Free Web NovelChapter 17: Chapter 17
"Lily? Where are you?"
A voice calling out echoed from inside the law firm.
Elise turned toward the sound just in time to see a middle-aged woman hurrying toward them, her face full of panic.
"Oh my goodness, my little darling!"
The woman rushed over and crouched down, sighing in relief. "I was only gone for a moment to use the restroom—how did you run off on your own?"
The little girl clung to Elise, her wide, innocent grape-like eyes fixed on the woman, saying nothing. freeweɓnovel.cѳm
Elise glanced between them and asked, "Are you her family?"
The woman stood up quickly and shook her head. "No, no—I’m just one of the cleaners here. This child is Mr. Hayes’ daughter. She’s very attached to him, so she comes to the office every day. When he’s busy, the rest of us help look after her."
"I see..."
Elise nodded, then gently reminded her, "At this age, children are curious but have no sense of danger. It only takes a moment of inattention for them to wander off. You should be more careful next time."
"Yes, you’re absolutely right." The woman pressed a hand to her chest, still shaken. "She’s usually quite shy and doesn’t wander, so I thought stepping away briefly would be fine. That was careless of me... Thank goodness she didn’t get lost. Otherwise, even if I gave up my life, it wouldn’t be enough to make it up to Mr. Hayes!"
Hearing that, Elise lowered her gaze to the little girl.
The girl looked back at her, blinking—then softly called out again, "Mommy!"
Elise was speechless once more.
The woman stared in surprise. "Oh? She’s calling you ’mom’?"
Elise felt a bit awkward. "She’s probably just repeating the words she knows. She’s still little."
"Is that so?" The woman scratched her head. "Even so, the fact that she’s speaking at all is already surprising!"
That made Elise pause.
She suddenly remembered what Madeline had mentioned before—about Alexander’s daughter. Born frail, with delayed development.
Thinking of that, Elise crouched down and studied the child more closely.
Though five years old, she looked no more than three. Her skin was pale and delicate; her face still soft and round, but her body thin and fragile.
Even so, her clothes told another story—she was clearly well cared for. The pink princess dress she wore made her look like she’d stepped straight out of a fairytale.
For some reason, Elise felt her heart soften. There was an inexplicable sense of connection between them.
Maybe it was the pregnancy hormones... or maybe it was those two soft, sweet "mommy"s.
After all, who wouldn’t be charmed by such a gentle, adorable little girl?
"What’s your name? Lily?" Elise asked softly, her expression warm and gentle.
The girl nodded.
Encouraged, Elise coaxed her further. "Is that your nickname or your full name?"
Another nod.
Elise’s eyes curved into a smile. "Do you like me?"
This time, Lily nodded so enthusiastically her little head bobbed like a pecking chick.
Elise couldn’t help but laugh quietly, her heart melting.
She reached out and gently patted the girl’s head again. "Since you like me so much, can you tell me your full name?"
Lily looked at her, her tiny brows knitting together.
She opened her mouth, trying to speak, but the words didn’t seem to come easily. A hint of frustration crept onto her small face.
Elise lightly tapped the girl’s furrowed brow. "It’s okay. Take your time. I can wait. Don’t rush—say it one word at a time. I believe you can do it."
Hearing that, the girl slowly relaxed. Then she opened her mouth again, carefully, haltingly forming the words, "Li...li...et Ha...yes."
The pronunciation was too unclear to get it right. Elise blinked. "Sorry?"
"Li...li...en Ha...yes."
This time, it sounded a little different again.
Elise hesitated, suddenly unsure, a trace of embarrassment crossing her face.
For a moment, the two of them—one big, one small—simply stared at each other in silence.
"Lilith." A warm, gentle male voice sounded from behind.
Elise turned. Alexander Hayes was standing a few steps away, though she hadn’t even noticed when he arrived.
Meeting her gaze, he explained, "She’s saying her name is Lilith Hayes. Her pronunciation just isn’t very clear."
"Daddy!"
The moment Lily saw him, her eyes lit up. She let go of Elise and toddled toward him.
Alexander bent down and lifted his daughter into his arms, then looked at Elise. "Mrs. Bennett, I hope she didn’t trouble you?"
Elise stood up and shook her head lightly. "Not at all. Lily is very adorable."
The little girl raised a tiny finger and pointed at Elise. "Mommy!"
Alexander froze, then turned to look at Elise. She pressed her lips together, clearly a little embarrassed.
"Lily, this is Mrs. Elise Bennett," Alexander patiently corrected his daughter. "Daddy told you, remember? When you see a young lady, you should call her ’Miss’ or ’big sister.’ You can’t call people ’mommy’ randomly."
"Mommy!" Lily insisted, still pointing stubbornly at Elise.
Alexander could only sigh, while Elise couldn’t help but smile awkwardly. "She’s still little, Mr. Hayes. Don’t worry about it. Maybe she just feels close to me."
"Lily is usually shy," the man explained, his gaze gentle. "Other than with me, she rarely speaks at all. It seems she really likes you, Mrs. Bennett."
Elise nodded, not thinking too much of it. "I like her too."
"Well, that must be fate!" the cleaning lady suddenly chimed in, clapping her hands with a grin. "Maybe it’s meant to be! Mrs. Bennett, do you have a partner? If not, you could consider our Mr. Hayes here—he’s young and successful, and Lily is such a good girl!"
Elise smiled awkwardly, while Alexander coughed lightly. "Mrs. Trevor, please don’t play matchmaker. Mrs. Bennett is still married."
"Oh—oh, I see..." The woman scratched her head awkwardly. "What a pity. You two really look well-matched..."
Alexander sighed helplessly. "Mrs. Trevor, I’ll take care of Lily. You can go back to work."
"Alright, alright." She nodded and quickly slipped away.
***
Back in the office, Alexander set Lily down on the sofa, then handed the printed agreement to Elise.
"Mrs. Bennett, please take a look. Let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to revise or add."
Elise reviewed the document, then nodded. "Everything looks fine. I’ll head out now. If anything else comes up, I’ll contact you."
"Of course. I’ll walk you out."
Outside the office, he carried his daughter as he escorted Elise to her car.
Lily reached out toward Elise, her small face full of reluctance. "Mommy... is lea...ving..."
Seeing how his daughter kept stretching her arms toward Elise, clearly wanting to follow her, Alexander felt a flicker of surprise.
In all these years, aside from himself, this was the first time Lily had shown such eagerness to be close to someone.
He looked a little apologetic. "She’s never acted like this before. I’m sorry if she’s causing you any trouble."
"You’re too polite," Elise said softly. "I think she’s lovely. I really like her."
Hearing that, Alexander let out a quiet breath of relief. "I’m glad you don’t find her bothersome."
"She’s very lovable," Elise said.
She reached out and gently patted Lily’s head, her tone softening. "Be good, okay? This auntie has something to do today, so I have to leave. I’ll come visit you another time when I’m free, alright?"
Though reluctant, Lily nodded obediently.
After saying goodbye, Elise got into her car and drove toward the testing center.
Once she obtained the paternity report, she checked the time—it was 4 p.m.
She called Oliver Grant to confirm that Dylan was at the company, then headed straight for Bennett Corporation.
