Chapter 70

Joseph and Stephen wanted to ask more questions, but Julia had already turned away, deliberately avoiding their gaze.

Seeing that Julia had made up her mind, they didn't say anything further.

Once Julia left, they went together to knock on Caroline's door.

Caroline saw the pitiful looks on Joseph and Stephen's faces and, under their gentle persuasion, revealed the truth.

Joseph and Stephen learned that it was their dad who had them expelled from preschool.

The light in their eyes instantly dimmed.

After learning the truth, Joseph and Stephen returned to the living room and slumped onto the couch, looking dejected.

Caroline felt like she had done something wrong. Seeing Joseph and Stephen so upset made her feel bad too, so she quickly put on her coat and followed them.

Joseph and Stephen sat on the couch with their heads hanging low.

Joseph outwardly declared that he never wanted to acknowledge Henry as their dad again, but deep down, he still hoped to have a dad, just like other kids.

He was just stubborn but soft-hearted.

And because of Tiffany, their interactions with Henry over the past few days hadn't been all that bad.

He even had meals with them.

Everything seemed so harmonious, so why did he have them expelled from preschool?

There could only be one reason: their dad must really dislike them.

Stephen thought about every interaction with their dad and the moments when their dad remembered his name, and he pursed his lips in displeasure.

Although Joseph was also upset, he appeared much calmer on the surface.

Stephen was on the verge of tears, but Joseph kept a stern face. "What's there to cry about? I told you before, he's a bad guy. He's not just an irresponsible man; he's a bad daddy. Why would you put so much hope in a bad person?"

Stephen thought to himself, 'But I still really like Daddy, even if he's bad.'

"Alright, the most important thing is not to make Mommy worry and feel sad," Joseph advised, trying to comfort Stephen.

Stephen quietly nodded, swallowing his grievances. "Okay."

Meanwhile, Julia had just finished the withdrawal paperwork for Joseph and Stephen and was leaving the preschool when she ran into Henry and Tiffany.

Tiffany looked very unhappy, not even holding onto Henry's neck, clearly being carried against her will.

Her lips were pursed in a pout.

When she saw Julia, Tiffany's eyes lit up, as if she was expecting something.

Julia had a soft spot for Tiffany. She wanted to say hello, but when she saw Henry, she turned her head away, ignoring him.

There was only one way out of the preschool, so they inevitably had to pass each other.

When Tiffany got close to Julia, she pitifully reached out and grabbed Julia's coat, her eyes brimming with tears, as if trying to say something.

Julia felt a pang of sadness but coldly pulled Tiffany's hand away, stepping back to create distance. "Joseph and Stephen won't be coming back. Take care of yourself and get along with the other kids."

With that, Tiffany's tears fell like little pearls.

Julia reluctantly looked away. "Alright, Tiffany, goodbye. I have to go to work."

She forced herself to stay calm and walked past them.

Henry suddenly reached out and grabbed Julia's wrist.

Julia felt his grip and stopped, turning back with a blank expression. "Mr. Hearst, is there something you need?"

Henry's brow furrowed deeply. "There's been a misunderstanding about Joseph and Stephen. I'll explain."

"A misunderstanding?" Julia laughed at his words.

"Mr. Hearst, have you already decided who to blame for this?"

Henry said in a low voice, "Vivian did this. I had previously given an order, and the principal misunderstood it as my intention, which is why..." He trailed off, feeling a bit guilty.

If he hadn't had that thought initially, none of this would have happened.

As the president of the Hearst Group, it was unbecoming to target two little kids.

When Julia heard it was Vivian's doing, she found it even more amusing. "You share Vivian's intentions, don't you? Everyone in Neoville knows about the engagement between the Hearst Family and the Jones Family. Aren't you worried about hurting her feelings by distancing yourself from Vivian now?"

Didn't he always treat Vivian as his first love?

How did his first love end up being blamed for everything after she left for six years?

Julia continued coldly, "Mr. Hearst, don't worry. I'm not someone who clings. You don't need to explain. Joseph and Stephen can go to any preschool."

With that, she turned and left without looking back.

Seeing Julia really leave, Tiffany's tears burst forth. She anxiously broke free from her dad's grip and ran after Julia's car.

Tiffany had a feeling.

This time, after parting with Julia, she might never see her again...

Crying and chasing the car, Tiffany didn't notice a stone on the ground and tripped, falling hard.

Henry was stunned by how much Tiffany cared about Julia.

Vivian spent six years by her side, yet she never managed to win Tiffany's heart.

Despite only meeting Julia a few times, Tiffany felt closer to her than to her own father.

Seeing Tiffany fall, Henry quickly rushed over, picked her up, and anxiously checked her over. "Let Daddy see, did you hurt yourself?"

Tiffany watched Julia's car drive away and stopped chasing, clinging tightly to Henry's neck, sobbing.

Henry was at a loss, hearing Tiffany cry.

For a moment, Henry doubted his ears...

Even though she was crying, it was the first time Tiffany had made a sound since growing up!

"Aunt Julia... I want Aunt Julia..."

Before Henry could react, he heard Tiffany's broken, tearful words.

Henry's face froze.

Tiffany's first words were Julia's name?

Was Julia that important to her?

Important enough to make her speak?

Henry was both surprised and delighted. Despite feeling uncomfortable about Julia's misunderstanding, there was nothing he could do.

Julia was already gone.

Henry said softly, "She's gone. Daddy's here. Don't cry. you'll make your face all puffy."

Tiffany kept crying, and after a few minutes, her body started to shake from the intensity of her emotions.

Henry had no choice but to take Tiffany home, calling in sick for her.

The nanny saw Tiffany's red, swollen eyes and carried her upstairs to comfort her.