Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled

Chapter 469

“Good to see you,” Mitch greeted me warmly.

This time, Hiram seemed a lot more comfortable with me, even cheerfully calling me “Ms. Finch”!

But little did he know, the consequences of my visit would lead him into facing Karina’s scolding.

With a smile, I asked Hiram, “Where are your parents?”

“They’re inside, and so are my grandparents!” Hiram enthusiastically led me in. It was his birthday, and the house was beautifully decorated.

The staff was bustling around, Neil was on a call in the living room, and Ryan was fussing with a model toy, likely a gift for Hiram. Upon seeing me, a grin flashed across Ryan’s face, “Irene’s here!”

He then picked up Serena from her stroller, “And Princess Serena too. She’s getting prettier every day!”

Ryan was visibly more relaxed with Serena this time, his affection for her clear in his words.

Instead of bringing Brandon, I chose to bring Serena because Brandon’s resemblance to Neil was growing more pronounced, and I didn’t want to stir up any unnecessary associations for Ryan and Faith.

“Ah, Irene’s here?” Faith descended from the second floor, looking as healthy as ever, save for her slightly red, swollen eyes that showed signs of recent crying.

“Hello,” I greeted politely, my eyes scanning the room for Karina. On such an important day, where could she be?

Neil noticed my tense gaze and calmly explained, “Karina had to attend to something at the hospital, and she’ll be back shortly.” I was least interested in seeing Karina. If it weren’t for Faith’s situation, I wouldn’t be here at all.

I was here, I couldn’t come empty-handed. I retrieved a video game console from under Serena’s stroller and gave it to

at the sight of the console. He nodded enthusiastically, looking at me with newfound warmth, “I love

puzzled glances, but soon broke into pleased

in a game, while Faith led me to a seat on the couch. A servant brought me coffee, and there were candies and fruit on the table, all from expensive brands, indicating the Whitmore family’s anticipation

birthday since rejoining the Whitmore family, so a grand celebration was to be

nestled in Ryan’s arms. She seemed to enjoy the company of the Whitmore family, being well-behaved whether held by Neil or Ryan and Faith, and even entertained everyone

adorable. She’s going to be a beauty when she grows up, just like Irene!” Faith gushed over Serena, indirectly complimenting

more and more like Irene,” Ryan chimed in. Without Karina around, their praises for me were explicit

didn’t say anything, merely focusing on his’

were still one big family, and Serena was their granddaughter.

then, a string of guests arrived, all important business partners of the Whitmore family. Some

Rosemont, indicating the importance they placed

and stood up to greet the guests. Ryan handed Serena to

was engrossed in his game, oblivious to the buzzing activity around

while, Karina arrived, the last to do so, with traces of

Hiram. But when she

quickly put down the console and fell silent, looking

to allow Hiram to play video games, albeit with time restrictions. Why was she acting as if he wasn’t allowed to play at

with Hiram playing a little on his special day?” Faith intervened. The moment

prolonged gaming can overstimulate a child’s brain. It’s not good for him