NovelEnglishChapter 498
Hank casually signaled the waiter with a subtle gesture, hoping to slip in and pay for Mary's meal. Just then,
Mary said to the cashier, "I guess I'll skip the burger then." The cashier nodded, "Sure thing."
Mary paid, took her receipt, and sat down to wait, her heart light with joy.
Hank's gaze never left Mary. The waiter approached, asking, "Sir, what can | get for you?"
The waiter was puzzled; he had been beckoned over but wasn't given an order.
Mary's attention was caught by the waiter's voice, and she glanced instinctively toward Hank.
Hank wore a face mask, but Mary recognized him in an instant.
That was her dad. Even behind a mask, she'd know him anywhere.
Mary was in disbelief. Since she and her mom moved to the new place, her dad hadn't cto visit.
Her grandma had told her about the divorce, warning her not to mention her father in front of her mom. Mary
was obedient; she never asked.
Now, months later, seeing her dad again stirred a mix of happiness and disbelief in her.
Father and daughter locked eyes, Hank fearful of being recognized and equally afraid of not being.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtThe cashier's reminder broke the moment, "Kid, your order's ready to go."
Mary stood up to get her food. She didn't greet Hank, pretended not to recognize him, and walked towards the
stairs with her takeaway.
At the top of the stairs, she couldn't help but look back, then continued down.
That one look from Mary made Hank's heart ache, his chest tight with emotion.
Mary used to rely on him so much, and now, though she was close enough to touch, he would not hear her call
him 'Dad' again.
Tears welled up in Mary's eyes as she descended the stairs, but she held them back.
She paused at the stairwell to collect herself before carrying her burger and fries to find her mother, Susan.
In front of Susan, Mary was still the cheerful little girl.
"Mom, | got you shot cocoa. Have a sip, and here's your burger. I'll just have the fries and soda."
Susan smiled, "I'll stick to the cocoa, sweetheart. The rest is all yours. Just don't mention it to Grandma, okay?
She'd be upset if she knew." Grandma Rose had a rule against eating fast food.
Mary's eyes twinkled, "Got it, it's our little secret."
As Mary happily munched on her fries, she didn't mention seeing her dad.
On the other side of the diner, Hank had already left his spot by the window.
Mary felt a pang of regret for not greeting him.
After Hank had gone, it wasn't long before Jason showed up to see Susan. Susan, anxious, asked, "Any news?"
Jason had been discreetly investigating the Anita Clark case for months without any leads.
"I've got nothing yet. Just passing through and wanted to check if you were still here. It's getting late, isn't Mary
in school tomorrow?"
"We'll pack up soon," replied Susan, her voice tinged with disappointment.
Julie was pregnant and untouchable, and without concrete evidence or motive, mere suspicion wasn't enough to
act on. Mary sweetly called out, "Uncle Jason!"
He responded with a warm hum, "I'll help you pack up and give you a lift home."
Jason often caround to lend a hand to Susan, flying the flag of community service.
With Jason around, neither the city inspectors nor local troublemakers dared to hassle Susan.
Hank drove back to Southridge Estates.
Ever since he was discharged from the hospital, he hadn't returned to Salstrom Manor.
To him, this was home.
Pulling into the driveway, Hank was about to head inside when a familiar voice called out. "Mr. Salstrom, you're
back."
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