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Chapter 231
Chapter 23
aturday morning, the Adler estate was livelier than usual. Jeremy and Kelvin were both home and not long after breakfast,
Ian arrived
The moment he stepped inside, lan made a beeline for the flower arrangements on the table. Like some kind of lunatic, he leaned in and sniffed each one, only to recoil in visible agony before turning to Kelvin with a dramatic expression. “The flowers! My flowers
Kelvin’s long fingers tightened slightly around his coffee cup as he took a sip, his expression calm and detached. “None of those today, he said flatly.
Jan looked absolutely devastated. If it weren’t for his good looks, the expression he was making would’ve been outright
comical
Ian and Kelvin had grown up together–their families were close, and they’d been friends since childhood.
So in front of Kelvin, Ian never bothered keeping up appearances. “You’re heartless, he accused, voice dripping with exaggerated betrayal.
Kelvin didn’t even look up. He simply set down his coffee cup and continued reading the business section of the paper. clearly used to lan’s antics,
Ian grumbled to himself for a while, but when no one paid him any attention, he threw himself onto the couch in defeat.
Meanwhile, Jeremy and Yvonne were in the garden. The little girl stuck to his side like glue, following him wherever he
went
Yvonne had quickly figured something out–Jeremy might act tough, but he never meant the harsh things he said. So by now, she wasn’t the least bit intimidated by his usual cold demeanor.
The two of them played outside for a while, until the sound of voices drifted in from the front gate.
Outside, a couple stood with their two children, chatting as they approached. “The Adler family adopted a child too. from the same orphanage as us,” Nina remarked.
Robert nodded. “The kids might know each other. We should introduce them before school starts so they have a familiar face there,”
Their conversation carried over to the little girl standing beside them. For a moment, a flicker of panic crossed her eyes, but she masked it quickly.
This was the Yates family. And the girl by their side–Marian. Oliver stood next to her,
Yesterday, when Nina had gone to the preschool to inquire about admission requirements, she had run into Kelvin’s secretary.
A few casual questions later, Nina was surprised to learn that Kelvin had also adopted a child. And, as fate would have it, the secretary was there for the same reason–handling school enrollment.
When Nina got home, she told Robert about it, and after a brief discussion, they saw a perfect opportunity.
The two children shared similar backgrounds, were the same age, and had even come from the same orphanage. Letting them spend time together would not only give them companionship but also strengthen the connection between their
families.
And so, today, they had brought Marian to the Adler family.
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Chapter 23
The moment Marian heard Nina’s words, an overwhelming wave of meery weens dienots her Xange better her mind–Wonne
But Marian shoved the thought away almost instantly. No Impensible Ahaclonaty improntulet dir orphanage, struggling through her miserable days. There’s no way the can be adopted by the letter Smiley
The Adler family was one of the most prominent families in Strate Cary. In her pour life, Marion Routeriems myrting about them adopting a child.
“It’s fine. As long as it’s not her, I don’t care who it is, Marian thought. Then the fellowed Shin her and Olivers the house.
The Adler and Yates family lived in the same gated community, beat the estate was at that they hardly ever suited edi other.
Compared to the Yates estate, the Adler residence had a colder, more restrained sewhere spacious and gelatine for backing in warmth. They hadn’t lived here long, and it showed.
After a housekeeper served coffee and retreated quietly. Nina got straight to the point explaining the reason for these mor As she spoke, Marian kept sneaking glances at Kelvin. His features were striking and his presence refined Now that he was older, he carried an air of quiet authority–calm, restrained, almost untouchab
Marian had seen his face before. In her past life, it had frequently appeared on financial news reports Kefoin keket exactly the same now as he had then.
After a while, Marian shifted her gaze away, a trace of regret flashing across her face. What a shame. If he were sen gears younger, maybe…
Older men knew how to take care of people–Marian had dated one in her past life and learned that frutand
But this time around, Marian was the Yates family’s daughter. There would be plenty of wealthy, handsome men for her to choose from. No need to bother with Kelvin.
Pushing aside the thought, Marian turned her attention to the man sitting next to Kelvin. He was just as attractive, but his presence had a different edge–something that felt both sharp and unpredictable.
lan had barely spoken since they arrived, only greeting her parents once before falling completely silent.
‘Anyone who can sit next to Kelvin has to be a big deal too, Marian thought. Straightening her posture, the adjusted her expression, carefully crafting an innocent, endearing look.
Just then, a youthful voice called out from the entrance. Marian’s eyes lit up as she immediately turned to look.
The boy who walked in was younger, his features not yet fully matured, but there was an undeniable resemblance between him and Kelvin. A younger version of him, even. His identity was obvious at a glance.
A handsome young man had arrived, but Marian barely spared him a second thought. Because the moment her eyes landed on the child in his arms, her mind went completely blank
A deafening roar filled Marian’s head, like a thunderclap splitting the sky. She wondered. No. No way. Why is Yvonne here! And being held by the boy? She’s supposed to be at the orphanage. How is she here!
Yvonne had spotted her too, and for a moment, the little girl froze.
Robert, Nina, and Oliver all turned at the sound, and when they saw Yvonne, their first reaction was pure disbelief.
“Yvonne?” Nina stood up, staring at her in shock. “Why are you here!”
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Chapter 23
As soon as Nina asked, something clicked. Her throat tightened as she pieced it together. “Wait… Are you the child Mr. Adler adopted?” she asked.
Yvonne’s excitement at seeing them was quickly overshadowed by a wave of sadness. She remembered how, just before adoption day. Robert and Nina had video–called her, showing her her new room, and introducing her to the family.
Yvonne had thought she was going home with them. But the night before, Marian had locked her in a storage room, and by the time she was found, it was too late. The Yate family had already left with another child.
And now, Yvonne was standing face to face with them again. A little nervous, she clung to Jeremy’s arm, her voice soft and hesitant. “Uncle… Auntie…
Jeremy had already noticed something was off. Seeing the complicated look on Oliver’s face, he frowned. “Why do you look like you know my sister?”
Oliver met his gaze, his expression unreadable. “Because she was supposed to be mine.”
Jeremy didn’t get it. To him, it sounded like Oliver was trying to pick a fight.
At school, they were seated one behind the other, and their relationship was mostly one of friendly rivalry.
“You didn’t come here to steal my sister, did you?” Jeremy asked bluntly.
The moment the words left his mouth, Marian’s face turned an ugly shade of pale. She muttered, “Steal Yvonne? What’s so great about her? Dumb, clueless, and always eating too much.
Kelvin finally spoke, his deep voice steady and composed. “Mr. and Mrs. Yates,” he said, his sharp gaze settling on them. You know my daughter?”
