CHAPTER 257: CHAPTER 257: MOM, PLEASE PICK ME UP AFTER SCHOOL TOMORROW

Hanging up the phone, Tanya didn’t go inside immediately; she stood on the balcony for a while, feeling the breeze.

She had asked Sean what condition he would require to explain why he married her mother back then, and possibly any information he knew about her biological father...

Tanya returned to the living room, where the aroma of food was already wafting from the kitchen.

After more than half an hour, three dishes and a soup were served, each looking, smelling, and tasting superb.

And they were all to her taste.

Declan served Tanya a bowl of soup first, then a bowl for Caden. These family-like actions seemed so natural when he did them.

"Try it."

Tanya took a sip, her eyes lighting up slightly, "Delicious."

Honestly, Declan’s cooking skills were much better than hers.

Caden also gave a thumbs-up.

He decided to give Declan extra points for being a good cook.

He had searched online and learned that one standard for a good man or husband was to know how to cook! A man who cooks takes care of his wife!

After the meal, Tanya helped Declan clean up, while Caden was in the living room setting up a chessboard and studying chess strategies.

Tanya asked Declan seriously, "Why do you have bruises from arterial blood draws on your arm?"

Declan rinsed the bowl under the tap, saying lightly, "For Zeke; he has a blood disease and needs my blood to heal."

"..." Such a major thing, he just mentioned it so casually.

After processing his words, Tanya realized something, her brow furrowing tightly, "So the Pierce Family brought you back just to use you as a blood source for Zeke?!"

She was already angry just by saying this.

"They’re simply heartless!"

Judging by Declan’s needle marks, they must have taken a lot, and drawing arterial blood can lead to shock and organ failure.

Tanya fumed, "Zeke’s life matters, but doesn’t yours?"

Declan glanced at her angry face and suddenly smiled.

Tanya: "... You’re being used as a blood bag, and you can still smile?"

His smile deepened, "Concerned about me?"

"Of course!"

After all, a life is a life!

Declan dried his hands, leaning against the kitchen counter, bathed in the gentle glow of the lights.

Even his gaze softened.

He looked at her, his expression tender, almost devout.

He said, "Tanya, if you’re unwilling to let go, then I’ll live."

...

Tanya escorted Declan downstairs, planning to take out the trash, but before she could reach for it, Declan took the trash bag.

A black luxury car was already parked at a temporary parking spot outside the community.

Janne stood in front of the car, and when he saw Tanya and Declan coming out together, he revealed a smile of relief, courteously greeting, "Ms. Sinclair."

Tanya nodded in acknowledgment.

Declan spoke first, "Have you seen the person off?"

Janne caught on immediately, "Already seen off, Ms. Winslow’s flight is likely landing soon."

Hearing Wynn’s name, Tanya’s gaze flickered ever so slightly.

Janne continued to report, "As for the media that were randomly speculating and claiming your relationship with Ms. Winslow, I’ve already sent legal notices. Related news has also been taken down. You and Ms. Winslow are barely connected! All nonsense writing!"

While attentively watching Tanya’s expression, Janne vented indignantly, "When you were abroad, you had some business cooperation with Mr. Winslow from The Shipping Magnate, thus the frequent contact. As for Ms. Winslow, you’ve only met her four times in total, and privately, she doesn’t even know your personal number!"

"And as for accompanying her shopping this afternoon, it was Ms. Winslow who said she would go home after shopping. But then you two got photographed, and now their imagination is truly wild, even fabricating marriage alliances, haha...Ms. Sinclair, right?"

Janne looked at Tanya expectantly, his expression clear—Did I explain it well enough on behalf of President Pierce? There can’t be any misunderstandings now, right?

Tanya: "..."

What an awkward turn of events.

Tanya showed a polite smile.

"I’ll head back now. Drive safely on your way."

Declan stood still, watching Tanya’s figure walk into the community before getting into the car.

Janne: "President Pierce, now Ms. Sinclair certainly won’t misunderstand you! By the way, how did the dinner with Ms. Sinclair go today? Anything you need help analyzing?"

Declan found it amusing, "Are you unclear about your own role? You’ve never even dated anyone; what are you going to analyze for me?"

Janne: "..."

As if you’ve dated before.

Of course, he didn’t dare say that out loud.

Declan playfully kicked his seat back, his tone languid.

"Drive."

After a short drive, he received a WeChat message from Tanya.

It was a photo of a prescription she had handwritten.

Princess: [I just checked your pulse. This prescription will be effective for your condition. If it’s inconvenient for you to brew it daily, ask the pharmacy to prepare it in advance, packaged for two doses a day.]

Declan: [Okay.]

While driving, Janne glanced in the rearview mirror and saw President Pierce smiling dazzlingly.

Janne: "President Pierce, what’s the good news?"

Declan, in good spirits, squinted and said with a smile, "Starting tomorrow, I’ll take good care of myself."

Before bed, Tanya played with Caden for a while, then they both read for a bit. Once Caden was asleep, Tanya returned to her room.

She was about to turn off the lights to sleep when she received an unexpected call.

It was Joy calling.

Tanya immediately answered, "Joy?"

On the other end, her daughter’s soft, slightly sad voice came through.

"Mom, Dad scolded me. I know I was wrong. I’m sorry... Do you still want to be my mom?"

This last question—what mom could ever refuse?

"I will always be your mom, Joy," Tanya said softly.

"Then, Mom, can you pick me up after school tomorrow? I miss my brother too."

The fact that her daughter was willing to try to accept her and spend time with her made Tanya relieved.

"Alright, I’ll talk to Dad, and I’ll pick you up to stay over tomorrow."

"Okay, goodnight."

"Goodnight, sweetheart."

Joy was in the bathroom at that moment, and after putting down the phone, her big bright eyes seemed clouded as she blankly looked at Cindy in front of her, like a puppet, asking in a daze, "Did I do well, Mom Cindy?"

Cindy embraced Joy, her eyes filled with a trace of reluctance and heartache.

"You did very well, sweetheart. Tomorrow, it’ll all be over."

A censer was placed on the sink beside them...