Chapter 239

“Found it,” Howard’s eyes narrowed. His Adam’s apple bobbed, and he glanced at Yvette, hesitating. He said nothing, turning to leave.

Yvette’s eyes widened in shock. “Howard!” she roared. “Stop right there!”

Howard paused, turning back with a conflicted expression.

“Howard,” Yvette stepped forward, gripping his arm tightly. Her eyes were red and swollen as she forcefully whispered, “You are not going anywhere.”

“Yvette,” Howard’s brow furrowed as he stared at her. Finally, he pried her hand away. “About us… let’s talk when I get back.”

Yvette stumbled back.

Howard looked at her one last time and walked away.

“Howard! Howard!” Yvette cried out behind him, nearly overcome with tears.

Miranda hurried to her side, having witnessed the scene with confusion. “What is going on?” she asked, piecing together fragments of the conversation.

Yvette, tears welling, gripped Miranda’s arm. “Miranda, I want to see what he’s been doing behind my back.”

In the car, Hervey quickly reported, “Mr. Howard Flynn, Ms. Young is following us.”

Howard remained silent, his expression unchanged. “Let her follow.”

According to Hervey, they drove to the orphanage. Emily Porter, the director, had contacted them; a three-year-old child had returned. The child, handsome and healthy, had been adopted twice, only to be returned both times. The first family returned him after six months; the second, after a year due to a divorce. This return allowed Hervey to locate him. The repeated adoptions had taken a significant toll on the young boy's heart. He was abandoned as an infant and then faced two failed adoptions.

When Howard retrieved him, Emily hesitated. “Mr. Flynn, you must think carefully. Adopting a child is a significant commitment, for both the child and yourself.” She implied that if he wasn't prepared for a lifelong commitment, he shouldn't take the child. The child, once cheerful, was now quiet and shy, unable to handle another rejection.

Howard assured Emily, “Don’t worry. From the day I take him away, he will be my child.”

Howard provided the best material comforts and hired caregivers, but the child unexpectedly returned to the orphanage.

Upon arriving, Emily was waiting. “Mr. Flynn,” she said.

“Yes,” Howard nodded, his face serious. He realized he'd overlooked the child's feelings. “Where’s the child? Is he okay?”

“He is inside, eating,” Emily replied.

Inside, the three-year-old sat on a small chair, his clothes dirty, his face dusty. Tired and hungry, he ate cookies Emily had given him.

Howard felt a pang of sympathy. He approached the child quietly. “Bobby,” he said.

Bobby, cheeks puffed out, trembled at the sound of his name, looking up in panic.

Howard raised a hand to touch his head, but Bobby jumped down, hiding behind Emily.

Emily chuckled, patting Bobby. “What’s wrong, Bobby? This is Mr. Flynn. He has adopted you, and you’ll be family from now on.”

“No,” Bobby pleaded, his eyes wide. “Ms. Porter, I don’t want to be adopted. I’m a good boy. Ms. Porter, let me stay here, okay?”

The director sighed. “Bobby, be good. Go with Mr. Flynn. You can live in a big house, eat delicious food, wear new clothes, and go to a good school…”

Bobby cried and shook his head, refusing. Emily's eyes welled up at his distress. Fearing Howard's reaction, she said, “Mr. Flynn, Bobby has been hurt before. Please be patient.”

“I understand,” Howard replied calmly. He squatted down and gently reached out. “Bobby, come here… come to Daddy.”

Bobby trembled, looking at Howard, then at Emily.

Emily encouraged him. “Did you hear that? You will have a father from now on. Mr. Flynn is your father.”

Bobby, clearly wavering, was eager for a home, but his past trauma lingered.

“Bobby, good boy,” Howard said gently. “I’ve been busy, but I won’t abandon you. Don’t worry, you have a home now, and you won’t be sent back.”

Bobby, understanding, his voice choked with emotion, asked, “Really?”

“Yes,” Howard extended his pinky finger. “Pinky promise. I won’t lie to you.” Bobby hesitantly hooked his pinky around Howard’s. “No lying.”

“No lying,” Howard confirmed.

Emily prompted, “Bobby, why don’t you call him Daddy?”

“Da…Daddy,” Bobby whispered.

Howard, his heart brimming, embraced Bobby.

At the door, Yvette and Miranda witnessed the scene. Miranda, now understanding everything, realized Howard had a child—a Flynn, her great-grandson.

Ignoring Yvette, Miranda rushed inside. “Bobby, it’s Great-Grandma! Bobby, you’re my good boy.”

Yvette, at the door, stared, her eyes hardening. “Howard, you treat me like this… you will regret it.”