PBPGD

CHAPTER 123

Ian scoffed at the child, who was glaring at him from behind Camellia's dress.

Instead of telling her mother that Ian had helped her and saved her from a bunch of bullies, Jessica had broken into a run the moment she heard his name, running straight into Camellia's arms.

"She looks exactly like you. If one didn't know better, one might think she's Lord Vale's." Wade's cynical words preceded his entrance.

"With all due respect, Your Highness, she's my daughter," Lia responded with a fierce glare, taking Jessica's hand in hers.

"Also, I ask that you watch what you say around children. They are faster learners than you think."

"I am aware, Lady Ihar," Wade acquiesced, eyes still twinkling with mischief. "I am merely worried as Cahrem's godfather, that he might take after his father and... shall we say, obsess over his sister."

"You may put your worries to rest, Your Highness. We merely wish for our children to grow up without prejudice."

She's changed so much since becoming a mother.

Claude suppressed a laugh as he wrapped an arm around his wife, who met Wade's biting remarks without batting an eye.

"Stop harassing my wife and daughter, Your Highness. Or else I'll revoke your title as Cahrem's godfather."

"You wound me, Lord Ihar. How could you accuse me of harassment? All I meant to say was that both of your children are simply adorable." Wade leaned down to offer a hand to Jessica.

"Right, Lady Jessica Ihar?"

Jessica blushed-a stark contrast to the glare she was maintaining in Ian's direction—and took his hand. "Yes, Your Highness. Thank you."

Those who had been watching the small spectacle gasped and whispered. Ian searched the crowd to spot the boys who had been bullying her minutes ago, huddled behind their parents.

When they spotted lan with the Ihars, their faces turned pale as they clasped their hands over their mouths.

lan grinned, sipping from a flute of champagne. Lia was all smiles as she affectionately patted Jessica, who was still blushing. Claude glowered at everyone around them as if he were daring anyone else to approach his ladies.

When Cahrem joined them, giggling happily as he waddled over holding Laura's hand, the family of four painted a perfect picture.

The birthday boy was arguably the biggest celebrity in the room. He squealed as he reached for his father, who scooped him up in his arms with a smile. Cahrem very sloppily kissed Claude's cheek, then turned to stare thoughtfully at Ian.

"Cahrem," lan murmured, stepping

toward him with a fluttering heart.

The baby's jet-black hair, sparkling emerald eyes, and chubby cheeks were surreal, like those of a cherub-no, even "cherub" seemed inadequate to describe the beauty of his godson.

"May I hold him?" Ian asked Claude, who looked at him with a disgruntled expression. Ian looked ready to kidnap Cahrem and run off to Gaior at any possible moment.

"This is your godfather from Gaior, Cahrem," Claude whispered to his son, kissing his temple. "But you don't have to go to him if you don't want to."

"You're acting as though I'm some sort of villain, Lord Ihar."

"Merely letting my child exercise his freedom of choice, Lord Sergio."

Ian hummed. "What if he chooses me? You'll accept the outcome?"