Ch. 611..620

Chapter 611

Genevieve quickly put on her beauty mask and checked the message.

This was the first time Bruce had contaclcelice since she had added him back on WhatsApp. Did you finish reading the scripti

Genevieve replied: I'm sorry. I forgot about it. I've been busy with my kids these few days.

Bruce answered: Are you in Dartan, Ms. Rachford?

Genevieve's fingers hesitated on the keyboard before she sent: Yes. My daughter wants to go skiing. We just arrived in Horbah this afternoon. We're skiing tomorrow. Bruce: Have a nice trip.

That was the end of their conversation.

After Genevieve took off her mask, she went back outside and pulled the blanket over Amanda before she sat down to finish off the remaining script.

The tragic love story dwelled in her heart even after she finished the entire story.

Genevieve went on Twitter to check out the show's official account. When she saw the other male lead, she took up her phone to text Bruce, but on second thought, she decided not to

After all, she did not know where Bruce was and whether he was occupied, so she closed the app and left her phone beside her bed.

The next day, Genevieve bundled the children up before they went out.

Lucian had earlier on checked out the route to the skiing place when Genevieve was tying Amanda's hair.

They bought a special pass and hopped on the subway before transiting via Ocean City station. There, they changed to another line and traveled all the way to the final stop. After that, they went to a nearby bus station and waited. The bus came every forty minutes.

Amanda did not like taking the bus. After she got on, she buried her head in Genevieve's chest, feeling restless.

It was not until the bus arrived at the reception counter of the skiing venue that she resumed her energetic self.

"Wow! This place is huge!" she shouted, leaping around.

She was so happy she started running around until she accidentally ran into another tourist.

The man caught her in time, saving her from a fall.

"You okay?" he asked.

"I'm good. Thanks," Amanda said, standing back on her feet nervously. Knowing she was at fault, she continued softly, "I'm sorry I ran into you, sir."

The man bent down and caressed her cheek. "Don't worry about it."

Amanda frowned. She did not like strangers touching her, but when she took a look at the man in front of her, she was surprised. "Are you... Mr. Sulton's friend?" This is the man i sato in Mommy's video.

"I am," Bruce replied with a smile. He took a good look at the girl as if he wanted to make a lasting memory of her.

His men had actually been following Genevieve and the children without them knowing, so Bruce was aware of their whereabouts.

That was why he texted Genevieve yesterday.

Bruce initially did not want to interrupt their holiday, but when he thought about how he had never seen his children before ever since they were born and that they were actually that close to each other right now, he gave in to his heart's desire and went over carly in the morning.

Amanda was way cuter than she appeared in the video. She had a head of long black hair, and her eyes were bright and large. There was even a pink undertone to her fair skin if one took a close look.

That girl simply melted his heart away.

When Lucian saw that a stranger was standing too close to Amanda, he pulled his sister behind him and glared at the man. "Why are you staring at her like that? Are you a pervert?" Jack's bodyguards also came over, wanting to get rid of Bruce.

Genevieve, who had just finished filling up the forms, was about to shout at the children to go take their gear when she saw the group surrounding Bruce. She quickly went over. "It's okay. He's a friend," she ordered, waving her hand at the bodyguards.

"What are you doing here?" she asked curiously.

"I came to Salinsburgh, Rodunst, with the film crew the day before," Bruce replied, taking one last look at Amanda before standing up. "One of the actors had acute enteritis early this morning, so they rushed him to the hospital. The doctors said he has to be hospitalized for a few days, so we're not filming for now. Since I heard you guys are here to ski, I thought I should come over since it's not far away from Salinsburgh. By the way, are those your kids?" he asked, pointing at Lucian and Amanda.

Chapter 612

Genevieve did not know that the crew had come to Rocunst to film and that they were actually this close to each other. She was also staying at Salisburgh the night before.

"Yes. That's my son. Lucian, and the other one is my daughter, Amanda." Genevieve introduced.

"Hi, children!" Bruce greeted as he squaticul down. "I'm Bruce Gable, Mr. Sutton's friend."

Amanda stuck out lier head from behind hier brother and stared at Bruce. Her eyes were shining when she saw him. "I saw the news about you on the internet, but I don't understand your movies at all."

A subtle smile appeared on Bruce's face. "That's because those are romance movies. They're for adults."

As for Lucian, he was quict because this man before him felt inexplicably familiar to him.

He could not understand how a stranger could give him such a familiar feeling, but he was still Wary of Bruce.

"Mommy" he called out coldly. "This man kept looking at Mandy just now. I think he's a pervert."

Bruce was speechless.

Come on. I just saw my daughter for the first time. What's wrong with taking a longer look at her? I hatever: It's not a bad thing for a brother to be protective of his sister.

"No. He's not a pervert," Amanda argued in Bruce's defense. "He's Mr. Sutton's friend. Mr. Sutton will also be a pervert if this man is. Birds of a feather flock together."

