Chapter 634

Chapter 634

"Alright, little detectives," Zoey said, changing the subject, "time to rinse off."

The bath time battle lasted nearly half an hour, ending with two sweet-smelling little ones wrapped in fluffy towels. Henry carried them to the kids' room, one in each arm, while Zoey fetched their pajamas.

"Mom, I want a story!" Travis demanded as soon as he was placed on the bed, his damp hair sticking to his forehead.

"No, it's too late now," Zoey gently but firmly refused. "You two are already up much later than usual."

Gabriel yawned widely, his eyelids drooping but still trying to stay awake. "Can we skip school tomorrow? We're so tired."

Henry, helping them into their pajamas, said, "We'll see in the morning, okay? Now close your eyes."

Zoey bent down to give each child a goodnight kiss, and Henry did the same.

Travis suddenly grabbed Henry's hand. "Dad, today was the best day ever."

"Me too!" Gabriel mumbled, already half-asleep.

Henry's heart felt like it was filled with something warm and wonderful.

He gently stroked Travis's cheek. "Daddy's happy too. Sleep tight, little warriors."

Zoey dimmed the lights, leaving a small nightlight on. They tiptoed out of the room and quietly closed the door.

"They really went wild today," Zoey whispered, leaning against the hallway wall with a sigh of relief.

Henry brushed a damp strand of hair from her forehead. "You must be exhausted too, busy since morning."

Zoey shook her head, a satisfied smile on her lips. "It was worth it. Seeing them so happy makes everything worth it."

Henry gazed at her tired but content face and suddenly scooped her up in his arms.

Zoey let out a small yelp, then laughed and playfully hit his shoulder. "What are you doing? Put me down!"

Henry lowered his voice. "Don't wake the kids."

He strode towards the master bedroom. "My fiancée worked hard today and needs special care."

Zoey buried her face in his shoulder, inhaling the faint scent of his cologne mixed with the sweet smell of the kids' shampoo. This homey scent made her feel incredibly at ease.

The master bedroom was spacious and cozy, with soft lighting casting a warm glow on the king-size bed.

Henry carefully set Zoey down on the edge of the bed, then knelt to remove her water-splashed slippers.

"I'll run a bath," he said, standing up. "You rest for a bit."

Zoey nodded, watching Henry walk into the bathroom.

The sound of running water soon filled the room, accompanied by his soft humming.

She smiled as she unbuttoned her shirt, feeling the day's fatigue melt away with the motion.

In the bathroom, Henry had already filled the tub with hot water and added a few drops of Zoey's favorite lavender oil.

Steam condensed on the mirror, blurring the reflected image.

"The bath is ready," he said, stepping out and seeing Zoey massaging her temples. "Do you have a headache?"

"A little," Zoey admitted. "I think I'm just too excited, and now that I'm relaxing, I feel tired."

Henry frowned with concern. "A hot bath will help. Want me to join you?"

Zoey laughed and gave him a gentle push. "Nah, you go check tomorrow's schedule. I'll be quick."

Twenty minutes later, Zoey emerged from the bathroom, wrapped in a soft robe, her hair damp and draped over her shoulders.

Henry, already in his pajamas, was by the bed, organizing his suit for the next day.

Seeing her, he immediately put down what he was doing and picked up the hairdryer he had ready.

"Sit down," he said, patting the chair in front of the vanity. "I'll dry your hair."

Zoey obediently sat down, watching Henry's focused expression in the mirror.

His long fingers moved through her hair with such gentleness, as if handling something precious.

The warm air blew through her hair, but Zoey could feel his gaze on her, tender and loving.

"What's on your mind?" She asked softly, meeting his eyes in the mirror.

Henry turned off the hairdryer and kissed the top of her head. "Just thinking how lucky I am to have you all."

Zoey placed her hand on his cheek, no words were needed.

The quiet warmth of this moment spoke louder than any words could.

With her hair dry, they finally climbed into bed.

Zoey rested her head on Henry's shoulder, her body tired but her mind unusually alert.

"Gabriel and Travis will probably sleep in tomorrow," she said softly. "They played so hard today, they'll need the rest."

Henry played with a strand of her hair. "That's fine. We'll have the kitchen make their favorite blueberry pancakes and honey milk. That'll get them up on time."

Zoey chuckled. "You're spoiling them."

"It's called strategic motivation," Henry corrected with mock seriousness. "Besides, once in a while won't hurt."

Zoey poked his chest playfully, not really angry. "You're going to spoil them rotten."

Henry caught her fingers and kissed them. "With you as their strict mom, they won't get too spoiled."

They shared a smile. Zoey suddenly remembered something. "Oh, Gabriel has a coding class after school tomorrow. Remind me to pick him up early."

"No problem." Henry nodded, then frowned. "But about that waiter Gabriel mentioned, it still bothers me."

Zoey yawned. "We're probably overthinking it. There were so many waiters today, being friendly to kids is normal."

"Hopefully," Henry said, holding her closer. "I'll check the security footage tomorrow, just in case."

Zoey found a comfortable spot in his arms, sleepiness overtaking her.

Henry looked down at her relaxed face and kissed her forehead. "Sleep well, my love."

He reached over and turned off the bedside lamp, plunging the room into a comforting darkness.

Outside, a full moon hung high, quietly watching over the sleeping estate.

Meanwhile, across the city, a man with black-rimmed glasses stared at a computer screen displaying the floor plan and schedule of Sunshine Kindergarten.

A cold smile played on his lips as he typed, planning his next move.

"Ghost," he murmured to himself, "we'll meet soon."

The screen's cold light highlighted his face, outlining a chilling smile.