Chapter 98
Nathan felt a wave of irritation wash over him.
"It's nothing," he snapped, unable to hold it in any longer.
"Okay," Ryan replied, his tone flat.
Awkward silence filled the car again.
Nathan switched off the dome light and stared out the window, trying to hide his embarrassment and frustration.
After a lot of thinking, Nathan decided he couldn't just give up.
He knew he had to change things.
"Ryan," he said, his voice softer now.
"Yeah?" Ryan finally responded.
"I'm not trying to make you do something you hate. I just want you to spend more time with your great-grandparents," Nathan explained.
"Okay," Ryan said, still indifferent.
Nathan reminded himself, 'Persistence is key.'
"One day, you'll grow up, become independent, and move out. It's just part of life," Nathan added.
"Okay," Ryan replied, barely paying attention.
Nathan, usually a man of few words, found himself rambling on, trying to explain his reasons. But all he got were half-hearted responses. Ryan definitely had a strong personality.
Nathan's attempts to make peace failed, leaving him feeling completely defeated.
Reality hit hard, and he had no choice but to give up.
The car pulled up to the neighborhood entrance, and there was Caroline, waiting outside.
"Mommy!" Ryan, usually so composed, suddenly lit up with excitement.
At that moment, Nathan felt utterly defeated.
No matter what he did, he could never replace Ryan's mother.
Nathan couldn't help but wonder if it would be a mistake to drive Caroline out of Aurora City. He feared that if he did, Ryan and Sophie would never forgive him.
Especially Ryan, who would definitely take action.
Nathan absolutely didn't want to become Ryan's enemy.
He didn’t want their future interactions to be like the lukewarm responses Ryan had just given in the car.
Caroline saw the black Rolls-Royce and quickly ran over.
Even a few hours apart felt like an eternity to her.
Having wandered alone for many years, she now found her only solace and support in Ryan and Sophie.
She had once told Nathan that Ryan and Sophie were her life, and it was true; she would give everything for them.
As the car door opened, Caroline almost threw herself in, colliding with Nathan, who caught a whiff of orange blossoms.
She didn't bother with Nathan, rushing past him to ask, "Ryan, Sophie, are you okay?"
"Mommy, we're fine," Ryan said, climbing over to hug her tightly.
Sophie woke up, rubbing her eyes and calling out, "Mommy."
Caroline first took Ryan out of the car and set him aside, then went hurtling to the other side of the car to pick up Sophie.
Her slender figure was now filled with maternal strength, every movement swift and decisive, as if she feared Ryan and Sophie would disappear if she were a second late.
Nathan stood aside, speechless.
"Sweethearts, we're home now. Don't go with strangers so easily in the future; I was scared," Caroline said. The word "stranger" cut deep, wounding Nathan.
He thought everything he did was for Ryan's and Sophie's future.
But to Caroline, he was just a stranger who might hurt them.
Ryan and Sophie didn't seem close to him either; Ryan's responses during the ride were cold.
The streetlight cast a long shadow of Nathan, making him look especially lonely.
He thought Caroline was about to say something to him, but all he got was a hostile glance.
Even in the dim light, Nathan could discern that the wariness and defensiveness on Caroline's face were mixed with a hint of hatred.
At that moment, Sophie suddenly turned to look at Nathan.
Nathan habitually waved and softly said goodbye.
He knew he wasn't welcome, but he loved Ryan and Sophie deeply and never meant to harm them.
He wouldn't let anyone else hurt them either, yet he found himself seemingly becoming the one who hurt them with his good intentions.
Sophie suddenly broke free from Caroline's hand and ran towards Nathan.
Nathan hurried forward and squatted down.
The usually strong Nathan, at this moment, looked like a child longing for comfort, gazing at the chubby Sophie.
"Nathan, Ryan isn't really mad anymore, I can tell. Don't take it to heart," Sophie whispered in Nathan's ear.
Nathan opened his mouth but couldn't speak, a warm feeling rising in his heart.
After speaking, Sophie quickly returned to Caroline's side.
This time, Nathan raised his voice, "Goodnight, bye-bye."
Ryan looked up at Caroline, who understood and signaled with her eyes.
"Goodnight, Nathan, bye-bye," Ryan also waved.
Only then did Nathan truly feel happy.
He suddenly realized how much his emotions were influenced by the kids and Caroline.
In the days that followed, everything seemed particularly peaceful.
Since that night, Nathan temporarily shelved the plan to move Ryan and Sophie into Elegant Mountain Estate. Adults might see moving into Elegant Mountain Estate as the highest honor, but for Ryan and Sophie, the luxurious and spacious children's room was no match for Caroline's cozy embrace.
One day, Caroline was busy on set when Sarah suddenly burst onto the scene, causing William to immediately halt filming.
"What's going on? Don't you know we're filming? How can you just barge in like this?" William's voice was filled with displeasure.
"Something terrible happened! There's been an incident at the kindergarten!" Sarah's shout shattered the peace.
Instantly, Caroline's heart instantly tightened. "What's the situation?"
"There was an explosion near the kindergarten, and the scene is in chaos!" Sarah replied urgently.
The news hit like a ton of bricks. Caroline didn't even bother to take off her costume and rushed towards the door.
Sarah followed closely behind. "Don't worry, the police are already handling it. Here's your phone, take it with you."
Shortly after she got into the car, Caroline's phone rang abruptly, displaying an unfamiliar number on the screen.
"Hello?" Caroline's voice was slightly trembling.
"Is this Caroline?" A man's voice came from the other end of the line.
"It's me. Who are you?" Caroline asked.
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