Lucian pulled her hair. "Can't you see I'm protecting you? Are you stupid or something?"

"What are you doing, Lucian? Let go! Do you want to make me bald?' Amanda screamed, glowering at her brother.

"Maybe I should start calling you Ms. Bald."

Genevieve intervened when she realized the children were on the brink of another fight. She gave them the receipt and asked them to go pick up the equipment at another counter. The children went over as they were told, still shoving at one another.

Bruce's gaze trailed the children as they walked ofl. Even he himself was surprised at how Lucian's personality was so much like him.

Well, I guess he is a little meaner than me when I toas younger:

"All right. I should go with the kids. I'll see you around." Genevieve did not intend to stay with Bruce and left right after.

However, the family met the man again when they were taking the cable car up to the skiing

venue.

"Mr. Gable, are you going to the same skiing spot as us?" Amanda asked. She had already gone into the cable car when she saw Bruce, so she poked hier head out to look at him.

"Yes."

"Then join us!" the girl chirped, waving at him to come over.

After Bruce got in, Amanda moved aside so he could sit beside her. Then she took out candy from her strawberry-shaped bag and gave it to him.

"Thank you," Bruce said tenderly. "Do you like this kind of candy?"

Amanda nodded, sticking out her two fleshy thumbs together. "But Mommy said I can only have two every day. Now that I gave you one, I only have one left."

Seeing how adorable and obedient the girl was, Bruce badly wanted to hug her, but he quickly composed himself.

I'm no more than Mr. Sutton's friend to her now. Besides, Lucian is still on his guard. If I really hug her now. Genevieve might actually take me for a pervert.

Amanda swayed her dangling legs as she continued the conversation. "Mr. Gable, how does it feel like to be an actor? I saw some of the backstage scenes and realized actors can really fly in the sky in circles. That's so cool!" she exclaimed, waving her arms to prove her point.

Bruce turned his head, looking at her as she spoke. When she was done asking a question, he shook his head. "It's not fun being an actor. I feel tired every day. I have to read a lot of scripts and spend time with the crew members all day. I can't even let my guard down when I'm out because of the reporters."

"Aw, poor you. Then you should reward yourself today by having all the fun you want. Who knows if you will suill be able to play tomorrow, right?" Amanda comforted.

"Yeah. I'll do that."

Meanwhile, Lucian sat back in his scat with his arms crossed in front of his chest. His gaze darted between the man and Amanda until he looked up at Genevieve. "Look at your daughter. Not only is she stupid, but she's also a chatterbox."

"Isn't my daughter your sister too?" Genevieve asked, pinching his check.

Chapter 613

By the time they got off the cable car. Amanda was already talking to Bruce like they were close friends.

Amanda walked behind Bruce, stopping in the footprints hic Icft. When the man saw what she was doing, he took smaller steps so that she would not have to jump so far.

"Mr. Gable, you're so call! I will grow to be as tall as you are if I step in your footprints!" the girl shouted in cxciicient.

"Crazy;" Lucian sneered. "Those are lies people invented to scam people like you. How tall you grow is entirely dependent on your parents' genes."

Amanda growled, "I know that I'm just having fun with Mr. Gable!"

When Bruce saw that Genevieve was about to help Amanda put on her gear, he took the equipment from her hands. "Let me. I don't have anything to do anyway. You should get ready yourself." With that said, he took out the pair of snowshoes from the bag and helped Amanda wear them.

Then, he put on her skis, helmet, and gloves for her.

In no time, Amanda was all ready for some fun. Her whole body was bundled up except for her face.

She leaned forward and kissed Bruce. "Thank you, Mr. Gable!"

Bruce's heart warmed at the lingering feeling on his cheek. Then, he passed her the skiing poles. "Don't mention it. Do you want me to show you how to ski?"

"It's okay. I know how to do it. Even Lucian's not as good as me at this," she said proudly.

Lucian had just worn his helmet when he heard this. "For real, Amanda Rachford? We all know I'm better than you."

"That's the past. I'm better now. I dare you to a race!"

When Genevieve saw the children were emotionally charged to outski each other, she reminded them to be careful. "Put on your ski mask. I don't want any of you hurting your face. Make sure you guys don't go too far. Okay?"

"All righi," Amanda replied, waving her hand without turning back toward Genevieve.

She skied on the snow elegantly like a lille fairy as she followed Lucian toward the entry-level ski trail.

"Ms. Rachford, I'll get going first," Bruce informed. He fastened his skis and drifted away.

Genevieve watched him slide off with a complicated feeling weighing on her heart.

She had been thinking in the cable car if Brucc camc on purpose. To hicr, it was too coiricidental that the crew halted filming on the same day her family visited that place. Wait. I didn't tell him we were coming to this ski resort. There's no way he would know we were here.

