The Ugly Wife’s Stunning Comeback (Felicia and Max) novel Chapter 424

[We’ll talk after Anne’s school event tomorrow,] Max replied.

Felicia hadn’t expected such a quick answer from him, but she just typed back, [Okay.]

The next morning, Felicia pulled up outside the preschool. The parking lot was already buzzing with families. She had barely stepped out of the car when she heard a familiar, cheerful voice.

“Evelynn!” Anne came running toward her, eyes sparkling. She wore a powder blue tracksuit and her ponytail bounced with every step. She looked so cute and full of life that Felicia couldn’t help but smile.

Max stood off to the side, also in a blue tracksuit that matched Anne’s perfectly. Felicia had never seen him in anything other than sharp suits before. The light color softened him, made him look less like the intimidating businessman and more like… just a regular dad.

Felicia walked over quickly, dropping to a crouch so Anne could rush right into her arms. They hugged for a moment, Anne’s joy contagious.

Max watched the two of them, silent but present.

“Evelynn, can you wear the same clothes as me and Daddy?” Anne asked, hope shining in her eyes.

Felicia noticed then that Max was holding a shopping bag with what was clearly another matching tracksuit inside. Looking around, she realized almost every parent had come in some kind of family outfit. She knew there was no way she could say no to Anne.

She got to her feet and took the bag from Max. “Alright, give me a minute.” She found her way to the restroom, changed into the matching outfit, then tucked her own clothes away in the car. When she returned, Anne’s smile got even bigger, her eyes crinkling with happiness.

Anne grabbed Felicia’s hand in one of her own and Max’s in the other, practically skipping as they made their way to the field for the day’s activities. She was beaming, swinging their hands like she was the happiest kid in the world.

On the way over, they ran into Heather, Yara, and Jeremy. The little girls greeted each other right away, hands clasped as they giggled and chatted.

Heather waved. “Mr. Hawthorne. Felicia.”

Max nodded politely.

Felicia smiled at Jeremy. “Glad you could make it today with Yara.”

Jeremy grinned. “I had the morning off. With all the activities, I figured Heather might need backup.”

Heather rolled her eyes. “Don’t count me out, Jeremy.”

Jeremy laughed. “You’re the one who always lounges around after dinner. I swear you look like you’ve put on a few pounds since you got back.”

Heather protested instantly. “I have not! Greg doesn’t think I’m fat.”

Jeremy just grinned, saying nothing.

For a moment, Max looked genuinely lost. The man who’d been chatting with him watched in disbelief, as the famously tough Max Hawthorne got schooled by his daughter.

Max tried to soothe her. “Anne…”

But Anne just turned away with a huff, stomped her foot, and folded her arms. She was not going to forgive him that easily.

Max’s attempt at crouching down stalled. He glanced up at Felicia, then stood up and stepped over to her. Before Felicia could react, he reached out and took her hand.

Felicia tensed, caught off guard. “What…”

When Anne saw her dad holding Evelynn’s hand, her frown melted into a satisfied grin. Max bent down and scooped Anne up in one arm. “Okay, okay, don’t be mad. I’ll try harder from now on.”

Anne finally smiled, triumphant. “That’s better.”

Max looked at Felicia, his voice softer. “The activities are starting. Let’s go.”

His grip on her hand was gentle but firm. With Anne watching, Felicia couldn’t pull away. So she let herself be led across the field, feeling—just for a moment—like she was part of their family.