“Ayaan, what do you want to ask me?” Brendon leaned in close to the little one, his voice gentle. “Where’s your mom?”
The child shook his head. “My mom went to make money.”
“Uncle… you really aren’t mine…” Ayaan didn’t finish his sentence before a figure rushed over and scooped up the little one.
“Elio, didn’t I tell you not to wander off?” Coco had turned around and noticed that Ayaan was missing, her heart nearly stopping with fear.
Luckily, the child hadn’t gone far.
“Who are you two? This is my child. Please stay away!” Coco guarded Ayaan from Brendon and Caleb.
These two were dressed nicely enough but one looked fierce while the other resembled a fox; neither seemed like good people!
Thankfully she had noticed in time. If they had taken Ayaan away, she would have felt guilty for life.
“Miss, we mean no harm!” Caleb quickly explained. “We just wanted to talk with Ayaan.”
How did these two even know Elio’s another name?! They must be up to no good!
“Elio, let’s go! The hotel manager said he’ll take us back to our room so we can look for the ball!” Coco grabbed Ayaan and hurriedly left; upon hearing that they were looking for the ball, he immediately shifted his attention and waved goodbye at Brendon, “Uncle, bye-bye!”
They left without any hesitation.
Brendon’s face darkened as his previously good mood vanished completely.
“Mr. Stuart,” Caleb held his breath as he asked tentatively, “Was that child just now Miss Bowman’s son?”
Caleb held his breath. “Should I go after them and ask…?”
“No need!” Brendon waved his hand impatiently. “You go do your thing, I’ll handle it myself!”
Brendon waited for the little one to come down in the lobby. In the meantime, Allen called him, complaining, “Bro, weren’t you supposed to come in person? Why is only Caleb there?”
Brendon snorted coldly, “Without me, you can’t accomplish anything, right?”
“No… I just… wanted to fight alongside you, big bro!” Allen chuckled a couple of times, then realized the call had been hung up.
Brendon continued to wait, feeling anxious and uneasy. He wanted to find an opportunity to have a private conversation with the little one, ask about Ranita… perhaps the little one would be a breakthrough…
It was the first time Brendon had been so patient waiting for someone.
Half an hour later, the little one came out of the elevator, happily holding a small ball. Brendon stood up, intending to approach, but his phone suddenly rang.
It was Shannon calling.
Brendon hung up and started walking toward the little one. However, after taking a couple of steps, his phone rang again, and it was Shannon once more!
Brendon frowned and finally answered the call.
“Shannon, what’s the matter?”
Shannon’s voice was filled with joy and enthusiasm, sounding sweet and tender. “Brendon, you finally answered the phone!”
“Did I disturb you at work?”
Since Julia left, Shannon found it difficult to keep track of Brendon’s schedule, so she always kept a close eye on him, afraid he might be swayed by outside temptations.
“No, not at all! Just tell me what you want!”
“Brendon…” Shannon immediately sounded aggrieved. “Can’t I call you without a reason? It’s been so many days since I last saw you, and I miss you so much! I couldn’t even eat properly, and I’ve lost weight!”
Shannon complained a little, hoping to evoke pity and guilt from the man. But if she said too much, it would only make him resentful.
She quickly softened her tone and continued, “But I’ve been trying to eat more. I don’t want you to worry! Brendon, I understand and support your busy work because it’s for our future.”