That tiny tiara had been custom-made for her by Stewart himself. Though small, every single gemstone was real—an exquisite little crown worth six figures.
The little princess perched on her father’s lap, pointing at her juice cup with a chubby finger. “Daddy, I want some juice~!”
Stewart brought the glass to her lips and reminded her gently, “Just a sip, sweetheart. Mom says you need to eat your dinner first. After you finish, you can have a whole glass.”
“I knowww~!”
Little Nina dutifully took a tiny sip, then turned her bright eyes on him again. “Daddy, I want some of that meat.”
Stewart obliged without hesitation, serving his daughter with practiced ease.
The others watched as Nina laid on the charm, one round after another, but none of them called her out. Nearly five years old and a champion eater, she usually plowed through her meals solo in her booster seat. When did she ever need this kind of pampering?
And that babyish voice—so sweet it could melt the iciest heart—made James, the ultimate girl dad, sigh with helpless longing.
“Stewart, have you never suspected she’s just putting on an act?” James eyed Stewart, sounding as sour as if he’d just bitten into a lemon.
“I know,” Stewart replied, ruffling Nina’s hair. “But as long as she’s happy, that’s all that matters.”
James could only roll his eyes.
Lorna swirled the wine in her glass and glanced over at James. “Stepdads just can’t compete with real dads, huh?”
James shot her a withering look. “No one asked for your commentary.”
Lorna just grinned. “Oh, but I love giving it!” She took a sip of wine and winked at him. “Mr. Delaney, if you want a daughter so badly, why not have one of your own? If you’re struggling to find someone to have a baby with, you could always consider me. I’m in great shape—our kid would be a breeze to raise!”
“Shameless!” James stood up abruptly. “There’s no reasoning with a woman like you.”
He grabbed his plate and relocated to an empty seat as far from Lorna as possible.
Lorna just watched him go, lips curving in amusement, and in the next second, she picked up her own plate and followed.
Seeing this, James put down his knife and fork and made a quick escape.
“Where are you off to?” Lorna set her plate down and trotted after him.
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