?Chapter 642:


    With a tender stroke through Patrick’s hair, Brenna sighed, her voice tinged with sympathy. “Oh, poor kiddo, seems like you’ve been left behind. Ellie’s really living it up, huh? She’s having fun without you.”


    Patrick puffed out his cheeks and copsed into Brenna’s embrace, his voice muffled. “They must think I’m just in the way. I am so pitiful. You’ve got to make it up to me!”


    Brenna chuckled, her eyes twinkling. “You bet! After a week in Norview, surviving on nothing but steaks, burgers, and greasy chicken, I’m really fed up with that. I’m craving some authentic Vand dishes. How about we hit up that new spot downtown? What do you say?”


    Patrick’s face lit up as he lifted his head, his previous dismay forgotten.


    “Yes! Let’s go now!”


    “Give me just a minute to change,” Brenna replied.


    She swiftly changed intofortable cargo pants and a simple T-shirt, slung her trusty backpack over her shoulder, and ushered Patrick out the door.


    They were barely settled in the car when Brenna’s phone rang; it was Ethan calling.


    Brenna answered, and Ethan’s deep, smooth voice flowed through the speaker. She realized she really missed him.


    Ethan’s voice crackled through the phone,ced with palpable excitement. “You’re back?”


    Brenna responded with a soft hum, her voice tinged with a hint of resignation. “Yeah, but Ellie and Thiago have gone away on their honeymoon. Can you believe it? They’ve left Patrick in my care. Looks like they won’t be back for a whole month.”


    Ethan, sitting in his car, immediately frowned. The thought of having a third wheel on their dates didn’t sit well with him. “Doesn’t the kid have grandparents? Why do you have to be the one taking care of him?”


    Brenna cast a nce at Patrick before she replied, “Well, you know how tricky it can be for the elderly to keep up with kids these days…”


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    Before Brenna could borate further, Patrick, having overheard the conversation, interjected, “Grandma and Grandpa are too busy with my uncle’s wedding stuff. They don’t have time for me.”


    The truth was, Patrick had no intention of staying with Leif and Tori. Their house was a fun-free zone—no ice cream, no gadgets, no games, and definitely no fun trips.


    He preferred living with Brenna.


    Ethan’s frustration simmered. “And what about his dad? I think Jayceon needs to take care of his own kid.”


    He let out a huff, rubbing his temple. “I’m going to make sure Jayceon takes his son away. I’m not about to let his kid cling to you for a month and ruin our dates.”


    Ethan wasn’t in a rush to drive off. Instead, irritation bubbling, he called Jayceon, but Jayceon didn’t pick up.


    He could only give up.


    “What’s got him so tied up that he can’t even pick up my calls?” Ethan grumbled under his breath. Digging up another number for Jayceon, he gave it another shot. But Jayceon still didn’t pick up.


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