Unmasked My CEO Ex-Husband’s Regret novel Chapter 121

Melody couldn't understand the adults' riddles, but she heard Sebastian Vance's last words and muttered softly, "Daddy always ignores my texts and calls like this too."

The crisp, aggrieved child's voice was piercingly clear in the quiet room.

Everyone turned to look at her.

Sitting directly across from Melody was Meredith Beckett. Meeting her grandmother's gaze, the little girl shivered, shrinking into Elara Sterling's embrace, too afraid to speak again.

Elara quickly shielded Melody in her arms, blocking the others' stares without offering any explanation for her daughter's words.

Combined with her earlier hesitation when Maddox asked how long Julian Beckett had been acting this way...

The ambiguous relationship between Julian and Vivian Winthrop was suddenly crystal clear.

Jocelyn Sterling had been observing Maddox's expression. Glancing at the furious Meredith, she decided it was time to speak up. "From what Mrs. Beckett is saying, this Vivian must be the daughter of a very important family?"

Meredith glared at her in silence.

"If that's the case, it makes sense for Julian to take extra care of her," Jocelyn analyzed mildly, not rushing to point fingers.

"But no matter how special Vivian and the Winthrop family are, they're still just employer and employee. For a young, single woman to be so close to a married man—it's not good for her reputation."

"If Julian was worried about her, he could have easily arranged for a trusted person to look after her. Outwardly, it would show proper courtesy while protecting her reputation."

"And privately, he wouldn't have missed his daughter's first birthday party..."

Elara had said she needed more time to gather evidence and maintain her facade. Plus, today was Melody's big day; it wasn't the right time or place for a showdown.

So, Jocelyn steered the focus away from Julian's questionable relationship with Vivian and onto his poor judgment.

Even if Jocelyn didn't quite have the social standing to speak to Meredith as an equal.

Meredith shot a glance at Maddox and reluctantly admitted, "You're right. Julian didn't handle this well."

"I'll have a serious talk with him when he gets back."

"Is Julian still at the hospital?" Maddox struck the floor heavily with his cane, staring sternly at Meredith, looking as though he wanted to demand Julian return immediately to make up for the rest of Melody's birthday.

Meredith quickly replied, "Vivian has already finished her check-up. They should be back very soon."

"Hmm."

Julian had been a teenager when he first came to the Beckett family. Maddox had always kept a respectful distance, never interfering much or harshly scolding him.