Chapter 022 Successfully Passing the Test

"Are you sure?" Monica was doubtful.

William and Sophia weren't the kind to be easily fooled into going somewhere with strangers. If anything, they were the ones who did the tricking.

"Absolutely, I watched for a while. That guy was pretty handsome, he..."

"Which way did they go?" Monica interrupted, sounding urgent.

"They went downstairs."

"How long ago?"

"About ten minutes."

"Thanks."

Monica and Evelyn quickly took the elevator down.

Evelyn tried to calm her down, saying, "Monica, relax. The kids are smart; they won't get into trouble. Let's try calling them first."

"Oh, you're right."

Monica quickly dialed William's number.

After a few rings, William answered, "Hey, Mommy."

"William, where are you? Are you okay?" Monica asked, her voice tense.

"We're fine. Sophia and I were bored in the hospital room, so we went for a walk. We saw an old lady struggling, so we helped her home. We're heading back now," William lied smoothly.

Monica finally exhaled in relief, "You two went out without telling me?"

"Sorry, Mommy, we know it was wrong," William apologized.

"Alright, as long as you're safe. I'll wait for you at the hospital entrance."

William hung up and saw they were almost at the hospital. He told the taxi driver, "Sir, please drop us off here."

"Are you sure? The hospital is still a bit further."

"Yes, Sir. Thanks." William paid the fare, and he and Sophia got out.

After turning a corner, they spotted Monica and Evelyn at the hospital entrance. Sophia got excited, let go of William's hand, and ran towards Monica, shouting, "Mommy!"

She had missed her mom so much.

Monica bent down, and Sophia jumped into her arms.

Monica picked her up and, looking at her daughter's lively face, couldn't help but scold, "Were you the one dragging William around again?"

She knew her kids too well. Her son was always the calm one, and it was usually her daughter who got them into trouble.

"Mommy." Sophia hugged her neck and acted cute. "I missed you so much."

Monica didn't notice anything odd in her words.

At that moment, William walked up and apologized, "Mommy, I'm sorry for making you worry. We won't run off again."

"Good, as long as you understand. I was really worried."

Monica put her daughter down and noticed they had changed clothes, which seemed strange. "Didn't you say you helped someone home? Why did you change clothes?"

"We passed by a store and saw something nice, so we bought it," Sophia lied effortlessly and even twirled in front of Monica. "Mommy, don't you think it looks good?"

"It looks good, but..." Monica still felt something was off.

Plus, their personalities seemed different from a few days ago.

Sophia was back to her lively self, and William was as mature and steady as ever.

"Let's head back to the hospital, Mommy," Sophia cut into Monica's thoughts.

"But the nurse said you went with two men. What's up with that?" Monica hadn't forgotten.

"Two men? They must have been mistaken," Sophia said, trying to sound casual.

"Maybe."

Since they were back and seemed fine, Monica decided to let it go.

Meanwhile, Alexander had brought the other two home.

Ruby was still in the living room of the Smith Villa.

Nearly half an hour had passed, and the kid had not yet returned to the piano room. So she came out to ask the servants to look for the kid.

Not knowing what had happened, Ruby stayed put and was surprised to see them coming in with Alexander. "Amelia, why are you coming back from outside?"

"What's going on?" Alexander asked.

Ruby explained the situation and showed Alexander the video she had recorded of Sophia earlier.

After watching, Alexander was speechless and looked at Amelia. "Is this how you play the piano?"

It was clearly just noise.

Amelia had a natural knack for music. Ruby, a renowned artist, had praised Amelia's musical talent. She couldn't have played so poorly.

Even Daniel and Amelia were speechless at the harsh sound.

"Never mind, as long as they're okay. Amelia might not be feeling well today. I'll come back next Tuesday," Ruby said.

Alexander nodded and had someone see her out.

"By the way," Ruby said as she was leaving. "Isn't Amelia unable to speak?"

"Yes, did she speak?" Alexander looked at Amelia.

"Yes, she spoke a sentence clearly. I think it's a good sign. She might get better."

"Thank you."

Ruby left.

Alexander looked at Amelia and suddenly remembered when she had called him "Daddy" in the hospital while he was scolding Daniel.

Feeling a bit emotional, he squatted down in front of her. "Amelia, can you say something to Daddy again?"

Amelia lowered her head and didn't say a word.

Alexander waited for a long time without a response and sighed. "Alright, if you don't want to practice the piano, you can tell Daddy. Just don't run away from home again, okay?"

Amelia nodded.

"Go back to your rooms and rest. Daddy has to go to the company."

He had intended to head directly to the company from the hospital, but he had to drop off Daniel and Amelia at home first.

They went upstairs to their rooms and saw that William and Sophia were gone. They felt relieved but also a bit disappointed.

Daniel called William and learned that they had reunited with Monica and everything was fine.

Amelia sat on the bed, hugging her stuffed toy, looking downcast.

Daniel turned to her. "Are you missing Mommy?"

Amelia nodded.

"Don't worry, we'll find a chance to switch back with them."

Amelia still looked unhappy.

Daniel understood her meaning and asked, "Amelia, do you want to be together with Mommy, Daddy, William, and Sophia?"

Amelia nodded eagerly, her bright eyes seeming to ask Daniel if it could be realized.