Chapter 333 Can't Call Him Uncle Frederick Next Time
Amelia bit her lip, glancing nervously between Frederick and the child he held. She took a hesitant step forward, heart pounding with a mix of fear and hope.
Frederick, sensing her, stepped forward too, holding Anna protectively. His face was unreadable.
Rachel, watching the tense scene, raised an eyebrow and turned to Susan. "What's going on?"
Susan shifted awkwardly, forcing a smile. "That guy said Ms. Anna Davis and Mr. Hastings look alike." She glanced at Frederick, then added, "Now that I look, they do seem similar." Her voice trailed off, almost questioning. "Maybe they're really related," she whispered.
Susan avoided Frederick's gaze, focusing on Rachel, silently communicating.
Frederick, suspicious since Charles's comment, stared at Amelia, his expression hard to read. He said nothing, but his stance spoke volumes.
Amelia took a shaky breath. She knew Frederick was suspicious. His intense gaze had made that clear.
Rachel stayed calm, smiling softly as she looked between Anna and Frederick. "They do look alike. A bit of family resemblance is normal."
Frederick's face darkened. His father and Dylan's father were cousins, so they looked somewhat alike. And he and Dylan were cousins too.
Frederick tightened his grip on Anna.
Amelia, regaining her composure, walked steadily toward Frederick, reaching out to take Anna. But Frederick held on, his blue eyes now steely as they met Amelia's.
She met his gaze, masking her guilt. "What’s wrong?" she asked evenly.
Frederick, seeing no panic in Amelia, frowned. He hesitated, then loosened his grip. "Nothing," he murmured. He gently stroked Anna's head.
Anna, oblivious to the tension, was focused on sticking the colorful diamonds on her nails. She struggled with one stubborn diamond, then extended her hand to Frederick. "Uncle Frederick, help me," she said sweetly.
Frederick, moved by her voice, nodded. "Okay," he rasped.
He bent down, carefully placing the diamond on her nail. "These plastic toys aren’t good. Uncle Frederick will get you real ones," he said.
Amelia looked at him, feeling conflicted.
Rachel, realizing Frederick's suspicion, smiled slightly and turned to Vincent. "Dad, I sold the Riverfront Estate. I hope you won't be mad."
Vincent sighed, patting Rachel's shoulder. "I know it's been tough for you. Selling it was a good idea. I could never blame you."
Rachel knew the Riverfront Estate had always been a sore spot for Vincent. When the Davis Group first hit trouble, Vincent had hoped this land could save the family. But reality was harsher than he imagined.
Despite its nice environment, the estate had issues that made it less appealing. Redevelopment seemed unlikely.
Vincent understood this, sighed, patted Rachel's shoulder, and headed for the door. The reporters outside had already left.
He paused at the door, looking back at the sales office. The staff were cleaning up, preparing for the handover to the Wright family. Charles had bought the place, so they would be reassigned to other Davis properties.
Even after all these years, the sales office was spotless, showing Rachel valued it. He sighed inwardly, seeing Rachel and Amelia watching him. He smiled and said, "Let's go home."
It was the young generation's time now. He was old and needed to let go.
Rachel's expression relaxed, and she followed Vincent to the car.
Frederick glanced at Susan, who stood awkwardly. "Go back with Mr. Davis," he said. "I need to talk to Amelia."
Susan, relieved, nodded and turned to Amelia.
Amelia bit her lip, anxiety knotting in her stomach. She hesitated, then quickly handed Anna to Susan. If things got exposed and Frederick fought for custody, it would be harder for him if Anna was with the Davis family.
Frederick noticed Amelia's quick move, his eyes narrowing.
Susan, taking Anna, looked concerned.
“Wait a minute,” Frederick said sharply.
Amelia's face showed a mix of fear, guilt, and defiance. She swallowed nervously, meeting Frederick's gaze in a silent standoff.
Frederick, sensing her turmoil, now understood the situation. He looked at her intently, then turned away, emotions washing over him. He fixed the plastic diamond on Anna's nail, his eyes reddening. His hands trembled as he tried to stay composed.
Anna, unaware of the tension, smiled up at him. "Thank you, Uncle Frederick," she said sweetly.
The words, once comforting, now stung. His heart ached.
"Next time we meet, Anna can't call me Uncle Frederick," Frederick murmured, his voice thick with emotion.
Amelia felt a chill. He had figured it out!
Anna, confused, asked, "If I can’t call you Uncle Frederick, what should I call you?"
Frederick, eyes locked on Amelia, felt a pang of anger. “Your mom should answer that,” he said tightly.
Anna looked at Amelia, wide-eyed. "Mommy."
Amelia took a deep breath, struggling to meet Anna's gaze. The weight of the situation felt suffocating. She bit her lip, gently rubbing Anna’s head. "I'll tell you when we get home, okay?" she said softly.
Anna nodded, then turned back to Frederick. "Can’t Uncle Frederick tell me?"
Frederick, holding Anna’s hand, hesitated. His eyes, slightly red, were filled with sadness and yearning. He remained silent.
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