Olivine became unsettled at the thought of that. Evander has always disliked me. If Angeline truly is Florettaâs mother, Evander will probably marry her!
âMs. Sherrock, the money you paid me isnât enough. If you want me to investigate further, Iâm afraid youâll need to pay me another one million.â
When Olivine heard that, her expression took a sharp change. âThatâs highway robbery!â
âI believe that amount of money is nothing to you, Ms. Sherrock.â The scar-faced manâs voice sounded relaxed. He then took her cup of coffee from the table and drank it. âOf course, you can choose not to make the payment. When the time comes, Iâll reveal this information to Evander. I believe heâs more than happy to figure out who was the woman that had a one-night stand with him back then.â
His brazen words ignited the rage within Olivine, and she gritted her teeth in hatred. âFine! Iâll pay you.
But youâll have to do another task for me since youâre getting paid.â
The next moment, she cautiously looked around before she leaned forward to whisper something into the scar-faced manâs ear.
On Florettaâs first day of kindergarten, Angeline purposely applied for a half-day leave from Derek and asked the driver to bring her to the location according to the address Evander sent her.
She spotted a familiar black car when she arrived at the kindergarten entrance. Meanwhile, Evander was having a conversation with the female principal.
Upon getting out of the car, Angeline saw the black carâs door open, and Floretta hopped out of it with a pink backpack.
âAngel!â Floretta jumped into Angelineâs arms. The formerâs eyes were brimming with excitement.
She was dressed in a pale blue uniform and wore a pink bunny-shaped hat. Her hair was tied into a ponytail, and her overall appearance was absolutely adorable.
Angeline stroke Florettaâs cheeks gently before asking with a smile, âFloretta, today is your first day of school. Are you happy?â
âYes, Iâm very happy!â Floretta vigorously nodded and blinked as anticipation shone in her eyes.
Angeline couldnât help but feel happy for Floretta. Sheâll only grow up when she gets the chance to interact with her peers. I believe Evander must have spent a long time mentally convincing himself to make such a decision.
Right then, a familiar female voice was heard coming from not far away. âDidnât I remind you to be good and wait for your dad in the car, Floretta?â
All Angeline saw was the black carâs door opening again, and an alluring woman stepped out of it. She had a sun hat on her head to avoid the sunshine.
When Angeline caught sight of that woman, she was at a loss for words, and her eyes were full of bewilderment. Olivine? Why didnât Evander tell me that Olivine would be here too? Then again, thatâs normal. After all, the two of them are getting engaged soon, and Floretta will be her daughter by then.
At that thought, she lowered her eyes to hide the awkwardness in them.
Meanwhile, Olivine pulled Floretta into her arms and glanced at Angeline. In a disdainful tone, she pointed out, âFloretta, donât interact with just anyone because some people will do anything to obtain fame.â
Being no fool, Angeline understood what the former was trying to say, given how apparent the insult was. The look on her face turned gloomy, and she claimed with a hint of anger, âMs. Sherrock, I donât think twisting the truth in front of a kid is appropriate.â
âFloretta is basically my daughter. Why do you care how I educate her?â Olivine replied coldly.
Instinctively, she hugged Floretta tightly and put on a stern look. âAlso, weâre here as a family to attend the first day of kindergarten with Floretta, so why are you here? Why should an outsider like you be involved?â
Angeline had no retort to offer because it did seem that she was the one who was sticking her nose in other peopleâs business.
Angeline was both angry and frustrated. After throwing Floretta a glance, she turned around.
âWhere are you going?â Evanderâs magnetic voice rang out behind her.
With her head turned toward him, Angeline pursed her lips and snapped, âWhatâs the point of me staying here? As your fiancée said, Iâm getting in her way of spending time with her family.â
âNonsense!â Evander shot a cold and reproachful glance at Olivine. Soon after, he uttered in a deep voice, âFlorettaâs registration procedures are done. The teacher said we could head inside to have a look at the kindergartenâs environment together.â
Just as Angeline was hesitating, Floretta rushed over and held the formerâs hand tightly before she muttered pitifully, âI want you to come with me, Angel.â
Warmth filled Angelineâs chest when she heard Florettaâs words. Seeing Florettaâs expectant gaze, Angeline instantly gave in and walked into the kindergarten with the girl.
When Olivine caught sight of that, she hitched up her skirt and moved to enter the kindergarten too.
However, the teacher at the entrance looked at them with a conflicted expression. âMr. Golding, according to the kindergartenâs regulations, only two parents from each family can enter at once.â
âOkay.â Evander appeared unruffled as he turned back to look at Olivine before casually ordering, âYou may leave first.â
Olivine pulled a long face when she heard his remark, an indignant look flashing in her eyes. âEvander, weâre going to marry real soonâ¦â
However, before she could finish her sentence, Evander and Angeline had already entered the kindergarten while holding Florettaâs hands. The trio was paying attention to the teacher, who was explaining the details of the kindergarten.
The place was surrounded by greenery. Floretta was skipping as she followed the duo, full of joy.
Itâs almost as if theyâre a family instead. At the sight of the scene, Olivine flushed crimson in fury. The sharp glare she pinned on Angeline was as though she wanted to pierce through the latterâs body.
If it werenât for Francesca reporting the news about Floretta going to kindergarten to Valerie, Olivine wouldnât have known about it.
Her title was Mrs. Golding of the Golding family, but the truth was, Evander had never taken the initiative to find her nor discuss anything with her either.
Azure Castle Kindergarten was an upscale school in the city center. It was a scenic place with various facilities available.
Despite that, Evander was not satisfied with it. He shifted his gaze onto a nearby slide, which some boys the same age as Floretta were playing on, and furrowed his brows. âHow many times does the school disinfect the place daily?â
âMr. Golding, we sanitize the place twice a day.â
Evanderâs face darkened at the response. âIn the future, disinfect the place one more time before playtime.â There was a hint of disdain in his voice.
âHuh? Mr. Golding, playtime is only half an hour, and every child in the kindergarten has a different constitution. Some are allergic to disinfectants, so they wonât be able to play the slides if thatâs the case.â
Evander deepened his voice and ordered firmly, âChange the playtime duration, then!â
Upon hearing his words, a troubled look appeared on the teacherâs face.
Even Angeline couldnât tolerate his behavior and petulantly asserted, âYou might as well build a new slide for Floretta in the kindergarten!â
Although Evander didnât reply, he appeared deep in thought, seemingly considering her suggestion.
Angeline put her hand to her forehead in exasperation. Oh my goodness! I underestimated Evanderâs germaphobia. If he builds a new slide for Floretta, how would the other students think about her?
Whatâs the point of her attending kindergarten, then?
As they spoke, they had already arrived at the academic building. The teacher led them to the administrative office to sign the documents and collect learning books and materials.
Shortly after, the teacher brought them to the junior classroom. They could hear children reciting classical poems as they walked down the corridor. Moreover, there were childrenâs drawings pasted on the walls.