"Hayes, please continue looking for her," Winter begged, gripping the phone tighter.
She couldn't bear the thought of something happening to Seren, especially in a city where her daughter knew no one.
Hayes was already combing through the hotel when something caught his attention, causing him to halt abruptly.
"I believe I've found her," he stated before Winter could even respond.
Winter immediately turned to Kalix, her voice urgent. "Drive us to the hotel now."
Without hesitation, Kalix started the engine, speeding through the streets with unwavering focus. It only took them twenty minutes to reach the parking lot, and the moment the car stopped, Winter flung the door open, sprinting toward the location Hayes had given her.
Kalix followed closely behind, his expression unreadable, but the air around him thickened with an unmistakable intensity.
Winter's heart pounded as she stepped into the elevator with Kalix, and within moments, they arrived at the cafeteria.
Kalix's gaze sharpened as he took in the familiar faces around them, but one person stood out the most—his most trusted assistant.
Then, his eyes locked onto an older man sitting at a nearby table. Kalix felt a jolt of shock ripple through him as he saw his grandfather—Sylvester Andreas, the chairman of J&K International and former leader of The Black Ledger—engaged in a seemingly pleasant conversation.
And on his lap sat a small girl.
Seren.
Winter froze at the sight, her breath catching. The old man, known for his cold and calculating nature, was playing with Seren, his expression oddly softened.
The transformation was eerie.
Before Winter could react, Seren spotted her. "Mommy, look who I met!" She beamed, squirming to get off Sylvester's lap.
Winter barely registered her daughter's words, too focused on getting her back. But before Seren could reach her, her gaze flickered past Winter, landing on the tall, imposing man behind her.
Her eyes widened.
"Daddy…?"
Seren ignored her mother entirely and ran straight toward Kalix.
Kalix barely had time to react before she flung herself into his arms. On instinct, he bent slightly, catching her with ease.
Winter stood frozen, her mind reeling.
She turned, watching the way Kalix held Seren, his grip both firm and gentle. It was as if the entire world had shifted without her consent, leaving her lost in the chaos unfolding before her.
"Are you my daddy?" Seren's voice was filled with innocence and hope.
Kalix, still caught off guard, stared at the small girl in his arms. His heart pounded as he took in her delicate features—features so achingly familiar, like looking into a mirror of his past.
He swallowed hard.
"Yes," he finally admitted, voice rough with emotion.
Seren's face lit up, and she wrapped her arms around his neck. "Oh, Mommy! See? I finally found my daddy!"
Winter's lips trembled, her world crashing down around her.
"Excuse me, but can I have my daughter back?" Winter's voice was sharp as she stepped forward, her maternal instincts overriding everything else.
Seren pouted as Winter pulled her away, forcing her to stand on her feet. Crouching slightly, she grasped her daughter's hands.
"Star, what is all this?" Her voice wavered between frustration and fear. "I told you not to leave the room. You promised me, remember? So why did you?"
Seren looked down, cheeks flushing with guilt.
"It is not her fault, woman. I was the one who brought her here," Sylvester's deep voice cut in.
Winter stiffened, turning to face him. "And who gave you the right to do that?"
Sylvester's sharp gaze met hers, unimpressed. "I have every right. She is my great-granddaughter."
Winter's breath hitched.
Before she could retort, Kalix stepped forward. "Lolo, I can explain."
Sylvester's gaze turned even colder. "Indeed, you have much to explain."
Sensing the rising tension, Winter took Seren's hand and turned away. "Keep us out of this. Especially my daughter."
Sylvester was about to object, but Kalix stopped him. As much as he wanted to be close to Seren, he knew there were things they needed to discuss first.
Outside, Hayes watched the scene unfold, amused. Winter had unknowingly offended one of the most powerful men in the city—and with a straight face at that.
....
Back in her hotel room, Winter paced restlessly. "I need to find another way. I don't want anything to do with those people."
Hayes remained silent before nodding. He knew the odds, but he would try.
After he left, Winter turned to Seren, who was curled up on the bed, unusually quiet.
Winter sighed, sitting beside her. "What happened, Star? Are you not happy with Mommy?"
Seren hesitated before whispering, "I want Daddy."
Winter's heart clenched as she realized the one thing she had overlooked all this time.
Meanwhile, at the Rosewood estate, chaos erupted.
"What did you just say?" Rita, the eldest daughter-in-law, exclaimed. "Kalix already has a child?"
"And you're telling us this now?" Roger, Kalix's brother, demanded.
Rita shot a glare at Dianna, who sat silently, her expression filled with barely restrained fury.
"What about Dianna?" Rita snapped. "We were all looking forward to that marriage!"
Rita had always believed Kalix was the perfect match for her sister, and when Dianna admitted to liking him, she had done everything to push the arrangement forward.
Kalix, who despised family meddling, exhaled sharply. "I never agreed to that marriage. That was all you."
Rita's face darkened, her grip tightening on her dress.
Lilac, the youngest sibling, grinned. "Brother, when can I meet Seren? And Grandpa—why didn't you tell us sooner?"
Amidst the uproar, Sylvester remained silent, his piercing gaze locked onto his grandson.
"Bring my great-granddaughter here," Sylvester finally commanded, his voice brokering no argument. "She will live with us."
Dianna and Rita visibly tensed.
"Grandpa, but—"
"Not just her," Kalix continued, eyes gleaming. "Her mother as well."
Rita and Dianna exchanged panicked glances, while the rest of the family remained speechless.
Slyvester's jaw tightened. "And if I refuse?"
Kalix leaned forward, a smirk curling his lips. "Then forget about ever seeing Seren again."
Kalix didn't hesitate. "I don't care what it takes—I will marry Winter."
With that, he turned and walked out, leaving the room in stunned silence.