âMom, that lady is so beautiful!â
The driver said, âLittle girl, thatâs not a lady.â
âWhy not?â
âYouâll come to comprehend when youâre older.â
Aurora huffed, âI know, itâs a ladyboy! Dunn previously shared pictures of his trip to Thailand with me!â
Joelle was sipping the refreshing coconut water she had just purchased when Auroraâs words nearly caused her to sputter it out in disbelief. Adrian gently wiped Joelleâs mouth, and as she met his gaze, she remarked, âKids these daysâ¦â
Fortunately, the driver changed the subject, steering the conversation elsewhere.
After a bout of sightseeing, the driver dropped them off at the hotel. As soon as they exited the car, a âwomanâ adorned in flamboyant attire approached Adrian. She was strikingly gorgeous, with an alluring figure that surpassed Joelleâs height, and her exquisite makeup accentuated her features, exuding an undeniable aura of confidence.
The captivating âwomanâ extended her hand, but Adrian sidestepped before she could make contact.
Once inside the hotel lobby, another stunning âwomanâ lunged toward Adrian with unrestrained enthusiasm.
Joelle whispered to Aurora, âIt appears your dad is quite sought after by them.â
Aurora replied, âMom, perhaps they perceive Dad as a rich man and merely wish to solicit money in exchange for taking photographs.â
Joelle and Aurora acted as if they didnât know Adrian and walked away. The driver cast a fleeting glance back, observing Adrian hastily handing cash to those âwomen.â
Adrian quickly caught up with Joelle.
âOh, so you two are just going to leave me behind?â
Joelle stifled a laugh.
âAdie, youâre just too charming.â
Aurora raised her camera.
âDad, I captured pictures of you with the lovely ladies. Iâll show them to Ryland.â
âYou better delete those!â
Adrian pursued Aurora playfully as she giggled and nimbly darted behind Joelle, seeking refuge in her protective presence. The family of three engaged in playful banter, and the driver remarked with a smile, âWhat a wonderfully happy family.â
The following day, the driver arrived at the hotel, ready to whisk the family away to explore the renowned local attractions. As they rode in a tuk tuk, Joelle and Aurora screamed with delight in the front, while Adrian engaged in conversation with the driver in the back.
âSo, youâre also looking for Wade Potterâs mother?â
Adrian nodded. âSince we canât locate Wade, we must begin by reaching out to people close to him.â
âIâll go and ask around for you!â
The driver was both enthusiastic and remarkably efficient; by that evening, he had gathered some news.
The family was in the hotel room, and Adrian, fresh from a shower, emerged from the bathroom. Joelle had changed into her cozy pajamas and was patting Aurora to sleep.
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