Chapter 9 Rules and Revelations

Mandy's argument about family traditions seemed reasonable and well-founded.

Harrison interrupted Mandy's lecture about family traditions. "Yes, the Frost family has its customs, but Lily is just a child. Her heart condition can cause problems at any moment. The doctors have been clear—her life comes first."

"Even my grandfather has specifically exempted her from following any Frost family rules," he continued firmly. "And look at the time. Lily's been hungry all this while, and she's only had one piece of meat. Is teaching her proper etiquette more important than her health?"

Mandy fell silent, unable to counter Harrison's points. Inwardly, she thought Harrison was simply spoiling his daughter excessively. If Lily had actually been her biological child, she would have been delighted by Harrison's devotion. But that wasn't the case.

"Harrison, I was just—"

"Enough," he cut her off. "You haven't even married into the Frost family yet. Stop using these so-called rules to criticize Lily."

Ignoring her explanation, Harrison picked up Mia and sat down at the table, beginning their dinner. Mia, who had always loved meat, ate with great enthusiasm. Having lived abroad her entire young life, this was her first time experiencing authentic Westland cuisine, and she found it absolutely wonderful.

After dinner, the housekeeper Harper helped Mia bathe and brought her to the small bedroom to rest. Harrison prepared to go upstairs to handle some work.

At that moment, Mandy quickly stepped forward and, as Harrison turned to leave, wrapped her arms around his waist from behind. The instant her hands encircled him, Harrison's body noticeably stiffened.

"Mandy, what are you doing?" he asked with evident distaste.

She rested her face against his back, affecting a coy demeanor. "Harrison, I want to stay tonight."

Her meaning was unmistakable—she wanted to spend the night with him, to become intimate. For five years, she had used various tactics to get close to Harrison, trying to make him truly hers.

Unfortunately for her, during the first two years, Harrison had refused to touch her, claiming she was still recovering from childbirth. While she could stay at the Frost estate during the day to care for Lily, she was absolutely forbidden from spending the night.

Everyone in Pinewood City believed she was Harrison's chosen future wife, having given birth to his child. Only Mandy herself knew that Harrison had never had sex with her.

Once, she had created an opportunity and stood naked before him, yet he remained completely unmoved. Sometimes, Mandy wondered if Harrison had some physiological condition. But she clearly remembered seeing evidence of Elena's lost virginity on the hotel bed that night.

Harrison, uncomfortable with Mandy's embrace, pried her hands from his waist with visible repulsion.

"It's getting late. You should go home," he said, turning to face her.

Harrison couldn't explain why, but he felt a deep aversion to any intimate relationship with Mandy.

"Harrison, it's so late. I'm afraid to go home alone," she protested. "Perhaps I could sleep with Lily tonight?"

Harrison gave her a pointed look. Given Mandy's attitude toward Lily, the child would likely have nightmares if they shared a bed. He had always suspected that Mandy wasn't the woman he'd spent that night with at the hotel.

"If you're afraid, I'll have my driver take you home," he replied coldly. "Harper, please arrange for a driver to escort Miss Reed home."

His tone carried an authority that brooked no argument.

Mandy wanted to try once more, but Harrison's frigid demeanor made her hesitate. With no other choice, she turned and left the Frost estate.

Meanwhile, Mia was examining Lily's room carefully, noting every detail of the layout. Beyond the high-quality furnishings, what struck her most were the personal touches—the pink-themed decor and the multitude of stuffed animals neatly arranged throughout the space.

Mia took Lily's tablet, normally used for watching cartoons, and began messaging Connor through a social media app.

Mia: [Calling Connor.]

Connor: [I'm here. How are you doing, Mia?]

Mia: [I'm fine. Still at the Frost estate. Harrison is nice to me, but that Mandy woman isn't great at all. I can tell she bullies Lily regularly. Don't worry though, I've already gotten some revenge for her.]

Connor: [I'm already looking for evidence. I'll take some of Lily's hair for our DNA test soon. Be careful there.]

Mia: [Three questions we need to answer: One, is Lily our missing sister? Two, is Harrison our father? Three, what was the relationship between Harrison and our mom before?]

Connor: [Don't worry, I'll figure it all out.]

After chatting briefly, they prepared to sign off when Mia suddenly remembered something important.

Mia: [Connor, be careful with Lily. She has a heart condition. Take good care of her.]

Learning about Lily's heart condition, Connor immediately turned his attention to the timid girl sitting quietly nearby. Her hair looked somewhat brittle, her complexion pale, her eyes lacking energy, and her posture showing little vitality.

Connor's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. Setting aside the tablet, he walked over to Lily and gently took her wrist. With careful attention, he counted her heartbeats while looking at his watch—a skill Elena had taught him during their hospital visits.

Having spent countless hours with his mother at medical facilities, the five-year-old Connor had picked up basic assessment skills. Elena had always encouraged his interest, teaching him how to count heartbeats and recognize signs of illness. As he finished his impromptu examination, his expression grew increasingly concerned.