Chapter 9: Missed Opportunities

"So your father said that the Adonis family tradition doesn't allow a daughter to become the heir?" Matthew looked at Emilia, asking with disbelief.

Emilia nodded. "Yes." After briefly pausing, she added, "I also feel that Curtis is more suited to be the heir."

Matthew didn't feel the same way. If Curtis were indeed an outstanding heir, at the very least, he should have been able to control his feelings and not have been so enchanted by Alice that he couldn't recognize the trap she set.

Moreover, Matthew knew how brilliant Emilia had been in the past. The reason Mr. Adonis gave was also quite strange.

Matthew looked at Emilia and asked, "You've never read about the history of the Adonis family, have you?"

Emilia nodded. She had always wanted to read it, but her father never allowed her to enter the family library.

Matthew felt there was something off about this. As far as he knew, the Adonis family had a history of female leaders. Emilia was so capable that there was no reason why Mr. Adonis wouldn't allow her to take over as head of the family.

Matthew also knew that Curtis deeply cared for Emilia. Even when he learned she couldn't handle a gun, Curtis had been distraught. He had never wanted to compete with his sister for the position of heir. He believed Emilia was highly deserving of being the next head of the Adonis family. The only issue here is Mr. Adonis.

Matthew didn't say anything, but in his heart, he resolved to investigate this further.

He looked at Emilia and said softly, "Emilia, I know this is difficult, but I want you to be safe. I don't want you to face danger."

Emilia stared into Matthew's eyes, sensing emotions she didn't fully understand, but they felt strangely familiar. She didn't realize those were the same emotions she had always used when quietly observing Matthew.

Emilia swallowed, gathering all her courage to ask, "Matthew, do you like me?" It seemed like the only answer that could explain everything. Matthew had done so much for her, treated her with such kindness…

Matthew was taken aback, clearly not expecting Emilia to ask this. He didn't know what to say at first. Should he admit it? What if she rejected him? Emilia had always seen him as a brother, and he had always seen her as a sister. He didn't even know when his feelings had shifted.

He wanted to be closer to her, have her completely, and make her his. He had suppressed his feelings for so long, and it all seemed to burst forth after that night. Even now, looking at Emilia, he only wanted to hold her in his arms!

"Miss Emilia, you're finally back! Ray has been crying, and I was about to call you." At that moment, the car window was suddenly knocked on, and with her sharp hearing, Emilia immediately recognized Charlotte's voice.

She quickly opened the car door, her expression filled with concern. "Alright, I'm coming right now." She looked worried, clearly feeling guilty for leaving Ray alone at home.

Matthew watched this scene, and his heart ached. Emilia had a child with another man and loved her child so much. The bond she shared with that deceased man was likely just as deep.

Matthew feared that if he confessed his feelings, he would be rejected, and their relationship would only worsen.

He should remain the brother who continuously cares for her—that's all.

Matthew clenched his fists, silently telling himself.

He didn't realize that he had missed the chance to be with Emilia, and Emilia didn't know that she had missed the opportunity to understand Matthew's feelings.

They had always overlooked each other—like they did many years ago, and even now, it hadn't changed…

That evening, Matthew watched Ray sit on Emilia's lap while she ate. Finally, unable to hold back, he said, "Let Charlotte take care of him. You should eat."

Emilia gently replied, "I'm used to it. I'll eat later."

Hearing her words, Matthew felt a pang in his chest. Emilia had become accustomed to the exhausting life of caring for her child. Where had that worthless man gone? What had he done to die just when Emilia gave birth to their child?

Matthew even felt like Emilia had been deceived!

He stood up and walked toward Emilia, reluctantly saying, "Give Ray to me."

Emilia looked at Matthew with a puzzled expression. Matthew frowned, "I'll feed him. You eat first."

Matthew took Ray from her arms without waiting for Emilia to say anything.

When Ray was taken, the boy didn't cry. Instead, he happily waved his little hands and feet, his tiny hands like small buns gripping Matthew's hair, tugging joyfully.

Matthew paused, his face hardening in pain. Ray looked at him, smiling widely, showing a few little teeth as if entirely unafraid.

"Be good," Matthew said in a low voice.

Matthew felt his face and voice exude authority. After all, no child had dared to make noise before him.

But Ray seemed to be the exception. As soon as Matthew spoke, the boy suddenly burst into a cheerful shout and wiggled in Matthew's arms, almost like a wriggling cocoon. Matthew felt certain Ray had pulled his hair out.

His face remained impassive, like a wooden figure, letting Ray wreak havoc on him.

"Pfft, hahaha!" At that moment, Emilia suddenly burst into laughter. As soon as Ray saw Emilia laugh, he happily swayed, grinning and giggling nonstop.

She looked at Matthew and Ray, laughing joyfully, tears growing in the corners of her eyes. Of course, these were tears of happiness: "Matthew, you look so funny."

Seeing Emilia laugh so joyfully, Matthew's heart warmed. This was almost the first time Emilia had laughed like that since they reunited. He couldn't help but smile slightly, pretending to be annoyed and saying, "You're just standing there laughing instead of helping me?"

Emilia shook her head, still laughing, "You said you'd feed Ray, so go ahead!"

She then handed Ray's bowl of food to Matthew. Finally, Matthew could only carry Ray with one arm and hold the bowl with the other as he returned to his seat. Seeing him look so flustered, Emilia couldn't help but feel amused and happy.

She had always known that Matthew would be a great father.