Chapter 209

"Yes, I don't like cripples!" Jenny declared shamelessly.

She shot a disdainful glance at chubby Timmy, her eyes filled with contempt. "Bad legs can be fixed, but stupidity is incurable!"

"Timmy, you big idiot!" Jenny stuck out her tongue at him. "You can't even add one plus one, yet you dare mock Daniel? I'll tell Lily how dumb you are!"

Timmy burst into loud sobs at the mention of Lily—the little girl he adored.

Watching his dramatic tears, Jenny only grew more disgusted.

She turned to Daniel, her eyes sparkling. "Daniel, I'm sorry. I was wrong earlier. You're so good at math—can you teach me? I always get it wrong."

Daniel froze. This was the first time another child had asked to play with him.

"Okay," he whispered in reply.

Jenny happily hooked her pinky with his, solemnly chanting, "Pinky promise, a hundred years, no breaking!"

As she left, Jenny leaned close to Daniel's ear and whispered, "Daniel, your dad is so handsome!"

Daniel couldn't help stealing a glance at Andrew Lucas.

He knew the man was impressive, but that man had never liked him. The thought dimmed the light in Daniel's eyes.

The nanny recognized Andrew and hurried forward to take Daniel.

But Andrew only held him tighter, continuing toward Benjamin Nash's courtyard.

Just before reaching the door, Andrew suddenly spoke. "Daniel, I'm sorry."

Daniel's head snapped up, disbelief in his eyes.

Seeing his shock, Andrew gave a self-deprecating smile. "I know I don't deserve your forgiveness, but I'll spend my life making it up to you and your mom."

"Daniel," he took a deep breath, "I'm your father."

Daniel's eyes widened. He pinched himself secretly. It hurt—this wasn't a dream.

The nanny gasped. She needed to warn Benjamin immediately—no more matchmaking between Alexander Grant and Susan Thompson!

"W-what did you say?" Daniel's voice trembled.

"I'm your father." Andrew pulled him closer. "I'll never let you or your mother suffer again."

Daniel's nose stung. He should've defiantly rejected this terrible father, but tears betrayed him instead.

He had wanted a dad for so long.

"You... don't hate me anymore?" he asked cautiously.

Andrew's eyes burned. This child was so kind, yet all he'd given him was pain.

"You're a good boy." He awkwardly ruffled Daniel's hair.

Tears welled in Daniel's eyes. Finally, he could experience what other kids did—a father's affectionate touch.

"Can you... stop hurting Mom?"

"I'll protect her," Andrew vowed firmly.

Daniel gathered his courage. "Then... can I call you Dad?"

Andrew's chest tightened. His own child, so hesitant to say that simple word.

"Dad..." The tentative whisper escaped before Daniel suddenly tensed. "But aren't you getting married?"

"I won't marry anyone else," Andrew stated decisively. "If I marry, it'll only be your mother."

Daniel finally broke into a radiant smile.

Father and son reached an unspoken agreement: Andrew would handle Nicole Capra, while Daniel would help win back Mom.

No sooner had they left Benjamin's home than Nicole's call came.

She had made pastries and was waiting at Seaview Bay.

Perfect timing to end things. Andrew drove straight there.

The moment he entered, Nicole greeted him with a bright smile. "Andrew, try my new durian puffs—"

Andrew avoided her hand. "Nicole, it's over."