Chapter 263 Must Be Investigated Thoroughly

Chapter 263 Must Be Investigated Thoroughly

Vincent's hand, which had been gently patting her shoulder, paused. "I can't not see Luna."

Vanessa knew she was pushing too hard, so she softened her tone. "You're right. How about tomorrow, after I get off work, we all go shopping together with Luna? Just like old times—like a real family!"

Vincent's voice carried a note of apology. "I have a business trip tomorrow."

Though Vanessa's face fell with disappointment, inside she felt a wave of relief.

Just as she'd thought—work still came first for Vincent.

Not Daisy, not his critically ill Grandmother—nothing could keep him from his business.

It seemed his attitude toward her versus Daisy hadn't changed much after all.

And even if it had, Daisy's blunt response earlier had undoubtedly wounded his pride.

Knowing Vincent as she did, Vanessa figured he'd probably never speak to Daisy again for the rest of his life—and that would be letting her off easy!

The next day, when Vanessa picked Luna up, the little girl noticed the car was filled with presents. "Vanessa, what are all these?"

"They're gifts from your daddy." Vanessa's tone was casual, but pointed. "Luna, why are you being so distant with me now? You used to call me 'Mommy Vanessa'!"

Luna looked at her smiling face. Somehow, though it was familiar, that smile didn't feel as warm as it used to. It didn't make her want to get close.

What Luna really wanted was to go home and see Great-grandmother's smile.

Great-grandmother truly loved her—her face lit up every time she saw Luna, warm and genuine.

Lost in thought, Luna didn't respond until Vanessa asked again. "Luna, what are you thinking about?"

Luna snapped back. "Great-grandmother told me you're not my real mommy, Vanessa. And every kid can only have one mommy!"

"How can you believe what your Great-grandmother says?" Vanessa's response was automatic. "She probably just doesn't want you to be close to me."

"But my teacher said the same thing. And so did my classmates," Luna replied.

Vanessa realized the child was getting harder to manage the more time she spent in school.

So she put on a wounded expression. "But we are a family, Luna. Are you going to abandon me?"

Seeing her distress, Luna quickly reached out to wipe away her tears. "Vanessa, don't cry, don't cry! It's my fault. I said the wrong thing. I'll still call you Mommy from now on."

"That's more like it." Vanessa's tears turned to smiles. "Now, let's go shopping."

This time, Vanessa brought Cora along specifically to help watch Luna.

Young and energetic, Cora did an excellent job of it.

But she also had her own agenda. While they were out, she suggested they check out some jewelry.

She picked out several pieces she liked, then looked hopefully at Vanessa to see if she'd pay.

Vanessa bought her a necklace, which delighted Cora. Just as they were about to leave, Cora spotted a brilliant diamond ring in the center display case. "Oh, that ring is gorgeous!"

The sales clerk beamed. "Miss, you have excellent taste! This is the largest, finest, most beautiful diamond in our entire store. It—"

At that moment, Luna—who'd shown no interest in jewelry until now—suddenly seemed to remember something. She looked at the ring with a puzzled expression. "But that diamond is really small!"

The clerk's smile froze slightly.

Vanessa laughed. "Luna, you're too young to understand diamonds."

"Exactly! Diamonds aren't just ordinary rocks you find on the street. This size costs more than most people could afford in a lifetime!" Cora chimed in quickly.

Luna sensed they were mocking her and felt indignant. "But when it was Mommy's birthday, Daddy bought her a really big diamond! Bigger than my fist!"

The clerk laughed outright. "Where would you find a diamond that big? It was probably a toy!"

Cora wanted to laugh too, but Vanessa couldn't.

Her voice carried an involuntary tension. "Luna, are you sure your daddy gave your mommy a diamond that big?"

"Yes!" Luna insisted.

Vanessa pressed on. "How big? What color? Was it a ring?"

Luna tilted her head and held up her hands to demonstrate.

Vanessa's heart lurched. She realized immediately that the rumor about Vincent buying a diamond ring might not be a rumor at all.

Only he hadn't given it to her as a proposal gift—he'd given it to Daisy.

As a birthday present, no less!

And hadn't they still been married at the time?

No. She had to investigate this.

Over the next few days, Luna stayed at Vincent's place.

Daisy called her every day, and hearing that Luna seemed happy enough, she didn't interfere.

But when Grandmother learned about the arrangement, she worried. "Luna's still so young. If she's with that Vanessa woman all the time, won't she get manipulated again?"

"I have faith in Luna. And I call her every day," Daisy reassured her.

Grandmother sighed. "It's all because my body won't cooperate. I know if you weren't taking care of me, you'd bring Luna home."

Daisy comforted her. "Grandmother, don't think like that. The most important thing right now is getting better. Luna talks about missing you every single day!"

Grandmother considered this. "The doctor says I'm doing well and can be discharged in a few days. I was thinking—Vincent's been working so hard lately. Maybe we should let him know and all have dinner together."

"What?" Daisy hesitated.

Grandmother continued, "I know what you're worried about, but knowing his personality, he probably won't agree anyway. It's just a courtesy."

Daisy figured she was right.

She'd planned to text Vincent on Grandmother's discharge day, but as it happened, Vincent had time and showed up at the hospital with Luna.

Daisy kept her tone polite but distant. "Thank you for being so concerned about Grandmother. Um, we're going to dinner together. Would you like to come?"

Vincent said, "Sure."

At those words, Ella—who'd come to pick them up—gaped at Simon in shock.

The happiest person there was Luna. "Yay!"

At the restaurant, a server approached and addressed Vincent directly. "Mr. Black! Your usual private room?"

Daisy cut in. "We have a reservation."

She was hosting, so naturally they'd follow her arrangements.

Besides, she didn't want to keep relying on Vincent's connections in public or being associated with him—after all, they weren't husband and wife anymore.

Vincent didn't object.

Once they were seated, Vincent sat quietly, watching the family chat.

Luna was on his left, Simon on his right.

Perhaps out of boredom, he unexpectedly broke the silence. "I heard Hart Group is in talks over the Winston project?"