Too Late for Sorry, Mr. Billionaire (Chasing my Wife Back) novel Chapter 46

“YOU are welcome, Uncle Val.”

That was Hazel, her voice calm and measured, after the long, almost unnecessary introduction by her mother about the sharp looking young man seated at the dining table.

Valentine turned fully toward her, a warm smile spreading across his face as he took in her composed posture and observant eyes. For a child her age, she carried herself with an awareness that was far beyond ordinary. He hadn't even experienced her display one yet, just the aura around her exposed that.

“Thank you, Hazel,” he said gently. “You are such a smart kid. Keep that up.”

Hazel smiled in response, but it was small and brief, polite rather than pleased. She nodded once, the way adults did when acknowledging a compliment they neither needed nor wanted. Then she turned on her heel and began to leave the dining area.

“Where are my brothers, Mom?” she asked, pausing only slightly.

Amelia dabbed her lips with a napkin before answering.

“They are in their room. They should be done with their nap by now. Quick, get them ready.”

Hazel froze.

Slowly, she turned back, her brows pulling together as suspicion crept into her expression.

“Really?” she asked. “You knew?”

Amelia turned to face her daughter, confused.

“Knew what?” she asked.

Hazel released a long sigh, the kind that carried frustration rather than exhaustion.

“Okay,” she said flatly. “Then why should I get them ready?”

Amelia hesitated, then replied casually, “Well, Charles is coming over today so you kids can spend some time together. Something fun. So go get your brothers ready. And please— be nice for once.”

As she spoke, Amelia turned briefly toward Valentine, flashing him an *I told you* look, one that spoke volumes without a single word. Valentine noticed, but he said nothing. He simply observed Hazel, who had walked back toward the dining table.

“Maybe you should cancel that appointment with your Charles,” Hazel said, folding her arms tightly across her chest.

Amelia turned slowly, disbelief flickering across her face before giving way to anger.

“Excuse you?” she snapped. “I am still your mother, Hazel.”

Hazel’s shoulders slumped. For a brief moment, the weight of being a child pressed heavily against her. Her voice softened.

“I’m sorry, Mommy,” she said. “But we are spending the night at Dad’s today. I already told him. He is already on his way here, and my brothers were excited about it. So the appointment with Charles… it is not going to be possible.”

Without waiting for a response, Hazel turned and walked away, her footsteps echoing faintly down the hall.

Amelia’s chest rose and fell rapidly as rage surged through her. Her fingers curled into fists, nails digging into her palms. She pushed her chair back slightly as she rose halfway from her seat.

“Hazel!” she screamed. “Hazel!!”

Her voice carried sharp and loud through the house. Valentine, who had been silent all along, immediately leaned forward and stretched his hand toward her.

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