I asked in confusion, "You don't want us to get involved?"

Once she was sure I wasn't against Zane helping, Suzy finally said, "I'd love that."

...

When we arrived at the restaurant where Liam had arranged to meet, Zane and I led the two children to a window-side table.

Neither of them knew what was about to happen. They were busy flipping through the menu, pointing at the pictures of food, and discussing which ones to pick. Penelope said, "I think this one looks good."

Willow nodded in agreement.

Zane patiently helped the children place their orders, while I turned my attention to Suzy.

...

Suzy sat there quietly, saying nothing.

Liam sat across from her. As Suzy's ex-husband and Penelope's father, he knew her better than anyone else. He knew exactly how to handle her.

Liam was the first to speak. "What gives you the right to take Penelope?"

Suzy stared at him. "Don't you already know why?

"I'll tell you, then. It's because you didn't pick up Penelope."

Liam hurried to explain, "It's because I've been busy with work."

"Ha!" Suzy scoffed. "You don't have a job now, do you?"

All the household expenses fell on her.

Most of the time, Suzy blamed herself for not being able to keep Penelope with her and for not spending enough time with her. She believed that by providing Penelope with more material things, she could make up for the lack of a father's love. As a result, she never truly complained. Yet, Liam was mistreating her daughter.

After learning that Penelope had been mistreated in Liam's household, Suzy was determined never to let her stay with him again.

Liam tried to explain, "I've been looking for work. Besides, my entire family is against you taking Penelope. Suzy, if you were more reasonable, you'd return her to us."

Liam threatened, "Otherwise, we'll sue you."

"Go ahead and sue," Suzy replied calmly. "The court will ask Penelope how she feels and investigate both households to see which environment is better for her. Clearly, my income is higher than yours, and Penelope prefers me. So, you won't win this battle." By the end, Suzy's tone turned sharp and resolute.

Liam knew Suzy was right. Realizing his approach wasn't working, he softened his tone. "You promised to let us raise Penelope."

Suzy didn't argue. "At that time, I was busy with work and couldn't care for her properly. I thought you would take good care of her. Who would have guessed you'd be so irresponsible?

"You drop her off at school and never check on her. Every other child has a parent pick them up, while she's left waiting alone."

Suzy's anger grew. "If you'd just shown a little care, Penelope would have hesitated before leaving with me. You should really think about your own behavior."

With that, she grabbed her bag and prepared to leave.

Liam grabbed her wrist. "You're not going anywhere if you don't return Penelope to me!"

Zane stepped forward, coldly pulling Liam's hand away from Suzy. "Didn't anyone tell you it's illegal to interfere with someone's personal freedom?"

Suzy quietly thanked him before rushing to Penelope's side.All content is © N0velDrama.Org.

Liam glared at Zane, but Zane stood firm with his hands in his pockets, meeting his gaze without fear.