“At the amusement park, last time. I saw her sitting alone, absorbed in some sort of counting. I then decided to join her and play," he divulged with a candid smile.

The amusement park? Counting?

Holden's brow furrowed slightly as he grappled with the puzzle.

As he was about to delve further into the matter, Melon asked, "Wait a minute. Do you know her as well, sir?"

"Indeed, I'm her father," Holden affirmed, his smile warm and welcoming.

Melon's eyes widened in a cocktail of astonishment and curiosity.

He regarded Holden with a perplexed yet contemplative expression.

Sensing the boy's internal conflict, Holden asked, “Is something wrong?"

Melon, however, merely shook his head, not wanting to reply.

His mother's caution against gossiping about others echoed in his memory.

Returning to Adele, Melon mused inwardly, “Adele has a truly amazing father but a mother who's not quite up to par. If only Adele could be my sister! Mommy would treat her well."

At the same time, a pang of envy tugged at Melon.

Adele had an exceptional father.

The kindly man before him was a paragon of fatherly virtue, embodying everything he envisioned a father to be.

Melon sighed wistfully, contemplating the missed chance of this man being his true father.

Seeing Melon's hesitance to explain further, Holden opted not to press any further.

With no signs of his parent nearby, Holden looked at his watch and ordered two afternoon tea servings.

The tea and accompanying snacks arrived, sparking an eager gleam in Melon's eyes at the sight of them.

“Shall we indulge?" he said, his delight palpable.

Adele blinked at Melon, and they went over to the sofa together.