The Ugly Wife’s Stunning Comeback novel Chapter 209

Once Felicia had calmed down, she let go of Anne and smiled softly. “Your mommy has always loved you, Anne. She only left because she had to, but I know she’ll come back for you one day.”

Anne looked up at Felicia, her little hand gently wiping away a tear from Felicia’s cheek. “Why are you crying?” she asked, worry in her eyes.

Felicia squeezed Anne’s tiny fingers. “I’m okay, sweetheart. Didn’t you want to draw? Let’s paint together. I’ll stay right here with you.”

Anne’s face brightened and she nodded enthusiastically.

At the doorway, a man watched them quietly for a moment before slipping away without making a sound.

Inside the art studio, Felicia stayed by Anne’s side, helping her paint. Whatever sadness Anne had felt earlier was gone now, replaced by laughter and focused little hands moving across the paper.

Downstairs, Max sat on the living room sofa, answering a call from Darin.

“Since Anne has company today, Andrea and I won’t go to the stables,” Darin said.

Max nodded, even though Darin couldn’t see him. “Alright. Spend some time with her.”

Darin paused, then just said, “Alright.” The call ended.

Max set his phone on the table, his eyes drifting up the stairs.

Around noon, Marian made her way upstairs and knocked gently on Anne’s door. “Miss Anne, it’s time for lunch,” she called.

Anne was curled up on the sofa, watching cartoons, her arms wrapped around a stuffed rabbit. She absentmindedly tugged at the bunny’s soft ears, completely absorbed in her show. Felicia was in the bathroom.

“Marian, can you bring lunch up here for me and Evelynn?” Anne asked, not looking away from the screen.

Marian walked over and sat down beside her. “Your dad is waiting for you in the dining room,” she coaxed gently.

But Anne was still mad at her father and wasn’t about to go downstairs.

Downstairs, Marian entered the living room, still fuming.

Max glanced up at her. “Where’s Anne?”

Marian shook her head. “Evelynn is really something. Miss Anne trusts her more than anyone. I just wanted to warn her not to rely on a stranger, but she got upset and started yelling at me. Sir, we can’t let Anne keep spending time with that woman. She was always such a polite, well-behaved child before.”

She thought of all the years she’d cared for Anne, always proud of her manners and gentle nature. Now, Anne was shouting at her because of an outsider.

Max’s brow furrowed. His voice was sharp and cold. “Just do your job. Don’t say anything in front of Anne that you shouldn’t.”

Marian read the warning in his eyes and immediately fell silent. “Yes, sir.”

Max stood and made his way upstairs.

When he entered Anne’s room, he found her leaning quietly against Felicia, watching as Felicia braided her doll’s hair, the afternoon light pouring softly over both of them.