“I'm not hungry,” Theodore responded as he left the box at the entrance.
Inside, he saw Kristie playing games with Carl in the living room. The heartwarming sight rekindled his previously dead heart and made it beat once again.
“Carl.”
Carl looked up and widened his eyes at the sight of Theodore. Leaping up like a spring, the boy ran over and exclaimed, “Daddy!”
Theodore lifted Carl off the ground and was surprised to find him heavier than before. A smile spread across Theodore's face, which had been cold moments prior. “You've put on some weight and grown a bit taller,” he commented.
“Of course! I trained hard every day, wanting to be as tall as you!” Carl revealed in delight. He was elated to see his father alive and well after six months of being apart from each other.
As Theodore was alone, he asked, “Where is Mommy?”
Hearing that, Theodore stiffened and brought him to the living room. In a gentle voice, he explained, “Your mother is still unconscious. Don't you worry, though. Jeremy is capable, so she'll be back soon.”
Carl pouted in disappointment. “Yeah. Mr. Jeremy told me she won't wake up so soon as she was seriously injured.” He quickly perked up and chirped, “It's fine. You're back, so I can wait a bit more!”
Theodore ruffled his hair. “I didn't protect you and your mother well.”
“That's not true.” Carl shook his head. “You're amazing. You've always been my idol! I know some things are out of your control. Oh, Daddy. I made sandwiches today. You must try some!”
Carl jumped off the couch and retrieved one of the sandwiches he made from the refrigerator, offering it to Theodore.
Kristie leaned over and whispered, “Theodore, I wouldn't recommend eating that.”
“Is it not delicious?” Theodore noticed that the sandwich looked delicious, so he took one bite. “My son made it...”
He started coughing violently in the next second.
Opening the sandwich, he discovered that it was full of mustard sauce!
Kristie shrugged, her expression betraying her delight. “I did warn you, but you insisted on eating it.”
“Why did you put so much mustard sauce?” Theodore slapped his son's head. “I just woke up. Do you want me to end up in the hospital again?”
Carl touched the back of his head and giggled. “I wanted to put some sauce, but too much came out. Mustard sauce isn't cheap, so we shouldn't let any of it go to waste. You'll finish it, right, Daddy?”
Theodore couldn't bring himself to disappoint Carl.
The taste might be intense and spicy, yet the sandwich was not very large. He gobbled it down in a few mouthfuls.
“Mr. Xavier, you're a great father.” James came over with a glass of water for him. “Does Mr. Faymon know that you're back?”
Theodore replied, “I informed him that I was on my way here earlier, so he'll be here soon. However...”
He gave James the once-over and frowned. “Who are you? Are you Kristie's new bodyguard?”
“No, he isn't my bodyguard. He's my boyfriend!” Kristie hopped over to cling to James' arm.
“Are you joking?” Theodore gave James another look as his lips twitched. “He's older than me! Besides, I remember your boyfriend's name is James, right?”
Before he had gone to Xyperia, Kristie had told him that she was seeing Rayna's younger brother.
“I don't know where he is, so I've broken up with him!” Kristie waved her hands and muttered in displeasure, “Love isn't about age. How could you criticize my boyfriend?”
Carl interjected, “Mr. Samson is old. I think that's a problem, too.”
“Brat, scram!” Kristie punched him playfully.
Theodore couldn't help but feel a sense of familiarity when he saw the middle-aged man's composure. He pondered where he had seen him before.
I know almost everyone who works for Curtis, but I've never seen this man before.
Theodore was wondering who the man was when the doorbell rang.
Curtis and Wyatt had arrived.
“Theodore!” Wyatt walked over and punched him jokingly. “Does it hurt?”
Theodore gave him a kick. “You're getting more annoying by the day!”
Theodore informed Curtis and Wyatt that Jeremy was proposing a different treatment plan for Jasmine, so she would have to remain there. Since he had already recovered, Theodore returned first.
He finished the glass of water and told Carl to refill it for him.
“I went to the Xavier residence after landing. My dad has already signed the documents. Curtis, you'll have to hire someone else to work at Norham. I will no longer be there.”
“You are in the military and made a start, so things will be easier for us,” Wyatt assured him. “I'm busy at my company as I don't have any trusted aides yet. I can't head to Norham.”
Curtis shot him an amused look. “Are you that scared that I'll send you there?”
Wyatt leaned into the couch and responded lazily, “You've never asked for my opinion previously when you decided to send me somewhere. It's time I speak up for myself for the sake of my dignity.”
“Seriously?” Kristie mocked. “When have you ever had dignity?”
Wyatt was speechless.
The rest burst out laughing at their exchange, and the tension in the air slowly relaxed.
“Mr. Curtis, Mr. Wyatt, have some sandwiches!” Carl handed them each a sandwich adorably. “I made these myself. You're in luck today!”
Wyatt pinched his cheek. “You never greet me like this. What's going on today? Why are you so nice to me?”
“I remember greeting you every time I see you, Mr. Wyatt!” Carl protested, tilting his head. He shoved the sandwich into Wyatt's hand and added, “I made this myself. You'll finish it, right?”
Theodore didn't expose his trick and coughed. “Kristie, bring Carl to his room and play with him there.”
“He can leave, but not me. I want to listen, too!”
James patted her back and whispered in her ear, “Go. I'll bring you out to have fun tonight.”
Hearing that, Kristie dragged Carl into the room reluctantly.
Less than ten seconds after the door closed behind them, they started fighting and tossing stuff around.
“They often fight,” James explained calmly, as he was used to their antics. “It happens almost daily. It's fine, so you can continue with your talk. I'll go brew some coffee for you.”
“Theodore, that won't do,” Wyatt protested on behalf of Kristie. “Carl might still be a kid, but he shouldn't hit a girl. That's not gentlemanly at all. You need to discipline him well.”
Theodore jerked his chin up a fraction, his face devoid of expression. “Eat the sandwich.”
“It's just a sandwich. What's so special about it?” Wyatt muttered under his breath as he took a huge bite of it. At once, the mustard caused him to choke. His face contorted in horror as he reached out for the nearest dustbin.
Curtis kicked the dustbin away.
Confused, Wyatt looked at Curtis.
“My son made it personally, so finish it.” Theodore placed the water in front of Wyatt and cracked his knuckles. The menacing sound sent rivulets of ice down Wyatt's spine, so he quickly swallowed the remnants of the sandwich in his mouth.
Wyatt gulped down some water before feeling much better. “D*mn it! You're so evil, Theodore!”
Theodore stopped teasing him and put on a serious look. “Jeremy told me what happened in Norwal City. I've instructed my men to search for the island based on your specifications. I'll keep you informed if there are any developments.”
Curtis' gaze turned dark, but he nodded and said, “Thanks, Theodore.”
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