Chapter: 3098

The elderly man patted Alberto's shoulder. His voice, calm and wise, cut through the tension. "Young man, porcelain may seem fragile, but if you handle it with care, it's stronger than you think."

His words landed like a gentle nudge on Rachel's heart, making it flutter just a bit. Her gaze shifted to Alberto with a mix of confusion and lingering doubt.

With a resigned sigh, Alberto quickly pulled her into his arms, his hold firm yet comforting. "Silly girl, why are you crying? You're a grown-up. We don't want anyone seeing you like this." Though his words sounded a Little scolding, the warmth beneath them was unmistakable.

He carefully wiped away Rachel's tears with the pad of his thumb, his voice softening even more as he coaxed, "Don't cry anymore, okay? I didn't want the cup because I was worried you'd be sad if it broke."

Watching her cry tugged at his heartstrings in the worst way, like something inside him was being squeezed tight.