The Secret Heir's Return to Wealth and Love novel Chapter 2252

After his loud wailing, Jaime caught Cory's eye as he glanced up at him.

There Jaime stood, his face a picture of utter dismay.

Just moments before, down in the yard, Jaime had tried to get Ivy into joining him and Max for a game of frisbee. But she was in a flurry, babbling about having to paint a portrait for Molly, and didn't have time for frisbee.

Frustrated, Jaime had turned to Trista, hoping for some playtime cuddles.

But Trista clung to Molly's fingers like a lifeline, refusing to budge. Jaime's attempt at a tantrum only led to Trista's bottom lip trembling before she burst into tears, mumbling for Molly’s name.

"I'm busy too," Cory said, breaking his gaze away from Jaime. "Dude, you're an adult. Stop pestering the kids and find something of your own to do."d2

Jaime felt like he'd been hit by lightning. Then, he watched, dumbstruck, as Cory sauntered off.

"Sis?" Jaime turned to Rosalynn with the look of a man betrayed by the universe, "Are the kids growing up and drifting away from me?"

Rosalynn couldn’t help but laugh through her sympathy. She reached out to gently tousle his hair. "You need a haircut, Jamie. You can barely see through that mop."

Jaime ran his hands through his bangs and let out a long, wistful sigh. "They used to depend on me so much."

Back then, Cory and Ivy had spent most of their days on Hilaria's island, with limited company.

Other than the household staff and security, they mostly had Jaime and Noah for company. But as Noah's work took him away more and more, it was Jaime who had been there as they grew.

Whenever Jaime would go away and return, both kids would light up with joy.

"Jamie, it's just the way of life," Rosalynn consoled him, patting his shoulder. "One day, they’ll be ready to venture out on their own, and it won’t be just you they stop relying on. Even Wayne and I will have to let go."

She paused, then added seriously, "Frankly, it’s about time you thought about settling down."

Jaime mumbled, "Well, I know. I've even been dreaming about Grandpa lately. You know, the sweet old man turned into a nightmare, chasing me with his cane, scolding me for not settling down yet, threatening to cut me off."

As Rosalynn offered Jaime her version of therapy, Cory made his way back to his room. Sitting at his desk, he opened his custom-built search engine and typed in - "Middle School Exams."