As usual, whenever Beverly stayed late at the Castro residence, she naturally joined them for dinner.
Today was no exception.
Except this time, there were a few extra faces at the table.
Well, not exactly a few—just one adult and two children.
Maxwell's eyes lit up with curiosity at the sight of the two snow-white, doll-like toddlers. Reaching out to playfully poke one, he grinned and teased, "Bro, don’t tell me these are your and Fanny’s secret love children?"
Damon’s expression darkened instantly. He shot his younger brother a glare. "Nonsense."
Chastened, Maxwell rubbed his nose sheepishly and retreated to his seat.
Before long, Mr. and Mrs. Castro descended the stairs.
As they took their places at the table, their eyes widened at the sight of Damon and Fanny each cradling a child. The two little ones were unbearably adorable, their cherubic faces brightening the room just by existing.
Mrs. Castro smiled warmly. "Fanny, whose children are these?"
Fanny gave an awkward chuckle. "They belong to a close friend of mine."
Mrs. Castro nodded, leaving it at that.
Mr. Castro, however, glanced between Fanny holding the child and his eldest son, who sat stiffly with the other toddler in his arms. A knowing glint flickered in his eyes. With a faint smile, he remarked, "They’re quite charming. You should bring them over more often, Fanny."
It wasn’t every day one got to see his usually composed eldest son so flustered.
And he was thoroughly enjoying the spectacle.
Fanny beamed at her future father-in-law’s unexpected approval, her eyes twinkling. "Of course! Thank you, Uncle."
Mr. Castro nodded slightly and continued, "And we hope you two will have a child soon after getting married. Look how lively it is right now."
For a brief moment, Fanny and Damon both froze.
Mrs. Castro, however, agreed wholeheartedly. "Absolutely. This household could use some more joy," she chimed in softly.
Fanny immediately shrank back, lowering her head as if she hadn’t heard. She busied herself with eating while feeding little Kevin in her arms. Thankfully, both children were well-behaved, not making a fuss but simply clutching their milk bottles, blinking their big eyes as they curiously glanced around—utterly adorable.
Even Mr. Castro couldn’t resist the warmth swelling in his chest.
Watching the scene before him, he grew even more eager for his son to marry soon.
As everyone’s attention was drawn to Fanny and Ariana’s children, Beverly maintained a polite smile on the surface. But her grip on her bowl and chopsticks had tightened until her knuckles turned white.
She struggled to contain herself—this wasn’t the place to let her emotions show.
Yet, despite her best efforts, a dark undercurrent of jealousy and rage simmered inside her.
Especially when she saw those two children who bore such a striking resemblance to Lambert. The sight sent a sharp pang through her heart, almost unbearable.
She couldn’t help but think…
If Ariana hadn’t interfered, those children would have been hers and Lambert’s—
She hated it. Hated it with every fiber of her being.
At that moment, no one noticed the faint, involuntary twist of Beverly’s expression.
Almost no one.
Damon sensed it instantly.
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