Chapter 205 You Are Charles and Fannie's Biological Father
Fannie instinctively snuggled into Frank's arms, sitting on his lap. "Daddy, how long are you staying in Ivara City this time? When are you leaving?"
Frank playfully rubbed her small head and teased her, "Why? Do you want me to leave?"
Fannie shook her head vigorously. "Of course not, I wish you could stay longer, forever even, then I could see you every day."
A tender spot in Frank's heart was deeply touched, a complex glint passing through the depths of his eyes. "Then your wish has come true! This time I've returned to work at Ivara City Hospital, and I haven't decided when or if I'll leave."
Upon hearing this, Fannie's eyes shone as if they could light up the starry night sky. "Really? You're really not leaving? That's wonderful..."
Overwhelmed with emotion, Fannie hugged him tightly and playfully kissed Frank's face, leaving it covered in saliva. Hearing that he might not leave, a quick flash of light passed through Jade's eyes.
"You're not leaving? Then where will you stay? It's the end of the year, and it's not easy to find a place in Ivara City."
Frank shrugged, "I'm currently staying at a hotel. It's just temporary, after the New Year's I'll buy a place."
After a moment of thought, Jade said, "Why don't you stay at my place for now?"
Frank hesitated, "It's not proper for a single man and woman..."
Jade rolled her eyes at him, "You're overthinking it. You'd be staying in my house. I'm living with Patricia now, and my house happens to be empty. However, it's not for free; you'll need to pay rent, which will help with my mortgage."
Hearing this, Frank swiftly agreed. "If it's unoccupied, it’s best not to waste it! When can I move in? How about tonight?"
Seeing his eagerness, Jade reply was filled with exasperation, "It's been snowing all day; moving tonight is not safe. Let's do it tomorrow! I'll give you the keys."
Frank looked troubled, "I've got a full day of clinic appointments tomorrow and might not find the time." After a moment, he added, "I'm on duty all week and will only be available in the evenings."
Jade cast him a glance, feigning an air of magnanimity, "Do you have a lot of stuff? If not, I can help you move it tomorrow! I’m off work then."
No sooner had the words left her mouth than Frank pulled out his room card and tossed it in front of her. "Not much, just two suitcases and a carry-on bag! Here's my room card. So, I'll be in your debt, Miss Williams. After we move, I’ll take you out for a meal as thanks."
"Don't mention it." Jade scoffed, as she picked up the room card.
Patricia said, "I'm not on clinic duty tomorrow afternoon, so I have time. I'll come with you! It's quite a task for you to handle two suitcases and a carry-on bag alone."
"You really are the best friend a girl could ask for!” Jade accepted with no reservations.
Meanwhile, they chatted while eating their meal. Martin had been eavesdropping for a while but hadn't caught any useful information. Time ticked by, second by second. After about an hour, sounds of chairs and tables being moved came from the next private dining room, soon followed by the sound of their departing footsteps.
Martin decided not to sit idly by any longer. As Patricia and company were leaving the Italian restaurant, he coincidentally 'bumped into them' at the entrance.
Patricia exclaimed in surprise, "What are you doing here?"
When the saw him, the look of joy was unmistakably evident on Fannie's chubby face. As she instinctively began to rush over, she abruptly stopped herself.
Charles, previously lively, now stood before Martin like an aloof little prince, calling out faintly, "Daddy."
"Daddy?" Frank's eyes widened in shock, as he looked back and forth, between Charles and Fannie.
"I am Martin, Charles’s biological father," Martin stated as he reached out his right hand to Frank, while his left affectionately tousled Charles's hair. His sharp eyes fixed intently on Frank, exuding a dominating presence.
Martin towered over Frank, just in stature alone, Martin overshadowed him. Just the presence of Martin, seemed to challenge Frank directly. Feeling the antagonism, Frank paused momentarily before turning to Fannie.
"Charles's father?"
If he was Charles's father, then he must also be Fannie's. But somehow, Martin seemed to bear no affection towards Fannie. When making introductions, he only mentioned Charles and omitted Fannie. Could it be a case of favoring sons over daughters?
Fannie watched Martin with a sour expression, feeling both upset and angry. Upset because Martin seemed to only favor Randy and Charles, and angry at the fact that she had such a foolish father.
Up to now, he still didn't know that she was his daughter. Did she really have to tell him in person? There was no way was she going to do that. She was still angry with him; she hadn’t forgiven him yet. If he didn't ask her for forgiveness, she would never acknowledge him.
Frank shook Martin's hand politely, "Hello, I'm Frank. So, you're Charles and Fannie's dad, I..."
As soon as he said it, the atmosphere tensed for a moment. Martin's brows furrowed slightly. What did he mean by Charles and Fannie's dad? He wasn’t Fannie's father. Why would this man say that? Could it be he wasn't Fannie's biological father?
Just as he was full of doubts and about to ask for clarification, Fannie suddenly took Frank's hand, her eyes curving into crescents, and said with a beaming smile, "Dad, you’re not drunk already, are you? He's Charles's dad, and aren’t you my father?"
Frank, Patricia and Jade all stood, in shock, looking at Fannie. As if oblivious to everyone's astonished expressions, Fannie introduced with a hint of defiance, “Let me introduce you properly, this is my real dad, Frank.”
Charles rolled his eyes skyward. Patricia stared at Fannie, "Fannie, do you even know what you're doing?"
Fannie pouted, huffing, "Of course, I know! I'm telling the truth, I'm not lying. He’s my dad after all!"
Patricia could only laugh off her anger, giving up on explaining and letting Fannie have her way. After introducing Frank, Fannie introduced Martin.
“Dad, this is Charles’s dad.”
Frank was utterly confused, and although he hadn’t grasped the situation fully, he still went along with Fannie, smiling at Martin, “Yes, I'm Fannie's dad!”
The suspicion in his heart was confirmed, and a shocked chill streaked through Martin's cool eyes, his handsome face darkened as if it could drip with gloom.
The temperature around plummeted, soon hitting a freezing point. A deadly intent that could chill to the bone surged from the depths of Martin's eyes.
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