Chapter 469
Chapter 469
“Good to see you,” Mitch greeted me warmly.
This time, Hiram seemed a lot more comfortable with me, even cheerfully calling me “Ms. Finch”!
But little did he know, the consequences of my visit would lead him into facing Karina’s scolding.
With a smile, I asked Hiram, “Where are your parents?”
“They’re inside, and so are my grandparents!” Hiram enthusiastically led me in. It was his birthday, and the house was beautifully decorated.
The staff was bustling around, Neil was on a call in the living room, and Ryan was fussing with a model toy, likely a gift for Hiram. Upon seeing me, a grin flashed across Ryan’s face, “Irene’s here!”
He then picked up Serena from her stroller, “And Princess Serena too. She’s getting prettier every day!”
Ryan was visibly more relaxed with Serena this time, his affection for her clear in his words.
Instead of bringing Brandon, I chose to bring Serena because Brandon’s resemblance to Neil was growing more pronounced, and I didn’t want to stir up any unnecessary associations for Ryan and Faith.
“Ah, Irene’s here?” Faith descended from the second floor, looking as healthy as ever, save for her slightly red, swollen eyes that showed signs of recent crying.
“Hello,” I greeted politely, my eyes scanning the room for Karina. On such an important day, where could she be?
Neil noticed my tense gaze and calmly explained, “Karina had to attend to something at the hospital, and she’ll be back shortly.” I was least interested in seeing Karina. If it weren’t for Faith’s situation, I wouldn’t be here at all.
But since I was here, I couldn’t come empty-handed. I retrieved a video game console from under Serena’s stroller and gave it to Hiram. “Happy birthday, Hiram. This is my gift to you. Do you like it?”
Hiram loved video games and his eyes sparkled at the sight of the console. He nodded enthusiastically, looking at me with newfound warmth, “I love it, thank you, Ms. Finch!”
Seeing Hiram’s sudden warmth towards me, Ryan and Faith exchanged puzzled glances, but soon broke into pleased smiles. They were more than happy to see Hiram and me getting along.
With his new game console, Hiram was soon engrossed in a game, while Faith led me to a seat on the couch. A servant brought me coffee, and there were candies and fruit on the table, all from expensive brands, indicating the Whitmore family’s anticipation for Hiram’s birthday party.
After all, this was Hiram’s first birthday since rejoining the Whitmore family, so a grand celebration was to be expected.
Serena was still nestled in Ryan’s arms. She seemed to enjoy the company of the Whitmore family, being well-behaved whether held by Neil or Ryan and Faith, and even entertained everyone with her babbling.
“Girls are always more behaved. Look at her big eyes and cherry lips; she’s adorable. She’s going to be a beauty when she grows up, just like Irene!” Faith gushed over Serena, indirectly complimenting me.
“Indeed, she’s more and more like Irene,” Ryan chimed in. Without Karina around, their praises for me were explicit and warm.
Neil didn’t say anything, merely focusing on his’ phone.
The atmosphere was harmonious, as if we were still one big family, and Serena was their granddaughter.
Just then, a string of guests arrived, all important business partners of the Whitmore family. Some even traveled all the way
from Rosemont, indicating the importance they placed on the Whitmore family’s invitation.
Neil finally put away his phone and stood up to greet the guests. Ryan handed Serena to Faith, and both father and son joined in welcoming the guests.
Hiram was engrossed in his game, oblivious to the buzzing activity around him.
After a while, Karina arrived, the last to do so, with traces of sweat on her face.
“I’m sorry, Hiram. Mommy was held up by an emergency surgery at the hospital,” Karina apologized sincerely as she embraced Hiram. But when she noticed the game console in Hiram’s hand, her expression subtly changed, “Hiram, where did you get this game console?”
Hiram, sensing Karina’s displeasure, quickly put down the console and fell silent, looking at me.
I was puzzled. Karina used to allow Hiram to play video games, albeit with time restrictions. Why was she acting as if he wasn’t allowed to play at all now?
“Irene gave it to him for his birthday. What’s wrong with Hiram playing a little on his special day?” Faith intervened. The moment Karina appeared, her smile faded noticeably.
“Faith, it’s just that Hiram’s been falling behind in his studies, and prolonged gaming can overstimulate a child’s brain. It’s not good for him either way,” Karina explained as she took the game console from
Hiram and casually placed it on the floor.
Hiram cast a longing glance at the console.
“You should know better, Karina. It’s normal for kids to play. I’ve spoken to Hiram’s teacher. He’s just returned from overseas and it’s natural for him to take a while to adjust to our education system. The teacher said he’s a smart kid and will catch up soon. Don’t you know that as a mother?” Faith rebuked Karina.
I had no idea why she disliked Karina so much.
Karina is Hiram’s mother and a renowned doctor after all.
Although her past deception had soured Ryan’s opinion of her, Faith really ought to have kept up appearances, especially with so many guests present.
“Faith, I’ve been rather busy with work and I’ve neglected Hiram, but everything I do is for Hiram’s best interests,” Karina stated, not backing down on the issue of disciplining Hiram. Holding Hiram’s hand, she turned her gaze towards me, “Thank you for your kindness, Ms. Finch.”
I simply smiled, choosing not to respond.
Faith seemed to want to say more, but Ryan cut her off. Their eye contact was brief, but it was clear they were both irked.
“Let me hold her.” I reached out to take Serena from Faith’s arms. The little one was thrilled today, her small face flushed with joy as she cooed excitedly every now and then.
Faith looked on, her eyes glued to Serena with an intense longing. It was clear she yearned to hold her again..
Having a grandson made her want a granddaughter. The Whitmore family was certainly not short on means to support another child. I understood Faith’s feelings.
Ryan approached, “Here, let me hold her again.”
Just then, Hiram’s voice rang out suddenly, “Grandma, Grandpa, do you like other people’s kids more than you like me?”
