The Real Heiress's New Family Adored By All novel Chapter 246

Chapter 246 Silent Yearning From Afar

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Following her boss’ orders, Celyn had been quietly keeping tabs on Zora’s daily life all along.

“Cough… cough…”

Asher tightened his slender, flawless fingers around the tablet, his gaze fixed firmly on the screen. He could not stop coughing, and a bitter metallic taste surged up his throat.

His knuckles tensed with the force of his grip on the device. He swallowed the unpleasant sensation down, then dragged his feet over to sink into his office chair.

“Mr. Hale, here’s some water.” Celyn’s heart was filled with worry as she quickly poured him a glass.

The man’s face was already pale from illness, and the violent coughing flushed his skin with a faint crimson hue.

He looked just like a flawless white porcelain piece tainted by traces of blood, its perfect beauty utterly ruined.

It was heartbreaking to watch.

If only it were possible, Celyn wished he were an immortal being from the heavens. She could never understand why such a kind and remarkable man had to be tormented by constant poor health.

“You may leave now.”

Asher did not touch the water. His eyes remained locked on the paused screen, instantly falling on the petite, graceful girl sitting upright right in the center of the frame.

Seeing his entire heart fixated on the screen with no regard for anything else around him, Celyn’s eyes dimmed with quiet disappointment, yet she quietly stepped out and closed the office door softly behind her.

Asher’s eyes softened with deep affection as he gently stroked the figure displayed on the

screen.

His fingers, pale almost to the point of transparency, traced the bright, delicate features on her face.

He stared at her clear, bright eyes and her confident, radiant smile. It seemed that even without him by her side, his little girl was taking excellent care of herself.

A faint, tender smile tugged at the corner of his sickly pale lips. Leaning back against the chair, his harsh coughing gradually subsided. He lowered his eyes and continued brushing his fingers over the tiny figure on the screen. His eyes were as clear as glass in the snow, filled with longing.

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Chapter 246 Silent Yearning From Afar

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Zora… you seem to be living wonderfully in Seacrest.

They are taking good care of you too.

That puts my heart at ease.

Boundless sorrow lingered in his compassionate, gentle eyes, heavy enough to make anyone’s chest ache with pain.

Asher closed his eyes briefly, suppressing the overwhelming grief welling up inside him. If he had a choice, he would never have wanted to leave her in others’ care.

He knew he could not stay by her side forever. She needed to slowly shift her reliance away from him, letting new people and new joys fill her heart. That way, she would not be utterly heartbroken when the inevitable came.

He replayed the same video over and over again all night long, easing the intense longing gnawing at his chest.

Just wait a little longer, Zora. Wait until I settle all my affairs completely, then I will come get you.

I’ll give you a world that’s completely clean.

For some reason, Zora suddenly felt a tightness in her chest, and she paused.

“What’s wrong, Zora?” Hallie turned to look at her in concern. 1

“It’s nothing. Let’s go.” Zora rubbed her chest lightly, still feeling the sudden, strange discomfort. She shook her head to reassure her friend.

“Leighton! Over here!” Hallie spotted the man walking toward them and waved her hand vigorously.

Zora lifted her head and looked over as well.

A warm smile curved across the young man’s face, and his deep, affectionate eyes settled on the two girls. He held two fluffy cotton candies in his hands.

Zora’s gaze landed on the candies, finding them incredibly lovely.

“You look absolutely stunning today, Zora. No photo could ever capture even a fraction of your beauty.”

Leighton looked at the girl in front of him. Under the colorful lights of the amusement park, the ornaments in her hair swayed slightly as she moved. Dressed in a bright, lively dress and

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Chapter 246 Silent Yearning From Afar

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holding an exquisite lantern in her hand, Zora looked just like a doll, charming beyond words.

He longed to cherish and protect her with all his heart.

His lazy, casual compliment made heat creep up to Zora’s ears.

Even though she had grown used to his soft-spoken words, she still could not help blushing every time.

“Smooth talker,” Zora said, looking up at him.

“Are you really my cousin? Have you been possessed by someone else?” Hallie widened her eyes in complete shock, hearing his words.

She could hardly believe this flowery flattery came from her usually reserved cousin. She knew he was always gentle toward Zora, but she had never seen him act so openly affectionate and eager to please.

Everyone knew he doted dearly on Zora, yet now his eyes were practically glued to her without wandering away for a second. If Zora were old enough, Hallie would even suspect he harbored improper intentions toward her.

“I can refer you to a brain specialist. I’ll cover all the medical fees.” Leighton tore his gaze away slightly to glance coldly at Hallie.

“No thanks…” Hallie instantly backed down.

She confirmed right away that this cold tone was indeed her usual cousin. She still could not get used to seeing him shower others with such sweet words, for he rarely praised any other girl, often leaving those who tried to get close to him upset instead.

“Here you go.” Leighton handed one cotton candy to Zora and the other to Hallie.

“Weren’t you the one who told me not to eat too much sugar?” Zora stared curiously at the pretty, fluffy treat in her hand.

“It’s a reward for you being happy today.”

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The Real Heiress’s New Family Adored by All