Chapter 56: Don't Want to Go Back

Quintus pushed aside his thoughts and followed behind Daniel into the villa. As soon as he entered, he saw Grace sitting attentively on the carpet, focusing on playing with LEGO. Beside her was another little boy, who looked exactly like the child who had opened the door for him. Obviously, these were the twins. Quintus's eyes darkened slightly, trying not to look at the two children. His gaze swept around the living room and didn't see Chloe anywhere. "Your daddy is here," Daniel, after entering, walked straight to Grace's side and, contrary to his friendly attitude earlier, coldly addressed her. At the words, Grace reluctantly stopped what she was doing, lifted her head to look at Quintus standing nearby. After just one glance, she immediately unwillingly averted her gaze and lowered her head to write on her notebook. In the living room, the attention of the remaining three people was focused on Grace. Daniel and Leo also felt reluctant to let their friend go, but since her daddy was here, they had no reason to keep her. Quintus could guess what this little girl was going to write, and his brow furrowed slightly. Before long, Grace held up her notebook. "I don't want to go back yet." Just as he expected. Quintus's brow furrowed even deeper, his tone tinged with reprimand, "You didn't even say anything before leaving our home. Don't you think you owe me an explanation? This is the second time this month. Why did you run away from home?" Grace stubbornly met his gaze, then lowered her head to write in her notebook: "I like the pretty lady and my friends. I want to be with them!" Seeing her response, a hint of irony crossed Quintus's mind. He glanced at the two children and said in a stern voice, "You like them, but have you ever asked if they like you? You are disturbing others, it's very rude." Grace pursed her lips, looking cautiously at the two older brothers beside her. She knew that suddenly running over early in the morning would disturb them. But she really liked them, and daddy didn't allow her to play with them. Plus, they had exchanged gifts, and the boys had even invited her to play LEGO together. They must like her too, right? Caught by the pleading look from their little sister, Leo couldn't help but soften his heart. He set down the LEGO in his hand and said earnestly, "She didn't disturb us! She was just helping us build LEGO earlier. We had a lot of fun!" Hearing Leo speak up for her, Grace smiled and turned her head, unconvinced, glancing at her daddy. Quintus's expression seemed somewhat complex. Beside them, Daniel's face darkened slightly. He leaned closer to his younger brother and gave him a light tug. Leo turned his head, looking confused, and met his brother's warning gaze. Suddenly, he understood. Oh! Even though they liked Grace very much, they couldn't show it in front of this person! Realizing this, he immediately closed his mouth, expressing his dissatisfaction only with his eyes. The interaction between the two little ones was clearly observed by Quintus. He didn't know what they were thinking, but he thought he had intimidated them. He furrowed his brow and fell silent for a moment, his expression slightly softened. Even though they were the children of that woman and another man, they were still young. He shouldn't show his dissatisfaction in front of them. "Anyway, Grace unexpectedly showing up early in the morning must have caused trouble for you. Thank you for keeping her company," Quintus tried to speak as calmly as possible. The two little ones didn't say anything, their expressions cold. Then, silence fell over the living room. After a while, Quintus helplessly pressed his brow and said in a deep voice, "Where's your mommy?" Even though they had Grace at home, he still wasn't good at dealing with children.