Chapter 412 Torn Between Two Worlds
Angela seemed to understand her teacher's praise and shyly bowed her head, her dimples cradling soft smiles.
"Come, let Ivan give you a hug." Ivan squatted down and opened his arms wide.
Without hesitation, Angela dashed into his embrace as if lifted by wings.
Ivan, seizing the opportunity to delight her, hoisted her up and twirled her around, the melody of her laughter dancing through the air.
Heidi, observing the scene with mild surprise, couldn't shake off the memory of another man who had stood alongside Todd and Angela's father just days ago. Yet here was Ivan, a sudden addition to the picture.
She nodded, her gaze steady, only snapping back to reality when the family of four departed the preschool. Todd's father exuded a captivating charm, his rugged handsomeness undeniable. It was no wonder the children in class were so enamored—even Heidi struggled to avert her eyes.
At the entrance of the preschool, two cars awaited. Haley and Ivan had arrived separately, each parking on either side.
"Angela, come to Haley; let's get in the car first," Haley beckoned, arms open, approaching Ivan.
But before Angela could comply, Ivan intervened with an indifferent tone, "Haley has had a long day at work; let's not trouble her to carry you."
Angela hesitated mid-reach, tilting her head momentarily, then resumed clinging to Ivan's neck.
A pleased smile curved upon Ivan's lips.
Todd interjected softly, "Angela can walk on her own."
Responding to her brother's words, Angela wriggled to the ground.
Ivan's smile faltered momentarily, then he gently proposed, "Angela, would you like to ride in Ivan's car?"
Haley's voice rose softly, "Angela, ride with Haley; you'll be more comfortable."
Caught in a dilemma, Angela shifted her gaze between Ivan and Haley.
Ivan, seizing the opportunity, continued, "I came to pick you up, and it would be pitiful for me to drive back alone."
An irritable pang struck Haley. A man of such stature resorting to pity with a little girl seemed somewhat shameless.
Yet Angela, unwittingly, fell for the ploy.
Her tender hand found its place in Ivan's palm, signaling her readiness to join him in his car.
Todd's brow furrowed, about to intervene, but Ivan beat him to it, "Todd, ride with me too. It'll give Haley a chance to rest."
"No, thanks," Todd stood firm beside Haley.
Haley sensed her daughter's wavering allegiance.
With a resigned sigh, she ruffled her daughter's hair and said, "Go ahead and ride with Ivan, Angela. I will take the other car with your brother."
And so, the group split into two, each heading toward their respective vehicles.
As Haley started her car, she observed Ivan's vehicle trailing behind through the rearview mirror, a faint twitch at the corner of her mouth betraying her thoughts.
He would have to devise a plan to ensure Haley rode with him from now on...
With that determination in mind, Ivan started his engine and followed suit.
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