Trick Him Into Divorce, Then Flee With His Unknow Kid novel Chapter 299

Chapter 299: Chapter 299 Would you like a hug?

The DNA collection at the Taylor family estate had finally concluded.

Yet before anyone had a chance to relax, the atmosphere was thrown into chaos once again because of Rose.

When Daisy returned, she quietly exchanged a glance with Samantha.

Samantha immediately understood.

Everything had gone according to plan.

At last, she could breathe easy.

But the relief didn’t last.

Her brows slowly knit together again.

Ryan had no intention of ignoring Rose’s disappearance.

That unsettled her.

Deep down, she wished Ryan would remain indifferent.

Only then could she believe she was the only woman who truly mattered to him.

****

After ending his call, Ryan and James split up.

Ryan drove straight to the police precinct near Washington’s Old West Gate.

His car screeched to a stop outside the station.

He got out immediately and strode inside.

Moving quickly through the crowded lobby, his eyes searched every corner.

Then...

He saw her.

Ariel sat alone on a chair in the corner.

Her little teddy bear backpack still rested on her shoulders.

She was trying desperately not to cry.

Surrounded by unfamiliar adults, she looked tiny...

...lost...

...and utterly helpless.

Her small fingers repeatedly squeezed the smartwatch on her wrist, as though it were the only thing keeping her grounded.

Her feet dangled above the floor, unable to reach it.

The harshness of the adult world had arrived far too early for a child her age.

The sight pierced Ryan’s chest.

It felt as though countless shards were digging into his heart.

His breathing grew heavier.

Step by step, he walked toward her.

He stopped in front of the little girl, looking down at her slightly messy braids.

Only then did he notice the tears still clinging to her eyelashes.

Her eyes were filled with fear.

Yet she remained remarkably quiet and composed.

Far more mature than any child should have to be.

Ariel slowly looked up.

The moment she recognized Ryan, her lips trembled.

She wanted to cry.

She tried to hold it back.

Ryan quietly sighed.

He slowly crouched in front of her and extended a hand.

"Would you like a hug?"

Ariel stared blankly at his outstretched hand.

Then she nodded.

Very slowly.

She wanted one.

Ryan gently lifted her into his arms.

The moment her head rested against his shoulder...

She finally allowed herself to sob quietly.

A police officer walked over.

Seeing Ryan holding the child, he frowned.

"What kind of father lets something like this happen?"

"She’s so little."

"You should’ve been watching her."

Ryan had no interest in explaining.

Instead, he asked, "How did she end up here?"

The officer answered, "She called 911 herself."

"She said she’d lost her mother."

"When we found her, she’d already been wandering alone for over an hour."

"We asked where she’d lost her mom."

"She only remembered it was somewhere in a parking garage."

"There are dozens of parking garages in that area."

"It’s difficult to narrow down."

The officer glanced sympathetically at Ariel.

"She gave us her mother’s name and phone number."

"We couldn’t reach her."

"So we ran a background check."

"It showed that you and her mother are..."

"Thank you."

Ryan interrupted him before he could finish.

There was no need for words like husband...

...or ex-husband...

Not in front of Ariel.

In her eyes...

Trevor was her father.

Rose was her mother.

They were a family.

Introducing himself into that picture now would only confuse her.

If Ariel was ever going to learn the truth...

It should come from Rose.

Not him.

Not today.

Especially not while Rose’s whereabouts were still unknown.

The officer looked slightly surprised but didn’t press further.

"Her mother..."

Ryan answered calmly, "We got separated."

"That’s all."

For now, that explanation was enough.

Trevor had warned him.

The kidnappers had threatened to kill Rose immediately if the police became involved.

Every step had to be handled carefully.

Ryan carried Ariel outside.

Once they reached the car, another problem appeared.

Without a child safety seat, the seat belt wouldn’t fit properly.

He thought for a moment.

Then he looked back at her.

"Mom’s going to be okay."

"Want to play a game with me?"

Ariel looked at him hopefully.

"Really?"

Ryan nodded.

"Really."

"I’m taking you to visit someone."

He glanced at his watch.

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