How the Ice King Became my Doting Billionaire Husband

The room fell silent after Stuart spoke up.

It was as if a pack of foxes had been caught in their own game, each trying to outwit the other, all while putting on a facade in front of Princess. Did they really think Stuart couldn't see through their act?

Princess had qualities that others simply lacked. And whatever Princess didn't have, Stuart was determined to provide in abundance. Forget about matching social status or upbringing-anything that mattered to Morwenna, he was ready to address.

When Stuart fell for someone, it was an all-in, no-holds-barred kind of love.

Adelaide's face turned a shade paler. She had always strived to show her best side to Stuart, to prove she was worthy of standing by his side. But now, Stuart's words made it clear that none of that mattered. For years, she was the only woman close to Stuart, which everyone saw as favoritism-a belief she shared. But seeing Stuart's treatment of Morwenna, Adelaide realized this was what true favoritism looked like.

Why? Why did the cold, ruthless Stuart fall for Morwenna? What was so special about her? Adelaide felt her world crumbling yet managed to keep a strong facade.

Morwenna, on the other hand, stood there, dazed. This was the first time Stuart had firmly stood up for her, the first time he defended her in public like Norbert Hetfield once did. She felt cherished, not smug, but confused and cautiously hopeful it wasn't just a dream.

From the start, it had been Morwenna who made the moves. She had barged into Stuart's world, enduring his worst and still treating him kindly despite being pushed away time and again. She should have walked away with dignity, yet Stuart's occasional assistance made her heart flutter, confessing her feelings despite always being the initiator. Like a pitiful stray cat, shunned and mistreated, yet delighting in the few moments of kindness.

Now, Stuart's unexpectedly gentle treatment left her fearful and disbelieving. Stuart, noticing Morwenna's innocent bewilderment, felt an ache in his heart. With Morwenna sitting on his lap, he pulled her into a hug. She nestled into his embrace as Stuart felt the dampness against his chest, his gaze darkening.

Just then, Oswald entered, "Mr. Hetfield, the Roberts family has arrived with generous gifts, wishing to see Miss Morwenna."

Stuart, well aware of their intentions, glanced at the small figure in his arms and dismissed them, "Not now."

He then carried Morwenna to the newly arranged music room he had prepared for her. This new music room, with its grand piano, was leagues beyond what Ruby had. Setting Morwenna on the piano bench, he noticed her tears falling silently.

"Princess, what's wrong? Don't cry. If you don't like this piano, we can find another," he said gently. "Don't worry, I'm here for you now."

Once, Stuart had seen Morwenna cry at Windcharm Villas and had thought her manipulative, her tears a mere act. But seeing her cry now, Stuart felt an overwhelming urge to comfort her, wishing he could give her his heart to ease her sorrow.

Morwenna's tears weren't of sadness or feeling wronged. It was the realization that besides Melvin and Norbert Hetfield, someone else cared for her deeply. For a child so starved of affection, the protection offered by another was enough to bring her to tears.