Adrian seemed to have already thought of a plan. Without a doubt, claiming that Eloise was his goddaughter was the best possible way to resolve the current problem. He asked, “Do you think she’s my biological daughter? I’m not even married, nor do I have a girlfriend yet. How could I have a daughter?” His lips curled into a cool and indifferent smile.

“But I clearly heard her call you ‘Daddy’…”

“Is a godfather not a father?” Adrian’s gaze turned icy cold, carrying a chill that made people shudder. “You’re pushing too hard, and it’s honestly crossing the line.”

“That’s enough.” Before Damien could speak his mind, Alaric cut him off. He looked at Adrian and asked, “When did you take on a goddaughter? Even if she’s not your biological child, this is still an important matter. You should’ve told me.”

“There’s not much to say. If you want to meet her, I’ll bring her over some other day,” Adrian replied casually as he leaned back against the chair, his voice low and calm.

Alaric cleared his throat and said, “Since she’s your goddaughter, she must have parents. Why is Celeste the one taking care of her all the time?”

Celeste was about to reply when Adrian spoke first. “She doesn’t have parents anymore.”

She was momentarily stunned, as she hadn’t expected him to say that. However, upon reflection, she figured that he wasn’t completely lying. Eloise’s father had abandoned her, and her mother was about to be executed. She was no different from an orphan.

When Alaric remained quiet, Celeste added, “I knew her mother, and we have quite a good relationship. That’s why I’ve been caring for the child. You could say that I’m just helping Mr. Adrian to look after her.”

“I see.” Alaric nodded thoughtfully.

Celeste nodded. Then, she realized Adrian was staring at her, but she couldn’t bring herself to meet his gaze with Damien sitting right across from them. Damien’s expression was grim, his presence sucking the air around them.

“Well, since the misunderstanding is cleared up, there’s no need to keep digging into it. It’s just a child. There’s no need to make a big scene over it.”

As Alaric spoke, he tilted his head in Damien’s direction. Everyone knew that his remarks were aimed squarely at him.

Damien didn’t say anything more, but when he looked at Celeste, his eyes were filled with anger.

“It’s getting late. I have an important meeting tonight, so I’ll take my leave,” Adrian said as he hurriedly rose from the couch, his voice low and hoarse.

“Are you not staying for dinner? You’re already here.” Alaric seemed upset as he turned to look at Adrian.

Celeste also got to her feet: “I also have something to attend to tonight, so I won’t stay for dinner. Would it be alright if I caught a ride with you, Mr. Adrian?”

Adrian looked at her, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. “Of course.”

Damien abruptly stood and shouted, “You can go with me!” Then, he strode over and grabbed her arm, pulling her toward the door.

When they reached the entrance, Celeste forcefully pulled free from his grasp. “We’re not headed in the same direction.”

His brows furrowed deeply, and he countered, “You’re not going the same way as Uncle Adrian either! So, why are you taking his car?”

Chapter 68

Chapter 69