Chapter 649
Wendy and Bella arrived at the restaurant, and it wasn’t long before Halsey showed up.
After three years, Halsey hadn’t changed much. Her long, dark hair cascaded smoothly over her shoulders, framing her soft, oval face, which still looked youthful and radiant. She exuded the effortless charm of a well- bred young lady from a prestigious family.
With a bright smile, Halsey rushed over to greet them. “Wendy! Bella! It’s been too long!”
Wendy and Halsey shared a warm, tight hug.
Bella, still a bit babyish in her speech, giggled. “Wow, Halsey, you look even prettier than the last time I saw you!”
Halsey crouched down, beaming, and kissed Bella on the cheek. “You cheeky little one! Gosh, I wish I could have a daughter like you!”
Bella grinned. “It’s okay. People might even think you’re my sister!”
Halsey chuckled. “You’re such a sweet talker! Look at what got you!”
She gently placed a diamond bracelet on Bella’s wrist.
Wendy raised an eyebrow, a small smile tugging at her lips. “This looks expensive. Bella’s still so young–there’s no need to buy her such extravagant gifts.”
Halsey laughed softly. “Only the best for Bella. You should know I designed this bracelet myself.”
Over the past three years, Halsey had become a well–known designer and even started her own studio. She was in her prime.
Bella’s eyes widened. “Wow, this bracelet is so beautiful! I love it! Thank you, Halsey!” She kissed Halsey’s cheek in return.
Halsey adored how sweet and charming Bella was. The little girl’s high emotional intelligence made her even more endearing. Halsey lifted Bella into her arms with a joyful laugh.
“I’ve already reserved our table. Let’s go eat.”
Wendy nodded. “Sounds good.”
They all sat down, and Wendy smiled at Halsey. “Looks like you’ve been doing well these past three years. That makes me feel better.”
Three years ago, Halsey had gone through a sudden breakup with Dwight. After that, he had disappeared without a trace. Wendy had been worried that Halsey wouldn’t recover from it.
Halsey raised an eyebrow, her smile playful. “You’ve really underestimated me. Do you think a woman can’t live without a man? If anything, we should be living our best lives so we never give men a reason to underestimate us!”
Both Wendy and Halsey had been thriving these past years, no longer mere shadows of their former selves.
Wendy’s lips curved into a confident smile. “That’s right. Here’s to strong women.”
They clinked glasses, their eyes gleaming.
Wendy tilted her head. “By the way, where’s Maddy? You should’ve brought her along too.”
Wendy liked Madeline very much.
1/3
Chapter 649
+25 BONUS
At the mention of Madeline, Halsey’s eyes sparkled with pride. “I wanted to bring her, but she’s now part of the national research team. She’s working on a classified rocket launch project and only comes home once every two weeks.”
Wendy’s eyes widened in admiration. “She’s working on rockets? She’s so impressive. Of course, her success wouldn’t have been possible without you.”
Madeline was naturally gifted, but Halsey had been there for her, guiding her through the years. And with her becoming an adopted member of the Lincoln family, it made a world of difference.
“She’s like my own sister. I’m so proud of her,” Halsey said, her voice full of affection.
Wendy looked at Halsey thoughtfully. “Has Dwight not come back even once in the past three years?”
At the mention of Dwight’s name, Halsey hesitated for a moment. Her long lashes fluttered slightly, and she lifted her head. “No.”
“That’s strange,” Wendy murmured. “After all, Maddy is Dwight’s sister. Surely he should visit her at least once.”
