Chapter 60: Chapter 68

Upon hearing it was dinner time, Floretta hurriedly removed the headphones around her neck and took Evander’s hand, bringing him to the dining room.

“Wow, everything looks so delicious. Thank you for your hard work, Angel,” Floretta complimented. She climbed onto a chair and happily gave a peck on Angeline’s cheek.

As she watched the adorable Floretta, Angeline’s weariness was gone instantly. She delightfully rubbed Floretta’s head and teased, “What a glib tongue you have. I specially cooked these dishes for you and your father. Go ahead and dig in.”

“I shall eat to my heart’s content!” Floretta sat on the chair obediently, staring at the food excitedly with a tiny spoon in her hand.

Evander sat beside Floretta. From his position, he could see Angeline clearly, who was opposite him.

He noticed that she had changed into a loose-fitting top. Yet, he could not stop thinking about her in her drenched tank top. It would not be an exaggeration to say he found her previous appearance provoking.

“Floretta, have some of my signature dish—vegetable beef soup.” Angeline did not seem to notice anything odd with Evander’s expression. She eagerly scooped a bowl of steaming hot soup for Floretta.

Floretta drank a mouthful and immediately exclaimed, “Wow, it’s so yummy. Daddy, you should try some too.”

“You help yourself. I’m not drinking it,” Evander replied aloofly. He had not touched his food since he sat down.

Angeline knitted her brows and probed cautiously, “Mr. Golding, is the food not to your liking?”

Angeline could not wrap her head around it as she looked at Evander’s sullen expression.

Something’s not right. I purposely cooked a few dishes of varying tastes because I didn’t know his preference. I’m sure there must be at least one dish that he wouldn’t mind!

Floretta, on the other hand, seemed to know the reason. She cheerfully explained, “Angel, if you don’t mind, please help Daddy to scoop a bowl of soup!”

Huh? What does she mean by that?

Angeline was puzzled by Floretta’s words, but she heeded her advice and scooped a bowl of soup for Evander.

She politely said as she served the soup to him, “Mr. Golding, I apologize if it doesn’t suit your taste, but please try to have a few sips.”

Evander merely hummed in response. However, the moment he lifted his fork, it was as if his appetite was activated. He downed the bowl of soup in a matter of minutes.

He then handed the empty bowl back to Angeline.

Although Evander did not say a single word, Angeline understood what he wanted, so she refilled his bowl with soup.

Evander stirred the soup with a spoon to dissipate the heat and began to drink it slowly.

Angeline watched him with a resigned look on her face. Why is he behaving like a kid at his age? The food must be served to him before he’s willing to eat… I don’t understand him at all.

With Evander’s and Floretta’s hungry stomachs, the food on the table was finished in no time.

After finishing their dinner, the three of them played some games for a while.

In a blink of an eye, it was already half past ten at night.

Evander glanced at his luxury watch to check the time. Noticing that it was late, he said in a deep voice, “Floretta, it’s late. We should be heading home.”

“I don’t want to go home. I want to play.” Floretta pouted. She was enjoying herself and did not want to leave.

“No. You should be in bed already,” Evander replied firmly with a solemn face.

Floretta tilted her head and blinked her eyes cutely. “Daddy, I noticed a big guest room in Angel’s house a while ago. We can sleep there tonight.”

Evander was speechless. He could not comprehend why his daughter was blabbering nonsense like that.

Right then, Angeline was feeling awkward because of Floretta’s innocent remark. She could not decide whether to allow it or not. Having Floretta stay for the night was not an issue, but Evander was a grown man. Moreover, he had a fiancée.

It would not be appropriate for him to spend the night at her place.

“No. This is someone else’s house. It’s not for you to decide,” Evander denied Floretta flatly. He took the game console away from her hand before carrying her into his arms and putting the jacket forcefully on her.

Floretta resisted for a while before bursting into tears. She was likely to have been hurt by Evander during the struggle.

“I hate Daddy. Daddy is a bad person. It’s so painful! Help me…” Floretta bawled in pain.

Evander was usually heartless, but his heart immediately softened when he saw his daughter crying.

He rubbed his forehead with his slender fingers, thinking of how to deal with the situation. Just then, Angeline stretched out her arms and carried Floretta over.

“Let me pacify her,” Angeline offered softly.

Angeline’s heart ached as she inspected Floretta’s arm for any injuries. She gently asked, “Where does it hurt? Shall I blow some kisses on it?”

“Okay,” Floretta uttered tiredly. She stretched out her arm to let Angeline see while her other arm was wrapped around Angeline’s neck.

Angeline comforted Floretta for a while before the latter finally toned down her crying. She buried herself into Angeline’s embrace and whimpered softly.

Seeing Floretta’s pitiful look, Angeline could not bear to chase her away. She turned to Evander and suggested, “Mr. Golding, why don’t you let Floretta stay with me for the night?”

“That’ll be too troublesome,” Evander responded coldly.

“Not at all. I have nothing scheduled tomorrow anyway, and Floretta looks like she’s about to fall asleep soon,” Angeline said in hushed tones while glancing at Floretta affectionately.

Seeing that Evander did not object, Angeline quickly carried Floretta to the bathroom and bathed her.

After the bath, Angeline took Floretta to her bedroom.

Floretta was exhausted after a long day; she soon fell into a deep sleep after Angeline patted her for a while.

Before she fell asleep, Floretta tugged tightly at Angeline’s clothes, refusing to let go.

Angeline could not help but smile at how Floretta trusted her and grew increasingly attached to her.

Perhaps, she could empathize since she also had a child of similar age as Floretta.

Creak…

After a while, her bedroom door was suddenly pushed open.

Evander stood by the door in his white shirt and trousers, his right hand casually holding a disposable cup at his waist. He looked like he was making himself at home.

He did not move further and asked in a low voice, “Did Floretta fall asleep?”

“Oh yes.” Angeline hastily got up from her bed and turned to him, looking stunned. “You haven’t left?”

“It’s not right to leave Floretta at your place. But she likes you, so unless she falls asleep, I won’t be able to bring her home,” Evander explained softly.

He walked to the side of Angeline’s bed, and after putting down his cup, he carried Floretta into his arms.

“Mm.” Sensing something, Floretta instinctively rubbed her eyes. But a few seconds later, she turned to her side in Evander’s arms and continued to sleep.

Angeline looked at them worriedly and asked, “Mr. Golding, it’s already very late. Are you sure you can handle her?”

“I know my daughter well. Once she’s asleep, even thunder can’t wake her up. Don’t worry about us.”

There was a mixed tone of resignation and affection in Evander’s voice.

With that, he carried Floretta out to the living room. Angeline helped put Floretta’s jacket and hat on her, fearing she might catch a cold on this chilly night.

“Thanks for everything today,” Evander expressed his appreciation.

Before he left, he turned around and spoke in a warmer tone. “Golding Group recently invested in a new historical drama. The female lead has not been cast yet. I’ll ask Sylas to send the script to your manager.”

Is he… repaying me for what I’ve done?