“Alright, I’ll take you there now!” Sebastian took Patricia’s small hand and led her away from the court.
They went to a nearby lounge that Sebastian had prepared in advance. He opened the door, ushering Patricia inside.
“Patricia, your mummy is inside. Go ahead and look for her!”
Patricia nodded and walked in. The room was filled with many, many colorful windmills, spinning gently in the breeze.
Patricia walked towards the window, where she saw a woman’s back. The woman was holding a spinning windmill.
As Patricia approached, she gathered her courage and asked, “Are you my mummy? I’m Patricia…”
To make sure her mummy could see her clearly, Patricia took off her mask and revealed her little face.
Caitlin slowly turned around and looked at the little girl standing in front of her. Her heart skipped a beat as she finally saw Patricia’s face-the same one she had seen in her dreams. It was almost identical to Bruce and Arthur, but a bit more delicate and cute because she was a girl.
Just by looking at that small face, Caitlin knew right away. This was her daughter-the one she had been told had died all those years ago.
Her daughter was alive!
At that moment, Caitlin’s heart ached terribly. It was as though every inch of her chest was filled with an unbearable pain. Her nose felt tight with emotion.
“Patricia… I’m your mummy…” Caitlin’s voice broke as tears welled up in her eyes. She gazed at her daughter with overwhelming joy and emotion.
Patricia’s face showed a trace of surprise. She seemed to remember something. She had seen this beautiful lady during a fashion show before.
So this was her mummy!
She looked just like the mummy in her imagination-so kind, so beautiful.
Realizing that she was finally seeing her mummy, Patricia’s face filled with relief and joy, but also a bit of sadness. Tears fell from her eyes.
“Mummy…” Patricia ran to Caitlin.
Caitlin opened her arms, and Patricia leaped into her embrace.
The two of them held each other tightly, both shedding tears.
When Caitlin hugged her daughter, it felt like her lost heart was finally found again. This was her precious baby, her heart and soul, her own flesh and blood!
Sebastian, standing a short distance away, watched the mother and daughter reunite, feeling deeply moved. His eyes were starting to tear up too. This was wonderful! The daughter was alive and they had found her. Now, all he needed was a little more effort, and they could finally reunite as a family of six!
After a long embrace, Caitlin pulled back and gently touched Patricia’s tear-streaked face. Her heart was filled with guilt and regret.
“I’m sorry, Patricia. I’m sorry for taking so long to come back and find you. Do you hate me?” Caitlin’s voice trembled with emotion.
Patricia shook her head. “Patricia doesn’t hate mummy. I’ve been thinking about you every day. I knew my mummy would come back for me.”
“My daughter…” Caitlin held Patricia close again, as if they were truly one heart and soul. Once they reunited, they couldn’t be apart.
Finally reunited with her daughter, Caitlin spent some time talking with Patricia, asking her many questions. She even fixed her hair for her.
When she learned that Patricia had been living happily with the Harris family and had not been mistreated, Caitlin felt a great sense of relief.
“Mummy, come home with me. Grandma and Aunt will be so happy to know you’re back,” Patricia said, holding Caitlin’s hand and wanting to take her home.
“I’m sorry, Patricia. Mummy can’t go back just yet. I still have many things to take care of. Can you wait for me? Once I finish, I’ll come and get you,” Caitlin said, her heart heavy with regret.
Patricia was a little disappointed. She pouted, wishing her mummy could be by her side all the time, every day.
“Let’s make a pinky promise, Patricia. Mummy promises you I’ll come get you as soon as I can.”
Caitlin extended her pinky, and Patricia eagerly linked her finger with hers.
“Mummy has to come, right?”
“Yes. And remember, today’s meeting is our secret, just between the two of us. Can you keep it?”
Patricia didn’t fully understand why it had to be a secret, but she nodded and agreed.
Just then, Sebastian received a call from Zora and had to leave. He said, “Alright, I’ll take Patricia back now. Patricia, come here!”
Reluctantly, Patricia let go of Caitlin’s hand. She took a few steps away but ran back, planting a kiss on Caitlin’s cheek. Only then did she follow Sebastian out.
Caitlin was touched by her daughter’s gesture and shed another tear.
Although Patricia had left, Caitlin had successfully gotten a sample of her daughter’s hair.
“Wait for me, Patricia. Mummy will bring you home through the proper channels, I promise!” Caitlin thought, wiping away her tears.
Back at the game, Sebastian brought Patricia back to their seats, where Zora was waiting.
When she saw them returning, she asked, “Mr. Vanderbilt, where did you take Patricia just now?”
“I just took her outside for some fresh air. She said it was a bit stuffy in here, right Patricia?”
Sebastian glanced at the little girl, and Patricia nodded in agreement.
She would keep the secret about meeting her mummy!
Zora didn’t notice anything unusual, so everyone settled in to watch the rest of the game.
Meanwhile, Patricia noticed her mummy was in the stands too. She could see her across the court but didn’t tell Zora.
It was so nice-she could see her mummy whenever she looked up!
The game heated up, with Simon leading his team, the New York Medical University team. The Flying Tigers, led by Benjamin, fought hard, but Simon and his team played with better strategy. Eventually, the New York Medical team won the finals.
As the game ended, the Flying Tigers were defeated, and Benjamin, holding the ball, noticed the “fat guy” on the other side cheering for Simon’s team. Annoyed, he threw the ball toward the stands.
“Thud!”
Wendy, who had been cheering, was struck by the ball in the face, crying out in pain as she collapsed into her seat.
“Wendy!” Caitlin, who had been sending a text, turned just in time to see Wendy holding her face, unmoving. She rushed over, concerned.
“Is Wendy okay?” Molly asked, also alarmed. She turned to look at Benjamin, who had thrown the ball.
“What the heck? Why throw it here?” Molly muttered.
The crowd erupted into chaos, and Simon, seeing what happened, instantly stormed toward Benjamin. Without hesitation, he threw a punch at Benjamin’s face.
Benjamin was struck but didn’t say anything, glaring at Simon as though daring him.
“Benjamin! What the hell is wrong with you, throwing the ball at my sister?”
Benjamin simply touched his cheek, a smug look on his face, and said nothing.
Simon, furious, was about to throw another punch but was held back by his teammates.
“You wait, Benjamin! If anything happens to my sister, I’ll make sure you regret it!” Simon shouted, pointing at him.