Chapter 8
*
“Before coming here, I got news from the Cole family in Calhoun,” Kareem said. “They confirmed that the girl is the Spencer family’s biological daughter. The hospital mixed up the babies‘ name tags, and they just found out. That’s why they brought her home.”
Hayden put his phone away and kept staring out the window, silent.
Kareem shot him another glance. “Unbelievable that the Spencer family would pass off their own daughter as an adopted kid and throw an adoption banquet. Shame on them.”
“But I get why they did it. Wasn’t the Spencer family engaged to the Donovan family two years back? They’ve reaped huge benefits from riding the Donovan family’s coattails, recently even touted as Webston’s fourth most powerful family.
“They probably don’t want to cut ties with that cash cow. All for petty profits… well. Look what they’ve done.
“Did you hear the rumors at the banquet? I’d bet the Spencer family started them on purpose. If her own parents won’t protect her, and someone may still secretly target her, that girl’s life won’t be easy going forward.”
Hayden’s thin lips pressed into a line. Streetlight flickered across his face as the car rolled on. Under the streetlights, his handsome face was half- illuminated, half–veiled in shadow, and his sharp eyes held an indiscernible chill.
Kareem caught the look in the rearview mirror and clicked his tongue silently.
“Hey… why not just take her in and raise her yourself? I mean, what’s the difference in who adopts her? Cultivating a wife is trendy these days…”
Hayden nodded. “Not a bad idea.”
Kareem had been rambling for a long time, expecting no real response from Hayden. He’d only been joking, but Hayden took him seriously.
Kareem was stunned for a moment. “Hayden, come on, I was kidding.”
Hayden turned to look at him. “I’m not.”
Kareem thought speechlessly, “Fine, You’re the boss. Your call.”
In the Spencer’s mansion. The lively voices faded, and silence blanketed the entire house, casting an awkward and dreary atmosphere.
Dominik and Karen exchanged silent glances, their eyes finally landing on Rosalie.
After a moment of hesitation, Dominik ventured tentatively, “Rosalie… did you and Mr. Merritt… have you met before?”
Rosalie replied calmly, “I met him for the first time today.”
Dominik studied her calm, indifferent expression, and there was no trace of deceit, which only deepened his confusion.
Rumors held that Mr. Merritt was cold–blooded and ruthless, acting with unwavering decisiveness. Dominik couldn’t fathom why he would concern himself with such a trivial matter as tonight’s incident.
Frowning in frustration, Dominik glanced at Rosalie again.
She had exquisite facial features, smooth skin, and a pair of the Cole family’s unique winking eyes, making her as beautiful as a doll.
Dominik thought, ‘Rosalie’s pretty look is enough to charm many men. Does Mr. Merritt…‘
An idea began to take root in Dominik’s mind. “With…”
Before Dominik could finish, Phoebe stepped in from outside, wearing a sweet smile as she quickly approached him.
“Dad, I’ve seen all the guests off.”
At the sight of her, Dominik’s eyes flickered with relief. Anyway, there was someone in the house he could rely on.
He reached out to ruffle her hair, his expression softening noticeably. “You’ve helped me a lot today.”
Phoebe’s smile grew sweeter. “Dad, it’s what I should do.”
Dominik thought, ‘As expected, a daughter raised by my side is different. Phoebe grew up exactly as we hoped, unlike that one…
He shot a glance at Rosalie, suppressing his irritation. “We’ve all had a long day. Time to rest, Phoebe. And take Rosalic upstairs”
1/2
C
“Okay.” Phoebe nodded obediently, then turned to Rosalie. “Come on, Rosalie, I’ll take you to your room.”
3:04 PM
Chapter 8
2/2
*
AD
