Chapter 454

Evelyn set the tablet aside. She intended to leverage Lucas Laurent's role as their spokesperson to prove Iris Linwood—and the public—wrong.

By the time she arrived home, Richard was already preparing dinner for the kids, with Liam, the ever-responsible little adult, assisting him in the kitchen.

Daisy and Caleb were sprawled on the couch, engrossed in their game. The moment they spotted her, Daisy dropped the controller and chirped, "Mommy, you're back! Work's done?"

"Yes, sweetheart, all done," Evelyn replied, slipping off her heels.

Rusty lay curled beside them, exhausted from playing with the kids. The pup barely lifted its head to acknowledge her before drifting back to sleep.

As Richard set the table, he called out, "Dinner's ready. Wash up and come eat."

"Okay!" Caleb and Daisy abandoned their game and scrambled to the sink.

Rusty stretched lazily before hopping down, trotting straight to Liam as the boy poured kibble into its bowl.

Liam ruffled the dog's fur. "When will Rusty get bigger?"

Richard chuckled. "He's still a puppy. Give him time."

"Then eat more and grow fast, chubby boy," Liam cooed at Rusty.

Daisy dashed to the table, and Richard lifted her into her chair. She peered up at him. "Grandpa, can we take Rusty home for a few days?"

Since the kids adored the dog, Richard patted her head. "Of course."

"Yay!" Daisy clapped. "We can play with Rusty every day!"

Evelyn sighed. "You won't have time. Caleb has school, and you two have sessions at Royal Crown Entertainment. Rusty will be bored."

Daisy pouted. "Fine."

After a pause, she brightened. "Then we'll visit Grandpa every day!"

Evelyn pinched her nose. "You just want to play with Rusty, don't you?"

Daisy wrinkled her nose defiantly. "So what?"

Richard laughed, handing her a plate of spaghetti. "You're always welcome. Now eat up—you too, Caleb and Liam."

"Thanks, Grandpa," the boys chorused.

The doorbell rang, and Richard stood. "I'll get it."

When he opened the door, his expression froze. "Mr. Goldmann, you—"

"Good evening, sir." Nathan dipped his head respectfully, making Richard shift uncomfortably.

"Daddy!" Caleb's eyes lit up. "Why are you here?"

Daisy rolled her eyes. "Obviously for Mommy. Duh."

Richard fetched another set of cutlery without comment. He understood their situation but knew better than to pry in front of the kids—who remained oblivious to their impending divorce.

"Heh, did you get lonely eating alone?" Caleb teased.

Evelyn stiffened. She shot him a look. "No talking with your mouth full."

Nathan pressed his lips together, silent.

Liam studied them. "Daddy, are you and Mommy fighting?"

The question made Daisy and Caleb swivel their heads toward their parents.

Were they?

Sensing the tension, Richard interjected, "Don't be silly. If they were fighting, would your dad be here?"