Chapter 282 Agnes Wants a Dad
Francis walked through the airport corridor, looking cold and distant, his brows furrowed.
Victor, trailing behind, noticed a child blocking Francis's path and quickly stepped forward.
Seeing it was a cute little girl, he squatted down and gently asked, "Hey there, did you lose your mom?"
The girl had big, round eyes and thick eyelashes like little fans. She wore a cherry blossom-colored princess dress that made her skin look even fairer. She looked like a little princess.
She nodded at Victor, her two little buns of hair bobbing up and down, making her look even more adorable.
Victor lowered his voice and said, "How about I take you to find the airport staff so they can help you find your mom?"
The little girl shook her head, stood on tiptoe, tugged at Francis's fingers with her chubby hand, and softly asked, "Can I borrow your phone to call my mom?"
Victor felt a bit ignored and was momentarily stunned. He didn't expect such a young girl to judge by appearances.
Clearing his throat to cover his embarrassment, Victor gently said, "It'll be faster if we find a staff member, okay?"
The little girl looked disappointed, her eyes dimming as she nodded. That look was so familiar that it felt like a needle pricked Francis's heart.
Just as Victor was about to help the girl find the staff, Francis stopped him. "Wait a moment."
Francis bent down, looked into her beautiful eyes, and asked, "Do you want to borrow my phone?"
"Yes," she nodded vigorously, her big eyes looking at Francis, making his heart tremble.
Feeling a warmth in his chest, Francis handed over his phone. Victor's eyes widened in surprise. Everyone knew Francis had been like an emotionless machine for years, and now he was lending his phone to a stranger's child.
The little girl dialed her mom's number with her chubby hand, and the call was quickly answered.
"Mommy," she excitedly called out.
"Agnes, where are you?" The voice was so familiar that Francis's pupils contracted.
"Mommy, I'm at the yellow sign," Agnes answered.
"Stay there, Agnes. Mommy is coming to get you," the female voice said.
In the VIP lounge, Harper anxiously stood up after hanging up the phone, but her vision went black, and she swayed.
"Harper!" Jasper Murphy, pulling a suitcase, quickly let go and caught her by the shoulders.
"Are you okay?" Jasper asked with concern, pulling her closer.
Harper still felt a bit dizzy. "Just a head rush, I guess."
Jasper held her and said, "Sit here. I'll go get Agnes."
Back at the airport, Francis stood still, looking cold and composed in his high-end shirt and trousers. The woman's voice still echoed in his ears, too familiar to be anyone else.
Victor, noticing the meeting time was approaching, said, "Mr. Getty, why don't you go ahead? I'll stay with her and meet you later."
Francis's eyes turned cold. "Wait a bit longer."
Victor couldn't believe it; Francis was actually getting involved in this.
Ignoring Victor's surprised look, Francis softened his expression and gently asked, "Is your name Agnes?"
"Yes," Agnes replied.
"How old are you, Agnes?" Francis asked.
"I'm three and a half," she said, her bright eyes full of light.
Francis felt a warmth surge inside him. But three and a half? That didn't add up.
"What's your mommy's name?" he coaxed gently.
Agnes's almond-shaped eyes widened. 'This handsome man is quick. He must know I want him to be my dad and is asking about my mom.'
Agnes puffed her cheeks, her eyes curving into crescents. "Mommy's name is..."
Before she could finish, a low voice interrupted, "Agnes Murphy."
Agnes's little shoulders trembled, and she covered her mouth.
Jasper picked her up from behind and said to Francis, "Thank you."
When their eyes met, Jasper's calm expression suddenly changed, his face tensing. Francis noticed the subtle change and furrowed his brows, scrutinizing him. But Jasper quickly regained his composure.
An airport staff member approached, "Mr. Murphy, have you found Agnes?"
"Yes, I have," Jasper replied.
The staff member sighed in relief. "That's good; we'll cancel the announcement."
After the staff left, Jasper nodded to Francis in thanks and turned to leave.
Francis watched Jasper's back, lost in thought. 'Agnes Murphy and Mr. Murphy. Is she his daughter?'
Victor, seeing that Agnes had been taken away, reminded him, "Mr. Getty, the meeting is about to start."
Jasper, holding Agnes, asked in a deep voice, "Agnes, did you get lost on purpose?"
Feeling guilty, Agnes lowered her head and didn't speak.
Jasper felt the need to educate her. "Agnes, do you know how worried your mom was? Her legs were shaking with fear. And there are so many people at the airport; what if a bad person took you away?"
"I'm sorry," Agnes muttered.
"Then tell me, why did you get lost on purpose?" Jasper asked again.
Agnes's voice became small, her shoulders shaking as she breathed, "Anna at preschool said that I am a child without a dad and should drink the leftover milk, so I want a dad."
Jasper's eyes turned cold; he didn't expect such things to happen at a top-tier preschool.
He pinched Agnes's soft cheeks, feeling sorry. "Why didn't you tell me she was bullying you?"
"I didn't want to make mommy worried. And I'm strong; their teasing won't defeat me," Agnes piped up.
Jasper ruffled her little head. "Next time someone bullies you, tell me, okay?"
"Okay." Agnes lit up quickly, already smiling brightly.
"Uncle Jasper, can you not tell Mommy about what Anna said? Mommy loves me, and Uncle Jasper loves me too. I am happy."
Jasper frowned slightly, feeling a pang of sorrow. "I won't, but Agnes, don't run off again, and don't tell strangers your mom's phone number and name, okay?"
"Okay." Agnes nodded vigorously, being very obedient.
But the idea of finding a dad hadn't changed in her heart. If only she could get Francis and Harper to meet.
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