Chapter 187

Howard's POV

I sat in my chair at this child-friendly Manhattan restaurant,observing the scene unfolding before me.

Lucy sat at the table, carefully examining the rabbit-shaped pudding. She turned it around, her face lighting up with delight. "It looks almost exactly like the ones in the display case!"

Penny had already removed the small box around her pudding and gently tapped it with her spoon. The rabbit-shaped dessert jiggled in a way that was undeniably adorable.

"Look!" Penny excitedly showed Lucy her discovery.

Lucy's mouth fell open in amazement."Wow..."

"What's wrong?" Penny asked with concern.

Lucy's voice carried a hint of regret.′′Idon't want to eat it now."

Penny looked at Lucy, then at her own pudding,her expression equally conflicted."Me neither!"

Annie gently stroked Lucy's golden hair and suggested softly, "Why don't you eat your hamburger and fries first?"

"Okay!" Both girls immediately began eating their main courses,though their eyes never strayed far from the tempting puddings.

Watching this scene. I couldn't help but smile. Children's innocence is always so touching. For Lucy, a simple pudding could bring such joy-the kind of small happiness I had almost forgotten during my years in the business world.

I observed Annie taking a bite of her hamburger, a brief expression of distaste crossing her face. She glanced at the two children eating happily and her lips curved upward slightly. I understood what she was thinking-adults and children certainly have different tastes. But she didn't verbalize it, simply continuing to eat quietly. These small considerations for the children's sake always drew me to her.

After finishing their main courses, Lucy's attention returned to the pudding. She whispered, "I'll just taste it..." and carefully took a small spoonful.

"It's delicious!" she exclaimed, her eyes narrowing with satisfaction.

Seeing this, Penny also gathered the courage to take a bite, then looked at Lucy in surprise,"It really is good!

The girls quiekly finished their puddings. The pure contentment on their faces gave me a wonderful sense of warmth. Before.I only concerned myself with company metries and business expansion,but now,these small family moments brought me unexpected fulfillment.

After the meal. Annie took out a small comb from her bag and said to Lucy,"Come here,let me do your hair."

Lucy immediately nestled into Annie's arms, then turned her back to her.Annie first brushed Lucy's golden hair until it was smooth,then began creating an intricate little princess hairstyle. Watching Annie's practiced movements.I remembered how nervous and uncertain she had been when she first started caring for Lucy. Now, she was so skilled, as if she had ays been Lucy's mother.

When Lucy walked to the mirror and saw her transformed reflection, her face lit up with satisfaction. Next. Penny approached Annie. "Me too."

Annie carefully assessed Penny's face shape, then created a more elegant style for her. When Penny saw herself in the mirror,looking so different from usual, she was almost speechless.

In that moment, I suddenly realized that Annie possessed a natural maternal radiance. She not only took excellent care of Lucy but also made other children feel comfortable and loved. This was precisely one of the qualities I admired most about her.

"Should we take a picture?" Annie suggested,taking out her phone.

"Yes!" both girls answered in unison, then ran to Annie and posed.

Watching this heartwarming scene, I took out my own phone and captured several photos. This was the first time I felt compelled toshare my personal life on social media. I've always valued my privacy, rarely posting personal content on Instagram. But at that moment, I wanted everyone to see the happiness in my life.

I posted the photo on Instagram with a simple caption: "A happy day."

The post immediately attracted significant attention. After all, I rarely shared personal content on social media. The comments section quickly became active.

"Is this Howard Thompson's first family photo? I can't believe my eyes!"someone commented in surprise.

"Is the little girl in the photo Mr. Thompson's daughter? She's adorable!" another comment asked.

I replied briefly: "Yes, she is."

"Is that beautiful lady your wife? You all look so happy." a business associate inquired.

I glanced at Annie, who was focused on carefully styling Penny's hair,her expression attentive and genle. I replied: "She will be."

The comments section immediately became more animated:

"Wow. Howard Thompson sharing personal photos! This is rare content."

"You look as harmonious as a painting. So nice to see this side of your life.

"Lucy and that lady are both beautiful. You're one of the cutest families I've seen."

"Who would have thought our CEO had such a strong family side? Nice work-life balance!"

There was even a comment from a company employee: "No wonder the CEO has been in such a good mood lately. Our team has benefited greatly!"

Just as I was enjoying this rare leisurely moment, my phone vibrated.Philip Baker had left a comment on Instagram: "Did you get Annie's permission before posting her photo?"

I raised an eyebrow. The comment was both boring and ridiculous.The man who had abandoned Annie and Brian now questioning my respect for her? The corner of my mouth turned up slightly, not from humor but from contempt for such hypocrisy. I looked up at Annie, not far away,interacting with Luey, her eyes reflecting gentle affection. From the sadness when she first came to my home to the conlidence and vitality now shining in her eyes,this transformation gave me genuine satisfaction.

I tapped on my keyboard, responding unhurriedly: "How do you know I didn't have her consent?"

Philip continued pressing: "Is she willing to make your relationship public?

Such meaningless harassment. I calmly replied: "We've been public about our relationship for some time. Didn't you know?" Then I set my phone down. no longer engaging with his worthless questions.

Since my company's expansion, I rarely had such personal time. These precious moments weren't worth wasting on Philip Baker.

Less than three minutes later, my phone rang. Philip's name on the display made me frown slightly, but considering it might involve Annie, I stepped aside to answer.

"It's me," I said,my voice calm and low.

"Howard, do you realize how negatively this could affect Annie?" Philip's tone was filled with false concern.

I listened expressionlessly, sensing the absurdity. Philip was attempting to project his own irresponsibility onto everyone else.

"Elaborate," I replied briefly, my voice remaining steady.

"If you don't marry Annie, then she..." "I will marry her." I calmly interrupted his hypothesis, without revealing any unnecessary emotion.

There was silence on the other end for a moment, as if my direct answer had disrupted his train of thought. Then he began a new round of speculation: "Are you certain Annie is right for you? What if after marriage you suddenly discover you're incompatible? What then? Will you abandon her? Divorce her?"

My gaze fell on Annie and the children in the corner of the restaurant, the answer in my heart crystal clear.

"If we weren't compatible, then I wouldn't have gotten to this point with her," my voice was steady and resolute. "Philip Baker, I'm deliberate in my decisions."

The other end of the line fell silent again. I didn't need to explain further.In business decisions, I never act rashly; in matters of the heart, even more SO.

Annie and Lucy had become indispensable parts of my life. This was something Philip, who had so easily abandoned his family, might never understand.