Chapter 282
By the time the two emerged from the restroom, Xavier could instantly tell the dynamic between the man and the boy had grown noticeably closer.
Seven nestled comfortably in Kingsley’s arms, his little mouth running a mile a minute. “I promised Mommy I’d go home right after eating. And when I get home, I have to take a nap, and when I wake up, I get to play with my blocks, and my toy cars…”
A faint smile played on Kingsley’s lips as he ruffled the boy’s hair. “You’re such a good boy, listening to your mom so well.”
The little guy puffed out his chest and added with utter seriousness, “And I love Mommy super much!”
“Yes, you are the best boy in the world,” Kingsley couldn’t help but praise.
Seven giggled at the compliment, squirming in Kingsley’s hold until he was set back on the floor.
He jogged over to the nanny, rubbing his eyes. “Let’s go home. I’m getting sleepy.” The nanny smiled and nodded. “Alright, we’ll head back right now.”
By the time they arrived, Seven had fallen fast asleep in Kingsley’s arms. He carefully transferred the sleeping boy to the nanny.
He couldn’t go inside. He knew damn well that if he crossed the threshold into Lucy’s home without permission, she would undoubtedly cut off his access to the child completely.
After a few brief instructions, Kingsley turned and walked away.
Once inside the car, Xavier glanced in the rearview mirror, tentatively breaking the silence. “Mr. Sherwood, the boy seems to be warming up to you.”
Kingsley gave a noncommittal hum. He stared out the window, his tone laced with absolute certainty. “That closeness comes with conditions. If I ever crossed a line with the people he loves, he’d draw a hard boundary and freeze me out in a heartbeat.”
Xavier couldn’t help but laugh. “He’s certainly got a sharp mind for a kid!”
Meanwhile, back in the States.
That afternoon,
Bacchus stepped out of the boardroom. His assistant hurried over, lowering his
voice. “Mr. Sherwood, your mother is waiting in your office.”
Bacchus gave a curt nod and strode down the hall. Pushing open the heavy doors, he found Susan Talmadge sitting perfectly trenght on the sofa, maintaining her usual picture of poised elegance.
“Bacchus, is your meeting over?” Susan spoke first.
“Why are you here?” Bacchus asked, his tone icy and detached.
He was fully aware of her recent activities. He knew she was currently entangled in
a sordid affair with her married high-school sweetheart—a fact that absolutely disgusted him.
Susan wore a tight, polite smile. “I was in the area and wanted to check on you.”
“Mom, do you have any idea what you’re doing right now?”
Bacchus ignored her pleasantries and cut straight to the chase.
“The man is married. This is completely inappropriate. If he were single, might actually support you. But giving up your status as the Sherwood matriarch just to play the mistress?”
“I’m not his mistress. We are just friends. Nothing inappropriate has happened,” Susan rushed to explain.
“Just friends?” Bacchus’s voice hardened, practically vibrating with accusation.
“You went after Kingsley to protect him, and you call that ‘just friends’? Have you completely lost your sense of priority? Are you seriously going
to tear this family apart until there’s no one left who will even look at. you?”
“Kingsley was the one who acted cold-blooded and ruthless first!” Susan snapped, the truth hitting a raw nerve.
Seeing her utter lack of remorse and blatant refusal to accept reality, a heavy wave of disappointment washed over Bacchus’s usually gentle eyes.
“Mom, sooner or later, you are going to deeply regret the choices you’re making today.”
He checked his watch, grabbed his jacket from the back of his chair, and snatched up his car keys. “I have plans. I’m leaving.”