Chapter 16

In her room, Christine was meticulously applying her makeup as she prepared for her date with Hunter's brother. She had a feeling that she would be scrutinized closely before leaving the house, so she decided to give extra attention to her appearance, not wanting to disappoint.

Once she was fully satisfied, she stepped into her cropped jeans and black tank top, taking another appreciative glance in the mirror. It was a refreshing change to wear something age-appropriate, and she had Simon to thank for that. His casual style had convinced her to forgo her usual stiff business attire, and in that moment, she felt youthful again. After all, she was in her twenties.

"Mommy, Mommy, are you really dating my uncle?" Ethan burst into her room, visibly agitated, his face furrowed with concern.

"Sweetheart, Mommy is just having dinner with a friend," she declared, soothingly running her fingers through his soft hair in an attempt to calm him down. However, he remained unsettled.

"How could y