Chapter 71 Elijah's Daughter
Elijah grinned. "Been a while, Frederick! Heard your business is booming."
Frederick responded with a modest smile.
As they engaged in conversation, Chloe emerged from downstairs, still linked to Elijah's arm like she was a child. "Hey, Mr. Mitchell, my dad's looking for you downstairs."
Elijah affectionately patted Chloe's hand.
Beaming, Chloe led him downstairs. "Katherine didn't make it back this time?"
Startled by the question, Elijah glanced at Frederick involuntarily.
Fredrick, in his dark attire, leaned against the towering window, blending with the night outside. He stood, chin raised, with a slight frown, idly smoking a cigarette between his long fingers.
Sighing to himself, Elijah thought, 'Fredrick is truly an enigma.'
With a sober expression, he murmured to Chloe, "No, she won't be returning just yet."
Meanwhile, on the terrace, Frederick finished his cigarette. He heard his family's voices from below and strolled leisurely down the staircase.
The Hawkins Mansion was bustling with activity that evening, hosting esteemed guests. The household staff hurried around, preparing for the occasion.
Patrick, welcoming his friend, embraced Elijah warmly. "Elijah, it's been ages, and you still look sharp as ever! I feel like I've aged a decade."
Chloe chimed in playfully, "Dad, worried that you aren't attractive anymore?"
Laughter filled the room at her joke.
Laura jokingly scolded, "Stop your nonsense! Behave, or your dad will straighten you out."
In a jesting manner, Chloe stuck out her tongue. "Mr. Mitchell will have my back."
Smiling warmly, Laura remarked to Elijah, "Chloe has always had a soft spot for you since she was little."
Elijah gazed at Chloe, a pang of emotion tugging at his heart.
Despite having a daughter, she was adopted, not his biological child. If he hadn't prioritized his ego in the past, leading to his girlfriend's departure in disappointment, would he have had a biological child—a spirited gem like Chloe?
Feeling a twinge of sorrow, he softly said, "Chloe is a real charmer!" giving her a pat on the head.
Innocently, Chloe blinked her eyes, oblivious to his deeper emotions.
To lift the mood, Patrick swiftly changed the subject, steering the conversation back to light-hearted banter. Yet, amidst the laughter and joy, he couldn't ignore Frederick's subdued demeanor, his countenance unusually distant.
Letting out a faint sigh, Patrick noted the melancholy air.
The night waned on, the elaborate meal drawing to a close.
Laura had readied a guest room earlier, but Elijah insisted on lodging at a hotel. Eventually conceding, the Hawkins couple arranged for a driver to escort him back.
With the festivities over, the grand dining hall felt empty under the gleaming chandelier, the lingering clinks of cleaning dishes the only sound.
Preparing to retire to his room, Frederick was halted by Patrick's call, "Frederick, a word."
Locking gazes with his father, Frederick followed him upstairs, the invitation for a talk echoing. "Let's have a chat in the study."
Moments later, inside the study, Frederick shut the door and brewed a cup of tea for Patrick, his tone composed. "Dad, what's urgent at this hour?"
Patrick accepted the tea, setting it aside without a sip, his expression grave. "Frederick, you seemed less than thrilled about Elijah's visit today."
Exhaling a puff of smoke from his cigarette, Frederick's features softened into a faint smile. "Nah, just been worn out lately."
Familiar with his son’s mannerisms, Patrick wasn't swayed by the excuse. After a pause, he addressed Frederick steadily, "Your history with Katherine doesn't concern me, but don't let it sour my friendship with Elijah."
Taking a final drag on his cigarette, Frederick extinguished it in the ashtray. Rising to his feet, he offered a faint smile. "I'll head off now."
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