Genevieve brushed the thought aside and looked toward the trail Lucian and Amanda were at. Although it was an entry-level track, she still thought the slope was too sccp, so she stood to watch from close by. Since the children were enjoying themselves, she took out her phone to take a video of them.

Just as they were engrossed in the fun, 1 leenager who had recently learned the craft furnbled down the trail as he tried to gain control of his movement. He accidentally bumped into Amanda when he was sliding downhill.

Amanda's poles flew off' at the impact, and she spiraled downward out of control.

"Mandy!" Lucian shouted, going after her.

Luckily, Amanda was experienced. She was taught the basic coping strategy for emergencies. Remaining calm, she balanced her body and tried to maneuver the skis.

At that critical moment, someone hunkered down and shot down with huge momentum. It took him just seconds before reaching Amanda.

Reaching out an arm, the man tugged Amanda to himself and stopped her skis from moving.

Once he saved her, he took off the mask from the girl lying in his embrace. "Are you okay?" Bruce asked.

"I'm good." Amanda shook her head, surprised. "Mr. Gable, you're really fast. I didn't even see you around there just now."

Bruce was relieved to know that the child was fine. "I was behind you. You didn't see me because there were a lot of people." "You're like a superman, Mr. Gable! You were so fast!"

Bruce met her admiring gaze and replied gently, "That's because you're still a baby, and I didn't want you to get hurt." "I'm fine! I'm a strong girl!"

Soon enough, Genevieve and Lucian also arrived where they were.

Lucian pulled down his mask and talked down at Bruce. "Mister, you have been hugging my sister for three minutes and cighteen seconds. Please let her go." What? He's so pelly!

Chapter 614

Genevieve patted Lucian to remind him to be polite', 'Then slic took Amanda over from Bruce. "I hope you don't mind. My son's a little outspoken. Thank you."

Bruce felt an emptiness in luislicart which Genevieve took thic girl away. Ile could not believe his daughter was taken away from him just after spending a few minutes with her. The man hid his disippointment and shot Genevieve a smile. "Don't worry about it. He's just trying to protect his sister."

"Thank you, Mr. Gable," Amanda said sweetly

After that, Bruce went skiing on the adjacent trail. Ilowever, he made sure to keep watch of Amanda because he was worried that something might happen to her again.

At about three o'clock in the afternoon, the children finally had enough.

Amanda was so spent she did not want to walk anymore, so she asked Genevieve to carry her.

When Bruce saw that, he went over to help Genevieve with the equipment so she could carry the child.

"Mr. Gable, you're so nice," Amanda praised as she lay in her mother's arms. "There's a town at the bottom of the mountain. Do you want to come with us? I should treat you to something nice." After a pause, she added, "I'm using my own money."

Instead of accepting the invite right away, Bruce looked at Genevieve inquisitively.

Genevieve's heart skipped a beat when Bruce looked at her like that. "Don't look at me. She's the one who invited you. It's up to you whether you want to join us or not."

"I'm going." Bruce declared, flashing Amanda a wide smile. "Thank you for the treat."

The girl waved at him. "It's nothing! You saved me today and even carried my stuff for me. Besides, you're Mr. Sutton's friend. I'm just doing what I should."

Lucian was frustrated looking at their interaction. "You're so dumb. I won't be surprised if you get kidnapped in the future."

"But Mr. Gable is not a stranger," she arried and tumed toward her mother. "Mommy. am I

right?"

**Y-Yes." Genevieve could not deny the fact that she knew Bruce-intimately.

The town next to the ski spot was a tourist attraction catering to ski-lovers. The people there came from all over the world.

The bars, cafes, and restaurants were all covered with a thick layer of snow, and the scenery looked photogenic,

Bruce saw that Genevieve had been carrying Amanda for some time. Although the girl was not heavy, she was still wearing thick clothing. "Mandy, do you want to look at birds?" Bruce suddenly asked.

"Birds: Where?" As a child. Amanda loved birds and other small animals. She looked around enthusiastically the moment she heard Bruce. Bruce took the chance and snatched her from Gcncvicvc. He put her on his shoulders, holding her legs.

"Look carefully.**

Bruce was 1.9 meters tall. Once Amanda sat on his shoulders, her view of the world was elevated, and she could suddenly see a green bird on top of the roof of a bar. She screamed in excitement. pointing at the small creature.

"Mommy! I see a bird!"

Since Genevieve was not as tallas Bruce, there was no way she could see the bird, but still, she stole a glance at the man from the corner of her eyes. She knew he was trying to help her case he burden.

With the snow removed from the surface, the road was wide and spacious.

Bruce held the girl tight and started running down the street of the town. A gentle cold breeze stroked their faces as Bruce liastened his steps. Amanda's cheerful laughter rang crispily in the air as if she was not afraid at all.

