Chapter 442 My Daughter
"You..." The boy was staring at Dagmar, his eyes filled with disbelief.
"Uncle, have you finished your protection duty?" Yonne asked.
Dagmar nodded with a smile. "Yes, mission accomplished!"
"Uncle, you're so cool!" Yonne clapped her hands joyfully.
Snapping back to reality, the boy stammered, "You went on a mission? I thought you had…"
"Thought I had what?" Dagmar clicked, "Kid, you need to start trusting people. It hurts to be doubted all the time."
"To celebrate the successful completion of my mission and my official adoption of you both, let's have some cake."
Dagmar set the cake down on the small table beside the hospital bed.
"Have you already adopted us?" the boy asked, astonished.
Dagmar produced a stack of neatly arranged documents and new identification cards for the siblings.
"The paperwork's all settled," he announced.
At those words, the boy, who had always been so wary of him, suddenly lunged into his arms and clung tightly to him. Dagmar was taken aback for a moment, but then he chuckled and ruffled his hair. "What's gotten into you guys lately? Why are you hugging me like this?"
"I'll be good; I'll help you with many things," the boy said. "Thank you..."
Dagmar sighed deeply.
"You don't need to be that obedient or do much for me. Just focus on your studies, grow up well, soar high, explore the wide world, and become the kind of adult you want to be." On this day, just before the height of summer, the once-homeless children finally found a home, a legal identity, and a father who would shape their lives. Those who had abandoned their true love also found a place to land smoothly in this new world.
*
Fiona officially took over as the CEO of the Rhoads Family Corporation. The shareholder meeting was packed, and many were in the know. Naturally, the news leaked out. Media outlets, both domestic and international, buzzed with the story.
There had been a brutal power struggle within the halls of the Rhoads family's corporate empire. In Chicago, the battle for control had been fierce, and Ken's bid for power ultimately failed. He was once again a man without a claim, a term insiders linked to being a stray dog, now associated with Chelsea.
Then there was Chelsea. She had become the chairwoman of the Rhoads Corporation, becoming the youngest female billionaire in the world.
And the rumors grew even wilder. Season's success had skyrocketed her net worth into hundreds of billions, and her husband, Darwin, was mockingly labeled as just a hanger-on.
Her name was trending.
Comments flooded the internet, marveling at Chelsea's prowess.
"I'll place my bet—this financial magnate has got to be a time traveler. After her legendary Wall Street success, she's now a case study for finance students. Everyone thought she'd lose this round, but she turned it around and became the world's youngest female billionaire. You can't tell me that's not time travel!"
"Seriously, is she the reincarnation of the goddess of wealth or what? Should we start worshipping her already?"
"Ding, ding! I just printed out a photo of the financial queen herself. My wall is going to be blessed!"
"Am I the only one concerned about what's become of Janna? If anyone's divine, it's Janna—the legend of the Rhoads family is her doing. She's a role model for women; I just hope she's doing well. She deserves a long and prosperous life!"
"Media folks, let's not get carried away. I just came across a gossip tabloid that daringly teased Mr. Solomon as a mere consort—hilarious!"
"Darwin was also seen with Chelsea; I bet he had a hand in her comeback. Just her on her own? Unlikely."
"Speaking of Darwin, there was another juicy story left unclear: Who exactly is the illegitimate daughter?"
Amidst this internet frenzy, the Rhoads family suddenly announced an imminent press conference.
It was scheduled for the following morning at 8 a.m.
The lobby of the imposing Rhoads family building was teeming with journalists from around the globe.
Chelsea, the newly appointed Rhoads family chairwoman, strode to the podium in an imposing black suit. Her makeup was immaculate, adding to her formidable presence.
The crowd was abuzz with chatter, which ebbed away to silence as the young chairwoman swept her gaze across her audience.
"Good morning, members of the press," Chelsea began, her voice naturally sweet, though carrying a chill that none could ignore.
"In light of the recent public interest in the Rhoads family, I will address some of the questions that have been most frequently asked," she announced to the captive room.
“First up were questions about Mr. Ken, who's currently under investigation for a major case by the international police and, therefore, needs to be in a position to respond. Any further information will be provided by the global agency overseeing the investigation.”
The room erupted into murmurs.
How had the power struggle ended with tears behind bars?
"Next, regarding Ms. Janna's health, we appreciate everyone's concern. Ms. Janna is doing well, and we believe she will soon return to preside over the affairs of the Rhoads family."
It was met with expectancy.
Again, the crowd buzzed with chatter.
Wasn't it rumored that she was gravely ill and in a coma?
And is she expected to return to the Rhoads family soon?
"Miss Rhoads, didn't you take over as the chairperson?" someone called out from the audience.
Fiona smiled faintly. "I'm just filling in temporarily. Once Ms. Janna recovers, she will resume her leadership of the Rhoads family."
At that announcement, the media went wild.
The chairperson position of the Rhoads family was highly coveted—who would willingly give it back once it was in their hands?
Next, Fiona addressed questions related to the Rhoads family's business operations.
Methodically, she quelled current public doubts and fears, providing clear answers.
The press conference continued for an hour.
"That concludes this media session. Thank you all for coming. The Rhoads family has prepared some delicious refreshments for you to enjoy."
With that, Fiona prepared to leave.
But then, from within the media, someone called out loudly, "Miss Rhoads, regarding the previous attack on Mr. Darwin and the child with him, many speculate that she is his illegitimate daughter with Ms. Lilian. Do you have anything to say about that?"
Fiona stopped in her tracks.
Laura immediately rebuked the questioner, "I'm sorry, we don't respond to personal inquiries."
"It's okay," Fiona said, reassuring Laura.
Then she turned to the journalist.
"You seem to be a little behind on the news."
The journalist faltered.
Miss Rhoads was smiling, but why did he feel a shiver down his spine?
"Haven't you seen European media reports about me having a child?" Fiona's lips curled slightly. "She is my daughter, not someone else's illegitimate child. Got it?"
After her answer, she left promptly.
The media remained silent for a few seconds.
Then the room exploded.
More than the Rhoads family affairs, who would be president, or what Mr. Ken had done, they knew this was the headline grabber!
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