Hugo's POV
Hours had passed since I witnessed little Tara asking Bella those innocent questions about me. The memory refused to leave my thoughts as I remained seated in my room, replaying every expression that crossed Bella's face during that conversation.
Her reaction had been telling. She believed I was unsuitable as a mate, as a husband, certainly as a father figure. Yet her daughter saw something entirely different in me, and that contrast sparked a curiosity I couldn't shake.
My original plan had been simple. Wait a few more hours, then use the children as a perfect excuse to suggest dinner somewhere nice. Just the four of us. No Derek, no Parker interfering with what could be a peaceful evening together.
The sharp ring of my phone shattered those thoughts completely.
One glance at the caller ID made me straighten immediately, every muscle in my body going tense.
"Hello?" My voice came out harsher than I'd intended.
