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.

under Serena’s stroller

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

Hiram’s sudden warmth towards me, Ryan and Faith exchanged puzzled glances, but soon broke into pleased smiles. They were more than

seat on the couch. A servant brought me coffee, and there were candies and fruit

Hiram’s first birthday since rejoining the Whitmore

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

to be a beauty when she grows up, just like Irene!” Faith gushed over Serena, indirectly complimenting me.

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

say anything, merely focusing

if we were still one big family, and Serena was

of guests arrived, all important business partners of the Whitmore

they placed on the Whitmore

up to greet the guests. Ryan handed Serena

in his game, oblivious to the buzzing activity

Karina arrived, the last to do so, with traces of sweat on

hospital,” Karina apologized sincerely as she embraced Hiram. But when she noticed the game console in Hiram’s hand, her expression subtly changed, “Hiram, where did you get this game

quickly put down the console and fell silent, looking at me.

games, albeit with time restrictions. Why was she acting as if he wasn’t allowed to

for his birthday. What’s wrong with Hiram playing a little on his special day?” Faith intervened. The

overstimulate a child’s brain. It’s not good for him either way,” Karina explained as she took the game console from Hiram and casually placed