“You must have a reason to meet with him. How did the women here ruin things for you? You look like you’ve gone mad,” Adam commented.

Adrien told Adam the whole story.

Keeping a straight face, Adam thought to himself. Will the idiot still make a fuss if he finds out that the three children are Abel’s?

No. I can’t let him know, so he will keep up the fight with Abel. Alana will shut her mouth so long as I carry on with the secret. No one will find out. I don’t see the point of Meriwhether Mansion earning three grandsons when Abel has nothing to show for.

“Adrien, I won’t help you to go against the Palace Lord, but I can assist you with getting Emmeline and your children back.” Adam patted Adrien’s shoulder.

“Adam! Are you really going to help me? Adrien cried tears of joy.

“All you want is to win the woman’s heart, right? I can give you ideas.” Adam hid his wickedness behind his eyes.

Back in the café, the three kids were sulking.

“Mommy, how can we have a daddy like Adrien? It’s infuriating!”

“I doubt that we are his children. You must have gotten it wrong, Mommy!”

Yeah, Mommy! Let Abel be our daddy. Adrien doesn’t deserve to be our father.”

Emmeline sighed. “It’s out of my hands.”

“Get married to Abel. That way, Abel can be our daddy.”

“Things are not as simple as you think,” Emmeline helplessly responded.

“They are not complicated either.” Sun pouted.

“You and Abel are single.” Moon furrowed his brows.

“So you have the right to love,” Star summed up.

“Haha. I suspect that you are old souls stuck in young bodies. You scared me out of my wits.” Amused by the three darlings, Emmeline burst out laughing.

“We’re being serious here.” Sun pulled a long face.

“We’re not kidding.” Moon gave a nod.

“We’re on Abel’s side,” Star concluded.

“Alright, alright. I got to give it to you, boys. Hurry up and wash up. It’s time for bed. You have school tomorrow,” Holding back the laughter, Emmeline uttered.

…

With a selection of dates from the wedding planner in hand, Rosaline made her way to the Rykers’ residence.

“Dad.” She put the paper of dates on the coffee table.

“The wedding planner put together some dates suitable for Abel and Alana’s engagement.”

Oscar took the paper for a look and widened his eyes.

“Why are all the dates for next year?”

Rosaline answered, “Yeah. I think the dates are too far away too, but the wedding planner said that a lot of businesses are booked out for the year. Plus, it seems to be a busy year for all our attendees as well. We can have the engagement party next year or cancel it altogether.”

“Howard said that?” Making a face, Oscar asked.

“Yeah. Don’t you trust him?”

“I do, but we can’t cancel the engagement. Otherwise, I will be going back on my word,” Oscar said.

“I guess we’ll have the engagement party next year. If you think about it, it’s only eight months to the closest date,” Rosaline remarked.

“It’s just taking longer than expected.”

Oscar uttered, “It’s better than breaking a promise. Tell Abel to explain to Alana.”

“Alright. I’ll see to it.” Rosaline courteously excused herself.

Back home, Abel had been waiting.

“Mom, what did Grandad say?”

“It’s done. Your grandad has faith in the wedding planner, but he won’t cancel the engagement. He agreed to have the engagement party eight months later,” Rosaline stated.

“Alright. Eight months is plenty of time for me to turn things around,” Abel replied.

“But Abel, I think it’s over between you and Emmeline. Don’t waste your time on her,” Rosaline voiced her concern.

“Why are you saying the same thing too?” Abel looked upset.

“Emmeline and Adrien have three children together. Her feelings for you don’t make things any easier,” Rosaline commented.

Abel lowered his head. He shared the same concern too.

He and Adrien were cousins, and Emmeline was stuck in the middle. It was not the best position to be in.

Rosaline said, “I have someone in mind if you have no feelings for Alana. Do you remember the Murphy family from Altney? They are considered to be of equal social standing as us.”