Chapter 104

Thomas buried his face in his palm, an involuntary gesture born of mild exasperation, before he slipped from his seat and crossed the café’s softly lit dining area to retrieve his daughter. Sunlight filtered through the tall windows, painting broad stripes of amber across the polished floor. Thomas paused a moment by the playroom entrance, took a steadying breath, then scooped his little girl into his arms. “Sorry about that,” he murmured, brushing a stray lock of hair from her forehead as she giggled with delight.

Settling her securely against his chest, he glanced over his shoulder at SM, who sat at the corner of the table, a gentle smile curving his lips. “I don’t even know why she’s so obsessed with money,” Thomas confessed, his tone a mix of amusement and puzzlement.

SM chuckled, the sound soft yet warm. “Maybe it’s because you left her with Tamara and Shun when she was just a baby,” he suggested, leaning back in his chair. “Back then, you and your partner were sear