King of the Wilderness-Chapter 184 - 145: The True Matriarch’s Magnanimity (Part 3)
"They can learn how to bake from me, how to interact with animals from you, and if more people join in the future, they might even learn painting or music. They’ll have more love and skills than other kids."
She depicted the advantages of a big family in such a warm and appealing way.
Emily, holding Olivia in her arms, was deeply moved by Aliya’s words.
She recalled her lonely childhood, remembered her dream of having a lively family, something she always desired but never dared to hope for.
Perhaps... this isn’t so bad after all?
Aliya noticed the change in her expression. After changing Ethan’s diaper, she walked over to Emily and softly said, "Come on, it’s time to feed the kids. Could you help me bring the bottles over?"
Over the next hour, Emily clumsily but earnestly learned how to mix formula, test the temperature, and burp the baby.
She was so focused, as if she were not taking care of a baby but performing the most precise surgical operation.
Lin Yu’an and Bo watched from outside the door, neither of them interrupting.
Bo’s face was full of confusion and disbelief. He quietly asked Lin Yu’an, "Lin, what is Aliya doing?"
"She is adding a new member to this family," Lin Yu’an replied.
Bo nodded thoughtfully. This behavior and mindset aligned with his values, so he didn’t pay much attention, thinking it was just his sister’s family matters.
When Emily was about to say goodbye, Aliya stopped her.
"Emily, wait a moment."
Lin Yu’an walked out of the study, holding the hard drive with the Bitcoin private key.
Aliya naturally took the heavy hard drive case from Lin Yu’an’s hands and then turned to Emily.
This small gesture instantly changed the atmosphere of the entire room.
With a smile, Aliya directly handed the hard drive, representing enormous wealth, back to Emily.
"Emily, take this back."
Aliya’s action stunned Emily.
Aliya looked at Emily sincerely with her clear, light green eyes and said, word by word, "This is your thing, your property."
"We, the McKinley family, never take others’ belongings to buy so-called security."
Her tone was gentle, but the power within it left everyone in the room feeling deeply moved.
"But..." Emily looked at the hard drive in front of her, then at Lin Yu’an, momentarily at a loss.
This hard drive, along with some of the Bitcoin inside, was the price she paid for pointing a gun at Lin Yu’an.
Now, Aliya wanted to return it to her? Could it be that Lin Yu’an hadn’t told her about his gun ordeal?
Aliya took Emily’s hand and placed the cold hard drive case back into her palm.
"Take it, Emily." Aliya’s voice carried a warmth that was not to be denied.
"I said I want to invite you to join our family, and the most important thing between family members is trust, not transactions."
She looked into Emily’s eyes and continued, "I’m returning this to you to let you understand."
"I hope you will become one of us in the future, not out of fear, not from coercion, and certainly not for profit."
"But because you truly love this family, love Lin, love the children. I give you the freedom to choose."
These words, like a great stream of warmth, instantly broke down the last mental barrier in Emily’s heart.
She nodded, tightly holding the hard drive, her voice carrying a trace of indistinguishable choke, "Thank you, Aliya."
After sending Emily off, Lin Yu’an looked at his wife with an extremely complex expression.
"Aren’t you afraid she’d run off with the hard drive?" Lin Yu’an couldn’t help but ask.
"She won’t," Aliya replied self-assuredly with a smile.
"Chains only tie a body poised for rebellion, but the trust and acceptance I offer may belong to a soul that will never betray."
"Besides, you still have that phone recording her shooting at you, right? We always need to keep a backup."
Lin Yu’an was completely convinced by her words. He smiled bitterly and shook his head.
Aliya stepped forward, hugging him from behind, resting her face against his back, and said in a teasing tone, "So, dear, now you understand? Our family needs another hostess to help."
"You see, just taking care of the two kids keeps me busy, not to mention tending to the garden, handling household chores, even butchering game after hunts. Emily the veterinarian will be a great help, won’t she?"
Under his wife’s soft but firm persuasion, Lin Yu’an felt the warmth in his embrace and looked out at the wooden house that had become their home, ultimately having no choice but to sigh helplessly.
He knew he had been thoroughly arranged by his wife, seemingly gentle, yet possessing the wisdom and vision of her four mothers.
Emily becoming their new family member seemed like an inevitable reality.
"Alright." He turned to embrace Aliya, lowering his head to kiss her forehead.
"It’s up to you, my dear hostess."
Aliya, in his arms, beamed with a brilliant smile.
"We are family, Lin." She stood on tiptoe, kissing his lips back.
"Now, our family is only just beginning."
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