Chapter 171
Kingsley’s private jet touched down in the capital. Instead of returning to the family estate, he headed straight for the mountain resort where Thurston Fletcher had sent his location.
As the car came to a smooth stop, Kingsley spotted them on the lawn: Thurston and Ethan Sterling were playing soccer with Molly.
Molly, sporting playful twin braids, turned her head and spotted Kingsley instantly. Her voice, sweet and crisp, rang out across the grass. “Mr. Kingsley! It’s been so long p>
Kingsley approached, his gaze softening. “I’ve been busy lately,” he replied simply.
Molly looked up at him with clear, innocent eyes, her small brow furrowing with concern like a miniature adult. “Even if you’re busy, you have to rest p>
A hint of a smile touched Kingsley’s lips, his tone softening. “Okay. Thanks, Molly.” Molly grinned, her small white teeth showing. “You’re very welcome p>
Ethan was the first to chime in, his tone exaggerated. “Well, well, if it isn’t the jet- setting Mr. Sherwood. Finally decided to grace the country with your presence?” Kingsley shot him a dry look, his tone laced with mockery. “Shouldn’t you be in a lab somewhere, fighting with beakers and test tubes? What are you doing out here p>
“Thurston called me!” Ethan immediately raised his hands, shifting the blame. “He told me to come help babysit Molly. You think I’d willingly bake under this sun p>
Just then, Thurston bent down and whispered something to Molly. The little girl nodded, turned to the other men, and waved her small hand. “Mr. Kingsley, Mr. Ethan, bye-bye p>
With that, she trotted away on her little legs.
“Hey, Molly!” Ethan shouted with a laugh. “When are you going to play soccer with me again p>
Molly paused, tilted her head to think for two seconds, and chirped back, “When I have time p>
Then she ran off without looking back.
Thurston walked up to Kingsley, arching an eyebrow. “Came here straight from the airport? You missed us that much p>
Kingsley stood with one hand in his pocket, his tone cool. “Do you believe that yourself p>
Thurston shook his head with mock seriousness. “True. So, you need something from us p>
“Need something? What is it?” Ethan leaned in, eyes sparkling with curiosity. “Let me hear it. Maybe I can help p>
Kingsley glanced at him but didn’t answer, walking instead toward a nearby seating area bathed in warm sunlight. Thurston and Ethan exchanged a look and followed close behind.
Kingsley sat down, stayed silent for a moment, and then dropped a slow, deliberate question.
“How do you pursue someone p>
Ethan froze. He reached out to touch Kingsley’s forehead. “No way. Do you have a fever p>
He quickly touched his own forehead, muttering, “No, my temperature is normal Thurston pulled out a chair and sat down, his expression calm. “Pursue who p>
Kingsley looked at him. “Who do you think p>
Ethan scoffed, sounding entirely sure of himself. “Why bother with the question?
Miss Mason’s the type who comes when called. No chase required p>
Kingsley ignored him completely and dropped a bombshell.
“I’m chasing Lucy Lynwood p>
“Pffft-” Thurston, who was drinking water, choked violently, coughing and waving his hand. “Can you pick someone else? You two divorced because of your own doing. Going back now… doesn’t your face hurt from the slap of reality p>
Kingsley’s brow furrowed deep, his voice heavy with gloom. “If you two hadn’t taken
her for that abortion, would she have asked for a divorce? I never intended to
divorce her p>
“Bullshit!” Thurston snapped, his voice rising in anger. “You pushed her to the brink yourself. She didn’t want to bear your child because how you acted. Don’t pin that on us p>
Seeing the tension spike, Ethan jumped in to mediate. “Hey, hey, no fighting! Chasing an ex-wife? Easy Step one sincere apology, Step two: relentless pestering. Look at Fletcher-isn’t that how he got Jane? Clinging like glue p>