Genevieve held out her hand toward Lucian, who had been left behind along with her. "Do you want me to carry you?" she asked.

"No. I'm not a three-year-old kid," Lucian retorted with a pout.

Despite what he said, Genevieve still swept his feet off the ground and kissed his prideful face. "I love Mandy, and I love you too, Lucian. However, I'm not good at running, so you'll have to bear with me."

Lucian pursed his lips, holding on to her shoulder as she walked briskly into a restaurant.

Once they entered, Amanda sat down beside Bruce and gave him the menu. "You may order whatever you like, Mr. Gable."

He took a cursory glance and picked two dishes.

The girl then placed his order in Jetroinian.

When everyone had their turns saying what they wanted to eat, Bruce complimented Amanda, "You speak really good Jetroinian."

"Of course! I got it from Mommy. She's really good and speaks seven to eight languages. I'm her daughter, so it's only natural that I'm like her."

"How many languages do you speak, then?"

"Four!" the kid replied, sticking out four fingers before stating all the languages she knew. "Lucian knows an extra language, so I have to study hard. I'm sure I'll overtake him one day." When Bruce heard that, he looked at Lucian approvingly. "Lucian's not bad too!"

Although Lucian knew he was smart, somchow, he still felt a sense of pride in his heart when Bruce praised him.

He had never gotten this feeling before when other people showered him with compliments,

Chapter 615

Amanda asked Lucian while they were cating. "Did you say that this place is famous for its hot spring? Go check out which one is popular. Shall we go for a dip after the meal?"

"It's getting late." Lucian glanced at his watch and replica, "By the time we're done enjoying the hot spring, it will be even later, and we'll miss the bus which takes us back to Salinsburgh." "It's fine. We can put up a night liere."

Genevieve was delighted to see how happy Amanda was. "That's what we're here for! I brought you two here to have fun, so you can stay as long as you wish.."

Hearing so, Lucian whipped out his phone and started searching for a hot spring nearby. Soon, he found one with plenty of good reviews.

Amanda had grown to like Bruce. Upon realizing that he was alone and had nowhere to go, she invited him to join them for a trip to the hot spring. Bruce agreed without hesitating. On their way there, he sent a text message using his phone.

The hot spring was nestled among huge rocks and lush green trees. Since it was already nightfall, candles were lit around the compound, making the entire place a picturesque scene. Amanda did not wait for another second to remove her towel and jump into the hot spring. Her cheeks were flushed red due to the hot steam.

"Mommy." Puzzled, she snuggled up to Genevieve and asked, "Shouldn't there be a lot of guests here at the open-air hot spring? Why are there only a few of us?"

She scanned her surroundings and added, "Moreover, Mr. Gable isn't here, either."

"There are a lot of similar options in this area." Genevieve disliked crowded places. She felt more comfortable having the whole place for her small family. "Perhaps they have chosen another one to go to."

Amanda sighed.

Right then, Bruce arrived fashionably late with a rounded tray of fruit platter and drinks. He was dressed in a black swimming trunk.

Amanda approached him and checked out the big tray of berries he had placed by the pool. She commented curiously. "These strawberries look so weird. They have something strange on them."

"The black ones are pickled plums," Bruce explained to her softly. "Would you like to try some?"

She picked one up and had a big bite. Seconds later, she exclaimed excitedly, "It's so tasty!"

There was a sparkle in her eyes as she took two of them to share with Genevieve and Lucian. Needless to say, she kept the rest for herself.

Genevieve had tried the pickled cherry tomatoes and pickled plums that Bruce had made before. Hence, at one glance, she knew that those were prepared by him.

While the children were enjoying the fruits by the pool and watching shows on the tablet, Genevieve recalled something.

She pulled Bruce to a corner and asked, "Are you close to Jerry Pann?"

Jerry was the other male lead in a gay-themed movic.

"Somewhat." Bruce gave a laconic reply.

Immediately, Genevieve unlocked her phone. "I bet you have Jerry's WhatsApp, right? Give me his number."

Bruce did not do as she had asked. Conversely, he posed a question to find out more. "Ms. Rachford, why do you need his WhatsApp number?"

"Oh, he's quite handsome," Genevieve simply responded while answering a work-related message that she had just received.

Bruce narrowed his eyes and closed in on her. "Am I not handsome?"

By the time Genevieve finished typing her message, the man was merely an inch away from her.

Reveling in his masculine scent, Genevieve felt her heart hammering wildly against her ribs. She quickly took a few steps backward to keep her distance, worried that the children would see them.

"Don't come so close!" she reprimanded through gritted teeth. "My kids are here."

Bruce stopped and suggested blatantly, "Ms. Rachford, if you happen to be looking for a bedtime partner, you can consider me. My service is top-notch, and you don't need to pay me anything." Genevieve was at a loss for words. She could not believe what she had just heard.

