Trick Him Into Divorce, Then Flee With His Unknow Kid

Chapter 294: Chapter 294 The Birthday Banquet in Washington

At Daisy’s words, a fleeting look of anticipation and shy excitement crossed Samantha’s face.

If she could make things official with Ryan, that would naturally be the best outcome.

But...

She quickly frowned.

"Ryan is always thoughtful toward me, and he’s a man with strong self-control. If I’m too forward, what will he think of me?"

This was something she genuinely cared about.

After all, no woman wants the man she loves to see her as desperate or lacking self-respect.

Daisy sighed in frustration.

"Is that really what you’re worried about?"

"A man like Mr. Knight has met every kind of woman."

"If he’s treating you this well, there’s no way he doesn’t have feelings for you."

"Besides..."

"As long as that final step happens naturally, and you play it right afterward, the Knight family won’t be able to back out."

"They’ll have no choice but to accept it."

"And I’ve already thought this through."

Daisy lowered her voice.

"Grace isn’t someone to underestimate."

"What if, to protect the family’s reputation, she forces you to break up with Ryan?"

"Wouldn’t all your efforts have been for nothing?"

"We have to think further ahead."

Samantha understood Daisy’s concerns.

The situation with the Taylor family was already a huge gamble.

There was no room for mistakes.

That was exactly why they needed a reliable backup plan.

Leaning back in her seat, Samantha asked, "All right. I understand."

"But what about the Taylor family?"

"How are you planning to break the deadlock?"

A ruthless smile spread across Daisy’s face.

"There are ready-made solutions..."

*****

Grace Taylor’s eighty-first birthday celebration had become the talk of Washington’s social and business circles.

However, very few people actually received invitations.

The guest list was extremely exclusive.

Grace herself was regarded as a national treasure—a woman whose achievements had earned widespread respect.

Rose didn’t cut corners when choosing a birthday gift.

After learning that Grace collected antique fountain pens and appreciated fine writing, she spent days searching before finally purchasing a rare vintage Montblanc fountain pen from a limited collection.

It had cost a small fortune.

Before leaving, Rose also visited Dr. Nathan.

She packed several days’ worth of clothes for Ariel.

Because of his age, Dr. Nathan didn’t want to endure another flight.

Instead, he asked Rose to attend the celebration on his behalf.

Rose understood.

This trip was unavoidable.

Trevor’s assistant had already booked their flights.

On the day of departure, Trevor drove over to pick up Rose and Ariel.

The moment Ariel saw him, she ran over with her arms wide open.

Trevor smiled, bent down, and scooped her into his arms.

He carefully adjusted the little yellow sun hat on her head before carrying her to the car.

He took care of her as naturally as breathing.

Just like...

A real father.

Rose quietly watched the scene.

A complicated feeling rose in her heart.

There had been a time when she believed she could raise Ariel perfectly well on her own.

She believed that a single mother could give her daughter everything she needed.

But...

Was having a complete family what Ariel truly wanted most?

*****

By the time they arrived in Washington, it was already after three o’clock in the afternoon.

Ariel had fallen asleep during the flight, as she usually did after lunch.

Trevor carefully carried her from the airport to the waiting car and then from the car to the hotel.

The Taylor family had arranged everything, including airport transportation and accommodations.

As soon as they entered the hotel lobby, they ran into James.

He was helping welcome guests arriving from around the country.

The moment he saw Trevor and Rose walk in together, his eyes lingered on Rose for a brief moment.

"Go ahead and check in first."

Rose reached into her purse for her ID.

Trevor also needed to present his.

Looking down at the sleeping Ariel in his arms, he turned toward James.

"Mr. Taylor."

"Could you hold her for a minute?"

James instinctively looked at Ariel’s rosy cheeks.

Before he could respond, Trevor gestured for him to take her.

Almost on reflex, James held out his arms.

Trevor carefully transferred Ariel into them.

James instantly froze.

He stood there stiffly, afraid to move.

She was so tiny.

So soft.

The change of arms caused Ariel to stir.

Her sleepy eyes slowly opened.

James met her gaze.

His entire body tensed.

He had never held a child before.

He even found himself holding his breath.

He was certain she was about to cry.

Instead...

Still half asleep, Ariel snuggled closer against his chest.

Her tiny hand wrapped around one of his fingers.

She smacked her lips once...

Then promptly fell back asleep.

James was completely disarmed.

"..."

For one of the few times in his life...

He genuinely wanted to curse.

Seriously.

How on earth did Trevor get so lucky?

Rose finished checking in and walked over.

"I’ll take her."

James looked at her.

To his own surprise...

He suddenly felt reluctant to hand Ariel back.

But what choice did he have?

She wasn’t his child.

He had no right to keep holding her.

Reluctantly, he returned Ariel to Rose.

Turning back to the front desk, James lowered his voice so he wouldn’t wake the little girl.

"Please assign Mr. Robinson to a room on the thirty-first floor."

Trevor looked over.

Rose’s room was on the thirty-third floor.

Taking advantage of his role, James had intentionally placed Trevor two floors away.

Matter-of-factly, he explained, "I should remind you that your engagement to the Taylor family was only recently called off."

"If people see you spending too much time with Rose now, it’ll only create unnecessary gossip."

Even if they already shared a daughter...

Appearances still mattered.

Trevor didn’t argue.

After all, even if they stayed on the same floor, he and Rose would still have separate rooms.

Rose paid no attention to their conversation.

Carrying Ariel, she followed the bellhop upstairs with their luggage.

*****

Not long after they left...

Another group arrived.

Samantha walked beside Ryan, chatting happily with him.

James frowned almost imperceptibly.

As soon as Samantha spotted him, she smiled.

"James... or should I call you my brother now?"

After all...

If everything went according to plan, they would soon become siblings.

James couldn’t quite explain the strange feeling in his heart.

He had waited years for this moment.

Yet now that it was finally here...

He didn’t feel any closer to her.

Not long ago, he had even decided to distance himself from Samantha completely.

"No need to rush," he replied evenly.

"The DNA test hasn’t been done yet."

Samantha wasn’t bothered by his reserved attitude.

Turning to Ryan, she smiled.

"Ryan, give me your ID. I’ll check us in."

James glanced at her.

Then he spoke casually.

"There aren’t any connecting rooms available."

"I’ve already arranged everyone’s rooms."

Samantha paused.

She had been planning to request adjoining rooms.

Or perhaps even a shared suite with Ryan.

That would have made spending time together feel perfectly natural.

Now...

James had quietly closed that door.

She pressed her lips together.

Although disappointed, she maintained her usual gentle smile.

"All right."

Only then did Ryan casually glance at James.

He appeared completely unaware of the hidden meaning behind James’s arrangement.

"That works," Ryan said calmly.