Who's Crying Now, Ex-Husband?

Chapter 453

He stopped mid-step, then suddenly dashed forward and grabbed Leonard's hand. Looking up, his eyes sparkled with hope. "Leonard, you'll stay with me forever too, right?"

Just like you're always with Mom and Dad.

Leonard froze, caught off guard.

For a moment, seeing the child's trusting, adoring gaze, that face-usually as cold and unmoving as winter ice-softened. The corners of his lips lifted in a fleeting smile so subtle that when Adrian blinked, it was already gone, like he'd imagined it. But he did hear Leonard's voice, surprisingly gentle.

"I'll always be here."

"But even if I'm not, young master, you don't need to worry. There's someone out there waiting for you in the future, someone who'll stay by your side forever- longer than your parents, longer than me."

That was the Montgomery family's way.

Leonard, though, belonged to the master and madam.

"Your mother's here. Go on now."

At the end of the hallway, Mila appeared, turning the corner with easy grace. Her dark hair was pinned up with a simple comb, and her pale, flowing dress seemed to catch the moonlight, wrapping her in a gentle, silvery glow. Seeing her approach, Leonard stopped beneath the eaves.

"Mom!"

Adrian's question vanished in an instant. He raced over, flinging himself into Mila's arms. She caught him easily, taking the rumpled school jacket from his hand without a word, then gave Leonard a polite nod before leading Adrian away.

A warm spring breeze drifted through the corridor, carrying Mila's soft voice to Leonard. "What did your grandfather say? Did he scold you?"

"He just told me not to get into fights..."

should

nice. Did you make something good for me?" Adrian's voice was full

did. I made

to bring your great-grandpa a bowl, all right? He's getting old. Don't do things that upset

"Got it."

hasn't eaten either. I'll bring him a

at the bright curve of the moon, feeling, for once, that spring was truly warm and beautiful.

"Sir."

Madam and young master were just here.

"I understand."

coaxed Adrian to take

he needed any real

studies had never been

laptop open, working on her own projects-just keeping him company as he

serious), Mila had arranged for Adrian to stay home and rest for a week, giving him a break from schoolwork, too. She was surprised when he refused-he didn't

well-behaved it was

his grades were good, he'd hated homework-always wanting to play games or watch cartoons instead. Any

her to stop nagging so much, and eventually, she'd given up. She never imagined there'd come a day when he'd manage his own

just one

knew she could never have managed it herself—Adrian had never been

working on a commission from a high-profile British client who had sought out

yet, but rumor had it the wedding was for a British prince, and

วน%

year had been a whirlwind, bouncing between managing Montgomery Holdings and Splendid's executive meetings

never gave

some of her creations had