Chapter 129

Annie's POV

I reclined in the lounge chair in the backyard of Howard's mansion,watching Lucy and Penny finish their training session on the immaculately maintained lawn. Thomas Anderson had'arrived ten minutes late, but seeing the girls in good form.

"Their physical endurance is improving rapidly," Thomas said to me, his gaze fixed on the girls. "I believe they're ready for more intensive training now."

The moment Lucy heard this, she threw her hands up in excitement. "That's awesome! I want to run farther!" she exclaimed.

I couldn't help but smile, exchanging an amused glance with Howard.

The training that followed was indeed more intense. The overall training extended to half an hour. When it ended, both girls collapsed like rag dolls on the neatly trimmed grass, breathing heavily.

I noticed my own physical condition had improved significantly.During my time with Philip, I barely exercised, trapped in the house all day, my physical state deteriorating. Now, living with Lucy and Howard, I'd not only regained my former vitality but could effortlessly carry Lucy back to the living room.

Sue was visibly more exhausted than I was, with beads of sweat on her forehead,but she still prepared to lift Penny. Just then, Thomas stepped forward and naturally picked up the little girl.

"Let me," he smiled at Sue."You should rest."

Sue didn't pretend to be strong; she simply responded with genuine gratitude: "Thank you."

"You're welcome," he replied, his tone carrying a natural warmth.

Watching Thomas carry Penny, I suddenly realized he might be playing more than just the role of a coach in Sue and Penny's lives. There seemed to be an unspoken understanding between single mother Sue and considerate Thomas. This made me happy for Sue, yet somewhat concerned. After all, I knew too well the risks of trusting a new man.

Back inside. Howard's household staff had prepared dinner. We sat in the spacious dining area, dividing into two tables since one couldn't accommodate everyone. Lucy and Penny naturaly sat together.

"When airplanes fly very high, do they reach the end of the sky?"

"If the moon follows us wherever we go, how does it know where we're heading?"

"Does Lucy's teddy bear secretly get up at night to drink milk? My toys sometimes change positions!"

The children's questions fired like a string of firecrackers, with Thomas and Howard taking turns to answer. Even the usually serious Howard displayed rare patience and gentleness when responding to Lucy. The entire house filled with laughter.

This feels good, I thought quietly to myself.

After dinner, Lucy ran to my side, her eyes sparkling with excitement."Mom! Mom!" Every time she called me that, my heart melted a little.

I gently stroked her hair. "What is it, sweetheart?"

"Can we play 'Hide and Seek Relay'? Please!" she pleaded eagerly,bouneing with barely contained excitement. This was a hybrid game currently popular at her Upper East Side private preschool,combining traditional hide-and-seek with team relay elements that children adored.

"Of course we can!" I agreed without hesitation. Seeing her bright eyes, I couldn't help thinking I'd do anything to keep her this happy.

Meanwhile, Penny was executing her "mission"-convincing Sue to participate. This required minimal effort; Sue was completely devoted to her daughter and naturally wouldn't refuse. Sue's and my eyes met, and we both shared that resigned yet sweet smile-a silent understanding between mothers.

We moved to the spacious back garden. The temperature was perfect for outdoor activities.

Howard volunteered to be the "Treasure Director," which surprised me.The normally expressionless CEO who dominated Manhattan's business circles now held carefully prepared clue cards, smiling as he created riddles for the children. The rules required each person to find their"treasure," then exchange and relay with team members to find the next one.His entire demeanor radiated a vitality I'd never witnessed before, his eyes revealing a rare childlike innocence.

Sue and I formed a team against the children, while Thomas and Howard played "Riddle Masters," sometimes offering help, sometimes creating distractions. With each new clue revealed, Lucy and Penny would cheer excitedly, holding hands as they rushed to the next location. They sprinted across the garden lawn, their little faces flushed with excitement.

"The next clue is next to 'something that flies but isn't a bird'!" Lucy read from the card, then exchanged confused glances with Penny.

"It's the airplane models!" Penny suddenly realized, pointing to Howard's vintage airplane model display cabinet in the garden corner.

About ten minutes later, we "adults" began feeling tired, though Lucy and Penny seemed to have endless energy. Just then, the butler came out to inform Howard that the teacher he'd arranged had arrived.

