Substitute Wife, Genius CEO novel Chapter 495

His own appearance at the military hospital yesterday had been ordered by Carlson, specifically to seek out Dominic.

Dominic had some past connections with the Sterling family, which was why he had agreed to attend this dinner.

Dominic nodded. "I am Leo's attending physician."

Carlson was rendered speechless.

The Sterling family had originally planned to use Dr. Knight as leverage to persuade Summer to transfer Leo's registry back to their family.

But they didn't even need to play matchmaker; Dominic was already treating the boy.

Carlson was so frustrated he felt a tightness in his chest.

What else could the Sterlings possibly do to mend and pull closer their relationship with Leo?

During the meal, prompted by Carlson's sharp glances, Xavier placed food on Leo's plate.

When the shrimp platter spun in front of him, Xavier picked one up and dropped it onto Leo's plate. "Here, have some shrimp."

Carlson frowned in annoyance. "Are your long arms just for show? Can't you peel it for him? Those shells are hard—what if he cuts his hand?"

Leo smiled obediently. "Great-Grandpa, didn't you say people should do things for themselves? I can peel it on my own."

Carlson felt another pang in his chest. Trying to win their favor was proving to be a nightmare.

The corners of Xavier’s lips curled up. He found the kid to be quietly wicked—he looked perfectly polite, but his words were calculated daggers straight to the heart, never missing their mark.

He was a carbon copy of Summer, holding grudges and delightfully vicious.

Xavier put on gloves and started peeling the shrimp and cracking the crab.

Leo gave everything to Summer first. Thanks to her son, she was finally getting to eat shrimp and crab peeled by Xavier's own hands.

After dinner, Dominic had to leave early.

Carlson turned to Leo. "Leo, do you want to come stay with Great-Grandpa for a few days? Didn't you use to love puppies? Great-Grandpa can buy you one. You can raise any kind you like."

Leo smiled and thanked him. "Thank you, Great-Grandpa, but no need. I already have a dog. My grandma is raising him. His name is Lucky, and he's a very good boy."

Carlson felt yet another choke of frustration.

Refusing to give up, Carlson added, "What about cats? Didn't you like kittens too?"

Leo's smile widened. "Great-Grandpa, Miles gave me a kitten. Her name is Serenity."

Carlson was speechless once again.

Out of options, Carlson motioned for Xavier to say something, anything to get Leo to agree to stay at the manor for a few days to bond.

But Xavier's thoughts had drifted far away. When Leo mentioned dogs, he couldn't help but think of Fang.

Leo used to love Fang back in the day.

But in the end, Fang had died from eating food laced with rat poison. The villa's staff claimed there were rats on the property.

Because of that, he had wrongfully blamed Summer.

He had actually called the cops on her, convinced she had murdered Fang.

Thinking of Fang put Xavier in a dark mood, completely tuning out the conversation around him.

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