Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled novel Chapter 627

Fortunately, Ryan didn't go down that route.

Not to speak of other things, but Ryan and Faith were solid folks, through and through. Even after finding out who their biological grandchildren were, they didn't immediately push Hiram away.

Ryan grabbed Hiram's hand, his face breaking into a warm smile, "Come on, Hiram, why don't you play with your brother and sister for a bit?"

It was then that Hiram's face lit up with a smile, as if he was being welcomed back into the family fold. He began to play with Serena and Brandon like a little grown-up, and somehow, the atmosphere in the living room turned unexpectedly harmonious.

It wasn't until an hour later, with Serena and Brandon fast asleep, that Neil reluctantly handed them back to me. Since the kids were asleep, it was naturally time for them to leave.

Ryan and Faith's faces were etched with reluctance, a sentiment I saw but didn't voice a request for them to stay longer.

"Hiram, you're going back with your dad. Be a good boy, okay?" I handed Hiram over to Neil, as it seemed more fitting for him to be with Neil, especially with the looming court date against Karina. It was better for Hiram to stay with his father for now.

Hiram nodded obediently, his eyes flickering towards Neil with a hint of hesitation and unease.

Neil took his hand, reassuring me with the gesture.

He wanted to ease my worries, promising to help me win Hiram's custody, and I believed he would follow through.

---

After Neil and his party had left, my parents came downstairs, their expressions somber. Thankfully, they didn't chide me, though their occasional sighs spoke volumes of their concerns. For the moment, all I could do was trust Neil.

I had initially thought we'd go straight to the court day against Karina. She had been detained but was expected to appear in court with police escort.

But the day before the trial, my doorbell rang again.

Seeing Karina at my doorstep took me by surprise. She had only been detained for a couple of days, and now she was out?

"Surprised to see me?" Karina didn't seem angry or upset; instead, she looked at me with a smile.

"Yes, surprised. I thought you'd be locked up for a good while," I shrugged and stepped outside, closing the door behind me to prevent Karina from entering my home.

I didn't want her bringing bad vibes into my space.

Karina's smile cooled a bit, but she kept pace with me as we walked towards the park. To an outsider unaware of our history, we might seem like two friends enjoying a stroll and chat.

In reality, the air between us was icy. I didn't want to exchange another word with her, but I knew she sought me out for something related to Hiram. I had to endure and hear her out.