Bruce lowered his head to stare into her eyes. Then, he gulped and requested, "Don't go looking for other men."

He was overjoyed to finally have an opportunity to spend quality time with her and the children.

He did not expect her to sing praises about another man's attractive appearance. It made him very jealous and upset at the same time.

Chapter 616

When Genevieve realized what the man had in mind, she was infuriated. "I was drunk the last time when I went to your house. I'm not a crazy woman who thinks about sleeping with hot guys all the time!" She spat out cach word in a low but ster voice.

"Jerry's looks and personality are exactly the type that Charlotte fancics." Instead of allowing his imagination to run will. I came clean and told him licr intention.

She did not want to lose Bruce to Charlotte, and neither did she want to have a fallout with her.

Sylvie was very determined to make Charlotte hier best friend, and Genevieve knew that it would not be favorable to lier if the two ladics cvcr got close to each other.

She heard some stories about Charlottc from Timothy. Coincidentally. when she was browsing Twitter last night, it occurred to her that the male lead who acted in the gay-thicmcd movie was exactly the type that Charlotte liked.

Hence, she wanted to obtain Jerry's WhatsApp contact via Bruce.

After hearing Genevieve's explanation, Bruce leaved a sigh of relief and searched for Jerry's number to give it to her.

He smiled. Thank you, Ms. Rachford."

*I'm not doing you a favor." Genevieve scoffed.

When he exited WhatsApp, she caught a glimpse of the picture on his home screen. It seemed to be a photo of a woman lying on her side.

Unfortunately, Genevieve did not get to see her face because it was covered by the icons. Anyhow, she thought that the woman looked gorgeous.

She could tell that the photo was snapped when the woman was asleep. Rumor had it that Bruce used to have a girlfriend. Therefore, Genevieve guessed that the woman in the picture was his lover.

Instantly, she turned green with envy. With a conflicting feeling, she turned around and stormed off coldly.

Bruce noticed the change in her expression as he watched her stride toward the children.

He tried his best to recall their conversation, but he failed to identify the things he said which might have upset her.

After their hot spring session, Genevieve put up a night at the resort with her children. Amanda was a little hungry. As soon as she liad blown her hair dry, she rushed to the lobby to get some snacks.

When she got there, she found Bruce sitting alone by the window.

He looked very lonely.

So. Amanda approached him with her snacks. There were nuggets, mcatballs, and the like.

"Mr. Gable, why are you here gazing at the scencry alone? Are you hungry?" Grinning, she waved

f snacks in front of him. "Come have some nuggets with mc, okay?"

"Sure." Each time he saw her, he would inevitably bchave more gently and doting.

Amanda sat down on the couch opposite him and handed him a meatball. "Here you go, Mr. Gable! Go ahead and eat as much as you like. There's no necd to be polite." "Thank you." The man accepted her kind gesture with a smile.

As Amanda was cating, her pajama sleeve slid downward and revealed an ebony bracelet on her Wrist.

Bruce stared at it for a while and complimented, "Your bracelet is very pretty."

"This was gifted to me by Daddy. Lucian and I each have one, which we wear all the time." She stuffed her mouth with food, making her checks very full like a little squirrel. Bruce smiled and said nothing.

He knew the bracelets very well because he was the one who made them personally. He handpicked the wood, crafted the pearls, strung them together, and created them from scratch.

He even brought the bracelets to the temple for the priest to pray over them in order to bless the two children with joy and peace.

"I bet your daddy loves you very much," Bruce stated softly.

"Of course! Daddy is the most handsome man in the entire world." Her eyes were all lit up when she talked about her father.

"Although I've never seen Daddy, Mommy tells me about him all the time. She loves Daddy to the moon and back because Daddy can cook many things. She said that Daddy will also cook for me in the future..."

Suddenly, she lowered her eyes and muttered, "However, Mommy doesn't like Daddy anymore. Daddy..."

She had never met her father since birth. Later on, she had a few chances to speak with him over the phone. She was planning to meet him and give him a surprise. Unfortunately, that day never

cam.

Bruce's heart sank when he saw Amanda's sorrowful expression.

I love Genevieve very much loo. If only I had realized my feelings for her sooner, I wouldn't have lied to her.

Then, he stroked Amanda's face gently. "I'm certain that your daddy has done something which broke your mommy's heart, and that's why she doesn't like him anymore."

"Do you like Mommy, Mr. Gable?" A

Chapter 617

"What do you think?" Bruce asked in return.

"You like my mommy." Amanda answered conlislently. "The way you look at her is exactly the same as low Mr. Valentine starest Mommy."

Bruce's CVCS cinncd at lict words. Still, lic Carrice on the conversation paticntly. "Are Mr. Valentine and your mommy an item now?"

