Chapter 184

"Uncle, stay still!" Lily shrieked, her small fingers tangled in Julian's hair.

Julian had been about to stand, ready to demand what she was doing, but the urgency in her voice froze him in place.

"You have so many gray hairs!" she declared, her tone a mix of horror and exaggerated concern. "People will think you're ancient!"

Seizing the moment, she swiftly plucked a few strands and tucked them into a small plastic bag, stashing it in her backpack before Julian could react.

"There!" she announced, patting his shoulder with satisfaction. "All gone!"

Julian rose, rubbing his tender scalp. "Let me see. I don’t remember having gray hair."

Lily blinked innocently, gesturing vaguely toward the air. "I already threw them away. Why would you want to see? It’s just boring old gray hair."

Julian stared at her, speechless.

She wrinkled her nose, adding insult to injury. "Your hair is super greasy, too. I need to wash my hands now, or they’ll smell gross."

With that, she scampered off, leaving Julian standing there, bewildered. He ran his fingers through his hair—dry and soft, not oily at all. And gray hairs? He was certain he didn’t have any.

What a strange child.

The same thought had crossed his mind the first time he met her. Was this another scheme? Suspicion prickling, he pulled out his phone, scanning for any signs of tampering.

Meanwhile, Lily dashed to her brother, triumphantly presenting the stolen strands.

"Did I do good?" she asked, beaming.

Henry nodded, pleased. "Ice cream for you."

"Yay! But… will Mommy be mad I skipped school today?"

Skipping kindergarten to hang out with Henry was way more fun, but Lily still worried about her mother’s reaction.

Henry’s expression remained unreadable. "No."

Their mother always knew when they skipped, yet she never scolded them. In Henry’s opinion, kindergarten was beneath him—too simple, too childish.

"Okay! Let’s go! I want chocolate!" Lily cheered, clinging to her brother’s arm.

Henry carefully stored Julian’s hair in his bag before leading her to the ice cream shop. Fifteen minutes later, they sat side by side, happily licking their cones.

Lily’s smile faded slightly. "What if our dad is Dominic? Mommy said he’d strangle us."

Henry didn’t hesitate. "I won’t let him."

"Would we call him Daddy? You said he’s super rich."

Henry’s answer was firm. "No."

At Dominic’s estate, Sophia was recovering well after her surgery. Aside from occasional headaches and a stubborn refusal to eat, she was quiet, mostly keeping to herself. Mrs. Wilkins tended to her with gentle patience.

It wasn’t until the third day that Sophia began to trust her slightly. Though she still didn’t speak, she accepted the food and water offered without resistance.

Mrs. Wilkins couldn’t help but wonder about the relationship between Dominic and Sophia. In all her years working for him, she’d never seen him so tender, so indulgent—like a parent doting on a child.

It was nothing like how he treated Evelyn or Zoe. With them, he’d been affectionate, yes, but this was different. With Sophia, his care was protective, almost reverent.

Perhaps it was because of her condition, Mrs. Wilkins mused.

"My head… better now," Sophia murmured, her voice soft.

Mrs. Wilkins smiled. "Would you like to go outside?"

Sophia nodded.