Chapter 155 Not Much Fatherly Love
Maggie's words struck Alan like a sharp jab to an open wound, provoking an immediate and vehement retort. "Yes, she is my biological daughter, Ms. Miller. How dare you say such things."
Alan's reaction was more intense than Maggie had anticipated. "Mr. Wright, what I intended to say was...""I will not let you adopt Adalia, and I insist that you keep your distance from her in the future," Alan declared resolutely. "The manner in which I raise my child is not your concern. You, a stranger, have no right to meddle in my family affairs. If you want a child, then bear one of your own." With that, Alan climbed into his car, ignited the engine, and sped off towards the hospital. After Adalia had been whisked away by Fiorello, Tommy had fallen ill, his body ravaged by a high fever that necessitated his admission to the hospital. Alan was consumed by worry. He recalled the words of the fortuneteller, who had prophesied that Tommy's life was intrinsically linked to Adalia's presence. Thus, Alan hastened to retrieve Adalia. Susan had initially been opposed to the idea. She had made numerous attempts to remove Adalia from their home, but the thought of Tommy's precarious health forced her to give in to Alan's decision to bring Adalia back. Sure enough, within an hour of Adalia's return to the hospital, Tommy's fever began to subside. Alan instructed Adalia to stay with Tommy in the ward, then pulled Susan aside for a private conversation. "I've told you repeatedly to treat Adalia with kindness. Why did you hit her again? If she were to run away and Tommy were to fall gravely ill, what then?" Alan had never condoned Susan's physical abuse of Adalia. Now, he seized the opportunity presented by Tommy's illness to reprimand Susan. Susan responded with a petulant pout. "No matter how often I hit Adalia, she remains hale and hearty. I believe she's a curse upon Tommy." "You refuse to acknowledge the power of destiny. We were childless for many years, yet after adopting Adalia, you conceived Tommy. The fortuneteller claimed that Adalia brought Tommy into our lives, their fates intertwined." "Enough," Susan snapped impatiently. "I'll try to hit Adalia less frequently in the future."
Alan said, "Let's move after Tommy is discharged from the hospital." "Why should we move? We're fine living here now. Moving is such a hassle."
"Ms. Miller from Building Three likes Adalia. She just told me she wants to adopt Adalia," Alan said, "I'm worried that if we remain here, it may invite trouble. Your frequent abuse of Adalia, coupled with the fact that she's four years old and not yet enrolled in school, has sparked rumors among the community residents that Adalia isn't our biological child." "Let them gossip. Their idle chatter is of no consequence to me. However, moving is out of the question." Susan remained steadfast in her stance and proposed a counter-solution. "You mentioned that Ms. Miller wishes to adopt Adalia. If she's so fond of Adalia, then let her bear the financial burden of raising her, rather than merely making empty promises." Alan sighed in resignation. "We must enroll Adalia in school." "If Ms. Miller is willing to cover the expenses, then let Adalia attend school. I refuse to fund her education. I wish to save money for Tommy." Susan dismissed Alan with a push, adding, "Tommy's fever has subsided. Take Adalia away, her presence annoys me." Left with no other option, Alan complied and took Adalia back home. During their journey, Alan tentatively broached a subject with Adalia. "Adalia, what is your opinion of Ms. Miller?" Adalia responded in a soft voice, "Aunt Maggie is very kind." "Would you like to live with Ms. Miller?" Adalia lowered her gaze and remained silent. "Adalia, you are the daughter of your mother and me. We are a family. Your mother is just tired from caring for Tommy, which is why she's been so irritable. Try not to provoke her in the future, and I'll endeavor to enroll you in school." "Dad, I understand," Adalia replied obediently. "I will help with the household chores, take care of Tommy, and avoid angering Mother." "Good girl," Alan praised with a smile. He noted that Adalia had become more communicative after spending two days with Maggie. "Are you hungry? I'll take you to KFC now. Your mother isn't here, so this will be our little secret. You won't tell her, will you?" Adalia's eyes sparkled with excitement as she nodded in agreement. "Okay."
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