Chapter Three

So the kids went from hall to hall, searching for the most handsome man in the place. 

"Uncle." The birthday girl tugged at Alfred's trousers and asked, "Mara said you're her Daddy, is that true?" 

Alfred broke out of his reverie and opened his mouth, but no words came out. 

"He's my Daddy." Little Mara answered her question. "He has strong arms and smells so nice. Mummy said only my Daddy has these qualities." 

The room broke into whispers and everyone began making speculations. 

It was common knowledge in the circle that the president of G.I Conglomerate neither got close to any woman nor allow one near him. 

Then how come a little girl appeared out of nowhere and even called him her Daddy? The kid sounded serious and she also said something about her mother. Did the president get married and even had a child? This was going to create a huge wave in the social circle. 

Many hearts were going to be broken and the reporters were going to make millions. Even now, some people had already brought out their phones, recording the moment. 

The assistant's anxiety knew no bounds. What the kid claimed wasn't a little matter. And if words got out, that could affect the reputation of his Boss's company. 

"Bad baby! Bad baby! Get off this instant." He shoved a hand inside his pocket and brought out a hankie to wipe his sweat. "This is no playground for kids, where are your parents?"

Little Mara shrank into Alfred's arms and buried her face in his neck. 

While the other kids cowered at the assistant's loud voice. 

And the waiters came to take the kids out. But little Mara held on tight to Alfred's neck. She didn't want to let go. 

"Leave them alone." Alfred's voice finally sounded in the room. There was an edge of anger to his tone. 

Compounded with the fact that this evening wasn't turning as he desired, his assistant was making it worse. 

Although Alfred could attribute everything and everyone in his life to boredom, he actually had a soft spot for kids. 

And this kid here was probably smitten. He couldn't blame her. He received the same treatment from both kids and adults alike. Only that he didn't tolerate adults. 

"Hehehe." The assistant scratched his head. Seeing his Boss's expression, he immediately changed his demeanor. "Little girl," he said softly. "Could you get down this uncle's lap? We wouldn't want his clothes to get all dirtied would we?" 

Slowly, little Mara lifted her head and pouted. "He's not uncle," she answered innocently. "He's my Daddy." 

"I understand you're lost and searching for your parents." The assistant chuckled. "How about this? If you get off him, I will help you find where your Daddy is."

"No." The little girl shook her head stubbornly. "He's my Daddy. If I let go, he's going to hide again."

"He's not your Daddy." The assistant made his voice loud enough for everyone in the room to hear, including those that were secretly recording the scene. "You are just a kid, the adults know best."

"But– But he's my Daddy." The little girl insisted.

"I'm afraid you've got the wrong person." The assistant did not back down.

And while the two argued, Alfred couldn't take his gaze off the little girl. He looked from her to his little niece who was standing with the other kids. His eyes hadn't deceived him from a distance. The resemblance was remarkable. 

And little Mara, seeing that the huge man insisted on taking her away from her Daddy after finding him at last, she held Alfred's cloth in her tiny fist while her pursed lips trembled. 

"Daddy." She sobbed. "He wants to bully me. Don't let him take me away. I won't be bad... Mummy said I'm a good baby." 

And this was the scene Vanessa was met with when she entered the hall. 

After searching for a long time, going from hall to hall and having to describe what her baby looked like and what she wore again and again, someone finally directed her to this hall, saying she had seen some kids making their way here. 

Vanessa took in the scene with fright. Her gaze landed on her daughter who was holding tightly to the man on the couch. 

Her heart sank and she didn't need to be told what was happening. 

"Mummy!" The little girl looked at her and exclaimed. "See I've found Daddy."

"Ah!" Vanessa caught her breath. 

All eyes turned in her direction and she wished the ground would open up. 

The people stared at the lady who had just entered the room. They looked between Alfred and the lady who had just appeared from the door.

They were almost convinced that the little girl was saying the truth, however, the lady she claimed to be her mother didn't look close to the kinds of women the president of G.I Conglomerate would associate with. She wore a simple shirt with faded jeans.

Apart from her beautiful face which was shielded by a cap, she looked like a normal citizen, totally unfit for this occasion. 

And people began having second thoughts. This wasn't a setup, was it?

The assistant's thoughts also aligned with the others. At first, he thought that the kid's parents must be among the guests. But seeing this lady, he changed his demeanor again, disregarding his Boss's warning from before. Even the staff of the hotel was more presentable in his eyes. 

"This is outrageous!" He hollered. "Woman! Get your kid this instant and stop making a scene."

Vanessa didn't waste another second. Ignoring the looks of the onlookers, she heeded the angry-looking man's words and hurried toward the couch. 

But on reaching there, she tripped over a cupcake on the floor and fell face flat on a hard surface. 

The crowd gasped and the time seemed to have stopped.