Chapter 153
At Lancaster Ancestral Mansion
Rock sat outside, enjoying the cool autumn breeze, while Ben carefully shaved the remaining hairs on his head. He had finally decided to go through with it, tired of noticing the gradual thinning and hair loss. It was better to embrace the change before his sons pointed it out.
“What the William’s voice broke through the quiet as he walked up, fresh from the pool, his eyes wide with shock. “Dad! What are you doing p>
Rock glanced up calmly, then scolded, “Watch your language, son p>
William quickly apologized but still looked baffled. “Seriously, why are you shaving your head p>
Rock grinned at him. “Well, I was losing hair, and I figured it was better to shave it all off before you boys started teasing me. Don’t I look younger, more handsome, and manly? Just like when I first joined the military p>
William studied him closely, then shrugged. “I mean, I guess… but I preferred when you had hair. Although, the shaved look isn’t bad. Now you look like my oldest brother p>
Rock laughed, feeling satisfied with his decision. “Exactly! And I’ve got these white hairs creeping in. I’m not about to start dyeing it, and I’m sure not letting it show. A clean-shaven head is the way to go p>
William watched as Ben finished the final touches, shaving off the last bit of hair from Rock’s head. When Ben stepped back, Rock grinned, running a hand over his smooth scalp. “Well, what do you think? Not bad, right? I look way younger!” he said enthusiastically.
William nodded but then frowned slightly, taking a closer look. “Is it just me, or are you losing weight, Dad p>
Rock waved it off with a chuckle. “Nah, it’s just the new look. Makes me seem a bit slimmer. But you should get used to me losing a few pounds—I’m on a diet now. I’m not getting any younger, so it’s time to cut back and eat healthier. More vegetables and fruits from now on p>
William gave him a thumbs up. “That’s the spirit, Dad. Stay strong and healthy p>
Rock nodded in agreement, but his tone shifted slightly as he asked, “So, have you decided what you’re going to do? Xander’s definitely going to ask about your decision tomorrow p>
William smirked, his eyes gleaming with mischief. “Ha! My brother thinks he can outsmart me. He’s wrong! I’m going to let him work his ass off p>
Rock blinked rapidly, taken aback. “Wait—are you saying you’re getting married p>
“Yes, I am!” William burst out, grinning from ear to ear.
Rock frowned, thinking, ’What the hell is he up to now p>
“William, marriage is not a game!” he scolded, his voice firm. “Why don’t you just work at the company instead?” Rock added with a stern look. As much as he wanted William to settle down, he didn’t want his son to treat something as serious as marriage lightly.
Although things worked out with Alexander, that didn’t mean the same would happen with William. Rock knew his sons were vastly different. Alexander was more calculated, responsible, and able to handle the pressures of family and business, but William? He was impulsive, always chasing excitement rather than stability.
Rock sighed, knowing that while Alexander could navigate difficult situations and come out stronger, William’s recklessness might lead him down a path he couldn’t easily recover from.
It bothered him how casually William seemed to approach the situation. His reckless decisions shouldn’t go without consequences.
“Who says I’m playing?” William shot back, pouting as if offended.
Rock sighed. “Why won’t you just help your brother and work at the company? You can support him instead of complicating things p>
William shook his head, his frustration evident. “Dad, business is not my thing, and you know it. It’s too complicated for me. I’d rather be a soldier than be stuck in an office all day, doing meetings, and signing papers. Just thinking about it gives me a headache. You know I prefer action and excitement. I’m sticking with GIS p>
Rock rubbed his temple, torn between frustration and understanding. “You’ve always loved the adrenaline rush, but life isn’t just about action. You need balance, William p>
“You worry too much, Dad. You used to push me about this marriage thing, and now that big brother’s married, it seems like you’re not interested in my love life anymore?” William teased, a smirk playing on his lips.
Rock chuckled, shaking his head. “I’m pushing you to date, to get to know women better, and hopefully find someone you genuinely connect with. Settle down, start a family, that kind of thing p>
He raised an eyebrow, giving William a knowing look. “But did you ever have a serious girlfriend? Last I checked, you were just playing around p>
William’s grin stretched wide. “I don’t have a girlfriend, Dad, but I did ask a woman I find attractive to marry me!” He said it with such enthusiasm that Rock couldn’t help but sigh. “I told her we should try it out for a month, and see if we click. And if we do, I’ll marry her! Though… she hasn’t replied yet p>
Rock subconsciously rubbed his forehead, feeling a headache coming on. “William he started, but Ben, who had been quietly listening, stepped forward to remind him, “You should get ready now, sir. We have an appointment today p>
Rock nodded at Ben. He had another chemotherapy session with Dr. Lambert today.
But before leaving, he turned back to his son. “I’ll go get ready, but before I do… tell me, who is this woman you’re talking about p>
Rock frowned at the mischievous grin spreading across his son’s face. He could already tell that William was up to something.
“You know her, and I believe you’ve met her here,” William said, a hint of pride in his voice.
Rock’s eyes widened. “You… don’t tell me that you p>
“Yes! It’s Sanya Reed… my sister-in-law’s best friend!” William declared triumphantly.
“William Rock barked, both surprised and concerned.
“What?! She’s a nice woman, and I’m sure my sister-in-law can vouch for her. Although… I know she and my sister are still not on good terms right now because of what happened. Plus, she owes me for tricking me, but that woman is definitely playing hard to get right now,” William mumbled, his confidence wavering slightly.
“Do you actually like her?” Rock questioned, still trying to wrap his head around the revelation William had just dropped on him.
“Yes, she’s my type. But you’re right—it takes two to tango. So we’ll date first and see if we can level up to marriage!” William announced, his grin returning as he seemed to revel in the excitement of it all.