The Secret Heir Return To Wealth And Love

Ivy's spell of gloom didn't last too long. With Trista by her side, joy was never far away.

A gentle squeeze of Trista's tiny hand or a peck on her cheek could lift Ivy's spirits instantly.

As for Cory, he was the star of his school. Emerging from a swarm of classmates at the school gates, his reputation preceded him.

Their mother, Rosalynn, had been informed by the teachers long before.

Cory had, unsurprisingly, topped his class again and had swept all the competitions he entered that year, bagging the highest honors.

The school was over the moon, treating Cory like a good luck charm.d2

His academic laurels were a shining beacon for the school's upcoming admissions.

Hannah and others spotted Rosalynn from afar and enthusiastically waved and hopped about, each more eager than the last, and Sarah was the first to notice Trista.

Her eyes lit up as if she'd seen the cutest, fluffiest puppy, and she trotted over but kept a respectful distance, "Oh my gosh, she's so adorable!"

Ivy introduced them proudly, "This is my little sister Trista, my godparents' daughter!"

"And Trista is the cutest baby in the whole wide world," she added.

Even Paige couldn't help but chuckle.

Trista, sensing her mother's happiness, looked back at Rosalynn and giggled along, eliciting 'aww's from the girls.

When Cory caught sight of Trista, something crossed his mind.

He briskly ushered everyone to get in the car and head home, his farewells to his friends more perfunctory than usual.

As the car door shut and they drove away, Paige couldn't resist teasing, "Cory, sweetheart, I'm not the type to announce to the whole world that you're my future son-in-law before you're all grown up!" Cory sighed in mock exasperation.

Rosalynn laughed heartily, then changed the subject to discuss the holiday plans.

Upon reaching their home at Moonlit Lake, Cory glanced around after getting out of the car.

As Rosalynn alighted, he took her hand, "Mommy, where's Molly? She used to be around Trista all the time."

"Don't you know?" Rosalynn asked, surprised.

"What?" Cory looked up, puzzled.

"Molly left with Uncle Felix last night for winter camp. They won't be back until school resumes," Rosalynn informed him.

Cory nodded, "Oh," and then dropped the subject.

Granny Owens, having returned from an outing, was quite tired. Ivy, ever attentive, took her by the hand to her room, earnestly advising her to rest well, her concern evident in her tone.

Granny Owens couldn't stop smiling at her granddaughter's caring words, her cheeks sore from the constant grin.

Seeing Rosalynn's return, Rose hurried to welcome them.

"I was thinking of making my signature dish, but Laura barred me from the kitchen," Rose said, a touch of disappointment in her voice. "I make delicious roast lamb chop. Even Penn, who's so picky, always has seconds."

"Really?" Rosalynn replied, intrigued. "I wouldn't have guessed you were a cook."

"Besides roast lamb chops, I'm great with French and Italian cuisine."

"Well, Wayne's the one at home who has a taste for Italian dishes. When he gets back on Monday, you'll have to show off your culinary skills," Rosalynn said casually.

Paige, however, was puzzled. Wayne was notoriously fussy, harder to please than a preschooler.

But Rosalynn was suggesting Rose cook for Wayne? That was one thing Paige just couldn't wrap her head around.

With the children on holiday break, the house was filled with life and laughter, though the absence of Molly and Felix was noticeable.

Molly was usually quiet and unobtrusive, but her sudden absence left a void that was hard to ignore.