Chapter 217: Chapter 217

Pop is clever. The little chubby kid climbed onto Conrad Sterling’s lap, held onto his daddy’s neck, stood on his tiptoes, and gave Conrad a big kiss on the cheek.

This series of actions instantly dispelled the suspicions of the two elderly folks who had thought Conrad Sterling was a human trafficker.

A child’s reaction is the most genuine; they can’t lie.

Generally, a kidnapped child would only cry fearfully in a trafficker’s arms.

It seems man is indeed the child’s father! Tʜe sourcᴇ of thɪs content ɪs novelFirｅ.net

But why does he always have that icy demeanor? Probably had a fight with his wife; that would explain why he’s alone with his daughter.

The train arrived at Veridia station, and Anna Thornton suddenly felt a sense of timidness near her hometown.

She kind of regretted not bringing Pop along. After being away for years, coming back to pay respects, it would be right to let her father see his granddaughter.

Pop is so obedient and adorable, Anna thought. If her dad were alive, he would absolutely adore Pop more than himself.

But then again, Anna isn’t coming back alone. Once she handles things and the threat is removed, it might be better to return with Pop proudly to the Thornton Family.

She quickly gathered her emotions and stood up, smiling at Dylan White, who was holding her luggage: "Thank you, Dylan."

"No problem, taking care of you is what I should do."

Throughout the journey, Dylan White has been extraordinarily attentive to Anna Thornton, attentive enough that outsiders might mistake them for a couple.

Fearing the train’s air conditioning was too strong, Dylan White even wanted to take off his jacket and put it on Anna Thornton.

At that moment, Anna was thankful she was wearing long sleeves that day, giving her a reason to refuse.

Once they got off the train first, Conrad Sterling followed with Pop.

He was tall enough not to lose sight of Anna Thornton in the crowd, even from a distance.

Pop rested quietly in his arms, playing with an orange. An orange given by the elderly woman sitting beside them earlier.

During the two-hour train ride, the elderly woman’s mouth never stopped, constantly attempting to brainwash Conrad Sterling, talking about how hard it is for women to have children and how he, as a husband, should be more understanding, not stingy, and should go apologize to his wife when returning.

Conrad wondered where the elderly woman got the idea he was stingy?

Now it was the woman deceiving him, sneaking off to her hometown with another man, sweet-talking all the way on the train. Conrad not immediately confronting them was quite generous.

Of course, the reason Conrad hadn’t gone over to confront Anna yet wasn’t due to generosity.

It was because of the man next to Anna... Conrad glanced at Dylan White, who was constantly being courteous.

He remained hidden because Conrad had seen this man four years ago and now didn’t want to meet again. He also didn’t want Dylan White to know his relationship with Anna, nor did he want Anna to know he was acquainted with Dylan White.

Anna Thornton and Dylan White flagged down a taxi outside the train station and left, while Conrad’s arrangement had already provided himself with a vehicle, equipped with a child safety seat.

Conrad drove, trailing far behind them, noticing the taxi halted in front of a five-star hotel.

Following that, they got out, and Dylan White helped Anna Thornton with the luggage as they went to the hotel front desk to book a room.

However, during the check-in process, Dylan White suddenly patted his pocket: "Where’s my ID card?"

"Can’t find your ID card?" Anna Thornton asked him, "Didn’t you just use it?"

"Yeah, I used it at the station. How come it’s suddenly gone?"

Anna Thornton watched Dylan White searching for his ID card, looking genuinely puzzled, trying hard not to laugh.

What kind of clichéd scenario is this, daring to perform it in front of her?

No wonder, after four years, Dylan White still hasn’t gotten a girlfriend; his skills at wooing women are lacking!

Anna didn’t expose him, instead playing along: "Dylan, there were too many eyes at the station earlier; maybe you dropped it? Losing an ID card could be serious, why don’t we call the police?"

"You just arrived, making you go around with me isn’t right. Let’s do this, I’ll help you check-in first, and then I’ll find my ID card!"

Anna Thornton knew Dylan deliberately staged the ID card loss at the hotel entrance, hoping she would suggest sharing a room with him using her ID.

He was indeed more anxious than Anna imagined!

However, Anna decided not to say anything; her aim was to use Dylan to expose Holly Sutton.

If he got his way so easily, how could she proceed with the next step?

Luckily, the impression Dylan had of Anna was still the same as four years ago when she was the willful and presumptuous miss of the Thornton Family. Her direct and self-centered manner of speaking was reasonable.

Dylan didn’t get the answer he wanted and was momentarily displeased.

But soon enough, he became tirelessly diligent, not only paying for Anna’s room but also voluntarily helping her carry her luggage to the room.

"Anna, how’s the room?"

"It’s great! Dylan, thank goodness for you; I couldn’t afford to stay in such a good hotel on my own right now."

"Don’t mention it. Anna, I still remember how President Thornton spoiled you back then, and the entire Veridia had to call you the little princess. Actually, during that time, I always thought, if I ever had the chance, I would definitely protect you well."

Saying sincere promises that had simmered for four years, Dylan White casually put his arm around Anna Thornton’s shoulder: "Anna, now I finally have this chance."

"Dylan, shouldn’t you be looking for your ID card?" Anna Thornton pretended to tidy up her luggage, taking a step back to keep distance, "It’ll be dark soon."

"Right, you rest first, and I’ll go find my ID card! Let’s have dinner together tonight!"

Once Dylan left, Anna Thornton finally allowed her facial muscles, which were nearing a smile-induced cramp, to relax.

To be honest, playing the role of a fallen princess and naive damsel isn’t easy.

Because Anna needed to constantly suppress her genuine emotions, she had to restrain herself from feeling disgusted with Dylan and not disdain herself.

Originally, she hadn’t slept well last night, and now she felt even more exhausted.

While there’s still time, she can finally catch up on some sleep.

Conrad’s car parked outside the hotel, not rushing to go in,

waiting until Dylan White sneaked out of the hotel and flagged a taxi.

Conrad followed, noticing after a few turns, the taxi stopped in front of a relatively old adult store.

Dylan got out and entered the store, coming out with a well-packaged bag, face adorned with a lewd smile.

Conrad’s eyes narrowed dangerously.