Chapter 332
Eugene’s simile faliered for a moment but then he quickly recovered, saying with ease, “Well, everyone has the same chance to beat of Grace’s life.” In his mind, it was only natural that Madeline’s child might end up being part of his family too.
He held Grace gently and remarked, “Grace is adorable, and the important thing is Maddie loves her. Whether Maddie wants intore kids or not is up to her.
Tve looked into it–having children can be hard on the body. I’d rather Maddie not face that risk. Adoption is always an option for me.”
vin couldn’t help but chuckle, shaking his head in disbelief. “You’ve got some nerve. Do you really think Maddie agrees with
Madeline promptly shook her head. She was clueless about this whole plan.
Caleb and Gavin took seats as Madeline stood up. “You got a bunch of fruit; let me wash some for
r you
Caleb looked at Grace with little emotional connection, finding it hard to feel anything toward a stranger’s baby. He could only muster a detached gaze.
Nolan watched Eugene entertain the baby with a lazy, thoughtful smile. He had long hair that highlighted his pale complexion, making him appear fragile. Seasonal changes brought on fits of coughing for him.
“This child needs to grow up respectful to Maddie; if not… Nolan said weakly. “Don’t invite trouble.”
“Kids are blank slates, Gavin remarked. “What harm could she do?”
“Have you forgotten about Winslet?” Nolan raised an eyebrow, his expression thin and sickly. “She was adopted by the Larson. family as an infant, adored by them, but was she grateful? Did she give back?”
Gavin frowned at this reminder, suddenly thoughtful.
Wesley, calm and rational, flexed his fingers slightly. “As long as Grace knows her real story, it’ll be fine. People like Winslet. who are inherently problematic, are rare.” He added, “I understand Nolan is just looking out for Maddie’s safety and happiness.”
The group fell silent, gazing at the chubby, adorable child in Eugene’s arms. They thought, “What kind of background do we have? Who are we really? We can’t just soften up like ordinary people and embrace a child with open arms.
To them, this child suddenly appearing in Madeline’s life was merely a “variable,” a significant one. Being strategists by nature, they knew that failing to manage such variables could lead to unpredictable dangers.
Caleb’s mind quickly flashed through countless potential negative outcomes.
Nolan, too, recalled every instance where someone he knew had risked everything out of compassion. In his line of work, death was a common occurrence–not even a little one could melt the ice in his heart.
“It’s all about education, Eugene remarked with a bright gleam in his eye and a slight smirk. “With me guiding her, there’s no way Grace won’t turn out well. So what if you don’t like kids? I do–I’ll handle it.
Gavin raised an eyebrow, thinking, ‘Really? Here we go again?”
Ivan stepped in from the balcony, finally free from the incessant phone calls. Even dressed in a sharp, no–nonsense suit, his expression remained impassive, like he was still in a board meeting, deep in thought
“Maddie is young; it’s hard for her to see the long–term picture,” he said, tapping his phone on the table and resting an elbow on his knee. “Raising a child at this point might be premature.
*Her education, carcer, and personal growth aren’t yet ready for this responsibility. Sacrificing her aspirations to study or become a great actress for a child isn’t worth it
As a man. Þ
yet.
1, he might think having children is natural. But as Madeline’s brother, he couldn’t agree to her raising a child–not
Bobby listened to everyone’s thoughts before sighing. “You’re all overthinking it. Maddie caring for this child is a good thing
Chaser 352
Grace is just two months old and has lost both parents.
“Maybe Maddie sees herself in this baby–her own tough times in an orphanage, ending up in a family that didn’t love her.”
Bobby empathized with Madeline’s mindset. He guessed she might want to give Grace the complete childhood she never had. If this makes her happy, he’s all for it. “A child’s nature depends on nurture.”
Nolan exhaled and leaned on his hand with a wry smile. “Loving selflessly is easy to say, hard to do. We’re not saints. How can we expect to achieve that?”
Ethan finally spoke up, having spent time in a chapel, exuding a steady presence like a tall, resilient pine on a mountain peak
slight and lean, yet far from weak
His white coat with red lining contrasted with his serene aura. “If this child is a concern for you, I can take her. I’ll set up at small house in the countryside, and the folks from the chapel–those who cook and clean–can care for her. They are gentle
and kind.”
Yohannes frowned slightly, introspective and quiet. “Why not ask Maddie what she wants? Her decision matters most, right?”
Of course, everyone understood that. They all wanted to support Madeline and ensure her well–being, so they were careful about making decisions for Grace too.
Madeline came out of the kitchen with a bowl of fruit, noticing the silence in the living room. “Why is it so quiet? Did everyone suddenly decide not to chat anymore?”
She placed the fruit platter on the coffee table, wiped her hands, and playfully pinched Grace’s cheek. “Look at all these handsome uncles. Remember their faces so you won’t be charmed away by just any guy when you grow up.”