CHAPTER 131: I CAN SMELL YOUR SCENT

Steven raised an eyebrow when he heard Cecilia speak like that. "Then what do you think the truth should be?"

Her eyes were full of sadness, but she wasn’t ready to reveal to Steven her true identity or her past. She fixed her expression and replied, "Maybe she had her own reasons—you know, perhaps someone else had abandoned the child without her even knowing..."

"I’m not trying to give her excuses. Not taking care of her child is undoubtedly her fault..." As she spoke, Cecilia couldn’t help but feel sorrowful as she thought of Alex, who had been abandoned in the wilderness right after entering the world.

Steven looked at her, knowing she was putting on a brave face—she could say different words, but her pale complexion couldn’t be faked.

When she asked him the question just now, he had come to realize that she probably wasn’t the one who abandoned her son back then. Adding on to what she was saying now, Steven was even more certain that she didn’t abandon her child. There must have been some sort of misunderstanding here.

He nodded and finished the last sip of his drink, saying, "Let’s hope so."

He glanced at Cecilia, who was struggling to shake off her emotions, and teased, "Why do you seem so sad? It’s almost as if Alex is your own son.

"Alex is indeed lovable, but I’m not a bad dad myself..."

This successfully made Cecilia laugh. Looking at the narcissistic Steven, she thought to herself, ‘Thankfully, Alex didn’t inherit his narcissism; otherwise, he’d never be able to find a girlfriend.’

Thinking of Alex, she recalled the message Emma had sent her yesterday. [Mommy, I don’t want to be in the elite class anymore; it’s so boring! Please let Brother switch back with me.]

Logically, Emma and Alex could just swap places by themselves at the kindergarten. However, Steven had been glued to his phone nowadays for some reason, watching the kindergarten’s surveillance footage all the time and thus leaving Emma no chance to switch back with her brother.

Cecilia cautiously spoke up, "I heard Mr. Lawrence is quite invested in the children’s affairs at kindergarten lately, even updating the entire surveillance system with the latest Ultra HD technology."

Steven nodded, having been captivated by the adorable Emma; it took him only one look, and he was hooked. She continued, "But I also heard Alex is doing well in all aspects and doesn’t need such close watch by Mr. Lawrence, does he?"

Hearing this, his lips curled into a smile. It seemed like Emma had complained to her mother. He nonchalantly replied, "You’re right, so from tomorrow, I’ll take your advice and not let Alex go to school."

Cecilia nearly spat out her water. When did she ever say such a thing? "Not going to school? Mr. Lawrence, school is important for a child; surely it wouldn’t be good for their development if they don’t go?"

Steven laughed. "I didn’t say Alex wouldn’t study. He has already completed the elite class curriculum long ago. Learning at home with more specialized and suitable methods is more meaningful than being stuck in kindergarten, no?"

She pursed her lips, nearly forgetting that Alex wasn’t an average child. Even while hanging with her these few days, he had been diligently studying whenever he had the time. Anyone could see that he truly loved learning.

Unlike Emma, who was smart but disinterested in dry knowledge and couldn’t sit still. If Steven really took her home, it would be more comfortable than staying in the elite class.

Moreover, home education might suit her better. If she adapted to it, Cecilia would try this method with her in the future.

‘Sorry, Emma—Mommy can only help you this far.’ "Yes, you have a point."

After finishing their meal, Cecilia glanced toward the first floor and noticed Joe sitting at the piano, playing.

She thought for a moment and then said to Steven, "You can head back first; I have something to do."

Steven’s face darkened instantly—the melodious piano music and Cecilia’s expression indicated that they were about to have a pleasant conversation. This displeased him, but considering he was in a position where he wasn’t even close to being her friend, he couldn’t stop her. He nodded politely and walked out.

Before leaving, he couldn’t resist turning back and saying to her, "Miss Morrison, catching up with old friends shouldn’t take too long; remember to head home early. Don’t forget that you have a child waiting at home."

With that, he went off, leaving a bewildered Cecilia. ‘His words just now... Is he jealous?’

Once Steven was gone, she went downstairs to approach Joe, who was playing the piano.

She quietly took in his performance, reminiscing about how, when Joe was a child, he was often sick and had no interest in most things. During his time at her home, he became captivated by their piano, and Lilian introduced him to music after discovering his talent. Since then, he had found something he truly enjoyed. To her surprise, after all these years apart, his piano skills had improved so much.

When he finished playing, she clapped her hands and walked over to him. Joe smiled and turned, saying, "You’re here."

She was a bit surprised, staring at the man who was wearing sunglasses. Waving her hand in front of his face, she asked, "How did you know it was me?"

He laughed and replied, "Because I can smell your scent."

Cecilia chuckled at his remark. Then, they sat by the piano and began a conversation. Meanwhile, just as Steven stepped out of the restaurant, he instructed Zane, "Investigate the owner of this restaurant."