CHAPTER 126: CHAPTER 126: TWO FACES, COPY AND PASTE

After having children, one really needs to think it over.

Then she said frankly, "My son asked me to ask you, don’t mind, I’ll ask him what he thinks later."

"It’s not a joke, that kid, as soon as he saw Poppy, his eyes were glued to her."

"When signing the contract, he kept urging me to ask."

Truth Hale understood.

She nodded and didn’t say anything.

In her heart, she felt a bit uncomfortable too.

In her view, even if Poppy has had a child, it’s no big deal.

However, in the marriage market, a single woman with a kid is a negative point.

The other person said it unintentionally.

"It’s lucky you’re with a daughter. If it were a son, you’d really need to consider it more."

Their family is quite traditional too.

A bit concerned that Poppy has had a child, but at least it’s just a daughter.

No worries about her taking the family inheritance after marrying in.

If Poppy can really marry over, she just needs to have a son.

It’s not like they can’t afford to raise more.

At this point in the conversation, Truth Hale couldn’t miss the implications.

It was like chewing on a chestnut, realizing it was bad only after a few bites, unable to swallow and unwilling to spit it out.

The smile on Truth Hale’s face quickly disappeared.

She couldn’t be bothered to make small talk with them any longer, called for Poppy, and the two left.

On their way back, they went to pick up Florence from kindergarten.

Poppy gave Sean Lynch a call.

She talked about the distribution of the money from selling the house.

Sean was initially stunned, then said, "Thanks, sis. Anya is lucky to have you as her aunt."

Poppy asked, "Haven’t you been giving Anya support money?"

Sean chuckled in surprise, "How could that be! I have Stella send six thousand a month to Chloe’s account. He’s my son; of course, I support him!"

Poppy frowned.

Sighed.

"Chloe said she hasn’t received a cent. You should find some time to check it. If you still have any conscience for Anya, don’t tell Uncle or your wife about this with the house; just leave it as is."

Sean was stunned for a while, seemingly not reacting.

Poppy had already hung up the phone.

If Eugene Lynch and Stella Hollis found out that Truth Hale and Poppy Hale sold the house and only wanted to give Anya part of the money, they would definitely freak out.

They might even do something irrational.

Truth Hale was worried about this too.

Poppy shook her head lightly.

"It’s alright. Give it some time, and they’ll have their own issues to deal with."

The matter with the Hale Group must be settled eventually.

-

At the entrance of the kindergarten, they saw an elderly lady getting out of a high-profile Cullinan.

Her hair was all black, with red tips, very trendy.

Combed meticulously, yet she wore a loose T-shirt with a big cartoon bear head on it.

Standing there, Mrs. Hawthorne was spotted by Florence as she ran out.

First greeting Poppy and Truth Hale.

Then leaping toward Mrs. Hawthorne.

"Grandma Big Bear! You look so pretty today!"

Mrs. Hawthorne’s voice could squash mosquitoes.

"Grandma’s little Florence baby is also very pretty."

Iris Quill came out carrying a backpack, with one on the back and one in front.

The front backpack had Florence’s name on it.

He was already chubby among kids his age, so carrying two round backpacks made him look funny.

Like a big, round ball.

Poppy couldn’t help but laugh, and Truth Hale followed suit.

Stepping forward to take the bag Iris carried, Poppy laughed, "Why are you helping Florence carry her backpack?"

Iris answered seriously.

"She’s not in good health and is short, the bag is too heavy, and it might stunt her growth."

It wasn’t that heavy.

It just held some towels, diapers, a water cup, and spare clothes.

Poppy ruffled Iris’s hair, causing Iris to shy away with embarrassment.

"Don’t touch my head, Aunt Poppy, I’m already an adult."

A two-year-old claiming to be an adult.

Everyone present burst out laughing.

Truth Hale’s gaze fell on Mrs. Hawthorne.

Mrs. Hawthorne was obviously a lady used to a life of luxury and no worries.

The T-shirt, though playful, had a conspicuous designer logo.

Not to mention the car.

Hundreds of thousands worth.

Truth Hale smiled, "Are you Iris Quill’s family?"

"I’m his grandaunt. I’m not here to pick him up today; I’m here to see our little Florence baby."

Iris Quill had a nonchalant expression.

Nodding.

"Every time my grandaunt comes, it’s to see Florence. She and my grandma like Florence a lot."

Iris Quill added, "I like her too."

"My uncle likes her, and my mom likes her too."

"Who’s your uncle?"

Iris Quill shouted, "Declan Hawthorne!"

Truth Hale realized.

"Oh, the guy living next to our house."

So, this is Declan Hawthorne’s mother.

No wonder she looked familiar.

But more familiar was the striking resemblance between Florence and Mrs. Hawthorne.

Especially when they smile, one big, one small, like a copy-paste.

Particularly after Mrs. Hawthorne dyed her hair, except for the extra wrinkles compared to Florence, it was as if they were blood-related.

No wonder Mrs. Hawthorne liked Florence so much.

Truth Hale’s heart suddenly skipped a beat.

She clutched her chest, suddenly finding it hard to breathe.

Poppy sympathized, "What’s wrong? Feeling unwell from exhaustion today?"

"I’m fine, nothing serious, I’ll be better after a rest."

As mother and daughter spoke, Mrs. Hawthorne heard,

That’s when she realized.

Her son was already living next to the girl’s house.

Despite that, he hadn’t managed to woo her yet?

Mrs. Hawthorne suddenly doubted Declan Hawthorne’s abilities.

Mrs. Hawthorne had figured out Declan Hawthorne was pursuing Poppy after visiting Florence in the hospital.

Why else would Declan, a grown man, be hiding in a pediatric ward?

Mrs. Hawthorne was completely baffled.

She wanted Declan Hawthorne to marry and have kids!

She found out Declan even claimed Florence was his daughter.

Mrs. Hawthorne was left puzzled.

Such shamelessness, yet he hadn’t won Poppy over?

No ambition.

Elder Chambers even asked when Declan Hawthorne got married and had a kid.

Why no wedding feast?

They thought the Hawthorne Family was disdainful of Poppy having a daughter.

As if!

Mrs. Hawthorne would be thrilled if Florence really became her granddaughter.

Just thinking about it made her grin even in her sleep.

Mrs. Hawthorne, without a word, picked up Florence.

"Want to grab some food?"

The old lady held onto Florence, reluctant to let go.

Poppy wanted to decline, but Truth Hale smiled, "Sure, saves me and Poppy from cooking at home."

Mrs. Hawthorne had reserved a pet-friendly restaurant.

The restaurant had a large glass window, through which dogs from a neighboring pet cafe were visible.

With a fresh air system and diligent cleaning staff, there was no smell, not affecting the dining experience.

Florence’s eyes lit up as soon as she stepped in.

"So many adorable dogs!"

Just by looking, Truth Hale knew Mrs. Hawthorne had done her research to find this place.

After seating, Poppy took the two children to wash their hands.

Mrs. Hawthorne quickly asked, "Can I have my son join us, if that’s okay?"