Chapter 640 Fragility of a Father
Charlotte looked away, lost in thought.
She considered Fiona's children, both seeming fragile and in need of protection.
"How are you feeling, Charlotte?" Fiona inquired from the front seat.
Charlotte met her gaze. "I might disappoint Xavier and Mike. I can't be like a normal little girl."
Fiona was taken aback by Charlotte's response.
She had wanted to ask about Charlotte's feelings towards school.
"A normal little girl?" Fiona was puzzled.
"Like your daughter," Charlotte explained, trying to articulate her thoughts.
Despite learning many words and reading numerous books recently, Charlotte found it difficult to express herself coherently.
"Chicago is gentle, like a little sun," Charlotte continued slowly. "But I'm different from her."
Fiona was surprised by Charlotte's revelation. After a moment of contemplation, she decided not to rush away. Instead, she found a parking spot.
"Aren't you leaving?" Charlotte asked, a bit bewildered. "Did I say something wrong?"
"No," Fiona replied, stretching. "I suddenly feel like having ice cream. Why don't you join me?"
Charlotte agreed quietly. "Okay."
A few minutes later, Fiona bought two cones from a nearby convenience store.
Despite the chilly weather, Charlotte's hands grew numb from holding the ice cream cones.
Fiona led Charlotte to sit beneath a large banyan tree.
"Why did you say you're the opposite of Chicago?" Fiona asked suddenly.
Charlotte, absorbed in her ice cream, didn't immediately register Fiona's question. But when she did, she was eager to explain.
"Maybe I'm bad. Your husband is wary of me, Aunt Thalassa fears me, and Xavier and Mike don't see me as a normal kid," Charlotte mused. "The only one who does is my father."
"Is that so?" Fiona paused, considering Charlotte's words. "But who decides what's 'normal' for a child?"
Charlotte looked at Fiona, surprised by her response.
"Charlotte, if you're content with who you are, then be yourself. The world is full of diversity. There's no set mold for everyone. Imagine how dull it would be if everyone were the same."
Charlotte had been taught extreme caution and suspicion by her father. No one had ever challenged her beliefs like this before.
Fiona's words touched Charlotte deeply. "I'll protect your children," she vowed sincerely.
Fiona's heart swelled with emotion at Charlotte's words.
She reached out to pat Charlotte's head, but Charlotte instinctively flinched away.
Realizing her mistake, Charlotte moved back towards Fiona's hand.
Fiona smiled warmly and gently patted Charlotte's head. "Right now, focus on enjoying your ice cream and acing your entrance exam!"
"Okay!" Charlotte nodded enthusiastically, taking a big bite of her ice cream.
It was too cold, causing Charlotte to shiver.
Fiona winced in sympathy as she watched Charlotte's discomfort.
After finishing their ice cream, they returned to the car and headed to Emerald Pool, delayed by about ten minutes due to their impromptu ice cream break.
Darwin waited impatiently, on the verge of making a phone call, when Fiona's car finally pulled up.
Hurrying over, he greeted Fiona sternly as she exited the car.
Without meeting Darwin's gaze, Charlotte politely bid farewell. "Madam, I'm heading back."
"Study hard," Fiona encouraged.
"I will," Charlotte assured before walking towards the security guard's residence.
Fiona turned back, pinching Darwin's cheeks lightly. "You scared her off," she scolded.
Darwin held Fiona's hand. "You were over ten minutes late. It's natural for me to worry."
"Haven't you assessed her psychologically?" Fiona sighed. "Charlotte is just different due to her upbringing and intelligence. She's not antisocial."
"I understand." Darwin nodded.
"You're peculiar," Fiona teased, wrapping her arms around Darwin. "You've faced off assassins but worry about a child."
Darwin met Fiona's gaze with a smile.
"Maybe fatherhood makes us vulnerable," Darwin mused.
Fiona chuckled. "No excuses!"
They shared a laugh.
After their final exams, Chicago and Charles experienced their first Christmas holiday.
For Charles, it meant a change of study location, but for Chicago, it meant unbridled joy.
Jessie, now lively and healthy, raced around with Chicago in the garden.
Fiona, wrapped in a blanket, watched them from the window.
Stuart stood nearby, bewildered as Jessie knocked him down playfully.
Darwin approached Fiona, embracing her from behind.
He was still half-asleep from staying up late.
Buried in Fiona's neck, Darwin held her tightly.
Fiona tousled his hair affectionately. "Only a hunting dog can keep up with Chicago's energy."
Darwin chuckled softly.
As Stuart sat up, Jessie settled back on his lap.
Darwin remained silent, prompting Fiona to explain, "Stuart took Jessie's chicken leg and hid it, and Jessie found out."
"Deserves it for stealing a dog's treat," Darwin remarked, pouting. "Can't we cuddle a bit longer?"
Darwin had started spending more nights at Fiona's place during the previous winter, finding comfort in her presence.
Fiona checked the time. "I have a meeting with the Ross family today. Is it okay for me to represent Solomon Energy?"
Darwin lifted Fiona sideways. "Getting another half hour of sleep is more important. If the Ross family feels uncomfortable, they can find another partner for the project." "
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
