She Left She Thrived She’s Worth Billions novel Chapter 263

But in reality, she was his own daughter. How could he not like her?

"I was just... running away..."

So Bryant relied on his imagination, picturing Elina living a wonderful life.

As long as he didn't try to find out.

He wouldn't have to see the unpleasant side of things.

However...

Bryant never expected the Project NovaGate initiative to bring him and Elina together.

Because Melanie had prompted him, he personally looked into Elina’s life.

Only then did he discover that Elina's life was not good at all.

Her single mother was emotionally unstable, prone to hysteria, and would frequently either beat or berate Elina.

On top of that, being fatherless, Elina was often subjected to scorn and bullying from teachers and classmates at kindergarten.

Before, Bryant hadn't known.

But now, he did.

And precisely because he knew, he felt even more lost about how to face Elina.

Seeing the indecision, confusion, and conflict on Bryant's face, Melanie felt an inexplicable sense of exasperation.

"A child's world is simple. If you're good to her, she'll think you're good, and she'll grow close to you."

After tossing that remark at Bryant, Melanie quickened her pace and walked into Sunnybrook Kindergarten ahead of him.

The little incident didn't affect the progress of Elina's photoshoot.

As the sun set, the crew wrapped up for the day.

Bryant had taken the initiative to invite Melanie to have dinner with him, bringing Elina along.

Elina was also eager to spend more time with Melanie.

"I'm sorry, Elina, not tonight. I have something very important to do tonight, but I promise I'll make it up to you another time when I'm free."

Melanie held out her pinky to Elina.

Though disappointed, Elina was a very understanding child, so she linked her pinky with Melanie's.

As Melanie was leaving, she gave Bryant a pointed look, signaling him to seize the opportunity to cultivate his relationship with Elina.

Since Bryant wasn't what she'd initially thought, and he actually did care about and like Elina, he shouldn't let the misunderstanding and distance between them deepen.

As Evelyn's daughter, Lila naturally disliked Melanie too.

Ever since Evelyn and Lila moved into Dominic's house, Melanie hadn't been back home.

So Camilla was quite surprised that Melanie had come looking for Lila on her own initiative.

"Camilla, you can go home for the day. I'll take Lila back."

"Yes, Mrs. Hale."

Camilla bowed obsequiously to Melanie and was about to leave when Lila shouted:

"Don't go!"

Camilla froze, then heard Melanie say:

"Who do you think she listens to? You? Or me?"

The question was directed at Lila, but Camilla knew full well it was a message for her.

She quickly left the playground, getting away from the trouble spot.

At this hour, there was no one else at the playground.

Only Melanie and Lila.