Kenneth walked toward Anthony's seat and sat. After rolling up his sleeves, he started to brew tea.
Everyone immediately circled him when they saw what he was doing.
Kenneth lifted his gaze to look at them briefly before dropping his gaze back to his hands with a smile. Each movement he made was elegant yet had the grace of nobility.
He poured boiling water into the teapot and swiftly drained it. He repeated the process with the skill of a professional.
Then, he slid the lid over the opening of the pot and poured the content into the cups. His slim fingers were like a work of art throughout the entire process.
Everyone stared at the teacups in front of them with shock.
“Take a sip,” Kenneth invited.
Natasha looked at it for a while before lifting the cup to her mouth.
Following their mother, the children lifted the cups to their mouths. Denise stared at Kenneth with admiration after a sip. “Daddy, I can't believe you know how to make tea too. Moreover, your movements are more elegant than the teacher's.”
Kenneth smiled at the compliment. “I haven't brewed tea in a long time, so my skills are a bit rusty.”
“That's not the case at all! You're amazing!” Denise was looking at her father like he was her idol.
Kenneth chuckled at her praise. “Tea making can cultivate oneself. Watch less tv series, Denise, and drink more tea.”
“Daddy, I was praising you so much. Can't you compliment me a bit?”
“It's for your own good.”
“Got it!” Denise said.
At that moment, Kenneth turned to glance at Anthony and Benjamin. They looked like the sons of noblemen as they sat there quietly.
“How about the two of you? How was it? Do you like it here?” Kenneth asked after another sip.
Anthony nodded. “It's okay.”
“Meaning?”
“He meant everything's good here, but there's no Nat!” Benjamin shot an understanding glance at Anthony, then picked up his teacup and took a sip.
Kenneth's gaze shifted to Anthony. The little boy didn't object to Benjamin's explanation.
Kenneth started, “Adults need their own spaces too. You're all grown up now, so you should think about yourself more. As for your worries, rest assured, I'll take care of them for you.”
Kenneth's shamelessness left Anthony, Benjamin, and Denise speechless.
Daddy, do you think everyone is oblivious to your ulterior motive? Why would you put yourself on a pedestal?
Anthony merely cast him a glance, then smiled elegantly, not saying anything.
Saying more will only hurt our relationship.
At that moment, Terence and Liam appeared from somewhere in the house, squabbling as they approached.
“Since today is a good day, I'll let you go this once. I'm not going to fight with you.” Terence walked into the room with his hands clasped behind his back.
Liam was trudging beside him with a cane and refuted, “Wow, Terence, you finally know how to let others win for once. Did you finally find your conscience after all these years?”
“Liam, you—”
“You were the one who said you would let me win. Don't you remember?” Liam argued.
Terence was rendered speechless at the quip.
The others sat silently, watching the bickering duo. They exchanged amused glances as though the two's bickering was a common occurrence.
Natasha signaled Denise with a look, and Denise nodded.
“Great-grandpa, Gramps!”
The soft call stopped the duo's argument and drew their attention.
Liam had forgotten what he was arguing about when he saw Kenneth and Natasha. He hurriedly crossed the room toward them. “Nat is here.”
“Old Mr. Hamilton.” Natasha stood up to greet him.
“How is it? What do you think about the environment?” Liam asked.
“It's perfect. Very artistic!” Natasha replied.
“The first time I saw this place, I thought it was the perfect spot for retirement.” He looked over his shoulder at Terence. “My dream has come true now, it seems.”
Terence went up to them. “I was the one who saw this place first. This place would've only belonged to me if it weren't for your meddling.”
Liam instantly rebuked, “Terence, you're like a stick in the mud. I figured you might be too lonely, so I decided to stay with you. Doesn't it feel lively with so many people around?”
Terence laughed. “You're right! It is very lively!” he said perfunctorily with a hint of delight in his tone.
Everyone smiled at the heartwarming scene.
“Come on. Let's head over to the living room,” Terence said.
Everyone nodded and followed after him.
Arriving in the living room, everyone settled down in their seats, chatting away happily.
Dan walked into the room. “Old Mr. Hamilton, we have a few guests outside claiming they're here to congratulate you for moving in.”
Liam frowned with displeasure. “I'm not meeting them. Send them back on their way. Today is a family occasion. I'm not meeting any other guests.”
Dan nodded. “Understood.”
Natasha said, “Old Mr. Hamilton, I invited some friends today...”
“Those people outside are just business acquaintances. I don't have any energy to deal with them today, but friends are different. We should share our joy with them, so they have to come,” Liam assured.
Natasha nodded with a smile.
“Nat, even though Terence and I paid for this place, it was still thanks to him that we got to own it. In other words, you and Terence are the owner, while I'm just a person living here for free. Thus you don't have to ask for my permission for anything. Feel free to make your own decisions,” Liam said.
“No way! There are two elders here, so of course, I have to listen to you,” Natasha said.
Liam had a smile on his face, satisfied with Natasha's attitude.
She's never conceited despite her talents but is still charismatic during formal events. She's the ideal candidate for the Hamilton family's future matriarch.
Satisfaction rose within Liam at the thought. Luckily, I stuck my head in during the negotiation for this manor. Or I wouldn't have this opportunity.
Anthony asked, “Mommy, who did you invite?”
“Thalia.”
The kids' eyes sparkled at the mention of Thalia.
“Thalia decided to stay with us because of you three. Now that you guys have moved in here, she's feeling lonely,” Natasha said.
Despite that, Natasha was well aware of their relationship with Thalia. Anthony suspected Natasha had an ulterior motive for inviting Thalia, but he couldn't be sure.
Liam started, “In that case, she can come over and stay here with us. We have plenty of empty rooms. The more, the merrier.”
“Is... that okay?” Anthony asked, looking at Natasha for permission.
Natasha laughed. “That'll depend on Thalia's decision.”
Anthony figured having Thalia around would make things more convenient for him. After all, he had a few things to do in the next few days.
At that thought, he said, “Let me give her a call and check where she's at right now.” Anthony got to his feet and went to make a call.
At the same time, Kenneth's phone started ringing. Without a pause, he took the call.
“Hello.”
“I found it, Mr. Hamilton. Their last consignment will arrive tomorrow night.”
Kenneth stepped to the side to listen to his report.
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