Twin Cupids at Work Daddy Come Home novel Chapter 635

When Shelly walked back into the Ballard family home, Claire hurried out to meet her.

“Mom, where were you? I was just looking for you, but you weren’t anywhere in sight.”

Shelly gently slipped her hand out from Claire’s grasp. “It felt stuffy inside, so I went out for a walk. Did you need something?”

Claire flashed a sweet, dutiful smile. “You just got back, Mom. I thought we could chat for a bit.”

Shelly smiled in return, even though she saw right through Claire’s act. She knew why Claire was hovering. Claire was worried Shelly had gone to meet someone, maybe heard something that could make her suspicious—so now she needed to keep watch over her every move.

“I actually wanted to meet that so-called imposter you mentioned, but after trying several times to get in touch with her, nothing worked. Isn’t that odd?” Shelly’s voice was calm and conversational, as if she casually thought of it.

Claire’s eyes flickered. She answered quickly, “Really? She must’ve found out you’re back, so she’s too scared to show up. If she’s pretending, there’s no way she’d dare face you. She’d get exposed right away, so of course she disappeared.”

Shelly sat down on the sofa, her lips curled into a quiet smile. “That makes sense.”

Claire hustled to pour Shelly some tea. Out of sight, she sprinkled in some white powder and watched it dissolve.

“Here you go, Mom. Have some tea.”

Shelly took the cup. “Thank you.”

Claire’s eyes lit up as she sat close beside Shelly, leaning in, sounding affectionate. “Mom, I wanted to talk to you about something.”

“Go ahead.”

“I was thinking—since you just came back—we could throw a little welcome party for you. What do you think?”

Shelly arched an eyebrow. “That’s thoughtful, but I don’t like parties. Bigger crowds just seem like too much trouble. I’d rather pass.”

“It’s really not any trouble, Mom. I’ll handle everything. All you have to do is show up, that’s all! I just want to celebrate you coming home and show everyone how much I appreciate you.”

Shelly studied her face for a moment, her eyes sharp. She knew exactly what Claire was after. Calling it a welcome party made it sound sweet, but when the two of them made an appearance together, it would settle any rumors and show everyone Claire’s status as Ms. Ballard’s daughter.

“If you’re set on it, I’ll let you arrange it however you want.”

Shelly’s voice was light, almost indifferent, which made Claire pause—but then she remembered Shelly always seemed distant with everyone. She just shrugged it off, too pleased her plan was working to focus on the details.

“Great, Mom! I promise I’ll make it wonderful.”

Shelly nodded, smiling softly.

“Have your tea! I made it just for you. Try it.”

“Alright,” Shelly said, lifting the cup to her lips.

Claire leaned forward, barely containing her eagerness.

“Delicious,” Shelly remarked, her tone approving.

“Don’t hold your breath. If you want someone gentle, you should go spend time with that pair you’re so fond of.”

“I have nothing to do with them.”

“Nothing at all? Then why does that little girl call you ‘Dad’ and you answer so happily every time?” Shelly let out a huff of a laugh.

“You know I’ve always wanted a daughter.”

“So now that she calls you Dad, you can’t wait to give her everything she wants.”

Ray’s expression hardened, a shadow crossing his face as old memories stirred. His voice grew low and serious. “You’re right. Alianna took away some of that emptiness. Sometimes, Shelly, I wonder… If you hadn’t left me, if you hadn’t… done what you did, we’d have a child too. By now, maybe even a grandchild.”

Shelly leveled him with a cold, steady look and gave a bitter smile. “Do you really think you deserve that?” She yanked her hand away from his grasp, her whole expression icy.

…

Christian pulled up in front of Julian’s villa. The staff knew better than to get in his way.

It was the weekend, and both of Julian’s little boys were at home. Julian had invited Josh and Brady to hang out and keep them company.

Lunch was a mess—the boys barely touched their food, one picking at his plate, the other not even pretending to eat.

Brady stood nearby, a bowl in his hands, looking about ready to give up. “Come on, you two. At least eat a little. Your dad asked us to take care of you, and if he comes home and finds you looking scrawny, Josh and I are dead meat. Have a little pity on your poor Josh and Brady, will you?”