Chapter 203
In the upscale suite of a hotel, Milo was still busy blowing bubbles, happily splashing around in the bathtub with Summer.
“Daddy, your face looks kinda dark…” Summer whispered with innocent concern.
Standing at the edge of the tub, Rhett watched the two kids, feeling utterly out of his depth.
Kristin had gone back to the Collins estate, leaving him behind.
He was tasked with babysitting at the hotel.
Summer was manageable, but Milo seemed to be coming down with a cold, and the never–ending stream of snot was a form of torture for Mr. FitzGerald, who was a bit of a
clean freak.
“Summer, Milo, you’re not toddlers anymore. You need to start washing up on your own, okay?” Rhett said, trying to sound encouraging.
Summer nodded earnestly.
Milo counted his age on his fingers. “Uncle, I’m five, not a toddler.”
“Alright then, scrub up, and I’ll come to check on you in a bit,” Rhett instructed.
“Okay!” Milo nodded, beaming with pride at his newfound responsibility.
The hotel doorbell chimed.
Rhett, hoping for a rescue in the form of Kristin’s return, rushed to the door with a sense of relief. But it wasn’t Kristin on the other side–it was Eve.
“Rhett…” Eve looked anxious. “Sorry to bother you so late.”
“How did you find me?” Rhett frowned, puzzled.
He’d instructed the hotel to maintain the utmost secrecy, and this place wasn’t under the FitzGerald Group’s umbrella but owned by ByteSpark Technologies.
Eve shouldn’t have been able to track him down.
“I… used the GPS on Milo’s smartwatch,” Eve admitted quietly, noticing Rhett’s displeasure. “I swear I didn’t tell Mom or Dad.”
“Is something wrong? Are you here to take the kids?” Rhett was in no mood for a chat.
“No… I’m just surprised you’re willing to look after Milo,” Eve said softly.
She had thought Rhett didn’t care for Milo.
“I’m surprised too, because it was totally unexpected,” Rhett replied with a grimace.
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He’d only intended to take care of Summer, not to be saddled with an extra,
“Rhett, just apologize to Dad, will you? Please?” Eve pleaded, her hands clasped nervously. She was caught in the middle–between her mother and brother on one side, and Rhett on
the other.
“Do I have something to apologize for?” Rhett raised an eyebrow.
“No, that’s not what I was getting at…” Eve took a deep breath, glancing around. “Dad was ‘furious tonight. He called Bart over to discuss things…”
Eve was essentially snitching. “You know, Bart was Grandpa’s go–to guy for handling shares and wills…”
Rhett had already guessed that Holcomb was making his move.
“If Dad tries to legally reclaim the shares, your position in the company will be compromised,” Eve worried for Rhett. “And, I think you should keep your distance from Kristin. Let her go…”
Rhett’s gaze upon Eve darkened.
“My mom is up to something too. Kristin, with her sketchy past, will only make your situation worse. Helping her is pointless,” Eve failed to understand.
“The Haywood family met with Dad again tonight. They’re no longer avoiding the press, openly referring to each other as in–laws…” Eve knew Holcomb was pressuring Rhett to comply.
To marry into the Haywood family and avoid confrontation.
But if Rhett refused… Holcomb would certainly take back what belonged to Rhett.
“Do your parents know you’re here telling me this?” Rhett’s voice was stern.
Eve shook her head quickly. “Rhett… don’t say that, he’s our dad.”
She was distraught. Eve genuinely wished for a peaceful family life.
But the family tension was like a tightly drawn bow, ready to snap at any moment.
“Rhett… I really don’t want us to become enemies,” Eve’s voice cracked.
Rhett frowned, silent for a long while before speaking. “We can never be a real family. Don’t be so naive.”
Nicola was the other woman, the one who caused his mother’s death. A family? What a joke.
Eve’s eyes reddened, understanding Rhett’s resentment about her mother’s past. “I’m
sorry…”
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Do you want to take Milo back? Rhett’s tone softened slightly.
Eve thought for a moment. “I’ve caused you enough trouble. I’ll take him home.
Rhett remained silent.
In the bathroom, Summer and Milo stepped out, each wrapped in a towel, their little bare feet pattering on the carpet.
“Uncle, I washed all by myself!” Milo announced with joy.
Eve was stunned. Was this the same Milo who couldn’t manage basic tasks at home and still wet the bed at five? She barely recognized her own son.
“Milo, your mom’s here to pick you up,” Summer said softly.
Milo looked at Summer, then at Eve. “Summer, will you keep playing with me?”
Summer nodded. “Always.”
Eve stood at the door, feeling a mixture of shame and regret.
She had never liked Summer, partly due to personal grudges.
She had suspected that Summer might be Caleb and Kristin’s illegitimate child, but seeing how bright Summer was, she couldn’t possibly be that scoundrel Caleb’s offspring.
“Milo, let’s go home,” Eve gestured to her son.
Milo hesitated, torn between wanting to stay and missing his mother. “Mommy, will you still yell at me when you’re drunk?”
Eve was speechless.
“Children aren’t meant to be scolded and cursed. If you choose to bring them into the world, you’re responsible for them,” Rhett reminded Eve gravely.
Eve nodded. “I understand.”
Taking Milo’s hand, she began to leave, head bowed, feeling the weight of Rhett’s words. heavier than ever.
“About what’s happening at home…” Rhett ushered her out the door. “Don’t worry about them, stay out of it, no matter what happens, act like you’re none the wiser.”
Eve paused for a second, looking up at Rhett.
In that moment, she felt Rhett wasn’t so distant and frosty anymore. Instead, he a brotherly vibe she’d never felt before.
Truth be told, both Eve and Vincent had always been intimidated by Rhett.
Eve respected Rhett but also feared him. He was always so distant and so cold.
gave
her
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“Oh, one more thing…” Eve suddenly remembered. “Dad had Vincent reach ou biological mom today, the nanny from that old inheritance scam. He might b something against Kristin.”
Rhett’s expression darkened. He turned back inside, grabbed his coat, scoop Summer who was still fumbling with his hairdryer, quickly got him dressed, him away.
“Daddy, where are we going?” Summer asked softly.
“To the Collins family’s place.”
Rhett was worried about Kristin.
