit at a loss,


    "Margot, you can go ahead. I''ll take care of her."


    Margot nodded. "Alright, Mrs. Fullbuster. Call me if you need anything."


    Once she left, Anneliese lowered her


    head and spoke softly to Ellie, "I slept in today and haven''t eaten breakfast yet I''m really hungry. Would you help me look for food?"


    Hearing that Anneliese was hungry, Ellie immediately lifted her head and nodded.


    Anneliese put her down, took her hand, and walked toward the kitchen.


    "The kitchen is over there. Let''s go see what food we can find together."


    I.ne


    At that moment, Anneliese''s phone suddenly rang. Seeing it was an unfamiliar number, she hung up and con mued taking Ellie into the kitchen.


    Margot had already prepared breakfast. Anneliese helped Ellie carry the warm dishes to the dining table one by one.


    She seated Ellie beside her and said, "Will you keep mepany and eat a little? I don''t like eating alone."


    Ellie nodded with bright eyes.


    From the first time they met when Anneliese found her-Ellie seemed especially willing to apany Anneliese in everything she did.


    Anneliese''s heart softened. She patted her head and said, "Which one do you want to eat?"


    Ellie looked over the table and pointed to the shrimp dumplings. Anneliese ced two on her te, and thetter ate quietly.