When Adrian and Joelle came to visit Fannie, who had recently given birth, they brought their daughters, Aurora and Molly, along.
Bobby displayed his daughter proudly. âLook at her. Isnât she stunning? Just as beautiful as Fifi!â
This reminded Adrian of something Bobby had said when his second child was born.
Back then, as Fannie was pregnant, Adrian had hoped it was a daughter, aiming to even an old score.
Catching Joelleâs eye, Adrian said, âShe doesnât resemble Fannie much; she looks more like a little monkey.â
Joelle merely smiled, a bit embarrassed, and led their daughters inside to visit Fannie.
Following them, Bobby complained, âHow can you say that? Youâre the one who resembles a monkey!â
Adrian stayed composed, retorting, âIâm just stating the obvious.â Bobby, losing his patience, yelled, âEnough, Adrian! Letâs settle this outside!â
Katherine, hanging up her coat, scolded, âYou two are fathers now, yet youâre still acting like children?â
Shawn, guiding his son Kalel Watson by the hand, said lightly, âLet them duke it out. If Bobby loses, Fannie might find someone more suitable.â
Bobby, overhearing this, turned silent. He was acutely aware of his shortcomings. Fannie might indeed find someone better, whereas he might not.
âIâm not going to bother with him.â Bobby turned away, deciding to get back at them by keeping his daughter out of sight. Conversations were unfolding among the men outside as well. Over his coffee, Shawn shared some news. âDid you hear about Fredâs sister? Sheâs passed away.â
Bobby responded with disinterest, âAnd how does that concern us?â
Curious, Michael asked, âMila? What was the cause of her death?â Near the crib, Adrian stayed quiet, his eyes occasionally meeting those of Bobbyâs daughter, who was charming in her own right but not as much as his daughters with Joelle.
Shawn explained, âThey say it was a car accidentâshe was too tired to be driving.â
After a pause, Michael added, âI was overseas recently, visiting Dulce, and I heard Milaâs husband had been gambling again. He dropped twenty million in one night and seemed fine with it.â
âWhy am I not surprised?â Bobby scoffed. âHe had a hefty insurance policy on Mila. Everyone sensed something was amiss. But Mila had it coming. She was always a troublemaker, especially when her grandfather was alive, engaging in all kinds of reprehensible acts.â
Adrian cut in, âWe shouldnât waste our breath on those who donât matter.â
Shawn inquired, âThe Finch family is organizing a funeral soon. You thinking of going?â
Without hesitation, Adrian stood. âNo. Our ties with the Finch family are severed. Weâre better off not keeping in contact.â
âThat makes sense,â Shawn responded.
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