Chapter 1782
Was there truly any doubt as to which of the two women’s character was fundamentally flawed?
A bitter laugh escaped Lyle’s lips, the sound echoing with self-mockery. As he examined the wreckage of his past decisions, the full weight of his impulsive behavior crashed down upon him like a tidal wave.
He released a weary sigh, then turned on his heel and made his way back toward the sanctuary of his private dining room.
Meanwhile, Belinda didn’t let the minor incident consume her thoughts or derail her evening. Following her meal with Johnson and Bethany, she slipped behind the wheel of her car and navigated the familiar route back to Grand Plains General Hospital, where her responsibilities awaited her return.
Elwood had extended a meal invitation to Kylee, requesting her presence in a private dining room at an upscale restaurant. Kylee had graciously accepted his invitation.
As he studied her delicate features across the table, Elwood spoke with gentle sincerity. “Kylee, would you mind sharing with me the foods you like and dislike? I have a genuine desire to understand you on a deeper level.”
Kylee paused, her fingers tracing the rim of her wine glass as she revealed her culinary preferences.
Elwood nodded. “Alright, I’ll remember that.”
Meeting Elwood’s steady gaze, Kylee hesitated before cautiously asking, “Has my father met you already?”
“Indeed, he has,” Elwood confirmed with a slight nod, seeing no purpose in concealing the truth.
“And… how did he react to the matter of my parentage? Was he deeply troubled by it?” Kylee’s voice was tinged with worry.
“His distress was quite apparent,” Elwood replied with measured honesty.
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“I knew it,” Kylee muttered, her expression clouding with visible sadness.
Observing her crestfallen demeanor, Elwood chose to remain in contemplative silence. ? FιndNovel.net
He didn’t feel envious or upset about Kylee’s concern for Baker. His understanding ran deeper than surface emotions—despite sharing blood with Kylee, he recognized that years of love and care had forged bonds between Kylee and her adoptive father that he could never hope to match. Furthermore, he discovered that expressing paternal affection toward Kylee presented unexpected challenges for him. It was as if he didn’t care as much as he thought he would, even though she was his biological daughter.
Kylee’s brow creased with confusion as she observed Elwood’s emotional detachment. Shouldn’t he feel envious or upset about her concern for Baker? His complete lack of reaction struck her as odd.
Frustration drove her teeth into her lower lip as she pressed forward with her inquiry. “My father mentioned that you had agreed to speak to Lucas for him. Is that true?”
This particular topic finally sparked some semblance of engagement in Elwood’s otherwise impassive demeanor. Since Kylee had chosen to broach the subject directly, he decided to respond with honesty. “I talked to Lucas for him, but your father’s company troubles lie beyond the scope of my assistance.”
“How is that true?” Kylee’s voice climbed several octaves in surprise and disbelief. “With the vast resources and capabilities at your disposal, if you truly desired to help my father, you absolutely could!”
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