Chapter 180 Not Getting Amelia's Response but Gaining Anna's Favor
Susan stood beside them, feeling very tense.
Fortunately, Frederick wasn’t suspicious.
Children like Anna were used to calling their father "Daddy," so it was normal for her not to call him "father." It was just a term of endearment.
During this time, Frederick realized that Dylan had no intention of fighting for custody of Anna.
Not every father loved their children. Dylan seemed to be the type of father who didn't love his child.
Frederick felt a bit relieved when he saw that Anna and Dylan were not close.
"Uncle Frederick," Anna said.
Anna quickly slipped out of Frederick's arms when she saw the servant pushing a cake into the living room.
Frederick was taken aback.
Suddenly, a small hand grabbed his pinky finger again.
"Cake," Anna said.
She held his pinky finger tightly, her eyes fixed on the cake cart.
Frederick got up and followed when he saw that.
The servant pushed the cake in front of Amelia.
The guests naturally gathered around Amelia.
When Anna reached Amelia's side, she let go of Frederick's hand.
Frederick thought Anna would go to Amelia for a hug, but she turned and opened her arms to him.
He hesitated for a moment, but before he could think about it, he had already bent down and lifted Anna.
Anna seemed to be particularly attached to him.
Daniel stood next to Amelia. When he saw Anna in Frederick's arms, he hesitated for a moment, his expression somewhat subtle, then reached out to Anna.
Daniel said, "Anna, come over here. Don't dirty Frederick's clothes."
When Anna heard that she had dirtied Frederick's clothes, she leaned toward Daniel.
However, Frederick held her tightly and said in a low voice, "It's not dirty. It's okay."
Anna obediently stayed in Frederick's arms.
When Daniel saw that, he had a subtle expression on his face, but quickly forced a smile and politely said to Frederick, "Thank you, Mr. Hastings."
Frederick's gaze was cold as he replied, "It’s no trouble."
Daniel withdrew his gaze. As he was about to pick up a birthday hat with "Happy Birthday" written on it to put on Amelia, Anna reached out to him.
Anna said, "I want to put it on Mommy."
Amelia smiled and agreed. "Okay."
Since Anna wanted to put the hat on Amelia, Frederick naturally had to carry her over to Amelia.
Amelia smiled, showing no sign of unhappiness.
Frederick couldn't help but feel a twinge of pain as he recalled her cold demeanor when she rejected him in the backyard earlier.
He gazed deeply at Amelia's smiling face, feeling a pang in his heart. His nostrils stung.
Anna swiftly placed the hat on Amelia's head, clapping her hands before delicately planting a kiss on Amelia's cheek.
"Happy birthday, Mommy."
Amelia reciprocated by placing a kiss on Anna's cheek with a sweet smile on her face.
"Thank you, Anna."
As Amelia leaned in, a faint fragrance emanated from her, teasing Frederick's senses.
Frederick felt a subtle shift within him as he observed Amelia's radiant smile. He bent down and softly kissed Amelia on the cheek, like Anna.
"Happy birthday," Frederick said hoarsely.
All the relatives and friends present knew about the past marriage between Amelia and Frederick.
And they also knew that they had been divorced for three years.
The kiss from Frederick suddenly quieted the lively atmosphere in the living room.
Frederick was prepared for the possibility of being slapped by Amelia.
Amelia also hadn't expected Frederick to act this way all of a sudden.
His kiss was gentlemanly, without any hint of offense to Amelia.
Amelia's heart raced as she saw the probing gazes around them. She was momentarily frozen in place, staring blankly at Frederick.
"Mr. Hastings, you have excellent etiquette," Daniel suddenly said, easing the tense atmosphere.
As he spoke, he gently embraced Amelia, then leaned in close to her ear and whispered, "Happy birthday."
He didn't actually kiss her, as he clearly saw resistance in Amelia's eyes.
Amelia smiled and thanked him.
Rachel noticed that as Daniel hugged Amelia, Frederick's eyes were sullen, and he seemed to regret his sudden kiss with Amelia.
Rachel walked over and gave Amelia a big hug, then began to sing "Happy Birthday".
Everyone joined in singing.
Anna didn't notice the subtle atmosphere between Frederick and Amelia.
She clapped her hands joyfully, singing a slightly off-key "Happy Birthday."
After the cake was cut, the guests began to leave one by one, despite wanting to stay. They were curious about who Anna's father was.
After all, staying any longer would disturb other people.
Tonight, Frederick's attitude toward Amelia seemed affectionate.
Before this, everyone had thought Anna's father was Frederick, but Anna had called him "Uncle Frederick."
Obviously, Anna was not Frederick's child.
Perhaps she was the child of Amelia and another man.
So, if Frederick wanted to remarry Amelia, he would have to accept the child who had been born to Amelia and another man.
A man as noble and proud as Frederick would never become a stepfather.
But when they saw Frederick's attitude toward Anna today and how he treated her as his own, it suggested that he may have long been prepared to become a stepfather.
Everyone knew what Amelia’s life with Frederick had been like after she married him.
Amelia, the beloved daughter of the Davis Manor, was not loved after marrying Frederick, and they hadn't even had a proper wedding.
In the past, Amelia was the girl they wanted to marry into their circle, unlike Rachel, who was strong yet not as delicate as girls from ordinary families.
After she married into the Hastings Manor, many noble families who were friendly with the Davis Manor felt regretful.
Most of the guests had already left. Dylan also took his leave.
As he was about to leave, he saw Anna holding Frederick's hand and looking for toys in the living room, so he walked over.
Dylan said, "Anna, I'm leaving."
Anna had just found a toy from under the sofa and waved to Dylan casually.
"Goodbye." Her voice was sweet, but she didn't even look at Dylan, instead handing the toy to Frederick.
Frederick took the toy she handed him. His earlier gloomy mood eased a lot.
Even though Amelia wasn’t responding to him, being favored by Anna seemed quite satisfying.
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