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.

from under Serena’s stroller and gave it to Hiram. “Happy birthday, Hiram. This is my

loved video games and his eyes sparkled at the sight of the console. He nodded enthusiastically, looking at me with newfound warmth, “I love it, thank you,

into pleased smiles. They were more than happy to

Faith led me to a seat on the couch. A servant brought me coffee, and there

was Hiram’s first birthday since rejoining the Whitmore family, so a grand celebration was to be expected.

to enjoy the company of the Whitmore family, being well-behaved

always more behaved. Look at her big eyes and cherry lips; she’s adorable. She’s going to be a beauty when she grows up, just like Irene!” Faith gushed over Serena, indirectly

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

anything, merely focusing

was harmonious, as if we were still

guests arrived, all important business partners of the

the importance they placed on the Whitmore family’s

Ryan handed Serena to Faith, and both father and son joined

engrossed in his game, oblivious to the buzzing activity around

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

Hiram. Mommy was held up by an emergency surgery at the 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

put down the console and

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

What’s wrong with Hiram playing a little on his special day?” Faith intervened. The moment Karina appeared, her

gaming can 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 it on