Amanda nodded. "Yes, Mr. Gable. Even though you like Mommy, and I'm actually quitc fond of you too..." Slic furrowed her brows and continued in a sweet voice, "Mr. Valentinc loves Mommy more. In addition, he doesn't restrici Mommy. She has complctc freedom to go wherever she wants."

My separation from Genevieve all these years was caused by Jack. He really knows how to act and fool the kids by demonstrating his gentlemanly side in front of them. He's well aware that Genevieve can never fall in love with another man. Hence, he isn? bothered about her whereabouts. Bruce snccred in his heart.

Amanda had no idea what was in the man's mind. She continued eating her meatballs and said, "Even if Mommy marries Mr. Valentine, I won't change the way I address him." "Why?" Bruce wondered.

"That's because I only have one daddy." She glanced at the ebony bracelet on licr wrist. "If I get a new daddy and forget about him, no one in this world will remember him anymore." Bruce listened to her sharing attentively; his eyes were red-rimmed.

What have I done to deserve a woman who loves me so much and willingly goes through hardship on her own for my sake? What have I done to deserve these two adorable and intelligent children that she has gifted

me?

Seeing that Bruce's eyes turned red like a bolt from the blue, Amanda was concerned. "Mr. Gable. are you sick? Your eyes are so red."

"No, I'm not sick," he replied in a hoarse voice. You are too cute, Maundy. It'd be a dream come true if I had a daughter like you." He looked at her lovingly.

"Oh, I'm sure you'll get one!" she comforted him. "Mr. Gable, the children of a good-looking man like you will definitely be super adorable!"

Upon mulling it over, she added, "My blonde hair blue-eyed dance teacher, Ms. Nina, is extremely stunning. Would you like me to introduce Ms. Nina to you, Mr. Gable? If the two of you have a baby, I'm sure that the child will be very pretty like me!"

Bruce did not know whicther to laugh or to cry at his daughter's remarks. She really meant business when she said she wanted to find a partner for Bruce. "It's very late now. If you're done eating, you should return to your room. Don't let your mommy search high and low for you."

Just then, Amanda's smart watch buzzed.

"You're fantastic, Mr. Gable. The moment you said it, Mommy calls instantly." Astounded, she hopped down from the couch.

"I'll get going. Bye!" She waved at Bruce.

"Bye." He waved back while fixing his eyes on hier. When she disappeared upstairs, he felt a void in his heart.

Moments later, his phone rang. It was a call from Steven.

"Mr. Faulkner, you ought to keep a distance with Ms. Rachford," he said helplessly.

"Jack's bodyguard has been following Ms. Rachford and her children, watching their every move."

"I know. It's just that I miss the kids so much." A sweet smile crept up on Bruce's face as he thought about Amanda's cute face. "My daughter is so active and charming, just like Genevieve. She has the gift of the gab, and she speaks four foreign languages at such a young age. She's so soft and cuddly too."

Steven said under his breath, "No matter how much you miss them, you need to practice self control, Mr. Faulkner. Otherwise, all of your efforts will be in vain once Jack discovers your identity." Bruce sighed deeply. "I understand." A while later, he said, "I'll leave in a bit."

He secretly wished that he could spend more quality time with his two children.

The next morning, Amanda put on a yellow dress and skipped happily out of the room with Genevieve.

While they were making their way downstairs, Amanda proposed an idea. "Mommy, can you give Mr. Gable a call and ask if he would like to join us for breakfast? Make sure to say that it's my

treat."

"He's an independent adult. If he wants to eat, he will know where to find food for himself." Genevieve said indifferently.

Amanda lifted her head, looking curious. "Mommy, did Mr. Gable enrage you? That's why you don't want to see him?"

Chapter 618

"No." Genevieve's tone rellected her annoyance.

Amanda noticed that her mother was not in a good mood and decided not to mention Bruce anymore. Then, the trio went for breakfast, Around ciglt-thirty, they checked out from the hot spring resort,

The staff from the reception counter spotted Amanda and walked to her. He asked policly. "Hello, liule girl, may I know your name, please?" "My name is Amanda Rachford."

"A guest named Bruce Gable left something for you." The stall went back to the counter and fetched a shopping bag for Amanda.

After thanking the statl. Amanda opened the bag right away and saw a ten-centimeters hand crocheted doll sitting inside.

The doll was wearing a red checkered dress. There was also a beautiful ribbon pinned on the doll's hair that was made using black yarn.

Amanda thought that the doll resembled her. She showed it off to Genevieve and exclaimed. "Mommy, sec! This is a mini-me. Mr. Gable is just like a magician. Where did he manage to find a doll that looks like me?"

Amanda loved the doll so much that she kept kissing her. She even cmptied her bag, which was previously used to keep junk food, for the doll.

Staring at the gift, Genevieve was rather baffled.

There isn't any art and craft shop in Pillere. Who did he ask to craft such a lovely crocheted doll overnight?

