Chapter 170

"Maria, what's this grass called? Can we eat it?" Serena asked, squatting in the sprawling, picturesque garden. It felt like a European classical garden.

Maria shook her head. "Ask your mom. I don't know." To Maria, the plants fell into two categories: edible and inedible. She envisioned a spring bounty of wild herbs, a hopeful smile lighting her face.

A car pulled up. Max, the man Paisley had treated for a leg injury, stepped out with a subordinate. He looked at Serena, bundled in a fluffy bunny suit, with amusement. "What are you doing?"

Serena pointed at the grass. "Looking at it!"

Max chuckled, his gaze warm. "And you are...?"

Serena looked up at his towering height. "I'm Serena, but everyone calls me Keru." Maria realized they were blocking the gate to Max's house. "Sorry," she said, pulling Serena away. "We're in your way."

Max, instead of leaving, crouched down. "You're called Rena?" he said softly.

Serena nodded. "Yeah, Serena, but Keru."

"Rena, we need to go," Maria said, wary of Max and the serious men constantly visiting his house.

Max, noticing Maria's caution, didn't mind. He stood, ready to wave goodbye, but Serena, hampered by her thick clothes, toddled towards him and grabbed his coat. "Sir, can you hug me?"

Max froze, seeing the longing in her eyes. Maria rushed forward, but Max crouched again. Faced with such a hopeful gaze, he couldn't refuse.

Serena's face lit up. She bounced into his arms. "Wow! You're so tall—like Prince Charming!"

Max chuckled. "Who's Prince Charming?"

"He's handsome. More handsome than you?"

Serena considered. "Sir, you and Prince Charming are different. He's a prince, but you're like a great general!"

Max was surprised. Paisley arrived, her expression freezing as she saw the scene. She realized Serena's need for a father's love. A pang hit her heart. She parked and walked towards them. "Rena, I'm back!"

Serena's eyes lit up. "Mommy! Mommy!"

Paisley scooped up Serena, offering Max a polite smile. "I hope she wasn't a bother."

"Not at all. Rena and I got along well," Max said, a strand of Serena's hair brushing his hand as Paisley hugged her.

"Mommy, I like Max!" Serena declared.

Paisley felt awkward. "Rena, goodbye. We're going home."

Serena waved. "Bye-bye, Sir!"

Max watched them leave. Leo strolled up. "Gotta say, Max, you'd make a pretty good dad."

Max paused, the image of Serena's hopeful gaze lingering. "Hmm. Having a daughter wouldn't be so bad."

Leo scoffed. "Seriously, though… who the hell is that kid's real dad? Letting go of such a gorgeous wife and adorable daughter? That guy must be…"