"I want to tell you a secret," Isabella whispered in Isaiah's ear.Isaiah turned to look at her, curious about what she was going to say.Isabella got very close to him, leaning in to whisper, "Apart from Mom and Dad, I love you the most."Isaiah was taken aback, and his ears turned a barely noticeable shade of red."Even Jojo can't compare to you," Isabella added with a mischievous smile. After saying this, she settled back into her seat, looking cute and obedient.Watching her playful and charming demeanor, Isaiah could not resist controlling her anymore. He decided not to restrict her any further."When we arrive at Jojo's house later, remember what Mommy and Daddy told us. After dinner, come home immediately, and don't stay over," he advised, giving her some freedom. "Okay!" Isabella agreed.Isaiah continued to nag, "No sweets allowed." "Mm!" Isabella nodded. Then, Isabella kissed Isaiah on the cheek, saying, "You're the best brother ever!"Isaiah's heart softened, b
"I asked just to make sure it won't cause any trouble. I don't want to offend Cynthia and Matthew," Hunter explained.Those two individuals seemed indifferent on the surface, showing little interest in anything. However, they could strike back fiercely when their boundaries were crossed, and Hunter did not believe he could handle that."It won't be a problem," Joshua replied succinctly.Meanwhile, the twins, along with Jojo and Ash, were in one room upstairs. Curious about Joshua downstairs, Isabella asked, "Jojo, is the man downstairs your relative?""I'm not sure; I've only been staying at Lloyd's residence recently. He's probably a friend of Dad's, and he's been here for quite a while," Jojo answered truthfully."Okay..." Isabella nodded, not dwelling on it much. She saw Ash finish tidying up and happily join them in the newly constructed playground.As for Isaiah, he never had much interest in such activities. He borrowed a book from Ash and sat nearby, reading.When Joshua
They could still play without Isabella, but it was missing the same joy and carefree spirit."Dad." Jojo pursed his lips, suddenly thinking of a question. Hunter shifted his gaze to look at him, saying, "Yes?""Can I go to the same school as Isabella in the future? I want to protect her and keep her happy like this forever," Jojo asked, with a glimmer of hope in his heart.Most importantly, he did not want anyone like Nick to appear again. The last time Isabella played with Nick, she immediately forgot about him."That depends on whether Isabella wants to go to the same school as you. You're older than her, so you'll start elementary school, middle school, high school, and college ahead of her," Hunter replied patiently, rubbing his head.After a moment of thought, Jojo asked again, "Can I wait for her and go to school together?""No," Hunter rejected without much consideration. Jojo drooped his head, feeling a bit upset.Hunter was surprised at Jojo's reaction. However, he di
Isaiah was stunned and looked at Joshua with a hint of curiosity. He could not help but wonder who Joshua really was. "Sure thing," Isabella responded quickly.Half an hour later, Isabella and Isaiah changed into clean outfits, looking neat and tidy. As they sat on the couch to rest, Isabella deliberately sat beside Joshua, her face exuding an adorable innocence as she cooed, "Uncle Joshua...""Hmm?" Joshua was extremely indulgent toward her."Can you come to our house later? You've been so nice to me and Isaiah, and I want Mommy and Daddy to thank you." Isabella's large, sparkling eyes held a glint of anticipation.Joshua declined, saying, "No need. It's no big deal.""Huh?" Isaiah sensed that something was off."I'm an adult, and you're kids. Taking care of you is the least I can do, right?" Joshua offered a simple explanation, aware that Isaiah was quite sensitive."Not really. Mommy said no one should expect kindness from others as a matter of course. If someone is kind to
"When we first arrived, your eyes were glued on me and Isabella. It wasn't a curious or assessing look. It felt like you were seeing someone through us," Isaiah said, remaining calm."Why do you think so much? You're still a kid." Joshua did not give a direct answer.Isaiah still felt uncertain, "Was my guess correct?""Kids shouldn't concern themselves with adult matters. What will you do once you have the answer? Like me more or keep Isabella away from me?"Isaiah was surprised, already figuring out an answer to that question.He would likely gain another worry."Just treat me as another uncle. Don't always act like a little adult," Joshua continued, rubbing Isaiah's head and gently pinching his cheek.Isaiah looked at him but ultimately did not say anything.Just then, Isabella bounded out, her eyes wide with disbelief as she covered her mouth dramatically. Then, she exclaimed, "Isaiah, you actually let Uncle Joshua pinch your cheek!"Isaiah remained silent.Joshua was puz
Isabella just wanted to play with Joshua, nothing else. Isaiah pursed his lips, unsure of what to say. If his earlier guesses were correct, Joshua would likely indulge Isabella, pamper her, and cater to her wishes."Daddy and Mommy said that people should work hard for the things and people they love, right? I like Uncle Joshua now, so is it wrong if I want to play with him more?" Isabella said, her voice sweet as honey."No, it's not wrong," Joshua replied."So, are you coming to our house tonight?" Isabella asked again.Joshua remained silent. His hands, previously relaxed on his sides, unconsciously tense. Though he did not show it, Isaiah could tell he was getting nervous and uncomfortable.Isaiah helped him by saying, "It's getting late. Are you sure you'll have time to play with Uncle Joshua?"Isabella pondered for a moment, realizing that she might not have time."Be a good girl and wait until Uncle Joshua has some free time to come see you," Isaiah said, pulling her besi
Isabella thought Joshua was just as reliable as Matthew."No, thank you. I'll stay with you for another twenty minutes, but I must leave at forty past six," Joshua heartlessly refused, but he did give her a small compromise. "Okay," Isabella agreed.For the next twenty minutes, Isabella and Joshua sat together, chatting about childish things. Watching this scene, Isaiah could not quite put his feelings into words. Except for Matthew, even Kendrick could not achieve this level of connection.Isaiah could not help but wonder what exactly Joshua and Cynthia's relationship was."Sir, Mr. and Mrs. Quier are here to pick up the two children," the butler suddenly walked in from outside and said. Joshua stiffened all over, and Hunter stood up. "Let's go, I'll see you out."Isabella reluctantly stood up. After a few glances at Joshua, she obediently followed Isaiah out.Joshua followed behind them. When they reached the door, he deliberately found a spot to hide, standing behind som
"Mommy and Daddy are here. Let me introduce you to them," Isabella said, holding Joshua's hand and walking toward them. She continued, "They're as good-looking as you, so you'll definitely get along."Joshua accompanied her outside, feeling a complex mix of emotions. Along the way, he could not help but ask, "Who told you that good-looking people always get along?""Because good-looking people always do," Isabella replied matter-of-factly.Joshua pursed his lips but ultimately did not say anything more.Outside, Cynthia and Matthew were waiting. Seeing Isabella rushing toward them with such excitement, Cynthia turned to Isaiah and asked, "Which Uncle Joshua is Isabella talking about?""Just... Uncle Joshua." Isaiah could not give a proper answer, not because he did not want to say more, but because Joshua had not acknowledged anything before, leaving him unsure of how to introduce him. Although they spent most of the day together, they still did not know the man's surname.Cynthi