Then, she thought about the pair of handmade slippers and tried to connect the dots together. She shook her head, seemingly trying to dismiss a thought. He's an actor by profession. Ilow is it possible that he knows how to make so many things?

There was another present inside the shopping bag-a mysterious black colored hourglass with Lucian's name engraved on it. There was a warrior figurine placed on top of it too. Amanda passed in to her brother. "Here you go, Lucian. It's a gift from Mr. Gable. Wow, it has your name on it!"

"It's just an hourglass. What's so special about it?" Lucian said disdainfully.

However, when Amanda was fidgeting with it, he insisted on keeping it to avoid damage.

Thereafter, Genevieve spent four crazy days in Tayhaven with her children. She brought them to Disneyland and Lego factory. Upon sending them back to Dartan, she accompanied them at home for several days.

When it was time for Genevieve to return to Chanaca, Amanda felt it hard to part ways with her. "Mommy, you must think of me every day, okay?"

"Mm." Genevieve gave her a kiss on the forehead, "Be good."

Amanda nodded and waved her noter Foodbye. "Mommy. if you see Mr. Gable back home. please thank him for me and tell him that I love the present very much."

Bruce was shooting innovic in Rodunst. GencVicvc had no idea how long he would be ronc for. Moreover, she did not feel like seeing him,

Nonetheless, she still promised the little girl she would pass the message.

Shortly after Genevieve lid introduced Jerry to Charlotte, the two hooked up.

She heard that the latter liad paid multiple visits to Jerry's filming location.

Charlotte was well aware that Genevieve and Sylvie had a fallout. Hence, when Sylvic tried to butter her up. Charlotte ignored the former completely. She even added Genevieve into a chat group consisting of seven to eight rich socialites whom she thought were in the same league as her.

Charlotte's subtle action showed that she had accepted Genevieve as one of her close friends.

When Genevieve saw how Charlotte bragged about her boyfriend's six-pack in the chat group, she was rendered speechless. A complicated feeling weighed on her heart. She orchestrated things behind the scenes to prevent Sylvie from becoming Charlotte's buddy. Yet, she disliked her own actions.

Had I set up a date between Bruce and Charlotte, I bet I'd be viewing photos of Bruce's sir-pack now...

She was displeased by that random thought.

It had been almost two months since she saw Bruce. The last time was at the hot spring resort.

She checked Joash's social media and realized that Bruce was still filming with the crew,

Right then, someone knocked at her office door. It was Jane. With a big smile on her face, she carried a big box into the room. "Are you busy, Genev?"

"Not really." Genevieve pointed at the box and asked, "Is this a present for me?"

"Oh no, it's for Mandy" Janc put it on the desk and opened it. It was a sixty-centimeters doll, an absolute masterpiece! Genevieve was dumbstruck. "It looks just like Mandy. The work is utterly amazing!"

Chapter 619

"This is a BJD doll. I hired a designer to design it for me." Janc explained to Genevieve.

She then opened the bag, showing Genevieve a collection of skirts that were designed according to the four scasons.

"Christmas is around the corner, and I want to give Mandy a gift. Coop and I made these."

Genevieve picked up a skirt and sighed enviously. "All these cute dolls and dresses will make Mandy the luckicsi girl in the world. I would have been over the moon had I received these lovely gifts when I was a kid!"

Jane pressed hier lips and smiled. "Coop has also custom-macle a sports car model for Lucian, but Lucian will only be able to receive it after Christmas because the model is not ready yet." "No worries. I'll prepare a Christmas gift for him," Genevieve said.

Since Jack had deployed quite a number of men at Faulkner Group in Xedells, Genevieve contacted one of the managers and told him to bring the gifts back to Dartan during Christmas. Genevieve did not want to rely on international shipping because she was afraid these exquisite

gifts would go missing during transit.

After finishing her work, Genevieve went to the hospital to visit Johanna.

When she found out Jermaine told Jane to make a trip to the hospital, Genevieve invited Jane to go with her.

After arriving at the hospital's lobby, Jane went straight to the cardiac surgery department.

When Jermaine saw Jane coming in his direction, he looked at her and said, "You look good. I bet you've been doing well lately."

"Mm." Jane responded with a faint smile. "I've stopped coughing every day for the past two wecks. Even when I coughed, my heart didn't hurt like it used to."

Jermaine turned on his laptop and checked his surgery schedule. "I'll be available after Christmas."

"So soon?" Jane's eyes brightened.

She thought she would have to wait till next year because she knew many of Jermaine's patients were on his surgical waiting list.

Jermaine gazed into her eyes and said in a serious tone, "Ms. Faulkner, you should know that this cardiac surgery is a high-risk procedure. Even I'm not confident that I can do well in this surgery."

He added, "You'll die on the surgical desk if the surgery fails, but you might live longer if you decide not to proceed with the procedure."

