"My! Hayden is already so big!" Edward looked at Hayden with a wide smile. "Hayden, you're almost as tall as your father!"
"You sure are growing up fast!" Nick lamented. "The last time I saw you, you were much smaller."
Ted said, "Elliot, is your daughter that tall too? He is taller than me!"
"My daughter is a little shorter," Elliot said, "but she is still taller than you."
"Hahaha! What good genes! Elliot is tall, Avery is not short either," Nick said with a smile, welcoming them into his place. "Did you buy these gifts in the afternoon when you went shopping?"
Nick had called Elliot that afternoon, asking him to come over, Elliot had told him that he was out shopping.
"Hmm. Hayden isn't too familiar with this place, so I took him around." Elliot and Hayden entered Nick's place together.
After changing their shoes, they headed to the dining area.
"You all should spend a few more days here since you're here! Come over to my place tomorrow. I'll treat you all to a meal," Edward said enthusiastically.
"I'll have to discuss it with my son," Elliot said.
"What is there to discuss? You're his father, he is your son. He will surely have to listen to you," Ted said.
Elliot said, "Don't say such things in front of my son. We're all equal in this family. No one needs to listen to anybody…"
"You have to listen to my mom," Hayden said boldly.
Everyone was speechless.
Elliot replied, "Hmm."
They stared at the father and son in shock. Nick chuckled, breaking the awkward silence. He began pouring out the alcohol.
"Elliot, can you drink some wine right now?"
Elliot said, "No, my wife doesn't allow me to drink."
Everybody's expression stiffened.
Ted was instantly speechless.
Nick chuckled and raised his glass. "As long as Elliot feels it's alright, we should stop talking. Let's drink."
Elliot picked up his utensils and said to Hayden, "Eat whatever you feel like eating. Don't feel restricted."
Hayden did not have an appetite. "Let's get to business! Stop fooling around."
Edward, Ted, and Nick were baffled.
Elliot had not expected Hayden to say such a thing, and since he was not mentally prepared, he felt a little nervous.
"Business? What business? Your two came over here other to drink and eat, could there be anything else?" Edward asked the obvious.
Hayden said, "Back then, the destruction of the Gould family. You guys did it, right? I can't be bothered about any conflicts you might have. The only thing I want to know is where my sister Ivy is."
Edward, Ted, and Nick were stunned.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: His Eagle Eyes on Me