Chapter 97: Not like Mama.
After an entire day, the roads that had been blocked due to the thunderstorm were finally cleared, making it easier for vehicles to pass.
And because of that, it didn’t take Amelia long to pull up in front of Adelyn’s apartment.
"We’re here," Amelia announced, turning to look at her. "You can go and rest. I’m finally done with you."
She truly looked like she wanted to get rid of Adelyn as soon as possible.
"Are you not going to transfer your savings to me?" Adelyn asked, glancing at her as if she was completely serious.
Amelia’s expression twisted.
But just as she was about to retort, a soft click made her pause.
Her gaze dropped to Adelyn’s hand —she was already unbuckling her seatbelt.
Amelia pursed her lips. "You really like teasing me, don’t you?"
Adelyn smiled and shrugged casually. "Some things are hard to resist."
"You —"
"Sister Amelia," Adelyn cut in, making her pause, "thank you for driving me back. I won’t linger and bother you any longer."
With that, she opened the door and stepped out.
Standing outside, she gave a small wave.
Amelia pointed at her as if to say something, but in the end, she only shook her head and sighed.
"Fine. Go. I won’t let your words get to me."
Adelyn smirked, then turned and headed towards her apartment without another glance.
Behind her, Amelia’s car soon drove away.
When Adelyn reached her floor and opened the door to her flat, she suddenly paused.
She didn’t know why, but suddenly she felt ... something was missing in the air.
Her brows furrowed as she looked around the place.
Everything was in its place —just the way she had left it.
And yet, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing.
Then suddenly, she turned to look back.
For a split second, an image of something small flashed in her mind —but just when she was about to react to it, it vanished.
Her brows drew together.
Pursing her lips, she stepped inside and closed the door behind her.
She tossed her coat onto the sofa and walked toward the kitchen to get herself a glass of water.
But as her gaze lifted —
She couldn’t stop herself from imagining the same familiar from last night standing there with his broad, strong shoulders.
But just like before —
That image also disappeared.
Adelyn frowned.
Was she serious?
It had only been a few hours, and she was already missing two people who hadn’t even been part of her life twenty-four hours ago.
"Adelyn, at this rate, you’ll go crazy," she muttered to herself.
Shaking off the thought, she poured herself a glass of water.
—————
Meanwhile, elsewhere —
Eira sat quietly in Dylan’s office, a book suitable for her age open in her hands.
But anyone could tell her attention wasn’t on the pages.
Her eyes were fixed on the door, as if she were waiting for someone to walk in at anu moment.
But even after an entire afternoon —
No one came.
She was still staring at the door.
Waiting.
Wyatt, who had stepped into Dylan’s office several times, had noticed it clearly.
At first, he thought the little girl might be waiting for one of her uncles.
But as hours passed and no one appeared, he realized that wasn’t the case.
Unable to bear her silent anticipation any longer, he turned to Dylan.
"Sir, the young miss seems bored. Is someone coming to pick her up?"
If someone had forgotten, he could always make a call to remind them.
But seeing her like this ... it was hard to ignore. She looked so pitiful.
Dylan lifted his gaze and looked at his daughter,
Others might not understand who she was waiting for —but as her father, how could he not?
He didn’t answer Wyatt.
Instead, he closed the file in front of him and stood up.
Wyatt was confused for a moment.
Then he heard Dylan speak.
"Wrap things up for today."
The secretary froze. His eyes drifted to the desk, still stacked with files and documents.
They weren’t urgent, but according to the schedule, they were meant to be completed well ahead of time —which meant overtime.
And yet —
His boss was leaving.
Before he could question it, he saw Dylan extend his hand toward Eira.
"Let’s go.
Eira looked at him and blinked.
For a moment, she thought he might be taking her to see her mama. But then she remembered —
He had said her mama wouldn’t like her visiting often.
So they were just going home.
She wouldn’t be seeing her mama.
A flicker of disappointment crossed her face. Still, she placed her small hand in his.
"Dada," she said softly, "can you carry Eira?"
Dylan didn’t reply. He simply bent down and lifted her into his arms.
Eira wrapped her arms around his neck and rested her head against him, seeking warmth.
But it wasn’t the same.
"Not like Mama," she whispered quietly, not moving.
Dylan heard her.
A faint smile touched his lips as he gently pulled her back to look at her.
"There’s always a difference between a mother and a father," he said. "You can’t compare."
Eira’s brows furrowed. She didn’t argue.
She knew Mama and Dada were different. But she wanted Mama. Can she ask Dada to bring her back to her Mama?
Pouting slightly, she hugged him again and rested her head on his shoulder, clearly disheartened.
Dylan patted her back gently, knowing her thoughts well before carrying her away.
—————
At the same time, on the other side —
The auditions were finally over.
As the people began to leave, Camden slipped away to a quiet corner.
Taking out his phone, he dialled a recent number from his call list.
Just as it rang, the call was connected through —almost immediately.
A satisfied smile curved his lips, and a trace of excitement became evident in his eyes.
"You were right," he said. "She didn’t fail at all. If anything, her performance amazed everyone."