Chapter 246: Who is the Child's Father?
Before Flora could think further, she saw Quinlan raise her hand to hit Della again.
She immediately rushed forward, shielding Della, and looked up at Quinlan coldly, saying, "Are you crazy? How can you hit such a young child?"
"Oh, it's you." Quinlan recognized her. "Ms. Jenkins, is this your child?"
"No matter whose child she is, you can't treat her like this."
"She bullied my son, so of course I have to get justice for him." Quinlan said righteously, "She's already hitting people at such a young age. What will she be like when she grows up? Since her parents won't discipline her, I'll do it for them, to prevent her from becoming a menace to society later."
Flora was furious and about to speak when she heard Niamh's voice, "Flora, what's going on?"
"Niamh, perfect timing. Ms. Stewart says our Della bullied her son."
"Della, what happened?" Niamh asked. "Did you bully him?"
"He grabbed my bunny!" Della complained in a sweet childlike voice, clutching her stuffed bunny toy tightly.
Quinlan knew Niamh—she was Harriet's lapdog, and somehow she'd managed to worm her way into this kind of event.
Quinlan laughed mockingly, "This is a public space. All the toys here are for everyone to share. No one can hog them. You don't even teach your child this basic principle. No wonder you're country bumpkins from Luminara City—no class, no manners."
Niamh smiled faintly, "You're right. Toys in public spaces are indeed meant to be shared, not hogged."
"But this bunny Della's holding is one she brought herself."
"You're so good at teaching—didn't you teach your son not to grab other people's toys?"
Quinlan's face darkened. "How can you prove this toy is yours!"
"Don't be ridiculous. I wouldn't lie over a toy." Niamh glanced around. "There's a camera over there. Should we check the surveillance footage? But let me be clear—if the footage shows this is indeed our toy, you must apologize in person."
Quinlan sneered, "Who do you think you are to deserve an apology from me?"
"Niamh, what are you doing here?" Harriet returned to find the commotion. "What happened?"
"Mommy!" Della reached out to Harriet, wanting to be held.
Quinlan watched as Harriet picked up Della, instantly stunned. "This is your daughter? Who's the child's father!"
Harriet frowned at her and asked, "Flora, who is this?"
Quinlan looked at her suspiciously. "You really don't recognize me?"
Although she'd learned from Finnegan that Tristan and Harriet had both taken medication that caused memory loss after signing divorce papers, she still couldn't believe it.
"She's the Vice President of Apex Global Group, Quinlan Stewart." Flora introduced her. "I heard she is the future wife of the CEO."
"Apex Global Group?" Harriet said. "I've heard of it. Athenia's top financial group."
"Harriet, ignore her." Niamh pulled Harriet along. "Let's go."
"Stop!" Quinlan grabbed Harriet's arm. "I'm asking you a question. Who is this child's father?"
A flash of coldness crossed Harriet's eyes.
"That would be me." A gentle male voice came from behind.
Quinlan turned to see Nolan walking over with long strides.
"Daddy." Della happily reached out to him. "Hold me!"
Quinlan secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
Adults could act, but a child this young couldn't.
It seemed this really was Harriet and Nolan's child.
Nolan picked up Della and turned to Quinlan. "Della's father is me. What can I do for you, Ms. Stewart?"
Quinlan put on a smile. "So it's Mr. Johnson's child. She's really adorable."
"Wilder, stop crying. Come say hello."
Wilder, who had been covering his face and sobbing, lowered his hands, and everyone exchanged glances.
This was a face that looked seventy percent like Tristan's.
Though Tristan's face had sculpted, defined features, while Wilder's chubbiness made his face round as a pancake, the resemblance to Tristan was still visible.
Quinlan couldn't have been prouder.
This was the first time she'd brought Wilder to such a formal gala. She wanted everyone in Emberfall to know she'd given birth to Tristan's son.
When Wilder grew up, he'd be the heir to Apex Global Group, a true prince among men!
Out of the corner of her eye, Quinlan spotted an elegant, tall figure. She immediately walked over with Wilder in her arms.
"Tristan!"
Tristan frowned slightly. "Why are you here?"
"These galas require a female companion, so I came with you. This is a children's charity gala, so of course Wilder should be here too. I've already donated two hundred million dollars in Wilder's name."
Tristan looked at Wilder in her arms, his eyes unreadable.
Quinlan smiled. "Tristan, Mr. Johnson and Harriet's child is here, too. She was just playing with our Wilder. What a coincidence."
Tristan looked up toward the group in the distance.
He saw the child in Nolan's arms.
Genetics were powerful—one look and he knew who the child's mother was.
"Mr. Lancaster, long time no see." Nolan approached with Della in his arms.
"Mr. Johnson." Tristan smiled, though it didn't reach his eyes. "Is this your daughter?"
"Yes, my daughter. Her name is Della." Nolan smiled. "I didn't expect you to have a son now, too, Mr. Lancaster. Congratulations."
"Not as fortunate as you, Mr. Johnson. Won't you introduce me to your wife?"
Nolan took Harriet's hand. "This is my fiancée, Harriet."
"Fiancée?"
"Yes, we had our daughter first. We're planning to hold the wedding at the end of the year. We hope you'll honor us with your presence, Mr. Lancaster."
"I will."
"Della's hungry. We'll take our leave."
"Please."
Quinlan watched them leave, then quickly turned back to Tristan, only to see his gaze fixed on Harriet.
Quinlan's heart sank. "Tristan, what are you looking at?"
Tristan composed himself and said casually, "Nolan, of course. He's the richest man in Luminara City, quite formidable."
"But he's not as amazing as you." Quinlan said gently. "We'll raise Wilder well, and when he grows up, he can inherit Apex Global Group, and you can retire early."
Tristan glanced at Wilder's tear-stained face. "A boy who only knows how to cry when things happen—you think he can inherit Apex Global Group?"
Quinlan's smile froze. "Tristan, I've spoiled Wilder. I'll definitely educate him properly from now on, make him into a real man."
"Besides, Wilder is your son. He won't be useless."
Tristan's cold eyes swept over her. "Is he really my son?"