Chapter 155

Angela POV

I approached the school's high-end cafeteria, my heart beating frantically against my ribs.

From a distance, I could see Sean-Mr. Night, as the children knew him-sitting with Aria and Ethan.

The elegant lunch spread before them looked like something from a five-star restaurant, complete with artfully arranged fruit platters that I recognized as the work of a renowned pastry chef.

My daughter's cheeks were stuffed with food, her expression one of pure delight as she chewed enthusiastically. Sean sat beside her, occasionally dabbing the corner of her mouth with a pristine handkerchief. The tender gesture sent a sharp pain through my chest.

"Mr. Night, you eat too, don't worry about me," Aria said, looking slightly embarrassed by the attention.

"It's fine, I'm not hungry," Sean replied, his voice carrying that gentle tone I'd once known so well.

"But Mr. Night hasn't had lunch yet, right?" Aria persisted, looking up at him with concern.

"I'll eat later. You go ahead," Sean assured her.

I watched, frozen in place, as Aria considered this for a moment. Then, with determined concentration, she scooped up a piece of roast beef with Sean's spoon.

"Mr. Night, I'll feed you," she announced.

The shock that registered on Sean's face quickly melted into something softer, more vulnerable than I'd seen in years. He gently stroked the back of her head. "Mr. Night really isn't hungry."

"Mr. Night, come on, eat!" Aria insisted, her small arm stretching upward, struggling to reach his mouth.

My heart nearly stopped as Sean lowered his head slightly, accepting the bite she offered.

The intimacy of the moment-my daughter feeding this man who had once been my husband-made my blood run cold.

"That's enough. Aria, you should eat your food," Sean said after swallowing.

"Okay, but Mr. Night has to eat too," Aria replied firmly.

The tender look in Sean's eyes as he gazed at my daughter sent a wave of fear and rage through me that was almost paralyzing.

I stood rooted to the spot, unable to process what I was witnessing. My children had grown up in Italy, far from their father and any male influence. They had never shown such immediate affection for any man, yet in just a few days, Sean had somehow earned their trust, especially Aria's.

The thought that he might use their growing attachment to eventually take them away from me felt like ice water in my veins.

I clenched my fists, took a deep breath, and forced myself to approach their table with measured steps.

"Mommy?" Aria's surprised voice rang out.

The smile instantly vanished from Sean's face at her words. Ethan stopped eating and looked up at me, his eyes quickly darting away-a clear sign that Sean had already begun influencing my son.

As Sean began to rise from his seat, I decided to take control of the situation.

"Mr. Night?" I said coolly.

Sean paused mid-motion, his eyes narrowing slightly, jaw muscles tightening subtly as he slowly stood and met my gaze.

"Mommy, why are you here?" Aria asked, abandoning her spoon and wiping her mouth before running over to hug my legs.

I wobbled slightly in my high heels but quickly steadied myself, drawing comfort from my daughter's familiar warmth against me.

"Ms. Wilson," Sean greeted with polite coldness, extending his hand.

I inwardly scoffed but maintained my composure, briefly accepting his handshake before quickly withdrawing my hand.

"Hello," I replied flatly.

I noticed Ethan observing my reaction carefully, his small brow furrowing with concern. The fact that he seemed worried about my interaction with Sean only heightened my anxiety.

"Aria, Ethan, what did Mommy tell you about accepting food from strangers?" I said firmly.

I caught the slight frown that crossed Sean's face at the word "strangers." Clearly, he didn't appreciate being categorized that way.

Both children remained unusually silent, another sign of Sean's troubling influence.

"I apologize, Mr. Night," I said with deliberate formality. "I understand from Aria and Ethan that you've been bringing lunch for your nephew. My children can be inconsiderate sometimes, always trying to get free food. How much do I owe you for these past few days?"

Sean's lips tightened, but he remained silent, exactly as I'd expected.

"Mommy, this is Mr. Night!" Aria interjected. "Mr. Night wouldn't charge us for lunch."

My anxiety deepened-my daughter was already taking his side.

"Mr. Night is an adult," I explained quietly. "Of course he wouldn't ask children to pay for food. But Mommy has taught you not to accept things from strangers, so naturally I should reimburse him."

I deliberately used the word "strangers" again, noting Sean's deepening displeasure. He had clearly anticipated my reaction, confirming my suspicion that his approach to my children was calculated.

"But Mommy," Aria protested, "we've already accepted lots of sponsorships from Mr. Night on Instagram. And if Mr. Night agrees to be my daddy, then he won't be a stranger anymore."

My expression froze, her innocent words piercing my heart like a blade. I watched, horrified, as Sean's lips curved into a charming smile. He gave Aria a thumbs-up.

"Aria makes an excellent point," he said smoothly.

My eyebrow twitched involuntarily, but I forced myself to remain composed for the children's sake. This wasn't a battle to be fought in front of them.

"Mr. Night, could we speak somewhere else?" I asked.

Sean raised an eyebrow. "Of course."

"Aria, Ethan," I called, noticing Tommy watching us curiously. I suspected he wasn't actually Sean's relative, but I wouldn't confront that issue now.

I managed a strained smile for all three children. "You three stay here and finish your lunch. Mommy needs to talk with Mr. Night about something. We'll be back soon."

All three nodded silently.

I turned toward the door, each step feeling like I was walking on burning coals. After a brief hesitation, I heard Sean follow, his footsteps echoing behind me.

Once we reached the parking lot, I stopped beside my car and turned to face Sean, who stood a few feet away, his presence as commanding as ever.

"Mr. Shaw?" I asked with bitter sarcasm. "Or should I call you Mr. Night?"

Sean pressed his lips together, his Adam's apple bobbing once-the only sign that my discovery of his identity had caught him somewhat off guard.

"Whichever you prefer," he replied with maddening casualness.

I turned away, not wanting him to see how his nonchalance affected me.

"I don't care who you are or what you want," I said coldly. "From now on, stay away from my children."

"Angela," Sean said with a soft chuckle that sent chills down my spine, "they're my children too."

His words hit me like lightning, freezing the blood in my veins.

"What do you mean, your children?" I demanded, glaring at him. "What gives you the right to say that? Do you have any proof?"

Sean looked slightly taken aback by the intensity of my reaction.

"Do I need proof?" he sighed, shaking his head. "Just look at their features. Anyone can see they're my children. Not just Ethan's eyes-Aria looks like me too."