Chapter 261

Maxwell stepped forward and gripped Evelyn's shoulders, preventing her from leaving.

His intense gaze searched her eyes, watching for any flicker of emotion.

Evelyn's calm exterior was a facade. Inside, she was anything but composed.

Dominic's words had struck a nerve. Tears threatened to spill, but she shoved Maxwell away. "Stop trying to drive us apart. I'll always believe in Dominic, no matter what."

She grabbed Olivia's hand and marched defiantly toward the bus stop.

Maxwell didn't follow. His jaw clenched as his fists repeatedly tightened and relaxed.

'You'll come back to me eventually, Evelyn.'

Though she'd planned to take the bus home, Evelyn changed her mind in her agitated state. She decided to pick up the twins from kindergarten instead.

She called Sebastian, discovering he was already en route. She instructed him to wait if he arrived first.

After hanging up, Evelyn bid Olivia farewell and hailed a cab to the school.

The kindergarten was just four blocks away on the same street. She arrived within minutes.

At the entrance, childish voices bickered loudly.

"My father runs a Fortune 500 company! He's super important!" boasted a chubby-cheeked boy.

"Is he more important than my daddy?" came Isabella's familiar retort.

"Obviously! My dad's amazing!" the boy countered.

Isabella refused to back down. "My daddy's the most important! Nobody dares disobey him!"

The boy scoffed. "Big deal. When my dad visits, even the principal stands at attention!"

Isabella smirked. "My daddy owns a huge company with thousands of employees who all bow to him!"

The boy raised his voice. "That's nothing! I never wait in line at the hospital when I mention my dad!"

Isabella turned to her brother, pouting. "Alexander...he's being mean..."

Alexander massaged his temples. Though he found their argument childish, he wouldn't tolerate anyone bullying his sister.

"Fine," Alexander said smoothly, his princely smile sending chills down the boy's spine. "If your father's so important, Oliver, does he take the bus?"

"Of course! Duh!" Oliver lifted his chin arrogantly.

Alexander's grin widened. "Interesting...my father only drives his Bentley, Ferrari, or Rolls-Royce. He's never ridden a bus."

Oliver gaped, speechless.

Alexander took Isabella's hand. "Tell me, Oliver, have you ever seen an important person take the bus?"

Oliver's round face flushed crimson with rage.

'Damn it! He tricked me!'

Evelyn nearly laughed aloud at their ridiculous debate.

She knew she shouldn't encourage such behavior, but she couldn't help admiring Alexander's cunning. With one question, he'd left his opponent floundering.

"Alexander, Isabella, Mommy's here!" Evelyn called warmly.

The twins' faces lit up. Isabella flew into Evelyn's arms like an excited sparrow while Alexander approached with dignified grace.

After kissing Isabella's cheek, Evelyn noticed Oliver again.

Her heart softened at the sight of him. With his porcelain skin, thick lashes, and animated eyes, he was unbearably adorable—despite his bratty attitude.

Evelyn had zero resistance to cute children.

"What's your name, sweetheart? Are your parents coming?" she asked.

"Mommy, that's Oliver Kensington," Isabella huffed. "He's the class bully! He pulls my hair and fights with everyone. Even the teachers can't control him. Let's just go!"

Oliver hesitated, then shuffled toward Evelyn.

Though he constantly fought with Isabella, her mother seemed kind and gentle.

Oliver had never known his own mother.

Watching Evelyn kiss Isabella sparked an unfamiliar jealousy. He found himself drawn to her warmth.

"Where do you live? Should we give you a ride?" Evelyn patted his head just as Sebastian pulled up.

"No thank you," Oliver mumbled, blushing. "Uncle Clarence is coming."

Evelyn decided to wait with him. It wasn't safe for a child to be alone.

She mediated between the children until they made peace.

Soon, the Kensington family driver arrived, apologizing for the delay due to traffic.

Relieved to find Oliver safe, the driver thanked Evelyn before leaving.

As the car drove off, Oliver peered back at Evelyn through the window.

Something about his lonely expression tugged at her heartstrings.