Chapter 489 Family, Fault, and Fragility
Gianna’s face instantly lit up with delight. “Dad’s back?!”
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She hurried into the villa, and in the living room, she spotted two men seated on the couch–each with his own distinct style, both extraordinary in their own right.
Adrian was already well into his fifties, with his salt–and–pepper hair neatly parted to the side, a few prominent silver strands at his temples that he didn’t bother dyeing.
He carried himself with elegance and poise, his tall frame kept in excellent shape through years of fitness. There wasn’t a trace of the usual middle–aged bloat or wear; instead, he exuded the calm depth and quiet charisma of an older man with a story to tell.
His features were still handsome, and there was a shrewd glint in his eyes that hinted at a seasoned businessman’s edge–he was the kind of man who turned heads wherever he went.
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Sitting in a single armchair beside him was Steven Malone. His facial structure bore a resemblance to Adrian’s, but his eyes and expression leaned more toward their mother, Wendy.
At thirty, he was in the prime of his life–composed, refined, and confident. Dressed in a white shirt with a navy tie, layered under a black cashmere zip–up sweater and jacket, paired with tailored black trousers and gold–rimmed glasses, he exuded the polished demeanor of a man who had just returned from a business meeting.
“Dad! You’re finally back! You’ve been abroad forever this time. Did you bring me any gifts?” Playful and bright, Gianna flitted over like a butterfly, plopped herself down beside Adrian, and clung to his arm with a spoiled grin.
“You’re already an aunt, yet you still act like a child.” Adrian’s tone was steady but warm. “You’re not nearly as composed as little Ellie.”
Still, his voice carried unmistakable affection.
Gianna kept smiling. “Come on, Dad. Ellie’s basically a carbon copy of Steven when he was little. But little girls are supposed to be cheerful and energetic, right? Don’t you think so too?”
Adrian actually agreed. His granddaughter Ellie had mild autism. She was almost five now and still refused to speak. The thought made him sigh.
“You’re her aunt. You should spend more time with her.”
With few women in the family and Ellie growing up without a mother, Adrian believed Gianna’s presence could help fill the gap and maybe even aid the child’s recovery.
Gianna was about to nod when Steven, who had been silent until now, finally looked up. “Forget it. She’s lucky if she can take care of herself. I don’t need her losing my daughter again.”
The last time, he’d left Ellie in Gianna’s care at a hotel while he attended a meeting that ran long. When he couldn’t reach her, he received a call from Jonathan Fullbuster–Ellie had wandered off and been picked up by his wife, who brought her to a banquet.
In the end, it was their cousin, India, who retrieved the girl.
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15:16 Thu, 16 Oct
Chapter 489 Family, Faul, and Fragility
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Glama had always been a line afraid of her older brother. Ten years her senior, Steven had never been particularly close to her
She knew he was bringing up the hotel incident again, but honestly, how was that her fault? She had told Ellie to stay put while she chatted with her friends on the phone–how could she have known the girl would sneak off without saying a word?!
If anything, it was Steven’s parenting that was lacking, not hers.
Still, she didn’t dare argue. Pouting, she said pitifully, “Is it my fault I can’t take care of myself? I was born our family’s little princess–1 grew up without needing to lift a finger.”
Afraid of being scolded again, she quickly stood up and dashed upstairs. “I’m going to see what Dad brought me!”
Once she was gone, silence fell over the living room. Her casual remark left both men thoughtful, their expressions subtly shifting.
After a long pause, Adrian finally turned to his son. “Have you taken Ellie to visit your mother recently?”
Steven rose to his feet, but didn’t answer. “It’s been over twenty years, Dad. Mom’s not coming back. A lie can never become the truth. Not everyone can fool themselves as well as you can. You should give up before it’s too late. You’re still not old–maybe it’s time to start fresh.”
Adrian’s face darkened. “You’re truly your mother’s son. Not a hint of concern for your old man’s happiness. Get out of my sight!”
Steven didn’t bother arguing, Hands in his pockets, he headed upstairs to check on his daughter.
Meanwhile, Anneliese wasn’t taking the challenge lightly. Since she had committed to participating, she intended to give it her all.
She had simply structured her schedule differently. During her time in the lab, she didn’t study the competition materials–but once she got home, she made every minute of her rest time count, poring over the information Alexander Clocke had given her.
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