Chapter 222 The Elusive Gabriel
Charlotte never contemplated the harsh consequences of her scheming—if everything went according to plan, Sophia would bear the brunt of it.
So, she wasn't going to let her anger subside easily.
As for Tiffany... she would ensure that Tiffany faced the consequences of her actions as well.
...
The meet-and-greet for streamers was set in the grandest hotel in city B, complete with a red carpet laid out as though it were a celebrity event.
All the other streamers had arrived, leaving only Milk Sugar and the pro gamer Kyi absent.
Kyi was a big name, so his late arrival was to be expected, but why was Milk Sugar running late, too?
Some were clearly unhappy about it.
"Milk Sugar's really pushing it, making everyone wait just for her. No wonder she's top of the league," someone commented sarcastically.
Several streamers echoed the sentiment, but most remained silent, already busy with their games.
Those who were displeased saw the streaming service's staff with cameras, capturing the event, and they quickly composed themselves, putting on their best smiles.
When they were approached for an interview, they beamed with feigned enthusiasm.
"I'm thrilled to meet the other streamers, especially looking forward to seeing Kyi. Now that we're all here, we're just waiting for sweet Milk Sugar!"
"Milk Sugar, our little princess, are you on your way?" they playfully quipped into the camera before it panned to the others.
The live broadcast captured every moment as it unfolded, whether it was a fumble or a smile, instantly beaming it to viewers worldwide. This heightened self-awareness among the streamers was a direct result of the broadcast's real-time transmission.
Emma was buzzing with excitement about meeting her idol today. Dressed in a pastel pink dress her grandma had gifted her, she paired it with pink and white leather boots and styled her hair into two little braids, each adorned with a pink bow.
The sight of Emma, all dolled up in soft pinks, was so endearing it made you want to squeeze her in a warm hug.
Sam looked sharp in a mini suit and a bow tie, exuding the charm of a young gentleman.
On the other hand, Ethan opted for a laid-back, casual style, perfectly attired in loungewear.
Stepping out of the car, the three little ones were bundled in down jackets and masks to shield against the cold. Emma had her godmother apply a charming beauty mark just below the corner of her eye.
Sam and Ethan wore their caps and sunglasses with an air of indifference, too cool to be bothered.
Caroline, also wearing a mask, led the kids into the hotel where they were greeted by a wave of warm air. They handed their jackets to their godmother and revealed their outfits.
"Is this Milk Sugar?" a staff member asked uncertainly, puzzled by the arrival of three meticulously wrapped-up kids. But their poised demeanor and their attractive appearance, as well as their trendy dress sense, gave them away.
"I'm Milk Sugar," Emma confidently declared as she stepped forward.
Upon hearing her soft, adorable voice, the staff member was absolutely certain – this had to be Milk Sugar.
"Milk Sugar's here," he announced, prompting the cameras to swivel their way immediately.
Emma entered without a hint of stage fright.
And so, the viewers saw a little girl, head held high, striding in, followed by two protective, pint-sized knights, with a tall and beautiful woman trailing behind them.
The crowd watched as the four figures approached, all wearing masks.
The platform host, a portly man with a warming smile that seemed a bit goofy, approached to greet them.
"Hello, Milk Sugar!" he said cheerfully, though Milk Sugar took a small step back, feeling slightly unnerved.
"Sorry, my daughter's a little shy," Caroline explained.
The host nodded in understanding – it's not uncommon for some kids to be brave in front of the camera and shy away from it. For such a young one like Milk Sugar to attend a meet-and-greet was already a brave act.
"You’re raising them well, they're remarkable children!" he complimented.
Finally meeting Milk Sugar in person left the other hosts speechless – was this adorable, pink-clad bundle really Milk Sugar? So utterly cute!
Even with a mask, irresistible cuteness radiated through. Shw was more adorable in person than on screen. They just wanted to cuddle her.
The two hosts who had been irritated by Milk Sugar's tardiness were the first to rush over.
"Hi there, Milk Sugar, I'm your Pea Sister!"
"And I'm Pillar!"
"And me, me, me, I’m Bear!"
Wow, what an enthusiastic crowd! Little Sweetheart called out, "Hello everyone!"
"Aww, such a good kid."
In the live stream's comment section:
[So jealous, I want to cuddle Milk Sugar too.]
[Milk Sugar is too adorable.]
[Are those two kids Milk Sugar's brothers?]
[No way? Milk Sugar's brothers are so cool, shouldn't they be like 17 or 18?]
[Holy cow, a family of prodigies.]
Caroline negotiated with the boss to not let Ethan and Sam appear on camera, to which the boss gleefully agreed.
A viewer voiced a question online.
Emma answered, "They're Milk Sugar's classmates."
So, they are classmates—must be close ones, maybe even childhood friends.
Emma successfully added a twist to the situation.
Minutes later, Kyi made his appearance, accompanied by his agent and assistant. When the camera panned towards them, the agent and assistant stepped aside.
The crowd surged with excitement, eager to greet Kyi.
The little one couldn't squeeze through and started stamping her feet in frustration on the outside.
Suddenly, Emma was lifted, causing her to flail her legs in surprise.
"Stop kicking. Now you can see."
Scarlett's familiar voice made Emma's body stiffen in shock.
Why would her ‘bad guy daddy’ appear out of nowhere?
He was like a ghost!
Ethan noticed too. Wasn't today supposed to be an offline meet-and-greet for the platform's broadcasters? What business did her fake father have here?
His mind raced, and he quickly said to his godmother, "Take Sam and leave, now."
‘Bad guy daddy’ might not recognize him and Emma, but he would certainly have recognized Sam.
Gabriel hoisted Emma onto his shoulder, and she was so terrified she was close to tears.
Looking around frantically, she finally found Ethan.
The comforting look he gave her steadied her panicked heart. She peered down at her daddy’s handsome face, her heart pounding.
This was her daddy—the real deal.
Daddy was holding her up high!
It was a dream come true, happening today of all days!
Daddy's shoulders were so broad, and he was so strong; she had no worries of falling.
"Can you see?" Gabriel asked.
Emma snapped back to reality and looked over eagerly.
There was Kyi, laughing and chatting with everyone inside the circle.
Wow, her idol was also stunning, and even had cute little fangs.
Her hands itched to play games with him!
"Uncle, I can see it now. You can put me down," she said.
Gabriel set the little one down, now certain that this girl he’d met twice before was indeed Milk Sugar.
Fate works in mysterious ways. The child he’d been searching for was right beside him all along, and yet he'd never managed to find her.
"Where are your parents?" Gabriel asked, his brow furrowing as he noticed the young girl all alone.
"Mommy went to the restroom."
Emma hadn't seen Aunt Sophia and Sam; she figured they must have ducked away to avoid being spotted.
"Is Sophia your godmother?"
The last time Emma saw Mommy at the hotel, she referred to her as godmother. Now caught in the situation, unable to lie, she simply nodded.
"What's your real name?"
If he knew her real name, he could probably figure out whose child she was.
"My name is Angela."
Emma thought to herself, ‘Angela, I hope you don't mind me borrowing your name for a bit. I’ll give it back soon.’