The Ugly Wife’s Stunning Comeback novel Chapter 158

She thought coming a day early with her gift would help her dodge Max, but of course, luck wasn’t on her side. She’d run right into him anyway.

Sometimes it felt like the universe was just messing with her.

Still, seeing Anne here brought a little flutter of excitement she hadn’t expected.

Nate glanced over. “Does Max know about you?”

Felicia shook her head. “I don’t think so.”

Nate didn’t push. “It’s good for you to see Anne.”

Felicia just nodded.

She followed Nate out of the study and into the living room.

Anne was sitting on the couch, but the second she spotted Felicia, her eyes went wide like she couldn’t believe it. In a flash, she jumped up, her face lighting up with pure happiness. She raced over and threw her arms around Felicia’s waist. “Evelynn!”

Anne hugged her tight, practically bouncing with joy. “This is the best! I’m so happy we get to see each other again. I’m really glad Dad brought me to see Grandpa Nate today.”

Felicia ran her hand gently over Anne’s hair, her smile soft and warm. “Yeah, I’m happy to see you too.”

Nate watched them, a quiet satisfaction in his eyes. Then he turned to Max.

“Mr. Gilbert,” Max said respectfully.

Nate moved toward the couch. “You could’ve called ahead.”

Max explained, “It was last minute. Something urgent came up at work, and I have to leave tomorrow. So I brought Anne by today with your birthday gift, since we won’t be able to come tomorrow.”

Nate nodded and motioned for him to sit down. “Work comes first.”

His attitude toward Max had definitely softened over time. Max had stepped up as a dad, and Anne was growing up well under his care.

Max took a long box and pulled out a painting.

Mandy’s whole face lit up as she hurried over. At ten, she was already nearly five foot three, tall and slender, with a cute face and her hair pulled up in a high ponytail. She looked both adorable and full of life.

“Mandy!” Anne had mostly come today just to see her.

Mandy wanted to show Anne the pretty new fish she’d gotten.

Suddenly, Anne grabbed Felicia’s hand, looking up at her with bright, hopeful eyes. “Evelynn, come play with us, okay?”

Felicia hadn’t even answered yet when Nate spoke up. “Go ahead. You can all have lunch together before you leave.”

Felicia didn’t really have a choice, so she agreed.

Anne grinned and tugged her along, practically skipping out of the room.

Hope quietly sent someone to keep an eye on them.

Once they were gone, Max turned to Nate. “Do you know Evelynn, Mr. Gilbert?”