Chapter 390: Chapter 390

“Mr. Potter, what if we find a compromise? Ryland stays with us, and you’re free to visit him whenever you want.”

Wade paused, considering her offer. But after a beat, he shook his head.

“Ms. Watson, Ryland isn’t just your child. He’s also a Potter. He has a right to his own family.”

“But do you really understand Ryland’s needs? He’s only two years old. At this age, he needs a mother’s care. Raising a child isn’t something you can just delegate to a team of nannies, no matter how wealthy or well-intentioned you are. I know you want to do what’s best for him, but have you thought about what it would be like for him? A new environment, new people—he’d be terrified.”

She let the words hang in the air momentarily, then added, “If you truly care about Ryland, don’t just think about your bond with Chris. Consider what a two-year-old would go through, adjusting to such a drastic change.”

Wade could tell what Joelle was implying. In terms of family background and wealth, he might not lose. But what he lacked was something much more vital: a real connection to the boy.

“You’re right. I haven’t built that connection with him yet. It was rash of me to try and take him from you.” His hands clenched into tight fists on his knees, his posture stiff and upright.

Though his pride stung, it was evident he had not taken the matter lightly.

Wade’s seriousness made Joelle and Adrian more open to hearing him out.

After a long pause, Wade looked up, his expression resolute.

“But I do have some conditions.”

Joelle took a sip of water before responding.

“Alright. Let’s hear them, and we’ll see if we can work something out.”

Wade replied, “First, Ryland can stay with you for now, but I want it understood clearly—his family is the Potters. Chris is his father, and Katie is his mother. You are his uncle and aunt, and those roles shouldn’t get blurred. Second, I want time to build a relationship with him. I’ll take five years. After that, I’d like Ryland to come live with me.”

His first condition was like the opening move in a chess game, calculated to pave the way for the more painful demand that followed.

Joelle could agree to the first, but the second? That felt like a dagger twisting in her chest.

“Mr. Potter, why is it so crucial for Ryland to live with you?” she asked.

Wade’s response was blunt.

“Ryland is all I have left. Even if it grates on you, I won’t sugarcoat it—I’m determined to have him with me. Whether it’s now or later, I’ll fight for it. My brother’s legacy is too important to let go.”

Joelle realized that Wade’s polite veneer was just that—a mask for his unyielding stance.

The room thickened with tension. Adrian felt the weight of her frustration. Though he had no say in Ryland’s future, her distress tugged at his heart, making him feel somehow responsible.

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A message from Noa: Hey there! Hope you had a great day. God loves you, and Noa is sending you the warmest wishes! (─‿‿O)

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