Chapter 176 Miss You So Much
Rebecca had been crying for so long that her eyes were red rimmed and swollen.
When she spoke, her voice was thick with congestion.
For a moment, Frederick wasn't sure if what he'd done was right or wrong.
After all, the higher the hopes, the greater the disappointment.
"Becca, when Dad left, you and Mom were what he worried about most. You need to be strong, okay?"
Meeting Rebecca's clear, hopeful gaze, Frederick fell silent for a moment before saying quietly, "That was an AI voice."
Before Rebecca came to mind, whenever Alexa faced doctors and nurses, the thing she said most often was, "I need to call my husband."
When Rebecca mentioned that Henry was away on business, Frederick knew that sooner or later, Alexa would try to call Henry.
Once or twice, a failed call could be explained away.
But if she could never reach him, Rebecca's lie would be exposed soon enough.
"I had Layla find Dad's phone and send it to the AI development department..."
Frederick explained carefully, "The AI simulates Dad's real conversation patterns based on the speed and pronunciation of the voice messages on his phone, and then respond to Mom."
Rebecca lowered her gaze, "So you're saying the person on the other end of the phone is actually a robot?"
Rebecca's mood dropped almost instantly.
Frederick nodded, unable to even say the word "yes."
Letting out a breath, as if all the strength had drained from her body, Rebecca leaned softly against Frederick and closed her eyes.
After a long while, Rebecca sat up, "Frederick, I want to call him. Can I?"
Looking up, tears had gathered in Rebecca's eyes again.
As if even at this moment, she couldn't accept this cruel reality.
Frederick nodded, "Okay."
Glancing at the rearview mirror, Mike pulled the car over under a tree by the roadside and got out.
Frederick raised his hand to wipe away the tears on Rebecca's cheek, touching her face, "Becca, I'll be right outside. I'll come back in after you finish the call!"
Rebecca nodded.
Frederick gently settled her in the seat, opened the car door, and stepped out.
The afternoon sunlight streamed through the car windows from all sides. Along with the warm air from the heater, it washed softly over her face.
But Rebecca didn't feel warm at all.
Taking out her phone, opening her contacts, looking at "Dear Dad," Rebecca wiped away her tears and made the call.
The phone rang once before connecting, and a warm, cheerful voice echoed through the car, "Becca, did you miss Dad?"
She knew that Henry was gone.
She knew it was a robot.
But hearing that familiar voice, Rebecca still burst into tears, "Dad, I miss you so much, so very much..."
The car window was pitch black, making it impossible to see Rebecca's face.
Or hear what she was saying.
But Frederick didn't need to think to know she must be crying her heart out.
Henry was gentle, and Alexa was tender. The couple was famous in wealthy circles for their loving relationship, and they cherished their only daughter deeply.
The happier they once were,
the more heartbreaking this moment was.
"Mr. Windsor, I heard that extreme grief can cause fainting. Should you go check on Mrs. Windsor?"
What if she passes out?
More than ten minutes had passed, and Mike said with concern in his eyes.
"No need."
Eyes fixed on the car door, Frederick shook his head, "She's not that fragile!"
His Becca looked delicate and gentle, but he knew that a vibrant sunflower grew in her heart.
Even if battered by wind and rain, even if the sunflower withered and wilted.
As long as she could get through it, when the sun rose again, she would still lift her head with a bright smile.
Just as Frederick finished speaking, the car door opened with a click.