Chapter 436 Beautiful Scene
Michael's eyes lit up as he exclaimed, "Susan, check it out! Francis just said he likes me!"
Susan chuckled, "Michael, he's way too young to talk, but he sure knows how to show it. See how he's grinning at you? That means he really likes you."
Michael was over the moon. He scooped Francis up and gently rocked him, pacing around the living room.
He and Francis kept locking eyes.
"Sweetheart, if Daddy comes over in the future and your mommy doesn't open the door for me, will you help me out?"
Susan couldn't help but laugh, "Mr. Thomas, you're getting way ahead of yourself."
Michael's smile was unwavering, clearly in high spirits. "Susan, kids really give you hope. I owe Elizabeth big time."
Susan nodded, "Elizabeth's been through a lot, raising two kids on her own."
Michael's face clouded over, as if remembering something painful. "Susan, I'll take care of Francis. You go ahead and do your thing."
Susan left the room.
Michael whispered, "Francis, Daddy really wishes to be by your side, watching you grow up."
Elizabeth gently pushed the door open and walked in, fresh from her morning jog.
"Michael, what brings you here?"
Michael looked up, "I came to see the kids. Sorry for not giving you a heads-up."
Elizabeth changed her shoes, keeping her gaze down, avoiding eye contact. "They're your kids too. You don't need to check in with me every time, like I'm keeping you from them."
Just moments ago, she had stood by the glass door, watching Michael hold Francis and smile at him.
The morning sunlight streamed through the glass, casting a warm glow in the living room. Elizabeth stood there, quietly observing.
She couldn't help but wonder, if they hadn't had their misunderstandings, if she hadn't left, would scenes like this be their norm?
Him holding the kids with a gentle smile, and her watching them from the side. Wouldn't that be happiness?
The scene was so beautiful, it moved her.
She couldn't bear to open the door and break the moment.
Hearing her say she wasn't stopping him from seeing the kids, Michael realized she wasn't as heartless as he had thought.
"Elizabeth, I was worried Pearl and Nolan might not like the gifts from yesterday, so I brought new ones today."
Elizabeth noticed the paper bag on the table.
"Alright, I'll let them come down and open it themselves."
Michael asked hesitantly, "Did Nolan like the gift I gave him?"
Elizabeth didn't want to discourage him. "I think he did. He took it upstairs with him."
Just then, Pearl came downstairs. "Mom, Nolan asked me to find a big screwdriver for him. But I don't know where to look."
Elizabeth opened the toolbox, found a screwdriver, and handed it to her. "Pearl, be careful going upstairs with the screwdriver. Don't run."
Michael was curious, "What's Nolan doing with a screwdriver?"
Elizabeth didn't know how to answer.
Pearl blurted out, "Nolan's taking the TigerBot apart. He dismantled it."
Michael's face fell.
So, Nolan still hated him. Not only did he hate him, but he also hated the gift he gave.
That robot was something he personally designed and had built by a foreign robotics company. He thought Nolan would like it. Even if he didn't, he didn't expect him to hate it this much.
His expression showed visible hurt.
In a hoarse voice, Michael said, "Pearl, it's okay. I brought new gifts today. Call Nolan down so you can open them together."
Pearl ran over, glanced at the paper bag, and said, "Okay. Once Nolan puts Milo back together, we'll come down."
Michael's face lit up with hope. "Put it back together?"
Pearl looked up. "Nolan said Milo's programming is too childish, not as good as the robots from Mom's factory. So, he's taking Milo apart to upgrade its system and make it better. Alright, Dad, Mom, I have to go. Nolan's waiting for the screwdriver."
She ran back upstairs.
Elizabeth let out a quiet sigh of relief. She glanced at Michael, noticing his expression had also relaxed.
He must have been really hurt just now, thinking Nolan hated the gift.
Michael's phone rang, snapping him back to reality.
The ringtone kept playing.
Elizabeth frowned slightly, "Why aren't you answering?"
He was holding Francis, so he said to Elizabeth, "Can you get it for me? It's in my pocket."
Elizabeth walked over and reached into his pocket. Her hand, through the thin fabric, touched his thigh, and his muscles tensed noticeably.
The call was from Daniel.
Elizabeth held the phone to his ear.
Michael shook his head, "No, put it on speaker."
Elizabeth put it on speaker.
Daniel's voice came through clearly, "Mr. Thomas, I'm at the old mansion. William has listed it online, but the real estate agent isn't working today, so I went to William directly."
"What did he say?"
"He wants a hundred million dollars, all cash."
"Is he desperate for money?"
"Seems like it. William and Anthony both look down and out."
Elizabeth looked up, "William's selling the old mansion? Are you planning to buy it?"
Michael gently rocked Francis, who seemed to be enjoying it.
Then Michael turned to Elizabeth. "Do you think I should buy it?"
On the other end, Daniel was puzzled.
'Wait, boss, didn't you send me here to buy the house? What's with the sudden change? And why are you speaking so gently?'
Before he could say anything, Elizabeth spoke up, "You sent Daniel to negotiate, so you've already decided to buy it. Why ask me? It's unnecessary."
Daniel let out a breath. Good thing he hadn't said more. Clearly, when the boss spoke gently, it wasn't directed at him.
Michael said softly, "I just wanted your opinion."
Elizabeth put his phone on the couch and walked to the kitchen. "Even if I disagree, you wouldn't listen. I have no opinion."
Elizabeth brought Francis' bottle over and placed it on the coffee table, reaching out to Michael. "Give me Francis. It's time for his bottle."
Michael asked tentatively, "How about I try?"
Elizabeth couldn't believe it: Michael feeding Francis?
The image seemed so out of place. She had never considered it. But, it wasn't impossible.
She handed him the bottle. "The temperature is just right. You can feed him."
Michael took the bottle and gently placed the nipple in Francis' mouth.
Francis latched on and started sucking contentedly, making clear swallowing sounds.
Michael smiled, "This little guy sure enjoys his meal."
Elizabeth also smiled warmly at Francis.
Francis drank his milk, eyes wide open, looking at both of them, kicking his little feet excitedly.
Michael held Francis, not daring to move, because he felt Elizabeth's body leaning against his.
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