Chapter 602

Early mornings in Marigoldia, the sunlight pours over the sea like molten gold, fine specks of light shimmering with the ebb and flow of the waves.

Zoey walked barefoot on the soft white sand, watching her three-year-old sons, Gabriel and Travis, scurrying around the beach like little crabs. They were busy building a "super-duper mega castle" with their colorful buckets and shovels, at least that's how Travis described it.

"Mom! Come look at my shell wall!" Gabriel held up a scallop shell, his little face beaming with pride.

Zoey crouched down, admiring Gabriel's creation with genuine enthusiasm, clapping her hands. "Gabriel, you did an amazing job! This must be the strongest castle in the whole world!"

Gabriel's face lit up with a joyful smile.

Not far away, Claire and Joseph strolled side by side, the tide occasionally washing over their ankles.

Claire's dress hem was already wet from the seawater, but she didn't seem to mind, her gaze lost in the horizon where the sea met the sky.

Joseph occasionally glanced at Claire, a hint of concern in his eyes.

He knew what Claire was thinking, but he couldn't share her burden. All he could do was be there for her, supporting her.

"Claire!" Travis suddenly shouted, running over and tugging at Claire's dress. "Can you help us dig the moat?"

Claire's expression softened instantly.

She was about to agree when she caught sight of a familiar figure stumbling towards them from the direction of the resort.

Claire's body stiffened, her fingers unconsciously clutching the hem of her dress.

Joseph immediately noticed Claire's change and followed her gaze. Finnegan was walking towards them, still wearing yesterday's wrinkled shirt, his hair disheveled, and his eyes bloodshot.

In just one night, the once confident man seemed to have aged ten years.

"Claire." Finnegan's voice was hoarse, as if he had been crying all night.

He stopped a few steps away from Claire, his hands hanging helplessly at his sides. "The paternity test results are out."

Claire's chin lifted slightly, the sunlight casting a determined shadow on her face. "It has nothing to do with me."

"Jett really isn't my son." Finnegan said, then suddenly covered his eyes with his hands, his shoulders shaking violently.

Tears seeped through his fingers, sliding down his deeply lined cheeks. "Thirteen years, I've been raising someone else's son for thirteen years."

This sudden breakdown brought a hush over the beach, even Gabriel and Travis stopped playing, curiously watching the crying adult.

Claire stood still, her expression as cold as a statue.

She had imagined Finnegan's regret countless times, but now that the moment had arrived, her heart felt empty.

"That's your problem." Claire's voice was eerily calm. "We've already severed our father-daughter relationship."

Finnegan looked up sharply, his tears glistening in the sunlight. "But now you're my only daughter! Blood is thicker than water, Claire!"

"Blood is thicker than water?" Claire scoffed. "Then why could you sell this 'family bond' for a million dollars?"

She said coldly, "I suggest you keep treating Jett as your son. After all, you've raised him for thirteen years. You must have some feelings for him. Maybe he'll even take care of you in the future."

Her sarcasm cut into Finnegan's heart like a knife.

His lips trembled, as if he wanted to argue, but a cold voice interrupted him.

"Mr. Johnson." Joseph stepped forward, blocking Claire. "Please leave. If you bother Claire again, I'll call security."

As if to confirm his words, two men in black suits moved closer. They were the security personnel Henry had arranged earlier.

Finnegan's gaze swept over the muscular figures, then landed on Claire's cold face. He finally realized that everything was settled.

"You'll regret this," he muttered, his voice barely audible, then turned and stumbled away, his hunched back resembling that of an old man.

It wasn't until Finnegan's figure disappeared behind the palm trees that the beach atmosphere came back to life.

Zoey walked over to Claire, handing her a chilled coconut drink. "If he comes looking for you again."

"I won't soften." Claire took the coconut drink, her fingers tapping lightly on the cool surface. "During those years abroad, he barely contacted me. He only sent money twice; the rest came from my mom."

She took a sip of the sweet coconut juice, as if trying to wash away the bitterness of the moment. "I've been disappointed in him for a long time."

Zoey nodded, saying no more.

She knew Claire seemed soft but was actually resilient inside. Once she made a decision, it was hard to change.

"Claire!" Travis's voice broke the brief silence.

He ran over with a bucket filled with shells and a strangely shaped piece of coral. "Look at my treasure!"

Claire immediately put on a bright smile, crouching down to admire it. "This must be a pirate's hidden treasure!"

"I found it!" Gabriel ran over to claim credit, his face smudged with sand. "Right under that big rock!"

Celine had joined them at some point, exclaiming dramatically, "This might be the most valuable treasure in Marigoldia! You guys are little adventurers!"

Gabriel and Travis, buoyed by the praise, quickly forgot the earlier incident and eagerly began planning their "treasure hunt."

The adults exchanged smiles, seamlessly joining the children's imaginative game.

The sea breeze carried the salty scent and the laughter of distant tourists.

Zoey watched Claire interact warmly with Gabriel and Travis, then thought of Finnegan's departing figure. She suddenly understood a simple truth: blood might determine who your relatives are, but true family is made up of those willing to support you and stand by your decisions.

Gabriel found a conch shell somewhere and excitedly held it to his ear. "Mom! I can hear the ocean singing!"

Zoey took the conch, pretending to listen intently. "The ocean is singing 'Gabriel and Travis are the best kids!'"

Gabriel and Travis laughed, their voices clear and bright like wind chimes.

Claire watched this scene, the shadows in her eyes gradually fading.

She linked her arm with Joseph's, leaning on his shoulder, and whispered, "Let's go snorkeling this afternoon?"

"Sure." Joseph kissed the top of her head. "Anywhere you want."

The sun grew hotter, but between the blue sea and white sand, joy surged like waves, washing away all traces of unhappiness.

In the distance, a sailboat slowly crossed the horizon, heading towards the vast ocean, just like life always moving forward, never stopping for anyone.