Chapter 56

James parked outside Blooming Vista, eyes locked on the entrance. People came and went, but there was no sign of Maria. From the driver’s seat, Cody glanced over. James didn’t look too bad today—maybe now was a good time to bring up Maria’s engagement. He hesitated, then said, “Mr. Bennett, actually…” “David!” James cut him off, suddenly getting out of the car. He saw a little girl run toward David, who bent down naturally, scooped her up, and gently tapped her nose with a smile. James froze on the spot, a sharp pain stabbing through his chest. David spotted him too, tensing up instantly. He glanced sideways nervously, then quickly turned back, whispering to a boy nearby, “Ethan, no matter what you hear, don’t look back. Just stay where you are.” Ethan didn’t understand what was going on, but he obediently stopped moving. James was already walking up. David immediately stepped in front of Ethan, frowning. “What are you doing here?” James shifted his gaze to Ella. Her face—it looked jus