When a knock sounded at the door of the study, Jayden didn’t even bother to lift his head. He continued writing his calligraphy and casually called out for the person to enter.
Thomas opened the door. “Coral is here.”
Coral?
Jayden had forgotten about her existence.
Thomas reminded him, “The servant Mrs. Nelson brought along when she married.”
Suddenly remembering, Jayden asked with indifference, “What is she doing here?”
“I don’t know, but she has a little boy with her,” Thomas replied, recalling the child’s appearance. He spoke in a dignified tone, “The child might belong to Master Matthew.”
Having been with the Nelson family for a long time, Thomas had seen Matthew as a child, and the child outside looked exactly like young Matthew.
“What?” Jayden looked at Thomas in amazement. “He has a child?”
How did he not know about this?
Setting down his brush, Jayden walked out of the study. “Let’s go and see.”
Considering something, he added, “Go upstairs and call her down.”
Victoria had not been feeling well for the past couple of days, so she was resting upstairs.
“Okay.” Thomas went upstairs.
Jayden entered the living room. Coral and Samuel were sitting on the sofa. As he approached from behind, he caught a glimpse of a small head. His steps faltered for a moment before he quickened his pace.
He wanted to see Samuel as soon as possible.
Seeing Jayden approach, Coral stood up.
“You’ve come,” Jayden said calmly.
Coral nodded. “It’s been a while.”
Although they didn’t live far from each other, they rarely had the chance to meet. The last time was when Matthew got married, and Jayden had summoned Coral for questioning.
Jayden sighed, feeling like time had passed too quickly.
“This child?” He looked at Samuel, with his small white face and bright eyes. His face and eyes…
Samuel also looked at him. Jayden had striking features, white hair at his temples, and wrinkles at the corners of his eyes that marked his wisdom. He was dressed in a Chinese tunic, standing tall and straight.
Samuel blinked his sparkling black eyes and helplessly tugged at the corner of his shirt. Was this man his grandfather?
Was he dreaming?
It felt like a dream.
Coral didn’t know how to respond. She hesitated for a moment. “Master Matthew was married once…”
His marriage was brief, and it had been a long time, so it felt sudden to bring it up now.
“Yeah,” Jayden understood.
But he was still puzzled. If this child truly belonged to Matthew, why did Coral bring him now that he was so grown up?
“Well… Master Matthew divorced Miss Dolores at the beginning. They were born after the divorce,” Coral explained, looking down at Samuel and patting his head. “Miss Dolores might have been upset about the divorce, so she didn’t tell him that they were his children… So, I came here thinking…”
She couldn’t bring herself to say the words “to have you confirm if he’s truly Matthew’s child” in front of Samuel.
That would hurt his innocent heart.
“They?” Jayden didn’t understand.
There was more than one?
Coral explained with a smile, “Samuel also has a little sister. They’re twins.”
“Twins?” Victoria descended the stairs. Her clothes hung loosely on her body, and she looked worn out, as if she were seriously ill.
“Let’s go into the study and talk,” Jayden suggested, sensing Coral’s concerns. He instructed the servant to entertain Samuel in the living room. “Bring him something to eat.”
“I’m not hungry,” Samuel replied.
“Very well, then he can show you around,” Jayden responded.
“Okay, thank you!” Samuel eagerly wanted to explore the mansion. He wanted to see the place where his father had grown up.
Excitedly, he followed the servant.
Victoria came downstairs, looking fatigued. “What were you talking about?”
Jayden supported her and asked with concern, “Are you feeling better?”
Victoria managed a faint smile. “Much better. It’s nothing serious, don’t worry.”
“Do you still think you’re young?” Jayden glanced at her. “We’re all getting old!”
Victoria’s expression dimmed sadly. “I still feel young! The day I met you feels like just yesterday.”
Once they reached the study, Jayden helped Victoria settle into a chair before turning to Coral. “Go ahead and speak your mind.”
“Wait, first tell me more about the twins,” Victoria interjected.
Jayden proceeded to enlighten her.
“What?” Victoria trembled with excitement. Matthew had children?
“You’re still unwell. Try not to get too overwhelmed,” Jayden said in a soothing tone, attempting to calm her down.
But how could she possibly stay calm upon hearing that Matthew had children?
“What’s happening?” Victoria tightly grasped Jayden’s arm.
Her nails dug into his flesh, but he didn’t feel a thing.
Coral explained the situation once more. “I believe Miss Dolores is angry with Master Matthew, so she hasn’t revealed the existence of his children to him. I thought we could personally evaluate it… like they do on TV. That way, she won’t be able to deny it any longer. Besides, the Nelson family’s bloodline is not to be taken lightly.”
Jayden pondered Coral’s words carefully.
However, Victoria couldn’t sit still. “Where are the children? I want to meet them.”
“No need to rush,” Jayden placed a hand on her shoulder.
“Why not? He’s in his early thirties, and now we find out he has children. How can I not be excited?” Victoria had momentarily forgotten that she was Matthew’s stepmother.
Jayden considered the patience and pain she had endured for so many years and asked Coral to bring the child in.
The staircase was situated at the back of the living room, so Victoria hadn’t noticed that there was a child present. She had only overheard Coral mentioning something about twins.
Soon, Coral entered with Samuel in her arms.
Victoria rose from her chair, her frail body swaying as she stared at the little boy in Coral’s embrace.
His small, pointed nose, prominent forehead, and bright, lively eyes were exactly like Matthew’s when he was a child.
Trembling, she approached Coral and delicately cupped Samuel’s face in her trembling hands. She wanted to say something, but it felt as if her insides were tearing apart, causing her immense pain.
“What’s your name?” Her voice was hoarse.
“Samuel Flores.”
“Samuel Flores?” Victoria turned to Jayden, confusion etched on her face.
Why did his last name happen to be Flores?
“Miss Dolores raised him herself, and she had already divorced when he was born, so he bears her surname,” Coral explained.
Victoria grasped that much.
However, there was no need for Coral’s previous statement about personally evaluating him. Looking at his face, it was evident that he was Matthew’s child.
“Ask him to come and visit us,” Victoria suppressed her tumultuous emotions and reached out to embrace Samuel. “Come here and give me a hug.”
Samuel blinked and asked, “Are you my grandma?”
Victoria’s heart felt as if it were tearing apart. She trembled uncontrollably.
“Yes, she’s your grandma,” Jayden answered on her behalf.
He approached to support her and stated firmly, “You are his grandmother.”
Victoria collapsed into his arms, softly sobbing.
Perhaps her resolve had weakened due to her illness.
“Tell him to come back,” Victoria mumbled in his embrace.
Considering the current circumstances, Jayden found Coral’s suggestion reasonable. Dolores must be furious with Matthew. What would they do if she refused to acknowledge the children as Matthew’s?
Thus, they needed to provide evidence, leaving no room for denial.
“Don’t worry too much. I’m afraid he’s still unaware,” Jayden reassured.
“What should we do then?” Victoria panicked.
This child was undeniably Matthew’s. He carried the Nelson family bloodline.
Jayden sighed and patted her back. “There’s a way. Don’t worry.”
Victoria gradually regained some composure. “Then let Samuel stay here.”
“That won’t be possible.”
Before Jayden could respond, Coral interjected. She had used an excuse to bring Samuel here, and no one knew where she had taken him from. They couldn’t keep him here without confirming his identity.
“Coral, you should go back first. I’ll send Thomas to the villa later,” Jayden proposed.
First, Coral needed to retrieve hair strands or used toothbrushes belonging to Matthew and Samuel for a test.
Once they had the evidence, no one would be able to deny the truth.
“Okay,” Coral nodded in agreement.