Chapter 502
When Anathea met Chloe’s hopeful gaze, something soft inside her was quietly struck. How could anyone not feel for a child as mature yet sensitive as Chloe?
She opened her mouth, and a name nearly slipped out.
But then, thinking of how hard Hannah had worked raising Chloe alone all these years, she hesitated.
Only Hannah could decide whether or not to tell Chloe about her real father.
“I’m not really sure,” Anathea finally said, giving a vague answer. I only know he’s supposed to be good–looking.”
Hannah had done her best to protect Chloe, so even though Anathea felt sorry for her, she couldn’t ignore Hannah’s feelings.
“Really?”
Chloe’s eyes brightened.
“Of course,” Anathea said, gently touching Chloe’s cheek. “You’re so pretty, Chloe. Your dad must be handsome too.”
“Handsome? Like that handsome guy from before?” Chloe’s eyes sparkled with hope.
Anathea wasn’t sure which “handsome guy” Chloe meant but just modded. “Probably.”
“Well, if I asked that handsome guy to be my dad, do you think Mom would agree?” Chloe asked eagerly.
“That’s a tough question,” Anathea admitted, unsure how to answer.
Just then, Xander came running over with two backpacks. “I’m all packed! Let’s go!”
Chloe’s attention immediately shifted. “Hey, why did you make the straps on my backpack so long?”
“They’re hard to carry like this!” he protested.
Anathea finally relaxed and led the two kids out to meet Hannah.
They spent the next few hours at an amusement park, enjoying all kinds of rides and
games.
Chloe and Xander dashed from one attraction to the next. Their faces lit up with pure joy.
Watching them so happy, Anathea smiled softly to herself.
Just then, a cup of coffee appeared in front of her.
“Hot, with milk and no sugar,” Hannah said, remembering exactly how she liked it.
“Thanks,” Anathea said as she took a sip.
“Chloe hasn’t had this much fun in a long time,” Hannah said wistfully. “Because of my job, my private life is often in the spotlight. To avoid trouble, I rarely take Chloe out. And even when I do, I instinctively let go of her hand when I notice a camera nearby, just to create some distance…”
She still remembered one time when she flew with Chloe. Despite trying to stay hidden, someone recognized her after landing.
She quickened her pace, trying to draw attention to herself so the cameras wouldn’t focus on Chloe.
Chloe was left behind with the nanny, calling out for her. Hannah didn’t respond. That day, Chloe cried so hard her voice went hoarse. It broke Hannah’s heart.
Since then, Chloe had rarely called out so desperately. She just quietly kept her distance without making a fuss.
Chapter 502
She did it so Hannah wouldn’t get into trouble, but Hannah still felt guilty.
+25 BONUS
Anathea glanced at Hannah. Even in this quiet corner with few people around, she still wore a mask and sunglasses, trying not to draw attention or cause any trouble for the kids.
As Chloe and Xander rode the carousel, Anathea turned to her and said, “Hannah, I sent you a file. Take a look.”
Hannah looked confused but pulled out her phone and opened it. As soon as she opened the document and saw the endorsement contract, her eyes widened in disbelief.
“Anathea, you…”
She covered her mouth, too stunned to finish her sentence.
“Eden Studio has become quite well–known both here and abroad. To expand and raise our profile, we need brand ambassadors, “Anathea said with a smile.
Hannah hesitated. “But my popularity…”
It had been a long time since her last media appearance. She was almost completely out of the spotlight now.
