?<strong>Chapter 202:</strong>


    As Joelle and Rafael entered the house, Joelle was taken aback to find the childrenughing and ying with Adrian.


    Gina approached, her expression apologetic. “I’m sorry, Joelle. I couldn’t stop him.”


    Joelle understood Gina’s predicament. Confronting Adrian’s temper was no small feat. It now became clear why Adrian had been absent from the funeral—he had chosen instead to visit the children in their absence.


    “Aurora, Rnd, time to head to your rooms,” Joelle instructed firmly.


    Aurora, oblivious to the tension, protested spiritedly, “No! I want to keep ying with him!”


    Joelle’s concern deepened, a knot of unease forming in her stomach. What if Aurora chose Adrian over her own mother? “It’s time to go to your room; you’ve yed enough,” she insisted.


    Adrian rose to his feet, challenging her, “Really? Is that necessary? What are you so afraid of?”


    Rafael stepped protectively in front of Joelle. “Adrian, you should have let us know you wereing.”


    Adrian scoffed dismissively, “No need. Aurora and I get along well. It’s just natural family affection, undeniable.”


    “Adrian!” Joelle’s voice trembled with suppressed anger. His intentions were clear. He had previously threatened to take Aurora, and now he was making his move, undermining her efforts to keep her daughter. The prospect of Aurora epting Adrian as her father was Joelle’s worst fear. Could she even stop it if Aurora decided she wanted this?


    “Get out!” Joelle’smand echoed sharply through the room, startling both children. Aurora looked scared, and Rnd started to cry.


    Adrian scooped up Aurora before Rafael could reach her. Joelle watched, heart sinking, as Rafael hesitated, then retracted his hand. In that moment, Joelle’s disdain for Adrian deepened. He had disrupted her life once before, and now he was threatening the stability of her new family.


    “I’ll visit again soon,” Adrian said evenly to Aurora as he prepared to leave. Aurora remained silent, picking up on Joelle’s difort. But why? Adrian was nice to her and invited her to his house.


    g?lnσνe??s has the stories you love


    After Adrian left, Gina took her leave from Joelle. “Joelle, Rafael, I need to return to the nursing home now. Take care.”


    Joelle mustered a smile, appreciating the support. “Thank you for everything today.”


    Shortly after parting ways, Gina encountered Adrian again at a street corner. He leaned against his car, an icy aura enveloping him. With no other option, Gina approached him reluctantly. “Mr. Miller,” she greeted cautiously.


    Adrian gave her a cursory nce, his expression unreadable. “Why didn’t you inform Joelle today?”


    “Aurora mentioned Joelle was at a funeral, so I thought it best not to disturb her,” Gina responded honestly. Adrian’s smile was tinged with sarcasm. “And what about helping me instead?”


    Gina looked up, meeting his piercing gaze, then quickly averted her eyes. “Mr. Miller, I owe a lot to the Watsons. I’d rather not get involved in anything today.”


    “I can offer you more than they ever could. You’re smart; think it over.”


    With those words, Adrian climbed into his car and drove off, leaving Gina to contemte the encounter.


    Back at home, the atmosphere was tense. Rafael had been distant, and Joelle, concerned about the impact of her earlier behavior on the children, sought out Aurora.


    “I’m sorry if I seemed upset earlier, Aurora.”


    Aurora, ever understanding, caressed her mother’s cheek. “Mom, it’s okay. I’m not upset.”


    Rafael had instilled in her that love carried significant responsibilities, teaching her to be understanding, even when her parents might falter.


    Cradling Aurora, Joelle expressed her gratitude. “Thank you.”


    “Mom, you don’t like that man, right?” Aurora inquired innocently. “Adrian?”


    “Yes.”


    Aurora had always been perceptive, sensing more than she let on, but she hesitated to voice her thoughts fully. Joelle inhaled deeply, ready to address the unspoken tension. Understanding the sensitivity of children, she knew it was wrong to assume Aurora’s young age meant she couldn’t grasp the situation. “Do you like him, Aurora?”


    Initially, Aurora was reluctant to respond. Joelle tenderly stroked her hair, encouraging her, “Take your time, then tell me what you really think.”


    Gathering courage, Aurora finally spoke. “Mom, I don’t think he’s a bad person. He’s strict, but he looks at me just like Dad does. I can feel their simrity.”


    Joelle managed a wry smile, acknowledging her daughter’s feelings. “Then I’ll respect your view. Adrian won’t hurt you.”


    However, Aurora’s loyalty was firm. “But if you don’t like him, I won’t like him either! I want to stay with you and Dad. You and Dad are my favorites!”


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