Chapter 1454
“Dad!” she cried, stretching her arms out to Myron.
Myron walked straight to her and held her close. Ari broke down in his embrace. She felt safe in his arms while Myron stroked her back with quiet reassurance.
Brandon, watching from his wheelchair, listened to her tiny voice calling Myron “Dad.” A sting tightened in his chest.
She should’ve been his daughter—his and Millie’s.
After some time, Myron soothed Ari and helped her sit down again. He handed her a handkerchief to wipe away the tears.
Ari slowly mentioned the gift Brandon had brought.
Brandon remained still, letting the ache inside him settle.
Myron turned his head. Their eyes locked. Then Myron shifted his attention to the necklace, noting the delicate craftsmanship and the striking shine of the gemstone.
“Take it,” Myron told her, not looking Brandon’s way. “It is truly the stone your mother chose for her child. Naturally, it belongs with you.”
Only then did Ari nod and look toward Brandon.
Brandon rolled closer. “May I help you put it on?” he asked.
Ari looked at Myron, who nodded slightly, so she nodded as well.
Brandon fastened the necklace behind her neck. His eyes softened with emotion, as though he were seeing a memory of Millie as a little girl instead of the present moment.
“Thank you, Mr. Watson,” Ari said quietly.
Brandon blinked, lowered his gaze, and gave a small nod.
Maggie arrived to take Ari outside, and the group who came with Brandon began to leave. Soon, only Myron and Brandon remained.
“Do you think Ari should change schools?” Brandon asked, working to steady his feelings. “I don’t want anything like today to repeat.”
“I’ll speak with her and hear what she wants,” Myron replied.
Brandon paused, then nodded.
“I heard you’ve been overseeing things at JM Investments,” Brandon continued.
“I have,” Myron said.
“And Nicole is helping you. Did you take over the problems with Yaroslav Technology and Charles as well?” Brandon asked.
“That falls under my duties as her husband,” Myron answered.
Brandon fell silent. A husband’s responsibilities. He could not deny it.
After a long breath, Brandon said, “I want to give Ari something.”
Myron lowered his eyes and met Brandon’s look squarely.
“When the adoption process started, Millie and I weren’t officially separated. So I’d like to leave her with something meaningful,” Brandon said.
Myron frowned slightly. “You do understand that legally, Ari is Nicole’s adopted daughter, not Millie’s.”
“I care deeply for Ari,” Brandon said quietly. “You might want to consider what she wants, too.”
Myron shifted his gaze, watching children playing in the playground outside.