<strong>Chapter 400:</strong>


    “Is that so? I’ve heard Joelle manipted things to make the marriage happen with drugs…” Dunn was puzzled by her statement.


    What did she mean by that?


    “Dunn.” Gracie approached, interrupting the conversation. “M, your grandfather is calling for you.”


    “Okay.”


    Gracie led Dunn back inside.


    “Dunn, ignore your aunt’s foolish talk, and make sure you don’t mention it to Aurora.”


    Dunn nodded, “I get it, Mom.”


    “That’s good. Remember to be nice to Aurora and Rnd when they get here. Treat them like your own siblings, you should all get along.”


    “Understood.” The boy nodded again.


    Adrian made his way to the front hall, where Stephen was theatrically checking his watch, showing a slight sign of impatience.


    “Oh, it’s gettingte. Adrian, have your wife and kids arrived yet? Are theying at all?”


    Just then, Joelle’s voice cut through the air.


    “Are you d I’m not here? If my presence is so unwee, perhaps I should just take Adrian and leave!”


    As every head in the room swiveled in unison, M paused midway down the stairs.


    Joelle entered, dressed in an understated yet elegant white gown with a single-shoulder cut that highlighted her silhouette without being too extravagant.


    Her hair, gently curled and draped to one side, added to her aura of serene confidence that came with maturity. In one arm, she cradled Rnd, while her other hand sped Aurora’s.


    Time seemed to stand still for a moment, everyone frozen except for Adrian, who scooped Aurora into his arms,pleting the family tableau.


    “Did you hit traffic?” he asked.


    “Yes,” Joelle responded with a soft smile, “I’mte, aren’t I?”


    “Not at all.”


    Her presence was the only thing that mattered.


    Whether she was on time didn’t matter.


    “Say hello to Mr. Finch,” Joelle urged the children.


    Stephen, however, couldn’t manage a smile.


    Adrian was a father to two, whereas his grandson had only one child and no ns for more.


    Stephen felt the sting of defeat.


    “Joelle,” M called out as she continued her descent, gripping the railing for support.


    “It’s been a while.”


    Recognition dawned slowly on Joelle’s face.


    “M?”


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    Message from Noa: Have a nice evening, new chapter at Saturday. God loves you and Noa wishes you the best. (─??O)


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