Chapter 2169

At the Smith residence, the house buzzed with childish laughter. Bright-eyed children darted between the marble columns while Charlotte played with them, her smile warm and unguarded.

Ever vigilant, Cecilia reminded her to slow down and watch her step.

Charlotte was pregnant, after all. One careless fall or collision could mean danger for both her and the baby.

Thankfully, the children were unusually well behaved. They shared toys, laughed together, and whispered secrets about imaginary forts. Not once did shouting or roughhousing disturb the peaceful air.

That fragile calm shattered in an instant.

Felix Rainsworth stood among them, his young face twisted into something far too vicious for a child his age. His eyes burned with malice, sharp and calculating.

Sophie tugged at Dante’s sleeve, her voice trembling. “Let’s go play somewhere else, Dante.”