Chapter 264 Thought We Were Family
Donovan frowned, feeling awkward with the tool no matter how he tried to use it.
Just as he was getting impatient, he felt someone watching him.
He looked up and met Riley's smiling eyes.
When their eyes met, Riley quickly looked away, her face turning indifferent again.
Seeing this, Donovan furrowed his brow but his impatience faded. He turned to the staff and said, "I'm not used to this. Can you show me how to use it?"
The staff had been watching for a while. Seeing Donovan, tall and strong, using the shovel awkwardly, but then saw Donovan all noble, he had hesitated to correct him. But now, seeing Donovan ask for help, he quickly came over to demonstrate.
Donovan watched the staff's posture and thought of his own earlier stance, finding it amusing.
Knowing how to use the shovel made filling in the dirt much faster.
The five of them worked together to plant a tree, and for the next one, they cooperated smoothly.
The three kids gradually began to loosen up, occasionally talking to Riley, who responded with a gentle smile.
Off to the side, Donovan worked while watching them with deep eyes.
Seeing their harmonious interaction, the staff couldn't help but ask, "Are you a family?"
Riley and Donovan both froze.
Riley was about to explain, but Donovan spoke first, "Why do you ask?"
Riley frowned slightly in displeasure.
This question, instead of denying the staff's speculation, would make him think there was something between them.
The staff didn't think much of it and said, "You all look like a family, and the three kids resemble you both."
Riley's displeasure turned into vigilance.
Although she wanted to hide it, Landon and Winston did resemble Donovan a bit. It wasn't obvious yet because they were still young, and Donovan hadn't noticed.
She was afraid Donovan would pay attention and discover the truth because of the staff's words.
Donovan raised an eyebrow, glanced at the three kids, and saw they did have some resemblance, but he didn't think much of it.
After all, the three kids were all Riley's, so it wasn't unusual for them to look like their mother.
Seeing that Donovan didn't deny it, the staff remarked, "You have a great family bond."
Donovan still didn't refute.
Pulling herself from her spiral of worry, Riley calmly addressed the staff member, "You misunderstood. We're not a family. The kids get along well, so we formed a temporary group."
The staff looked a bit surprised, paused for a few seconds before apologizing awkwardly, "Really? My bad. Seeing how well you all get along, and how close the kids are to this lady, I thought you were a family..."
Riley forced a smile. "It's okay, as long as it's clear now."
The staff quickly nodded.
On the side, Donovan looked at the top of Riley's head, his eyes deep and thoughtful.
