Alden had just dropped off Serenity and the girls at Valerie’s house. Even Celeste and the little ones had joined the group. They all planned to help Serenity with the design of her wedding dress.
While that was happening, Alden received a call from a familiar contact.
"Theodore? How are you?" Alden said as he answered.
"Good, Alden, good!" Theodore replied casually. "Hey, is your father home? Is he busy?" he asked, his voice carrying a hint of nervousness.
"Yeah, he's here. Do you want me to put him on?" Alden asked, a bit intrigued.
Theodore never asked—he just showed up.
"I just wanted to check if you'd be home. There's something I need to go over with you both," Theodore said, his nervous tone returning.
"Of course! When will you get here?"
"I'm arriving from Dubai. I just need to stop by the hotel for my reservation, then I’ll head to your place."
Alden and Peter waited in the study for Theodore’s arrival. He had already mentioned he was coming for Alden and Serenity’s wedding but would be arriving a few days early. However, something felt off. Normally, Theodore would just show up unannounced and leave without saying goodbye. This time was completely different—he had actually called ahead to say he was coming to Valentia.
Another strange thing? He was staying at a hotel.
Peter didn’t remember much about Theodore, but Alden did. After nearly six years of living together, he had learned all the quirks of the two men he had shared a home with. So the fact that Theodore had not only given them a heads-up but also mentioned staying at a hotel was enough to raise suspicion.
"What are you thinking about, son?" Peter asked, placing his hands on Alden’s shoulders from behind.
"I don’t know, Dad! But Theodore’s visit seems really strange, don’t you think?" Alden said, staring out the window.
"To be honest, I don’t remember much about this man, aside from what you and he have told me. Even Celeste has mentioned a few things, but I can't say yes or no," Peter said casually.
"Theodore isn’t the kind of man who announces himself. One day, he just shows up at the dining table for breakfast, and that’s how we know he’s back," Alden said, concerned. "Could something have happened to him?"
"Son, I think Theodore is a grown man, fully capable of handling himself. I know you see him as a grandfather, but don’t overthink it. Besides, if something were wrong, he’d let us know."
After a few minutes of talking, they saw the man who had announced his arrival finally show up. As always, he arrived in a luxury SUV, flanked by several bodyguards.
"See? I told you! The man’s fine, he just likes to make an entrance," Peter said, heading toward the foyer.
Alden watched as Theodore stepped out of the vehicle. However, something caught his attention—Theodore wasn’t alone. The man walked around the car and opened the passenger door himself. Alden, still watching from the study, was stunned when a woman stepped out—a very beautiful woman.
Then, the rear door of the car opened, and a young man emerged. He was tall, with black hair and an impressive presence. It didn’t take much to realize who he was. Without a second thought, Alden left the study and caught up with his father.
Peter was already in the living room, waiting to greet Theodore Bennett. Even though he didn’t remember much, he knew Theodore had been a great help despite his absence.
"Theodore! How are you, my good friend?" Peter said, embracing him warmly.
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