Marcus chuckled softly. "You're the one who initiated the topic. Why the silence?"

Melissa cast her eyes downward, deep in thought.

In truth, there was little to discuss. Despite Daisy and Albert's years of marriage, Melissa and Daisy had minimal interaction.

Moreover, Daisy's animosity towards Melissa due to Jessie strained their relationship, making even surface-level interactions challenging.

They were hardly close.

Melissa's silence hinted at her thoughts, a fact not lost on Marcus.

Sensing Melissa's discomfort, Marcus shifted gears. "Kiana was aware of my plans to fetch you, so she insisted on joining us."

Kiana affectionately calling out to Melissa, much like a kitten seeking comfort.

Melissa's heart instantly melted. She turned to Kiana and inquired if she had enjoyed her dinner. Marcus interjected with a snort, remarking, “If she had eaten properly earlier, she wouldn't be nibbling on bread now. She's generally okay, but she's quite selective about her food."

Kiana sat solemnly, wearing a pout on her face.

Evidently, she was angry with her father.

The car halted at the traffic light. Marcus glanced at his disgruntled daughter in the rearview mirror and inquired with a smile, "Are you mad at daddy?"

Kiana turned her face and body, displaying her adorable demeanor when she was in disagreement with others.

Melissa couldn't contain her laughter. She leaned in and whispered to her daughter, "Your daddy adores you.

Despite her tender age, Kiana was able to speak properly.

Pouting, she declared, “Daddy loves Mommy the most."

During a recent nighttime awakening, Kiana witnessed Marcus holding Melissa tenderly. Melissa was sobbing, and Marcus comforted her with words of affection. He claimed he loved her above all.

Kiana suspected she wasn't really her father's favorite.

Melissa had no idea what that was coming from as she couldn't read Kiana's mind.

However, Marcus had already anticipated this.