Chapter 271

It had only been a month, but her daughter looked completely refreshed—new outfit, hair in two neat braids, playful and cute. Her bangs had been trimmed, probably having grown out too much before. Her chubby little face looked even rounder than last time. Clearly, James had been taking good care of her. Maria Lewis hugged little Ella tightly, her emotions a chaotic mess. After a long while, she finally let go. “Are you happy living at Uncle James’?” Maria’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears. “Yeah! Great-grandpa and great-grandma are super nice to me!” Ella said cheerfully, then pouted. “But I really miss you and my brother.” Maria’s eyes widened, and she glanced around in a panic. She saw James’ grandparents smiling at her from a distance, and James himself standing expressionless nearby—it didn’t seem like anyone had caught that mention of “brother.” She quietly let go of the tension in her chest. But David Spencer had heard it. His expression immediately shifted. He crouched with ope