Substitute Wife, Genius CEO novel Chapter 142

Xavier was rarely home, and the house felt far too empty. No matter how independent or mature Leo was, at the end of the day, he was still just a five-year-old boy.

Being home alone terrified him.

But even when he was scared, he never let it show. He just squeezed his stuffed bear a little tighter.

He stared blankly at Xavier, refusing to greet him.

Remembering the footage of Leo smiling so brightly and happily calling another man "Dad," a strange pang gripped Xavier's chest.

It felt heavy, suffocating.

Finally, he let out a sigh and sat on the edge of the bed, tucking the covers around the boy. "Leo, if you have any questions you don't understand from now on, call me."

Leo remained silent, his little face entirely devoid of emotion. He looked like a lifeless porcelain doll—deaf and mute to the world.

The heaviness in Xavier's chest worsened. He softened his tone. "Leo, I only came back late because I had work at the office. Don't listen to Jude's nonsense."

"You're a liar," Leo finally said, his voice terrifyingly calm. "You were watching the fireworks with someone."

Tessa Thorne had posted a photo of Xavier and Lily's backs on social media.

The caption read: *The ultimate scumbag and his... well, you all know. If you're my friend, come bless this trainwreck with me!*

Tessa had only posted their backs, and since Xavier wasn't on her friend list, she didn't care if it got back to him.

But Leo had seen that post.

Xavier frowned. "Did your mother tell you that?"

"Don't you dare blame Mom for everything." Leo was furious now. He rolled over, clutching his bear and turning his back to Xavier, refusing to say another word.

Xavier sat there for a few seconds, his expression unreadable, before he got up, turned off the light, and left the room.

***

The next day was the weekend.

Hunter Sutton's leg was still healing, meaning he was stuck in a wheelchair and couldn't go out to play. He had to stay home.

Xavier had originally promised to spend the weekend with Hunter and Lily at Heartwood Springs.

But after the incident last night, Xavier's conscience as a father had somewhat awakened.

Leo was only five, after all. Xavier hesitated for a moment and decided it wasn't appropriate to bring Leo to Heartwood Springs, considering it was supposed to be his private love nest with Lily.

Xavier's tone turned frigid. "Leo, if you don't say hello today, I won't play soccer with you."

Leo finally spoke, but all he said was, "Then we won't play."

He had another dad anyway. Cool Dad would definitely play soccer with him.

And Cool Dad had told him that he was amazing at soccer.

Thinking of this, Leo suddenly couldn't wait to play with Jude. It would definitely be way more fun than playing with Xavier.

Leo's temper was too stubborn, so Xavier decided to give him the cold shoulder and ignore him.

As soon as Xavier turned and went into the kitchen to heat up some milk for Lily, Hunter maneuvered his wheelchair right up to Leo, grinning mockingly. "Mute Boy."

Leo gave him a quiet look and turned to head back to his room, but Hunter steered the wheelchair to block his path.

If Leo moved left, the obnoxious Hunter moved left.

If Leo moved right, the punchable Hunter moved right.

Leo's voice dropped. "Move."