Chapter 232

As they headed downstairs, Harper leaned in close to Isaac's ear. "Happy birthday, birthday boy."

"Thanks, Harper," Isaac replied, feeling a warm glow inside.

When they reached the living room, other classmates and parents also showered him with birthday wishes.

Families who could afford this private preschool were generally well-off, but not everyone lived in a mansion like Isaac's family.

Especially with William standing nearby.

Many parents were eager to use this opportunity to get closer to William.

"Time to cut the cake! The first slice goes to our birthday boy," Juan said, handing Isaac the knife.

Isaac stood on his tiptoes, carefully cutting the cake. He gave the first piece to his dad, the second to Harper, and only the third to himself.

The cake had multiple layers, so it wasn't practical for Isaac to cut it all by himself. After a few slices, he handed the knife to the nanny, who took over distributing the cake.

Harper picked up a small fork, took a bite, and exclaimed, "This is so good!"

"You've got frosting all over your face, little kitten," William said gently, wiping the cream from her mouth.

He couldn't get enough of looking at his daughter. Remembering Harper's tragic fate in his past life made his heart ache. This time around, he was determined to protect her.

He wanted to stay with Harper, but she was at an age where she preferred playing with her friends.

Just then, Isaac took Harper's hand. "Let's go play hide and seek."

Harper agreed happily, and the two kids ran off together.

William didn't stop them, but he felt a bit uneasy.

"I know you want to bond with your daughter, but you can't rush it. Look at the other kids-they're all running around. You can't expect Harper to stay by your side all the time," Juan said, trying to console him.

As parents, learning to let go bit by bit is part of raising children. When they're born, they rely on you completely, but as they grow, go to school, become adults, and eventually start their own families, they will have their own lives. Parents can only do their best to help and respect their children's choices.

"I understand what you're saying, but Harper is still so young," William replied, his past life memories making it hard for him to relax.

He was trying his best to control himself.

Juan felt helpless. He never expected the formidable William to turn into such a doting father. If he hadn't seen it with his own eyes, he wouldn't have believed it!

"Dad Cavendish, I'm hungry. Can you get me some snacks?" Harper asked, running back to William after playing for a while.

William was more than happy to oblige. He fetched her some treats and a drink, bustling around with a devoted attitude.

He was more than willing to take care of Harper.

But this scene didn't sit well with everyone.

"She's already clinging to men at such a young age. What kind of person will she grow up to be?" a short-haired woman muttered under her breath.

Her name was Brynn Elise. After discovering her husband's infidelity post-childbirth, they divorced, and she became a single mom.

Raising a child alone was tough. Plus, seeing other kids in the class with their dads while her son Yosef had none made her feel even worse.

So when Harper transferred to the school, Brynn was initially friendly towards Christina, another single mom.

But today, seeing Harper run to William and cling to him, Brynn felt extremely displeased.

William had a wife, though she had been missing for years, leading many to suspect she was dead. Even so, William would never be interested in a divorced woman with a child. Did Christina have any self-awareness?

And Harper, at such a young age, already knew how to cling to men. What kind of person would she grow up to be?

"Mom, I want to play with Harper," Yosef said, hugging her leg.

This statement infuriated Brynn.

She smacked his bottom twice. "Play, play, play! All you think about is playing. You're so young and already infatuated with her. Have you forgotten? Your dad left us because he was seduced by a woman. Do you want to become like him?"

Yosef had grown up hearing his mom curse his dad. His dad ignored them, only sending child support each month and nothing else. He hated his dad.

Now, his mom was saying he was like his dad. He didn't want to become the person he despised most.

Tears welled up in his eyes. "Mom, don't be mad. I won't play with Harper anymore. I won't go near her."

"Stay away from her at school too, got it?" Brynn continued to scold him.

Only when he tearfully agreed did she let him go. "Alright, go play."

Yosef had come over smiling but now ran off crying.

He wanted to play with the other kids, but they were playing hide and seek with Harper, and his mom wouldn't let him play with her.

So he decided to make Harper leave.

As soon as he spoke up, Isaac was furious. "Harper is my guest and my best friend. This is my house. Why should she leave just because you say so?"

"Yeah, we all like playing with Harper. If you don't, you can leave."

"We didn't force you to come."

"If you want to play with us, follow our rules. We're not going to exclude someone else for you."

The other kids chimed in, all attacking Yosef.

His words had been too harsh!

Harper was much more popular than he was. If they had to choose, they would definitely pick Harper and kick Yosef out.

"But, I, I..." Yosef wanted to say Harper was a bad influence and that playing with her would lead to no good. Their dads might even be seduced by her, just like his dad.

But Isaac didn't give him a chance to speak. "We don't want to hear it. If you don't want to stay, then leave. I don't really want to host you anyway."

Yosef watched as they continued playing hide and seek, everyone smiling and laughing, while he stood alone, completely out of place.