Chapter 371 Father and Daughter, Round One

• “My dad?” Little Peanut froze for a beat, her big, bright, watery eyes flicking around. In a second, she got it, then nodded with a cheeky grin. “Granny, I’m going. I’m going to keep my handsome dad company.” To her, who her dad was didn’t matter. What mattered was having a dad. Now she had one—and he was handsome, too—of course she was thrilled. The little girl scampered into the villa, never slowing until she reached the top floor. At the door to Colton Lowell’s study, she was panting from the run. She stood there a good while to catch her breath before stepping in. “Daddy, I brought you flowers.” That sweet, milky voice cut through the quiet. Seated at the desk, Colton looked up and saw a miniature version of Selene Jacobson. The striking man didn’t waste words. Cold, distant, he watched the little girl come closer, not quite able to digest the fact that he was now a father. Little Peanut reached his side, lifted both tiny hands, and held out a small yellow blossom. “Daddy, for you. I just picked it in the garden.” “Thanks. I don’t like that kind of thing. Take it away.” He barely glanced at what she held, then lowered his head and went back to his paperwork. His brush-off stung Little Peanut. But Granny had said her handsome dad was still sick, so Little Peanut decided not to take it to heart. The little girl went to the chair in front of his desk, climbed up, and sat squarely facing Colton, like a tiny grown-up. “Daddy, you’re not better yet. You should rest. You’re already rich. You don’t need to rush to make more money. Even if you ran out, don’t worry—my mom would take care of you. She can support our whole family just fine.” When would Colton Lowell ever need that bumpkin to support him! He set down his pen without a word. The hard lines of his face said he was out of patience. He wasn’t about to coo over some baby-faced kid—especially one who looked exactly like that bumpkin. Even if she was his daughter, she was only here because he’d had to have a child to placate Old Mrs. Lowell. Across the desk, Little Peanut tilted her head and studied him. Granny had said he was her dad now, but her dad didn’t seem to like her. She needed a plan to make him like her. Inspiration struck. The tiny kid went all-in on pity. “Daddy, Mom’s busy every day. She doesn’t have time for us. You have to stand up for us. If you don’t, we’re really hopeless.” Colton’s brows pulled tight. “Busy with what? Why isn’t she taking care of you?” That bumpkin was neglecting his child, and Old Mrs. Lowell still liked her? Little Peanut answered in that soft, babyish voice, “Mom has to take care of you, and the business too. Of course she has no time for us. Since you’re on leave, can’t you keep us company? Daddy, we’re good kids, super well-behaved. You’ll have fun being with us.” Colton looked at the little dumpling overflowing with wounded innocence, a faint frown tugging at his brow. Why did it feel like this tiny thing was running game on him? Seeing his look, Little Peanut hopped off the chair, ran to him, and hugged his arm. “Daddy, we really need you. You’re our dad. Please stay with us.” Colton pressed his fingers to his temple. His memory had stopped six years back, and six years ago he hadn’t felt any need for kids. This scene was only proving that point. He yanked Little Peanut’s arms off and pushed her aside. “Go find Great-Grandma. I’ve got work to do.”