CHAPTER NINE

"What did Mr. Daniel want from you? I saw him holding your arm," Nathaniel asked as he drove Lora home.

A soft smile played on his lips, but beneath that calm expression, he was burning with jealousy. He and Lora had met abroad seven years ago, and ever since then, he had been trying to win her heart.

Nathaniel had always been there for her, offering his support and helping her whenever she needed a friend or someone she could depend on.

However, Lora had neither turned down his advances nor accepted his feelings. Since he had never openly confessed his affection for her, she had never felt the need to address it either.

Seeing another man show interest in Lora made him feel somewhat uneasy.

Lora let out a sigh at Nathaniel's question. Her encounter with Daniel had left a bitter feeling in her heart. She glanced at Nathaniel and replied, "A business partnership."

"Did you agree?" Nathaniel asked quietly. Without even realizing it, he tightened his grip on the steering wheel as he waited anxiously for her response. His knuckles gradually turned white from the force of his grip.

"I told him I'd think about it..." Lora replied, turning her gaze towards the window as they approached the building where her apartment was situated.

Despite having reunited with her family, she still preferred living on her own.

Her mind drifted back to her conversation with Daniel, and a trace of hatred flickered across her eyes.

Seven years ago, if her parents hadn't arrived in time to rescue her, she would have lost her life in that explosion.

The memory of Daniel's cruelty stirred up a fresh wave of anger inside her.

'How dare he compare me to Sophia Bennett? That woman died seven years ago,' she thought bitterly.

"Lora, we've arrived."

Nathaniel's voice pulled her out of her thoughts. He turned towards her and added, "I wish the journey had been a little longer."

Lora chuckled softly before replying, "Thank you for bringing me home, Nathaniel. I had a wonderful time tonight.”

"Can I come upstairs? I'd love to say hello to the little ones," Nathaniel asked, prompting Lora to turn and look at him.

Nathaniel had always been thoughtful and considerate towards her.

He had stood by her side through everything and had always done his best to protect her. There had even been moments when she considered giving him a chance. However, starting a relationship wasn't something Lora wanted to focus on at the moment.

She smiled gently and replied, "It's getting late, Nate. You can meet them another time... Goodnight."

Although Nathaniel felt a little disappointed, he didn't let it show. Instead, he nodded and said, "You're right... It wouldn't be appropriate. I'll come and see them tomorrow with some gifts."

Lora smiled at him before stepping out of his car and heading upstairs to her apartment.

"Sebastian, is this handsome uncle our daddy?" Tessa asked innocently as she sat beside her brother, staring at the tablet in his hands.

The twins were watching the livestream of their mom's  introduction party when they suddenly spotted a man who looked like an older version of Sebastian.

Sebastian didn't respond. His attention remained fixed on the man displayed on the tablet, while a serious expression, far beyond what one would expect from a five-year-old, settled on his little face.

"This handsome uncle looks exactly just like you, Sebastian. I have a feeling he's our daddy," Tessa commented. "I would be so happy if he really was.”

"Tessa, whether that man is our daddy or not is something we still need to find out. But whatever happens, we must never mention him in front of Mommy," Sebastian instructed, his brows drawing together.

"Why? He attended Mommy's party and even held her arm. I saw it with my own eyes," Tessa replied innocently. "He has to be our daddy."

"It's not that simple to explain. Didn't you notice the woman sitting beside him in the wheelchair? From what I know, she's none other than his fiancée," Sebastian explained.

He zoomed in on the woman's picture on the tablet, his eyebrows pulling together as he looked at her face. 'So, this is the woman Daddy loves?' he wondered silently.

"Are you saying our daddy abandoned Mommy because of this woman?" Tessa asked, her eyes widening in disbelief.

After all, they had both witnessed how hard their mother worked every day to provide for them and take care of them.

"That's why we can't assume this man is our daddy until I've investigated everything properly. Otherwise, we might end up making Mommy sad."

"Alright, I understand. But if that woman really is the reason our daddy left us, I'll help Mommy get back every bit of what she's owed," Tessa declared, her eyes sparkling with a mischievous glint.

Sebastian smiled gently and touched Tessa's head.

"Sebastian, Tessa, Mommy is home!" Just then, they heard Lora's voice coming from the entrance.

Sebastian quickly placed the tablet aside, and the two children immediately pretended they hadn't been doing anything.

Tessa rushed into her mother's arms and hugged her tightly. "Mommy, you're finally back! Did you enjoy yourself at the party tonight?"

"Of course! I had a wonderful time with my grandfather and grandmother!" Lora replied excitedly, her heart overflowing with warmth.

Tessa carefully studied her mother's face before asking, "Mommy, are you upset?"

Lora didn't seem to be in a particularly good mood.

Tessa frowned and thought, 'Could Mommy be unhappy because Daddy was with that lady in the wheelchair?'

Lora was caught off guard by her daughter's question. She gently caressed Tessa's hair and smiled before answering, "Mommy is perfectly happy. But why are you two still awake? Haven't you gone to bed yet?"

She had assumed the children would have fallen asleep under the nanny's care. However, despite how late it was, they were still wide awake waiting for her.

"We were waiting for you, Mom. I can't fall asleep without getting my goodnight kisses," Tessa replied sweetly.

"Aww, my precious baby," Lora said affectionately. She leaned down and planted several kisses on Tessa's forehead and cheeks before moving over to Sebastian and showering him with the same affection.

"I love you, Mom," Tessa whispered. "And Sebastian loves you too."

Lora's heart melted instantly.

Despite all the pain Daniel had caused her, her two children remained the greatest gifts he had ever given her.

They meant everything to her, and nothing else mattered more than their happiness.

Lora pulled both children into a warm embrace, completely unaware of the calculating glint that flickered in  Sebastian's eyes.