Chapter 99. Her Father

Emerald lowered her gaze to the hands the two of them held. Anastacia's hand was slightly smaller than hers, and her palm was rough, especially around the tiger's mouth, where calluses had formed. Yet, somehow, that roughness brought Emerald a sense of comfort.

When she was younger, she had always wanted Eula to hold her hand.

But Eula would always glare at her with disdain and walk faster, forcing Emerald to trot just to keep up.

Even when Emerald fell, Eula never turned back.

"The weather's nice today. Any plans?" Anastacia asked, her tone warm.

Emerald shook her head instinctively, and Anastacia smiled brightly. "Then let Mom take you out to play."

She called her "Mom" so naturally, as if they had known each other for years, with no awkwardness at all.

But Emerald still felt a slight discomfort in her chest, unable to voice it. She nodded obediently. "Okay."

Anastacia, beaming with happiness, patted her cheek. "Oh, you're such a good girl.