Chapter 53 Requesting Rewards
Scarlett didn't explain why—just said, "I don't want to make things more complicated."
Axel had to respect her decision and didn't push further before hanging up.
The whole incident had given Scarlett perspective. Sometimes chasing something too hard only backfires.
She worried that if she pursued the school complaint, they'd panic and spread word about Opal's meltdown at the gate—and Yara would be the one hurt in the end.
She couldn't risk any more drama. Yara had been through enough.
No one could read Scarlett's mind. When Ambrose learned she'd dropped the complaint, he was surprised but didn't ask questions.
He'd been out of town on business for two days. The night he got back to Silverlight City, he headed straight to Lakeside Garden. When he showed up at Scarlett's door with his rolling suitcase, she was having dinner with the kids and Rhea.
"Mr. Boleyn's here." Rhea opened the door, clearly caught off guard as she ushered him inside.
Showing up at dinnertime—just like last time, he probably hasn't eaten.
As Rhea processed this, Ambrose had already stepped inside. He left his suitcase by the door and changed into house slippers like he owned the place, heading toward the living room—though his eyes were fixed on the dining area.
"Ambrose!" Yara's sweet voice rang out when she spotted him, pure joy in her tone.
Every bit of exhaustion melted from Ambrose's chest. He smiled and walked toward her.
"Yara, keep eating. Eat lots, okay?" His patience with her was endless.
Yara nodded. "Have you eaten yet?"
"I came straight from the airport."
Everyone caught his meaning—he hadn't.
Yara, being a kid who remembered he'd eaten here before, piped up with an invitation.
"Then eat with us!"
As soon as Yara spoke, Rhea glanced at Scarlett. There was probably enough food to share, but Scarlett hadn't said anything, so Rhea didn't dare make the call. She covered with, "I didn't know you were coming, or I would've made more."
Ambrose scanned the table after Rhea's comment.
"I see there's some soup left. I'll just have some to tide me over."
Rhea looked to Scarlett again. Scarlett caught the questioning look and finally said, "Rhea, go get another place setting."
Rhea brightened immediately and hurried to the kitchen. Ambrose grabbed a chair and sat down next to Yara—but his eyes were on Scarlett.
This was their first face-to-face since he'd kissed her in his car. Scarlett still felt awkward about it. When she caught him staring, she felt exposed and shot him a glare.
Ambrose caught her look, the corner of his mouth quirking up—then heard Scarlett say, "Don't you wash your hands before eating?"
He raised an eyebrow but stood up obligingly and headed to the bathroom.
Once he was gone, Scarlett exhaled in relief and started eating faster, hoping to finish before he got back.
But Ambrose returned quickly. They had no choice but to share the meal.
His presence turned the table quiet. Scarlett didn't make conversation—just focused on serving the kids, making sure they ate well.
Seeing this, Rhea tried to play hostess, encouraging Ambrose to eat more. But she noticed he only touched the vegetables, barely going near the meat or fish.
"Mr. Boleyn, have some protein!"
"I am." He speared a piece of fish—but before eating it, he carefully peeled off the skin.
Scarlett was technically focused on the kids, but she caught his little maneuver. Understanding dawned. "When you're a parent, you have to set an example. No picky eating—or the kids will copy you. They need balanced nutrition."
Ambrose froze, looking up. He hated eating this stuff. His brow furrowed. "What's so important about fish skin?"
"Fish skin isn't just nutritious—it adds texture. It's good for you."
Faced with actual nutritional facts, Ambrose couldn't argue. He turned to the kids instead. "You two heard that, right? Eat up."
"If you're a grown-up and you don't like it, why would we like it?" Yara's rebuttal was razor-sharp.
Ambrose pressed his lips together, caught Scarlett's pointed stare, and conceded. "Who says I don't like it? I'm eating it right now." He stabbed a piece of skin and put it in his mouth, then lectured the kids. "Both of you need to eat it too." He used the serving chopsticks to add fish to both their plates.
Yara and Hayden exchanged defeated looks. No wriggling out of this one. They bent their heads and ate.
Scarlett looked satisfied.
Seizing the moment of her good mood, Ambrose speared a piece of salmon and placed it in her bowl. "Eat more. You've gotten too thin."
Scarlett frowned at the salmon in her bowl, her voice sharp with rejection. "If I wanted it, I'd get it myself. Eat your own food and mind your business."
She forked the salmon back into his bowl. Ambrose didn't seem bothered—he picked up that same piece and popped it in his mouth.
The table settled into easy harmony, the atmosphere warm.
After dinner, Ambrose finally turned his attention to Hayden with actual concern. Ever since Scarlett had given him that talking-to, his whole approach to Hayden had shifted.
"How are you settling in here?"
Hayden stared at him in shock.
"Why are you looking at me like that? Is it good or not?" Ambrose asked.
Hayden nodded.
"Have you... missed me at all?"
Hayden's eyes went wide, like he was trying to confirm this was actually his dad.
"That shocked? Have I really been that neglectful?"
Hayden nodded—a full indictment.
Ambrose went quiet.
In the end, he gave up trying to force the doting-father act and turned to play with Yara instead.
Yara climbed onto Ambrose's lap, giggling as they played together. Her laughter filled the whole house. When Scarlett finished helping Rhea clean up and came back, she walked into this scene of pure joy.
"Yara, Hayden—go to your rooms and take your baths."
Hayden immediately hopped off the couch and stalked toward his room, clearly sulking. Seeing this, Yara scrambled off Ambrose's lap.
"Hayden, wait for me!" She chased after him.
Alone in the living room now, Scarlett didn't know what to say. She silently poured herself a glass of water, took a couple of sips, then spoke. "You need to play with Hayden too. Be fair."
She'd seen Hayden getting upset.
Ambrose stood and walked toward her, stopping right in front of her. His gaze was intense. Scarlett's pulse kicked up at his proximity. She was about to step back when she heard his low voice.
"I'll play with him next time."
"I'm being so good—don't I get a reward?"