The Supreme Soldier in the City
Chapter 473 - 483 Reconciliation

Chapter 473: Chapter 483 Reconciliation

John Brown coughed lightly and said, "Emily, let’s talk about the child."

Emily Berns was in a good mood and replied, "What’s up with the child?"

John Brown earnestly asked, "Emily, when you visit your daughter, what identity do you assume?"

Emily Berns, seeing John Brown’s seriousness and his promise to spend time with her, had to consider how to rightfully bring her daughter home. She said, "I usually go as her foster mother; my daughter has never known I’m her real mother."

John Brown frowned slightly and said, "Our daughter is already over three years old; she’s starting to recognize kin, which makes our situation difficult."

Emily Berns felt somewhat uneasy and said, "I never thought about it before. Now I realize, although my daughter is close to me, in her heart John Smith and Lisa Johnson are her real parents, which is troubling for me."

John Brown thought for a moment and said, "Now we must separate her from them and keep her with us. She’s still young; we can gradually correct this. If we wait until she’s older, it will be even harder."

Emily Berns nodded, feeling a mix of blame and remorse, and said, "Then I’ll listen to you. I hadn’t considered this much before. I didn’t know when I’d find you, so I didn’t dare to bring her along."

"I think it’s better this way: You’re her foster mother, so let’s bring her to live with us. That way, she shouldn’t resist, and then we’ll have John Smith and Lisa Johnson find an excuse to leave. Although she’s young and will miss them, with you around, she’ll likely adapt quickly. If we persist for a while, she’ll gradually forget John and Lisa and accept us."

Since meeting John Brown, Emily Berns never mentioned her daughter’s whereabouts but hoped internally that John would find their daughter and live together. After a long time considering how to have her daughter recognize her as her real mom and John as her real dad, she naturally agreed with John’s solution.

They discussed details, and Emily was very compliant with John Brown, never raising her voice. She occasionally cast affectionate glances at him, entirely devoid of the resentment she showed days ago, leaving John Brown uncertain of his feelings, though he was sure it was awkward.

The awkwardness stemmed from the drastic change. In his memory, Emily Berns was always a stubborn girl. Her current gentle sweetness seemed unlike her.

After settling everything, John Brown, Emily Berns, and Sarah Grandy went next door. Sarah now followed Emily like a shadow, disregarding John to stick with Emily due to a celebrity’s strong allure.

The couple John Smith and Lisa Johnson showed anxious expressions, aware of John Brown’s arrival and his attention to Little Violet, leading them to suspect John was likely Violet’s father. Previously only Emily was involved; now, Violet’s father had appeared, and they feared she might be taken away. Having lived with Violet for so long and raised her to age three, they had developed deep feelings. Losing her would be hard, especially since she brought them considerable income. Taking her away meant they’d have to seek work outside, losing their comfortable life.

Little Violet was sitting on the couch watching cartoons. Seeing Emily, she sweetly called out "Foster Mom." Emily sat beside her, lifted her onto her lap, and Violet obediently continued watching despite the intimacy, boosting John’s confidence in taking Violet away.

Emily held her daughter’s small hand and said, "This is your foster dad, call him."

Violet glanced at John Brown, unaware of the foster dad concept, obediently called "Foster Dad."

John felt warmth in his heart, his daughter calling him dad, even with the prefix, moved him greatly. Excitedly, he said, "Good girl," though unsure of what to do next. As his first child, with unfamiliarity, he was clueless about bonding.

The child seemed indifferent, but John Smith and Lisa Johnson exchanged complex glances.

Emily exchanged some words with her daughter, but Violet focused on cartoons, seldom replied. Emily set her down and said to John Smith and Lisa, "John, Lisa, let’s talk inside."

The four entered the bedroom while Sarah Grandy watched cartoons with Violet. Despite her age, Sarah’s childlike heart enjoyed cartoons, bonding with Violet.

"John, Lisa, this is Violet’s father, named John Brown," Emily introduced him.

John Smith and Lisa Johnson greeted him, displaying fear and loss.

"John, Grace, these three years, I’m grateful for your care of Violet. We’re thankful now Violet’s father is here, and we’ve decided not to continue thus. We’ll raise Violet ourselves."

John went silent while Lisa’s eyes reddened, tears streaming down.

Emily sighed, saying, "I know this is hard for you. You’ve cared for Violet as your own for three years, which I understand, but Violet has biological parents. I’ve neglected her for three years, feeling ashamed. I can’t allow this anymore. I must fulfill my maternal duty and have Violet with us."

Lisa rested her head on John’s shoulder, sobbing, while John said, "Miss Harris, we understand. We’re just reluctant. We’ve cared for Violet so long, suddenly leaving us is hard to accept."

Emily nodded, still firmly saying, "I understand, but tomorrow, you must leave, and not appear near Violet for a while. I need her to fully accept us before you can see her again. I won’t tolerate you visiting secretly, which hinders her acceptance of us."

John and Lisa froze, and Lisa’s tears flowed faster.

John Brown sighed and said, "Thank you for caring for my daughter. I’ll give you one million as compensation."

John and Lisa were stunned, Lisa’s tears halted by John’s generous offer. Emily provided them monthly with Twenty Thousand Dollars, leaving them with substantial savings, but their monthly expenses left them little despite accumulating seventy-eighty thousand. Now John offered one million directly, a stark difference from monthly installments.

Even Emily was surprised by John’s gesture, but she had no objection, having earned significantly. A few million wasn’t difficult, and her wealthy family often supported her. Smiling, she said, "Don’t worry, my husband promised, and he’ll deliver. Let this be your reward for caring for Violet over these three years."

John and Lisa thanked them profusely, their reluctance to part with Violet easing slightly at the prospect of sudden wealth, and after rounds of discussion, they left the bedroom.

Sarah Grandy enjoyed playing with Little Violet, disregarding the four adults. John Brown adored his lovely daughter, liking her from the depths of his heart.

Yet, he knew today wasn’t ideal for bonding, as John and Lisa’s presence kept Violet from warming to a stranger. Watching Emily bond with her daughter, the three returned to Emily’s home.

In the living room, Emily smiled at John Brown, saying, "We’ve settled everything. Tomorrow, we can bring our daughter home."

John nodded, "Yes, that’s great. Our daughter is adorable."

Seeing John’s joyful demeanor, Emily felt even better. She often wondered if John would react adversely to Violet, but seeing his genuine affection reassured her.

"Oh, let me cook for dinner then. There’s nothing at home; James, will you go grocery shopping with me?"

John hesitated briefly, somewhat puzzled and said, "You’re a big star; can you shop for groceries?"

Emily smiled brightly, "I was a big star. From now on, I’m not; I’m your wife, our daughter’s mom."

Before John spoke, Charlotte shouted excitedly, "No, no, Emily, being a big star is great, you can’t stop! I’ll be the mom for you and Uncle’s daughter, while you stay a star."

John couldn’t help but laugh, while Emily was amused yet helpless, knowing Charlotte admired her celebrity status.