She Was the Treasure All Along novel Chapter 897

Hank managed a faint smirk. "I really don't have anywhere else to go. Just pity me a little. Please."

Giselle wanted to reject him again, but her daughter intervened.

Gigi stepped in front of Hank, spreading her arms wide to protect him.

"Mommy! Why are you being so mean to him? Did you forget how he beat up the bad guys for us? You taught me to always repay people who help us. Why are you bullying the hero when he's asking for help?"

Looking down at the tiny figure defending him, Hank's heart melted completely. He hadn't expected the little girl to be his ultimate wingman.

Adopting the posture of a helpless victim, he joined Gigi in looking at Giselle with big, pitiful eyes.

Giselle gritted her teeth. How on earth was she supposed to explain their incredibly dark, complicated history to a five-year-old?

With no room left to refuse, Giselle met her daughter's angry glare and sighed, issuing an apology.

"Mommy made a mistake. Let's invite him inside to rest, okay?"

"It's okay, Mommy. Everyone makes mistakes. You're probably just tired from work."

Gigi acted like a little adult, impossibly considerate as she stood on her tiptoes to punch in the door code.

"Come in, sir. We only have these cartoon slippers, so please wear them."

Gigi grabbed Hank's hand to lead him inside, thoughtfully offering him a pair of women's slippers that clearly wouldn't fit.

Despite the absurd size difference, Hank took off his expensive leather shoes and slid his feet in, unable to say no to Gigi's expectant gaze.

They were pink fluffy bunny slippers. Worn by a grown man, half his heel hung off the back, looking utterly ridiculous.

Giselle stared at the violently stretched bunny slippers, her mouth twitching. Ultimately deciding not to say a word, she carried the groceries into the kitchen.

Gigi, however, was very pleased with her hosting skills. Looking up at him, she beamed. "You can wear these for now. Next time, I'll tell Mommy to buy you a bigger pair! I have my own allowance; I can buy them for you!"

Hank gazed down at the little girl, her smile so pure and innocent it made him want to protect it forever.

"Okay," he whispered softly, his voice thick with emotion. "I'll be waiting."

Hearing their exchange from the kitchen, Giselle nearly dropped the ribs she was holding.

She took a deep breath, tossing the ribs into the sink to wash them, letting the running water drown out the noise from the living room.

Once the meat was simmering on the stove, Giselle pulled out her first-aid kit, grabbed a thermometer, and handed it to Hank. "Take your temperature," she said flatly. "Don't burn up and turn into an idiot in my house. I can't afford the liability."

She expected him to take it with his hand, but instead, he leaned forward and gently took it directly with his mouth, his lips almost brushing her fingers.

She yanked her hand back instantly, her face turning cold as she went to turn on the TV for Gigi, switching it to a cartoon channel.

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