Jane was not intimidated by the consequences. She grinned and said, "All surgeries come with

risks. I'll be happy if I can survive the surgery, but if the surgery fails, I can only resign to my fate. I won't blame you."

Jermaine was surprised to see how Jane trusted liim. His lips twitched, but words caught in his throat.

Though he wanted to save lier life, he also believed she would most likely dic from the surgery.

Before leaving the hospital, Jaune reminded Jermaine not to Icll Genevieve about the surgical risk. If she finds out about this, she'll make me take medicines daily and stop me from undergoing this surgery.

Knowing Genevieve was still in Johanna's ward, Jane texted and told her she was leaving the hospital. Before leaving. Jane saw a familiar face amidst the crowd in the building. What's she doing herry

Jane walked up and stood in front of the woman on purpose so that she would notice her.

The woman holding another ashen-faced middle-aged woman frowned in chagrin when she almost bumped into Jane.

After seeing the person in front, the woman froze for a moment. "Jane?"

"Angela?" Jane also recognized her. She took out a handkerchief and coughed into it. "I thought you're working in Baykeep?"

Angela had to bring her mother upstairs first since she had made an appointment with the doctor.

Jane waited for her at the lobby.

Angela came down with her mother half an hour later. After sending her mother home, she took Jane out for lunch.

"My brother is working outstation, so I had to come here to look after my mom."

Jane responded with a gentle smile. "I'm glad we managed to bump into each other in Jadeborough. We haven't mct for a long time, have we?"

Angela was from Jadeborough but studied at Xcdells University. When Jane was still in the pink of health, she used to attend classes at the same university. That was how she befriended Angela.

After completing her studies, Angela relocated to Baykeep when she secured a job there. On the contrary, Jane had to stay home because of her health condition.

They eventually broke the icc aficr updating each other about their lives in the last few years.

Janc took a sip of her coffee and asked, "Are you still working in Zecler?"

"Yes. It was not easy getting into the company."

Angela then looked at lane and teased. "What's wrong? Does your friend want to do a DNA test? You're from the Faulkner family, so please don't tell me you want a discount from me."

"No, but..." Jane put down her cup and gave Angela a faint smile. "But I need a favor from you."

Chapter 620

On Christmas eve, Amanda gave Genevieve a call. Excitement was written all over the little girl's face. "Mommy! I received the gifts from Aunt Janc and Uncle Cooper! The doll is so so pretty. and I love the skirts!"

Amanda stood up and showed Genevieve the skirt she was wearing.

The flame-red colored skirt matched Amanda's fur complexion so well that she looked like an exquisite doll. "I've been wearing this all day because I love this skirt so much!"

Genevieve froze for a moment. "This skirt is not from Aunt Jane."

She did not come across the skirt when she was packing the gifts for someone to bring them back to Dartan. This skirt is definitely not from Cooper or Jane.

"Really?" Amanda tilted her head and asked. "I received many Christmas gifts this morning, but I don't know who they're from."

"Perhaps they're from Mr. Valentine's friends?" Genevieve was not bothered by the skirt because Jack's friends had also prepared gifts for the children last Christmas. But somehow, Amanda's instincts told her it was not a gift from Jack's friends.

Despite that, she did not tell Genevieve what was on her mind. Instead, she blinked her large puppy eyes and looked at her. "Mommy, I've missed you so much!" *I did return to Dartan a week ago, didn't I?" Genevieve responded with a grin.

"Absence makes the heart grow fonder, Mommy." Amanda cited a Chanaean idiom. "I hope you can come back and celebrate Christmas with Lucian and me."

Genevieve said in a gentle voice, "I'm busy over here. You and Lucian have a great time with Mr. Valentine, okay?"

Jack's misdemeanor still gave her nightmares to this day. That was why she wanted to avoid confronting him.

After a short pause, Genevieve continued, "I will bring you two over for New Year. How about that?"

"All right, Mommy! You must keep your promise, okay?" The disappointment in Amanda's heart vanished in the blink of an eye.

Amanda Uien continued the small talk with Genevieve for a few more minutes before ending the call.

Meanwhile, Genevieve also instructed the IIR department to prepare a Christinas gilt for each

employee.

Since Christmas fell on Saturday, Genevieve rave her stafl'permission to clock out ar three in the afternoon so that they could enjoy the celebration.

After leaving the production company, Genevieve and Jane went to the mall for a walk to kill time. They would meet with Cooper for dinner later since he had made a reservation at a restaurant. While they were window shopping, they bumped into Charlotte and the others.

Charlotte told Genevieve that Jerry had flown to Lightspring to do a commercial shoot. "I'don't want to go, so I'll just wait for him to return tomorrow to celebrate Christmas together. I decided to hang out at the mall with my friends since I've nothing to do."

Instead of going separate ways, Charlotte insisted on joining the other two ladics. After a shopping spree, Charlotte invited them