Howard nodded and took Lucy's hand. "Come on, the aerospace engineer is here to teach you about airplanes."

We returned to the living room to meet a woman in her thirties wearing glasses. Her hair was meticulously arranged in a neat bun, and she emanated a serious scholarly aura, her gaze sharp enough to pierce through someone.

"Hello, I'm Jane Buffey," she addressed Howard directly. "Which two children want to learn how an airplane works?"

Hearing this serious voice, both girls immediately hid. Lucy grabbed the edge of my skirt, peeking out with just her little head. I could feel her slight trembling and the tightness of her grip.

Penny went further, completely hiding behind Sue. Seeing the children's reaction, I worried for them-lessons should be joyful experiences, not sources of fear.

Howard seemed unconcerned by the children's timidity. He walked over and gently but firmly took both little girls' hands, bringing them before Jane Buffey."These two."

Jane Buffey noticed the children's fear and forced a smile. "Go get your toy airplanes."

"Huh?" Lucy looked up in surprise, curiosity replacing fear in her eyes."

We can play with our toy airplanes?"

"Of course," Jane Buffey answered calmly.

Just that simple permission completely changed the atmosphere. With approval granted, Lucy immediately grabbed Penny's hand. "Quick,let's get the planes!" The two little girls dashed upstairs, their fear of the teacher vanishing in their excitement.

Jane Buffey turned to Howard, her expression still serious."I'll take care of them from here."

"Thank you." Howard responded appropriately and sincerely.Howard had explained to me on our way back that this teacher was a renowned aerospace engineer whom most people couldn't hire regardless of payment.She seemed to have accepted the job for some personal reason.

Hearing Howard's words, the teacher's expression softened slightly. "Thank you."

A few minutes later, the two girls rushed downstairs, excitedly clutching their remote-controlled airplanes. Knowing they were young, the teacher abandoned technical terminology, explaining flight principles in the most direct, simple way. I was surprised to find both girls not only quiet but focused, their eyes shining.

"Why are airplane wings curved?" Lucy raised her hand to ask.

"Where does the wind go in?" Penny followed with her own question.

Whenever they didn't understand something, they eagerly raised their hands. The teacher seemed touched by their curiosity and thirst for knowledge. Her originally serious expression gradually melted, and her explanations became more animated.

"I thought little girls only liked playing with dolls," she whispered to Howard and me.

I sat down on the nearby sofa, quietly observing the scene. Under the warm lights, Lucy and Penny controlled their remote airplanes while the teacher occasionally guided them to adjust angles or explained certain component functions. When the planes landed, the three huddled together,examining each part like professional engineers.

Sue sat beside me, unusually relaxed, leaning back with a satisfied sigh. "If only every day could be this easy."

"Then come here every day after school," I sincerely suggested, not just so Lucy could have a friend, but to help Sue. "Lucy loves Penny, and there's always someone here to help look after the children."

Sue nodded without hesitation. "Sounds good."

We sat quietly, enjoying this rare moment of peace, occasionally exchanging knowing smiles prompted by the children's laughter or exclamations.

Just then, the sound of a door opening caught my attention. I turned to see a woman's silhouette pushing open the mansion door. She was tall and slender, with dark hair falling neatly down her back, dressed in a well-tailored dark suit. From her posture and the line of her shoulders,I sensed an innate confidence and elegance.

She walked directly to Howard, saying something quietly. Due to the distance and the noise of the game, I couldn't hear her voice or see her face.Howard simply nodded without any pleasantries, then turned to lead her through the hallway directly to his private study at the far end of the first floor. The heavy oak door closed behind them, shutting out all sound.

A strange feeling rose in my heart-not jealousy, more like uncertainty.Howard had never mentioned having other guests tonight.

Sue had clearly noticed too. She frowned and asked me softly, "Who is she?Do you know her?"

"No," I answered, trying to keep my voice steady while turning away."But she might be a relative. Otherwise, she wouldn't come to Howard's home so late."

Sue studied my expression, seemingly seeing through my forced composure. "Aren't you worried?" she asked quietly, concern in her eyes.

"What if she's not a relative," Suehesitated, "but someone Howard..."