Chapter 322: Wife, I Have Money
The weather was wonderful for the next few days.
The sun was warm, and the sky was a crystal-clear, translucent blue, as if it had been washed clean. Soft, wispy clouds drifted lazily by.
Wren Sutton took Owen and Nina downstairs to get some sun every day, never venturing outside the residential complex.
The complex had quite a few mothers with children of a similar age. Over time, a small group of them grew friendly, often gathering on a bench to exchange parenting tips.
Their topics ranged from how to make baby food smooth and easy to digest, to little tricks for lulling babies to sleep, to which diapers to choose, and what to watch out for before and after vaccinations. The conversation flowed, one topic leading animatedly to the next.
This particular morning, Wren Sutton was chatting with the others about getting the babies’ wardrobes ready for the change in season.
Just then, a familiar black sedan slowly entered the complex and pulled into a parking spot not far away.
The car door opened, and Adrian Lancaster stepped out.
She hadn’t seen him in several days. His cold had completely healed, and the lingering weakness and haggardness from his illness had vanished, making him look all the more tall and handsome.
Instead of the stern, aloof suits he usually wore, he was dressed in dark gray casual wear. The fabric was soft, the cut clean and sharp.
His entire demeanor softened, becoming much warmer. The usual intensity in his gaze had faded, replaced by a touch of domestic warmth.
Adrian Lancaster’s gentle gaze cut through the small crowd, landing precisely on Wren Sutton as he strode toward her.
"Honey."
He spoke, his voice pitched just right—not too loud, not too soft—but clear enough for everyone nearby to hear. It was open and natural, with no hint of concealment.
Hearing the familiar voice, Wren Sutton turned to look.
Their eyes met.
Adrian Lancaster’s eyes were filled with unconcealed affection and longing.
Before she could react, he had already closed the distance and pulled her into his arms.
"Honey, my cold is completely gone. I’ve come to take you and the kids home."
Owen and Nina, in their stroller, recognized their father. Their little mouths broke into grins, their faces lighting up with happy smiles as they waved their tiny hands and babbled softly.
Embarrassed to be hugged like that in front of all the other mothers, Wren gently pushed at Adrian Lancaster’s arm and whispered, "The children are calling for you."
Adrian Lancaster finally let go and squatted down beside the stroller.
He carefully touched his son’s and daughter’s soft little cheeks. The delicate, warm sensation made his heart melt.
"Owen, Nina, Daddy’s here to take you home."
As he spoke, he lifted the two children, one after the other, holding one securely in each arm. His movements were practiced and gentle, his eyes overflowing with adoration.
Seeing the loving, happy family of four, the other mothers couldn’t help but smile and offer a few good-natured teases before tactfully giving them some space.
Adrian Lancaster walked toward the car carrying the children, while Wren Sutton followed alongside, pushing the now-empty stroller.
"Honey, I brought some things for your parents in the trunk. Would you mind moving them to the stroller? That way we can get everything upstairs in one trip."
"You’re splurging again," Wren chided playfully.
Adrian Lancaster chuckled, his tone matter-of-fact. "It’s not much. A box of nutritional supplements, a canister of fine Red Tea, and a box of the pastries your mom likes."
Wren Sutton opened the trunk. There really wasn’t much, and the items were light; she moved them into the stroller with ease.
"Don’t buy anything next time you visit. We’re running out of space to put things at home."
"What son-in-law visits his parents-in-law empty-handed?" Adrian Lancaster glanced down at the children in his arms, then looked up at her.
"Honey, just let me. I have money."
He said the last three words with such a straight face that Wren Sutton almost burst out laughing.
She knew perfectly well that he was rich; he didn’t need to point it out.
The two of them entered the apartment building together, Adrian Lancaster carrying the children and Wren Sutton pushing the stroller, their roles clearly defined.
Hearing the commotion, Mr. and Mrs. Sutton came out of the apartment. Genuine smiles lit up their faces when they saw Adrian Lancaster.
"Adrian, you’re here. You look so well today; your cold must be all better."
"Yes, Mom." Adrian Lancaster’s tone was respectful and gentle. "I wanted to wait until I was fully recovered before coming to take Wren and the children home."
Mrs. Sutton’s smile grew even warmer.
"As long as you’re better. You need to take better care of yourself from now on. Don’t go catching another cold."
"Thank you for your concern, Mom. I’ll be more careful from now on. And thank you, you and Dad, for all your hard work looking after Owen and Nina these past few days."
Her son-in-law was getting so much better at saying the right things, and his actions had become so thoughtful and considerate. Mrs. Sutton saw it all, and her heart filled with gratification.
’To be honest,’ she thought, ’Adrian Lancaster is top-notch in every way—his looks, his family background, his capabilities.’
’He made mistakes in the past, but he’s trying so hard and so sincerely to make amends now. As long as her daughter could work through it and get past that hurdle in her heart, she, as a mother, wouldn’t oppose them reconciling.’
"It’s no trouble at all. The two little ones are the joy of our household. Your father and I couldn’t be happier to have them here."
Mrs. Sutton added with a smile, "If you hadn’t come to pick them up yourself, I would have insisted on them staying a few more days."
Adrian Lancaster quickly jumped in, his tone sincere. "Wren and I will bring the children back often to spend more time with you and Dad."
Just then, Wren Sutton, who had been silent the whole time, stepped forward and took Nina from his arms.
"Go sit in the living room. I’ll get you a glass of water."
"Okay, thank you, honey."
Mr. and Mrs. Sutton exchanged a knowing smile. With a silent understanding, they left the living room to the younger couple and disappeared into the kitchen.