The teacher finally regained enough control to address the class. “Children, children! Is it absolutely necessary for mom to eat dog piero today?”
This sent the entire playground into fresh convulsions of laughter, including the classes that weren’t even participating.
Through my tears of laughter, I caught Henry watching me with an expression I couldn’t quite read.
Was that… tenderness?
I quickly looked away, uncomfortable with his scrutiny.
Finally, a little girl raised her hand and gave the correct answer: “The dog lies down on the ground and watches while I eat with Mom.
The teacher clapped enthusiastically. “That’s right! Congratulations!” She reached into her bag and pulled out an envelope. “Your special prize is a family dinner voucher for the Four Seasons Hotel! This will cover a buffet dinner for your entire family!”
The parents gasped in appreciation, instantly buzzing with excitement.
“Isn’t the Four Seasons owned by Harding Investment?”
“This voucher must be worth at least five thousand dollars! The Hardings are so generous!”
“You didn’t know? The Hardings recently acquired this kindergarten. We’ll all need to stay on their good side now.”
“I thought their stock crashed recently?”
“That’s old news! They’ve made an incredible comeback. Their shares are soaring again!”
“I heard they just donated a million–dollar library to the medical school!”
“That’s the Hardings for you–pure class!”
The winning child jumped up and down with excitement, running to hug her father. Meanwhile, Billy’s face fell, his disappointment obvious.
“Mommy,” he said quietly, “I knew the right answer, but the teacher didn’t call on me.”
I pulled him into my arms, gently stroking his head. “Sweetheart, are you disappointed about not winning the prize? Or are you just sad about missing out on the Four Seasons ice cream?”
The hotel was famous for its incredible ice cream selection, and Billy had an insatiable sweet tooth.
Billy blinked up at me, his eyes slightly teary. “I knew the answer, Mommy. I wanted to answer, and I really wanted to go to the Four Seasons, but the teacher didn’t call my name.“.
Seeing his crestfallen expression, my heart melted. I pulled him close, resting his soft cheek against mine. “If my baby wants ice cream, we can go as soon as the activity ends. How does that sound?”
Although I usually limit his sweet treats because they’re bad for his teeth, I was willing to make an exception today.
After all, I wanted to see him smile again./
Billy’s eyes instantly lit up. “Really? Can we bring Daddy too?”
I darted a glance at Henry, then quickly looked away. “Sweetie, your father is very busy with work. He doesn’t have time to join us. Maybe next
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Chapter 332
time.”
International joke of the year–taking Henry along?
Absolutely not! We were divorced. Ex–wives and ex–husbands had no business going out together.
A proper ex should be as good as dead to you!
Henry’s cold laugh cut through my thoughts. “Sophia, are you my personal assistant? How do you know my schedule so well? Are you monitoring my every move? Or perhaps you still can’t get over me, which is why you’re so concerned about my activities?”
I was stunned by his response. I’d been trying to create a convenient excuse for him, and this was how he repaid me? With sarcasm and accusations?
“Mr. Harding, please look in a mirror and tell me what about you is worth my attention?” I snapped back, “Narcissism is a disease–you should get it treated!”
Henry snorted, his beautiful almond eyes boring into mine. “If you’re not paying attention to me, how do you know I’m busy? That I don’t have time for Billy?”
I was speechless. “You…”
Seeing me stumble, Henry lifted his chin triumphantly. “Since you’re so invested in my every move, don’t do it secretly. I permit you to monitor me openly. Starting today, I’ll have James send you my daily schedule.”
My face burned with embarrassment and anger.
Billy, caught between us, sighed heavily and shook his head repeatedly.
When his father finished speaking, Billy looked up at him hopefully. “So, does that mean you can come eat with us afterwards, Dad?”
Henry smiled, ruffling the boy’s hair affectionately. “Of course!”
He glanced at me, his eyes gleaming with challenge. “I always have time for you and your mother. Always.”
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