Free Web NovelChapter 181: Earn millions.
Adelyn didn’t remember how long she stayed up telling Eira the story —but sometime later, she dozed off.
The last thing she saw before her eyes closed was the vague figure of Dylan stepping into the frame.
But with her vision already blurring, she almost mistook him for a dream.
A dream that felt ... increasingly real.
However, as her eyelids grew heavier and heavier, she no longer had the strength to keep them open and confirm it.
She simply drifted into sleep, relaxing into her familiar bed —comforted by the thought that the little one was right beside her.
Though it was only a story she had woven to make the girl happy, she couldn’t stop herself from feeling it too.
The idea of having the little one sleeping next to her once again ...
It felt warm.
Comforting.
Familiar.
The only thing missing was being able to curl around her small frame and hold her close to her heart.
Still... it was enough.
After all, she couldn’t allow herself to grow too attached to the little one.
Even in her sleep, that thought lingered —making her frown slightly.
But with drowsiness pulling her deeper, she didn’t dwell on it for long.
She slipped into a deeper slumber.
Later—
The night passed peacefully.
And the only time Adelyn stirred was when the soft morning sunlight brushed against her skin.
Her eyelashes fluttered gently before she opened her eyes.
And the moment she did—
The innocent, beautiful face beside her made her day. She knew it instantly.
A smile curved on her lips as she watched the girl, a quiet sigh escaping her heart.
A small regret stirred within her chest.
She regretted not going over to sleep beside her for real.
If she had truly been there ... how nice it would have been to reach out, touch her soft cheeks, and gently wake her up.
And then—
Her thoughts halted.
She froze.
Because just beyond the little girl...
There was someone else.
Her head tilted slightly, sinking deeper into the pillow as she tried to convince herself she was mistaken.
But she wasn’t.
What she saw was real.
Him.
Dylan Warren.
Sleeping beside them.
Or rather—
She had slept beside them.
For the second time.
It wasn’t the same situation as before ...
And yet —it didn’t feel entirely different either.
The realization hit her all at once.
If he woke up and caught her staring—
Wouldn’t it be awkward?
Thinking that, she reached out instinctively, about to disconnect the call.
But just then—
Eira stirred.
Her small hands lifted to rub her eyes before she opened them, a content smile blooming instantly on her face.
"Mama," she called sweetly, her voice soft yet bright enough to melt Adelyn’s heart, "good morning!"
However—
Adelyn had no time to melt.
She quickly raised a finger to her lips, signaling silence.
"Shush!"
Eira blinked, confused by the sudden hush —but obediently stayed quiet.
She simply looked at her, waiting.
Adelyn carefully glanced toward Dylan.
Once she was sure he hadn’t woken up, she turned back to Eira and whispered,
"When did your Dada come to sleep with you?"
Eira blinked again and turned her head to look.
And just as Adelyn had said —her Dada was right there.
Her lips pouted instantly, and she was about to reach out and wake him when Adelyn stopped her.
"Darling," she called softly, "don’t wake your Dada."
Eira turned back toward her.
Adelyn explained gently, "Dada must feel he wronged you last night by letting you have dinner alone. So he made up for it by staying with you while you slept."
Eira frowned slightly.
Her Dada loved her very much —but he had never done something like this before.
He hadn’t come here because of guilt.
He had come because ... he wanted to sleep here.
With Mama.
"Baby, don’t wake him," Adelyn repeated softly. "Dada must have worked late last night. He’s probably tired. Let him sleep a little longer." ƒreeωebnovel.ƈom
Eira nodded.
Adelyn smiled at her and was just about to end the call when—
Dylan’s voice stopped her.
"You two are awake?"
Adelyn looked at him.
His eyes were on her —unfocused from sleep, yet unmistakably directed at her.
"Mr. Warren ..."
"Did you sleep well?" he asked, his gaze shifting briefly to Eira before returning to her.
Adelyn hadn’t expected to speak to him first thing in the morning.
She wasn’t prepared at all.
Still, she answered calmly, "We did. Did you sleep well, Mr. Warren?"
Dylan nodded, then slowly pushed himself up.
Adelyn straightened as well.
Even though they were clearly in different places ...
It somehow felt like they were sharing the same space.
The same room.
The same morning.
"Breakfast?"
His voice snapped her out of her thoughts again.
She frowned slightly at first, not understanding what he meant—
But then, realization struck her ... and she quickly shook her head, reacting,
"No—no, Mr. Warren. You don’t have to. You and Eira can have breakfast there. I’ll have mine here. Anyway, I’ll be busy later with my training."
She spoke quickly, making sure her refusal was clear.
Dylan simply nodded.
She smiled lightly before turning her attention back to Eira.
The girl was staring at her with wide eyes.
"Baby, I’ll be busy later ..." she said gently.
Eira nodded in understanding.
"I won’t be able to reply to your messages immediately," Adelyn continued, "but I promise —I’ll reply the moment I get time. So text me when you feel like. Don’t hold back."
Eira nodded again. This time more happily.
Satisfied, Adelyn smiled.
"Alright then, sweetheart," she said again. "Mama will go now. You get ready for the day too. Be the sweetest as always. Love you."
Eira leaned forward and kissed the screen.
Adelyn didn’t realize what she had done at first —until the girl pulled back and said,
"Have the best day, Mama."
"I will, sweetie," Adelyn said softly. "Your kiss already gave it the best start."
Her gaze shifted —and she noticed Dylan watching her.
She smiled at him, a little unsure.
Should she say something more?
Nothing special came to mind.
So in the end, she simply said what felt natural—
"Mr. Warren, you too... have a great day."
A slight pause—
Then, with a faint hint of her usual lightness, she added—
"Earn millions."
