Chapter 266
Lucy Lynwood peeled the shrimp for him, keeping a close eye on how much he was eating.
Seven eyed the growing pile of shrimp on his plate. “Mom, that’s enough!” he mumbled with a full mouth.
Lucy handed him a napkin, and he immediately wiped the corners of his mouth like a perfect little gentleman.
Just then, a server approached with two desserts, courtesy of Kingsley Sherwood’s extra order.
Seven’s eyes lit up instantly. He clapped his hands in excitement. “Mom, dessert! I love it!”
Lucy knew exactly who had ordered them. Seeing her son practically drooling, she said softly, “Go ahead and eat if you like it.”
Seven was so thrilled he beamed at her. “Thank you, Mom. I love you!”
Lucy reached over and ruffled his hair, her voice melting with affection. “I love you too.”
Shortly after seven o’clock, Lucy and Seven got up to leave.
When she went to pay the bill, the server informed her that the check had already been settled. She didn’t ov erthink it, simply taking Seven by the hand and walking out of the restaurant.
They had just reached the parking lot when they bumped into Jules Holt, who had also just finished his meal.
Seven hadn’t seen him in days. His face lit up, and he immediately broke free from Lucy’s grasp, jogging over to hug the man’s leg. “Uncle Holt! It’s been so long!”
Jules had been on a business trip recently, followed by a reluctant trip back home at his mother’s nagging. He had only just returned to Switzerland the day before.
This entire scene was witnessed by Kingsley, who had just stepped out of the restaurant. A fierce wave of jealousy surged in his chest, making him stop dead in his tracks as a heavy, suffocating aura settled around him.
Evie Sherwood stood beside him, acutely aware of her brother’s icy demeanor. She wisely pressed her lips together and kept quiet.
Jules laughed and bent down, scooping Seven into his arms. “Well, look who it is! Did you miss me?”
Seven nodded vigorously. “I did!”
“You missed me?” Jules teased. “How about a hug and a kiss, then?”
To his surprise, Seven immediately twisted his little body backward, shaking his head frantically with a scrunched-up nose. “Gross!”
Jules had just come from a business dinner, and the faint scent of smoke and liquor lingered on his clothes. The boy’s sensitive nose couldn’t stand it.
Jules was taken aback by the blunt rejection. Feeling a bit embarrassed, he lifted his arm and sniffed. “Really? I don’t smell anything.”
Lucy couldn’t help but laugh from the sidelines. “You smell like smoke and booze. He’s not used to it.”
Jules finally realized the problem and chuckled, nodding in understanding Fair enough Next
make surem squeaky clean
before I see you, and then you can give me that hug.”
Seven nodded obediently. “Okay!”
At that moment, Kingsley strode over. His gaze landed squarely on Jules, his tone impossible to read. “Mr. Holt. Did the blind dates back. home
agme go well when should we
ve
expect the engagement?”
Seven caught sight of him and politely called out, “Uncle Kingsley!”
Hearing the boy refer to him as ‘Uncle Kingsley’ put Jules in a fantastic mood. He smiled and praised the boy. “Good job, Seven. Looks like you’ve got another uncle in the mix.”
With that, he met Kingsley’s cold stare, his voice laced with mocking amusement. “Don’t worry, when I do get engaged, I’ll be sure to notify Mr. Sherwood first After all you seem. even more invested in my love life than my own mother. I’m truly flattered.”