Chapter 121: Where Did It Go Wrong?
Riley glanced in the direction he indicated and spotted the little girl curled up in the corner, hugging her knees with empty eyes, resembling a soulless, fragile doll.
Recalling Finley's sweet smile whenever she saw her, Riley felt a sharp pang in her heart, making it difficult to breathe.
Just this morning, the child had clung to her skirt with bright eyes, but now she appeared like this. Riley quietly entered the room, knelt down in front of the little girl, and gently called her name, "Finley, it's me, Riley.”
But Finley had no reaction.
Seeing Finley like this, Riley found herself momentarily speechless.
Alexander gently reminded her from behind, "Ms. Monroe, Finley has withdrawn from the world. It would be beneficial if you communicated more with her to help her open up. Be patient." Upon hearing this, Riley attempted to compose herself, nodded quietly, and began to talk with Finley.
"Finley, how are you? I brought the boys. Look, they're all here!"
The two little boys hurried over. Winston, as usual, made funny faces at Finley. "I'm here to cheer you up! No more tears, okay?"
Landon furrowed his brow and gazed into Finley's eyes. "Just take a moment to relax, and then we'll have fun together, okay?"
In the past, hearing these words would have instantly brought a bright smile to Finley's face.
But this time, it was as if Finley didn't hear them. She sat there motionless, not even changing her posture.
Winston's smile slowly faded, and he pouted anxiously, "Talk to us. Are you upset because we didn't go to school? Don't worry, my brother and I will be back soon. We'll take you wherever we go and play whatever you want."
Landon sternly warned, "If you keep ignoring us, we won't play with you anymore!"
Despite their efforts, Finley remained unresponsive. The two boys sniffled and tried various approaches, continuing to engage Finley in conversation about different topics.
They even mentioned their day at the Global Adventure Park, promising to take her there once she felt better.
Despite talking until their mouths were dry, Finley continued to sit there without even blinking. Witnessing this, the two little boys' eyes turned red, and they pulled on Riley's sleeve.
"Mommy, the little sister doesn't seem to hear us. What should we do?"
Their voices were almost tearful. Riley's eyes also welled up slightly, but she composed herself, gently patting the two boys' heads. "She will be okay. Boys, take a break, I will speak with her.”
The two little ones pressed their lips tightly, not wanting to cry in front of the little sister, and quietly retreated behind their mommy.
Riley carefully picked Finley up and placed her on her lap. Whether Finley could hear her or not, she just said whatever came to mind.
Finley, like a doll, let her do whatever she wanted.
Seeing the two of them like this, Donovan felt a stir in his heart.
He became more convinced that Riley didn't know Finley was her biological daughter.
Otherwise, how could someone who had heartlessly abandoned her child be so good to Finley now?
But if that were the case, where did it go wrong in the middle?
