Chapter 254
But the moment he pulled the door open and saw the tall and small figures standing in the doorway, his eyes lit up instantly. His tone was full of pleasant surprise. “Lucy, what are you guys doing here?”
“Uncle Wyatt~” Seven looked up, calling out in a sweet voice.
Wyatt immediately squatted down and pulled the little guy into his arms, laughing as
he teased, “Oh wow, you can say my name so clearly now.”
He pinched Seven’s cheek. “You’ve grown a lot taller and stronger since the last time I saw you.”
Seven wrapped his arms around Wyatt’s neck, his eyes curving into happy crescents. “Uncle Wyatt, you didn’t grow at all~”
Lucy placed the things she had brought by the entryway and looked at Wyatt, her tone laced with concern. “How’s your health?”
“I’m fine, totally fine.”
Wyatt pulled a relaxed smile, pretending not to care.
“It’s a good excuse to take a few days off and rest.”
“Don’t get into another fight with him.”
Lucy looked at him, speaking seriously.
“You represent the Sterling family. There’s no need to satisfy a momentary urge for revenge.”
“I know, I know!” Wyatt said, looking incredibly smug. “That bastard is just a sore loser. I can’t even be bothered to argue with him.”
Seven couldn’t understand what they were talking about, his curiosity entirely hijacked by the racing game on the TV screen. He squirmed in Wyatt’s arms, yelling, “Down, I wanna get down!”
Lucy didn’t dwell on the past incident, changing the subject instead. “Are your cards still frozen?”
Wyatt rubbed the back of his neck, looking a little embarrassed. “Yeah, but it’s fine. My family will unfreeze them in a few days.”
Lucy pulled an envelope of cash out of her bag and shoved it into his hand. “A holiday bonus. Take it.”
“No, no, no,” Wyatt quickly declined.
“I have a job and make my own money now. I can’t take your money.”
“We’re like family, it doesn’t matter if you make money or not.”
Lucy pressed down on the hand he was using to push the money back.
“It’s for good luck in the new year, no refusing.” Seeing he still wanted to argue, she added,
“If you refuse again, I’m going to get mad.”
Wyatt had no choice but to accept it, a smile playing on his lips. “Thanks, Lucy!”
Over on the side, Seven’s eyes were still glued to the TV. He pointed at the stationary race car and asked, “Uncle Wyatt, why isn’t the car moving?”
Wyatt glanced at the screen, which had long since displayed ‘Game Over,’ and answered casually, “Because it’s broken.”
Seven nodded, seemingly understanding, and said with complete seriousness, “It’s fake.”
“Right, right, right, Seven is the smartest!” Wyatt chuckled, ruffling the boy’s hair in agreement.
Half an hour later, Lucy led Seven out of Wyatt’s apartment. The moment they stepped out of the building, she saw Kingsley leaning against a car, head bowed as he looked at his phone.
Hearing their footsteps, he immediately put his phone away and walked up to them,
his tone casual. “I’m here to pick you up.”
Lucy gave him a cold glance, her tone distant. “No need. We can call a cab.”
“The resort is in the suburbs. It’s remote and hard to get a ride.”
Kingsley explained patiently, his gaze resting on her, carrying an undetectable hint of pleading.
Lucy didn’t reply-she knew perfectly well that as long as the price was right, no driver would complain about the distance. She just didn’t want to deal with him.
Kingsley seemed to read her mind. He took a step forward and lowered his voice. “I’ll just drop you two off. I’ll leave right after. I absolutely won’t bother you.”
As soon as the words left his mouth, Seven suddenly reached out his little hand and tugged at the hem of Kingsley’s coat. His small brows were furrowed his tone blunt What are you doing? We aren’t friends.”
Kingsley’s chest tightened painfully. He immediately crouched down, softening his voice to explain, “We’ve met several times, don’t you remember? I’m just going to drive
you and your mom to see Molly and
the others. Is that okay?”
Seven blinked his big eyes, unsure if he was telling the truth. He turned to look up at
Lucy, calling out softly, “Mom-“
His voice was filled with inquiry and reliance.