The Ugly Wife’s Stunning Comeback novel Chapter 102

So, why wasn’t Max’s wife here today?

Everyone noticed her absence, but no one wanted to come right out and ask.

Max gently placed the baby in her stroller. Miranda and Brysen rushed over immediately, their faces lighting up as they gazed at their precious granddaughter. The joy in their eyes was impossible to miss.

Miranda handed over the gift she’d chosen for Anne’s one-month celebration, a set of heirloom jewelry worth more than most people could imagine. “Anne, do you like it?” she asked, her voice full of pride.

Anne just stared up at her, big eyes curious but completely unreadable.

“Anne, look at Great-Grandpa’s present,” Brysen chimed in. He’d had a rattle specially made from rare sandalwood and had even painted the drum’s design himself.

Tatiana and Brandon handed over their own carefully wrapped gifts, hoping for just a hint of a smile from their granddaughter.

But Anne only blinked, her expression as calm as ever.

Miranda let out a soft sigh. “She really is reserved just like you, Max.”

At that moment, Luke crouched down with a locket in his hand, gently shaking it in front of Anne. “Anne, do you like this?” he coaxed, his tone playful.

Anne’s eyes landed on the locket. Suddenly, she broke into a giggle.

Everyone’s faces lit up in surprise and delight.

Miranda beamed. “Looks like Anne has a favorite.”

Luke gazed at Anne, his voice gentle as he said, “You know this is from Mommy, right?”

His words seemed to freeze the air for a moment, leaving a heavy silence in the room.

Rose shot her son a helpless look.

Luke acted like he hadn’t noticed the tension. He leaned closer to Anne and kept his voice soft. “Mommy wants you to be safe and happy, sweetheart.”

Anne giggled again at the sound of his voice.

Max settled Anne back into her stroller and checked that she was comfortable.

Miranda looked at Max, her tone serious. “Max, for Anne’s sake, you should go and bring Felicia back.”

Miranda was not happy with Felicia’s attitude. No matter how much advice she’d given, none of it seemed to sink in. Felicia always seemed so gentle on the outside, but deep down she was stubborn and proud.

Tatiana stayed silent, even though she clearly had her own opinions.

Brandon spoke up instead. “A child needs her mother, Max. Think about what’s best for Anne.”

Brysen let out a gruff sound. “She thinks just because she gave the Hawthorne family a child, she’s suddenly someone special. What, does she expect us to roll out the red carpet and beg her to come back?”

Miranda gave him a warning look. “That’s enough. Don’t let Nate hear you talking like that.”

Max stroked Anne’s tiny hand. “Grandma, Grandpa, Mom, Dad, you all go ahead. I know what I need to do.”