Chapter 30
Neville withdrew his gaze. “No, I didn’t expect you to be so concerned about Marvin.”
Stella smiled. “Mr. Connolly, anyone would be concerned if you offered them a million dollars.”
Abby interrupted from the side, “Exactly, Mr. Connolly. You don’t need to offer me a million. Just a hundred thousand, and I’d
treat Marvin like royalty.”
Neville chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Alright, I’ll ensure all the details about Marvin are sent to you, Ms.
Cameron.”
He glanced at Marvin. “Before we go, I’d like to talk with Marvin.”
Sensing the moment, Stella said, “I’ll wait for Marvin downstairs.”
With that, she and Abby left the hospital room, thoughtfully closing the door behind them.
Once they were gone, Neville raised an eyebrow and asked Marvin, “Are you sure it’s her?”
More animated, Marvin nodded earnestly. “Yes, it’s her. I want her to be my mom.”
Neville scratched his chin thoughtfully. “If it were any other woman, it might be easier. Money could sort it out even if she had a
husband and kids. But this woman is married to Haynes. It won’t be easy.”
Marvin insisted stubbornly, “I don’t care. I want her as my mom!”
“Timing is everything,” Neville laughed. “Six months ago, it might’ve been impossible, but now, there’s a good chance.”
“In the past half-year, what Haynes has done for his ‘first crush’ has become public knowledge. His judgment and that of his son
seem uncannily similar. Even his kid favors this ‘first crush.””
“Now, Stella’s living on her own.” Neville looked down at Marvin, “This is your opportunity. I’ve set the stage. Now, it’s up to you.”
Marvin’s face showed none of a child’s innocence. He nodded resolutely, “I’ll do my best to win her over!”
“That’s the spirit.” Neville ruffled his hair with a gentle smile. “When you want something, go after it, even if it requires a bit of
cunning. But tell me, what is it about her that you like?”
A while back, Marvin had transferred to a prestigious kindergarten. Within days, he said he liked a woman and wanted her to be
his mom.
When Neville first heard this, he thought it was some scheming woman trying to cozy up to Marvin. After some investigation, he
discovered the woman was Haynes’ wife.
She seemed to be a stay-at-home mom, rarely appearing in public. There weren’t even any photos of her online. People knew
Haynes was secretly married but had no idea who his wife was.
There had been quite a stir about Haynes and another woman. Many speculated that Haynes’ secret wife was Rachel.
Marvin explained, “I observed them for a few days and noticed the way she looks at her child-so full of warmth. No other mother
gazes at their child quite like that. It made me think that’s exactly how a mom should be.”
…
As night fell, Abby dropped Stella off at her apartment. It was already late, and Marvin had fallen asleep in the backseat.
After parking, Abby watched as Stella carefully carried Marvin out of the car.
“Stella, are you sure you want to care for this kid? I know the pay is good, but I feel his dad isn’t someone you want to cross. If
anything happens to this kid, he won’t take it lightly.”
Stella’s expression was calm. “I know.”
Abby was confused. “Then why are you doing it?”
Now that the initial allure of the money had faded, Abby had many concerns. If the boy were fine, all would be fine. But if
anything happened, Stella could be in serious trouble.
Stella sighed softly, “Abby, I just want to find something to keep myself busy.”