Chapter 160 Chapter 160: Two Men, One Family Angela POV My heart pounded as we stood outside Christopher's luxury apartment building.
After what felt like an eternity, the door swung open. David, Christopher's personal assistant, greetedwith a warm smile.
"Ms. Wilson." His tone was welcoming and familiar.
"David, is Christopher inside?" I asked, unable to mask the urgency in my voice.
"Mr. Blake is in the-" David's words died on his lips as his gaze shifted behind me, registering Sean's imposing presence. The friendly smile vanished instantly, replaced by a guarded expression.
I barely noticed the change, my mind entirely focused on finding my children. I pushed past David into the foyer, moving quickly across the marble floor.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtSean moved to follow, but David instinctively stepped forward to block his path. "Sir, I'm not sure if-" Sean's emerald eyes locked with David's, the intensity of his gaze so palpable it seemed to physically push the other man back. Without a single word spoken, David retreated, allowing Sean to enter.
The subtle aroma of polished wood and luxury envelopedas I moved through the apartment. Then I heard it- Aria's distinctive laughter, bright and carefree, followed by a man's gentle voice.
I followed the sounds through the open glass doors leading to the terrace.
There they were.
Christopher sat in a plush outdoor chair, Aria perched on a cushioned bench beside him, her small face lit with delight. Ethan sat across from them, his posture characteristically more reserved.
1/4 Chapter 160: Two Men, One Family The terrace table was adorned with an assortment of gourmet pastries and several expensive-looking toys. Ethan noticedfirst, his watchful eyes widening slightly. "Aria, Mama's here," he said, his voice measured and calm as always.
Aria's head whipped around, her curls bouncing as she spotted me. "Mama!" she squealed, leaping from her seat and racing towardwith outstretched arms.
I crouched down, enveloping her in a tight embrace, breathing in her familiar scent mingled with chocolate. Relief crashed overin waves as I held her solid, warm body against mine. Ethan approached more slowly, but I reached out an arm to include him in our embrace.
"Angela, you're here," Christopher said, his voice gentle and untroubled.
I examined Aria's face, noting the chocolate smeared around her mouth. "Look at you," I said, attempting a light tone despite my still-pounding heart. "Eating like this, are you a little piggy?" "Aria is not a little piggy!" she protested indignantly. "Piggies aren't pretty!" Christopher approached us, his movements fluid and graceful as always.
"I'm sorry," he began, his tone genuinely apologetic. "I was passing by the school today and missed Ethan and Aria, so I decided to pick them up for a little while. I forgot to let you know. I hope I didn't cause you any trouble." Before I could respond, Sean's voice cut through the air from behind me. "Not trouble- just hours of frantic searching." I shot Sean a warning glance, silently pleading with him not to escalate the situation in front of the children. Christopher's expression flickered momentarily a brief shadow crossing his features-before his composed mask returned.
"You were searching for that long?" Christopher's voice remained level. "I apologize for my oversight. It was truly careless of me." "It's fine," I interjected quickly. "These things happen." 2/4 Chapter 160: Two Men, One Family Christopher's gaze lingered onbefore shifting to Sean, then back to me. "You haven't had dinner yet, have you? Why not stay and join us?" "No need," I replied, forcing a smile. "I've already arranged food at home. Everything would go to waste if we stayed. Perhaps another time." "Very well," Christopher nodded. "Lethave David drive you home, then." "That won't be necessary," Sean interjected immediately, his tone brooking no argument. "I'll take them myself." Christopher's eyes hardened as they met Sean's. "I wasn't asking you. I was asking Angela." The tension between them was palpable, like static electricity charging the air. I stepped forward, placing myself subtly between them.
"Really, it's fine," I assured Christopher. "I can manage." Christopher conceded with a graceful nod. "If you're sure. Be safe, and callif you need anything." "I will," I promised, already gathering the children's belongings.
As we prepared to leave, Christopher disappeared briefly, returning with two elegant gift bags. "These are for Aria and Ethan," he said, extending them toward me.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"No, 1-" I began to refuse.
"Please," he insisted gently. "Aria has already accepted hers.
I glanced at my daughter, who was indeed clutching a small stuffed unicorn that hadn't been in her possession earlier. With a resigned nod, I accepted the bags.
As I took Aria's hand, preparing to leave, Sean unexpectedly bent down and scooped Ethan into his arms. The boy looked startled but didn't protest. For a moment, something
passed between them-a look, a feeling-that made my heart tconstrict.
Christopher stood motionless on his terrace as we left, his expression carefully blank. As I looked back at his solitary figure watching us leave, a storm of emotions churned 34 Chapter 160: Two Men, One Family within me.
Anger rose first - how could he take my children without telling me? wed quickly! om followed quickly by quilt for how harshly I'd treated him last week. Yet beneath these feelings lurked something else: fear.
If Christopher, who had always been so dependable, could do this. would it happen aolo could it happen again? Would someone else try to take my children next time? The thought sent a chill throughas Sean and I carried my children away.