Girls 1

Alex couldn't help but smile warmly as Viviane rushed toward him, her excitement contagious. He stood there, opening his arms wide to welcome her. Just as she reached him, she embraced him tightly, and he returned the hug with equal enthusiasm.

"Daddy," she said with affection, as she hugged him, Viviane's joy at seeing her father again was palpable. It had been a long time since they had last met, and she had missed him dearly.

'Oh... soft,' thought Alex as he embraced Viviane. The warmth of her hug, coupled with the softness of her touch, brought a sense of comfort and happiness to his heart. He had missed this during his months of seclusion.

It was essential to remember that ever since Alex had obtained the artifact, he spent most of his time either in his office or away from home, engrossed in studying the artifact. He didn't want anyone to discover its existence, so he kept himself secluded from others. This went on for months, which explained why he hadn't crossed paths with any of his daughters during this time.

Even though he probably wouldn't win the "Best Dad" award, Alex genuinely loved his daughters, and he had missed them during his months of seclusion.

After sharing a warm embrace with her father, Viviane lifted her head, pouting slightly, and asked, "Where have you been all this time?"

Seeing his cute daughter's sulking face, Alex couldn't help but smile before replying, "Sorry, little one. I was busy these last few months."

Still in her sulk, Viviane retorted, "Hmph, even with work, you could've visited me."

Seeing that Viviane was still pouting, Alex playfully said, "How about I make it up to you by spending an entire day with just us?"

Upon hearing this, Viviane's face lit up, and she eagerly asked, "Really?" Alex nodded, and Viviane exclaimed, "Yes!"

Alex smiled as he watched Viviane's excitement. He had always tried to treat his daughters equally, but despite that, Viviane was perhaps his favorite. She had spent more time with him than any of his other daughters, and she looked up to him as a role model as she grew up, that's why she always did things like him.

"Ahem, ahem."

As Alex and Viviane continued their conversation, they heard a voice nearby. Viviane looked over and saw her mother watching them. She moved out of her father's arms, smiled apologetically at Lilia, and said, "Hello mom" Her red curls bounced with enthusiasm.

Lilia responded playfully, "Hmph, it's only now that you notice your mother? What an unworthy daughter."

Viviane chuckled, her eyes reflecting her genuine affection for her mother, and said, "Sorry, Mom. You look gorgeous as always."

Lilia smiled warmly, appreciating the compliment from her daughter. "Thank you, sweetheart."

Lilia then asked, "Are all your younger sisters here?"

Viviane replied, "Violette and Alice are here, but as usual, Scarlett is absent."

Hearing Scarlett's absence, Alex chuckled and commented, "It would have been quite unusual if she showed up."

Scarlett, the third daughter of Lilia, shared Alex's tendency to avoid family gatherings, but her reasons were different. She was deeply immersed in her studies and spent most of her time in the library. Scarlett was highly intelligent and focused on her studies, considering family meetings a waste of her time.

From a young age, she displayed an insatiable curiosity and a thirst for learning. The only thing that could drag her away from her books was a threat to her family. Scarlett had a strong protective streak and would swiftly confront anyone who spoke ill of her loved ones.

This protective nature was one of the reasons she refused to attend family gatherings, despite her family's desire to benefit from her knowledge. She knew that people might criticize her father, and she didn't want to be present when that happened.

"This girl is really stubborn," Lilia said with a hint of exasperation. Despite her efforts, Scarlett remained resolute in her decision not to participate in family meetings.

Alex smiled and said, "I'll try talking to her later to encourage her participation."

Lilia responded with a sense of relief, "Yes, she'll probably listen to you."

She knew that Scarlett was more likely to heed Alex's words, as he had always held a special influence over her since childhood.

Alex continued, "But let's go see Alice and Violette, who are already here."