Chapter 449 Survival of the Fittest Reigned Supreme
Anna hadn't seen Frederick in what felt like forever. She'd been so used to having him around that his sudden, long absence left her feeling all kinds of uneasy.
Amelia listened to Anna's suggestion and finally nodded, determination lighting up her eyes. "Alright," she said softly. "Let's go see your dad at work."
Anna's face lit up with a big smile. After a quick breakfast, they headed to the Hastings Group building. The Davis family's driver took them since Amelia wasn't feeling well enough to drive. As they walked into the sleek, high-rise office building, Amelia's nerves started to twinge and she couldn't help but imagine the receptionist stopping her.
But the receptionist didn't seem to have any intention of stopping them. Seeing Amelia carrying Anna, she smiled politely and led them to the private elevator.
Amelia thanked her softly and stepped in with Anna. The elevator smoothly glided up to Frederick's office floor. As they stepped out, another receptionist looked momentarily startled before putting on a professional smile. "Ms. Amelia Davis, bringing Ms. Anna Davis today?" she greeted.
Amelia nodded. "Anna misses him, so we thought we'd drop by."
Just then, laughter echoed from Frederick's office. Amelia instantly recognized the voice—it was Nancy's. Her grip on Anna tightened involuntarily. The receptionist noticed the change in Amelia's expression and awkwardly cleared her throat, walking up to Frederick's door. She knocked gently. "Mr. Hastings, Ms. Amelia Davis and Ms. Anna Davis are here to see you."
The laughter inside the office stopped, and Amelia heard Frederick's calm voice from inside. "Come in."
Amelia took a deep breath and stepped into the office, carrying Anna. Nancy was there, sitting across from Frederick, her makeup flawless as ever. She stood up with a composed smile. "Since Mr. Hastings has guests, I'll take my leave," she said softly.
Frederick nodded lightly, his eyes following Nancy as she left. Only then did he get up from his chair and take Anna from Amelia's arms.
Anna clung tightly to Frederick's neck, her face full of resentment. "Daddy," she said with a pout.
Frederick chuckled lightly, smoothing her hair. "Have you been a good girl while I was away?"
Anna nodded. "Of course, I've been the best girl, just like always."
Amelia stood stiffly in place, quietly observing Frederick. He had lost some weight during this time, indicating that the food inside wasn't to his liking. When Anna called him Daddy, his expression didn't show much joy.
She pushed away the chaotic thoughts in her mind and softly said, "Anna has missed you a lot."
Frederick listened to Amelia, looked down at Anna, and gently said, "I missed you too. I've been thinking about you every day."
Anna's face lit up at his response, hugging him even tighter. After a moment, she asked, "Daddy, don't you miss Mommy too?"
Frederick didn't look up at Amelia but answered Anna in a calm voice. "Yes." His voice was flat, almost emotionless, and his answer felt half-hearted.
Amelia's heart tightened, and she fell silent. After chatting with Anna for a bit, Frederick used the excuse of being too busy with work to ask Amelia to take Anna home.
Amelia nodded and took Anna from his arms. She softly said, "Then we'll head back first."
"Okay," he replied, already turning back to the papers on his desk, his mind seemingly miles away.
Amelia quietly watched him for a moment, then left the office without saying anything more.
As they left, Anna sensed Amelia's somber mood. She rested her head on her mother's shoulder and asked softly, "Mommy, aren't you happy to see Daddy?"
Amelia was silent for a few seconds before forcing a smile. "No, sweetie. I'm happy."
Anna looked up at her skeptically. "But Mommy, you didn't smile at all."
Amelia was stunned for a few seconds, feeling a sting from Anna's words, then forced a smile. "You must have seen wrong. I did smile," she muttered.
Then Anna stayed quiet, nestling into her mother's embrace.
Back at Davis Manor, Vincent immediately approached them, his face lined with concern. "Did you see Frederick? How is he?"
Seeing Vincent's concerned and eager eyes, Amelia forced a slight smile to reassure him and softly said, "Yes, I saw him. He's fine, no problems."
Vincent saw the smile on Amelia's face and secretly breathed a sigh of relief. "That's good. Rachel called earlier and said she's coming back to Kasfee tomorrow."
Amelia nodded lightly and softly said, "With Rachel back, I can relax a bit."
Vincent smiled at her words, reached out to rub her head, and softly said, "Amelia, you have no resilience whatsoever."
She bit her lip, trying to hold back tears.
She certainly lacked the decisiveness to face many challenges independently. Particularly when navigating the deceit and manipulation of the business world, she was utterly clueless.
This time, Frederick encountered a predicament, and she was unable to offer any assistance. Therefore, Frederick's current indifference toward her was something Amelia could comprehend.
She couldn't support Frederick in business matters, nor did she possess the exceptional capabilities to be an ideal partner. So if Frederick had pondered the idea of choosing Nancy, Amelia would understand. After all, the adult world was one of selection: survival of the fittest.
Hence, Frederick's cool demeanor toward her likely stemed from the reflection during his recent time in the detention center.
It was only because of the bond they shared through Anna that he hadn't explicitly told Amelia.
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