Chapter 424
Ivan was initially upset, but his anger disappeared instantly at the sound of Angela calling him "Daddy!"
He picked up Angela, who had run toward him, and lifted her into the air, spinning her around before gently asking, "Did you miss Daddy?"
"I did!" Angela nodded vigorously.
Inside the car, Owen was still looking for a place to hide.
Todd's lips curled up slightly. "You have the guts to run away from home but not the courage to face the consequences?"
Owen buried his head under the pillow and muttered, "Hmph, so I’m a scaredy-cat, so what? Are you going to bite me?"
Haley was speechless. "Do you think your dad won't be able to catch you if you hide here? Come on, be a good boy and come out."
"No, I'm not coming out!" Owen clung to the pillow stubbornly and defiantly said, "I'm staying here tonight at Mom's place!"
Keith pursed his lips and said, "If you're staying here, I'll go back with Dad."
He moved to get out of the car.
Finally, Owen moved and grabbed Keith's sleeve. "Keith, you..."
A flicker of relief passed through Keith as he realized the boy wasn't entirely devoid of a moral compass; he didn't want Keith to bear the brunt of their father's anger alone.
"Keith, you're the golden boy, right? Just tell them you dragged me to Mom's place today... Dad's got a soft spot for you, so he won't lay a finger on you. Please, Keith, don't snitch on me, okay?"
Keith remained silent as a wave of realization washed over him.
He had given Owen's sense of guilt far too much credit.
Haley helplessly massaged her temples. "Alright, Owen. I promise that I’ll convince your dad to let you and your brother sleep over at my place tonight, okay?"
Only then did Owen finally let go of the pillow.
Haley led the children out of the car.
In the darkness of the night, the six of them stood facing each other at the entrance of the villa.
On one side, Ivan was holding Angela.
On the other side, Haley held her three sons by her side.
Owen hid behind Haley, while Keith looked guilty as well.
Haley smiled faintly and said, "Why are you here? Have you had dinner?"
Since she had to leave Keith and Owen behind, she had to be nice to them so that negotiations would go well.
They had argued yesterday, but today Haley talked with a smile, and Ivan's lingering anger disappeared completely.
The corners of his lips slightly curved up. "I haven't eaten yet. Can I eat at your place?"
"Of course, you're welcome to."
Haley pushed open the door of the villa and stepped aside for them to enter.
She took out all the ingredients from the refrigerator, planning to make a sumptuous dinner. This would be the first time Keith and Owen would have dinner at her place.
After dinner, she would bring out the gifts she had carefully prepared for the two children.
Haley was in a very good mood, but when she saw Ivan enter the kitchen, she became somewhat unhappy.
This man was so comfortable in her house. He was acting as if it were his own. Why was he so audacious?
But she would need his help later, so it wouldn't be good to have a frown on her face the whole time.
She lowered her head to chop some vegetables while Ivan took the initiative to wash the vegetables and peel the beans. The air in the kitchen became calm.
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