Cody tossed the toy away and was lost in his thoughts. He knew Pop cared about him and his sister very much. He came here today not only to apologize. He must also be here to check them out.
Would Pop become their first target if White and the Johnson family decided to join hands?
Cody was still quite enraged as he thought about what the old man had done. But he also didn’t want Pop to truly get hurt.
He knew he must make up his mind as soon as possible now.
Pop sent desserts and grapes to test out the babies’ attitudes. Linford hadn’t sorted it out yet, but he still told Jack that it would only take three days for him to change Cody’s thoughts. Jack left his house happily.
Linford left the snacks with Candace and went upstairs.
Cody was in the study room, reading a book.
Linford knew both Candace and Cristelle had talked to the boy. However, it didn’t seem like their efforts ever worked out.
Why was this boy so stubborn? He was even more stubborn than Linford when he was about this age.
Linford sat before Cody.
Before he could open his mouth, however, Cody suddenly said without looking up, “Is this about Pop again?”
Linford shrugged, “You know I’m not that bored yet. I’ll always respect your decision.”
Cody put the book down, looking at Linford with disbelief in his eyes. What was wrong with this man? Was he really saying it to him right now?
Linford smiled, “I’m being honest. After what Pop did to Cristelle, it’s only fair that you treat him this way.”
Cody was a bit suspicious at first. But now, he started to believe what Linford was saying. The boy nodded and then asked, “He will be safe living alone, right?”
Linford’s long fingers drummed the table, “Enzo has sent his men to protect him. Pop’s still a powerful figure even after his retirement. Those people wouldn’t be that bold.”
Cody nodded, “Good.”
He didn’t even like Enzo that much anymore after conniving to kick his Mom out.
“Cody, you should hang out with Cristelle and Candace more often. Shutting yourself in the study room all the time is wrong,” Linford cared about Cody deeply. He didn’t want the boy to be too isolated.
“I really don’t have much experience to share with them. Our IQs are not even on the same level.” The genius boy murmured. It was pretty arrogant. But Linford could relate.
“I’m not telling you to lower your IQ to join them. I’m asking you to hang out with them because they need your company. You can at least do that as a man,” Linford explained.
Cody rolled his eyes. It was not like Linford Bradley himself had the time to hang out with his family every day. Why did he ask him to do that?
“Okay, sure,” Cody answered with his monotone, “Will do.”
“Why don’t you go to the army and spend some time with Uncle Enzo after our talk?” Linford suggested. He could tell how bored Cody was lately.
Cody would have said yes eagerly if it were before. But now, he just didn’t like these Bradleys that much, “I don’t know. Maybe…”
Linford shook his head and stood up from his chair, “I’m going to check out on your Mom. See you later in the parlor.”
Cody nodded, going back to read his book again.
“What did you tell Cody? Did he say anything?” Cristelle asked the minute Linford stepped into her room.
Linford smiled and pulled her in, kissing her ear, “Don’t worry. I’ve told him. Cody still feels guarded around Pop. But he will get better soon.”
Cristelle was worried, “Pop is quite old. And he’s living alone. I don’t think it’s okay to…”
“Hey, don’t get worried, okay?” Linford turned her around to face him, “Pop’s quite influential even though he has retired. Those people wouldn’t be that bold. You’ve got to believe me, okay? You’re the one I’m worried about the most.”
“I’m not even going out now. Why are you worried about me? You also need to relax,” Cristelle smiled.
Linford kissed her hair, “But you can’t lock yourself in this house all day, every day. I want you to be happy as well. So remember to tell me wherever you go so I won’t worry.”
Cristelle nodded, “Okay. But you need to tell me everything from today. I don’t like being kept blind.”
****
Two days later, Franco went to visit Mr. Weston. However, his car broke down on his way there. Jack sent a call and asked for another car. When Pop got out of the car, however, the two cars both exploded simultaneously.
Jack was so scared, “Wha-what just happened? Who dared to do that?”
The news about Franco’s attack spread wide and fast. Jack was distraught. He didn’t even know who was that bold to hurt Franco Bradley.
Mrs. White went panicked after knowing the news. She called Lana, despite it being quite late, “Tell me the truth, Lana! Did you or did you not attack Franco?”
Lana didn’t seem to care, “I’m not that stupid, Granny. Choosing the timing basically represents suicide. Besides, it would help if you had faith in your granddaughter. If I were the one who did it, no one would ever find out how that old fart died. You’re being dramatic right now. If Pop really died, those people would hide everything away from the public.”
Mrs. White knew Lana was right. But things were pretty serious right now. She couldn’t control herself from getting worried.
“You got the point.” Mrs. White slumped on the couch.
Lana stood up from her chair, a smug smile on her face, “I haven’t even acted right now, Granny. When I start my plan, you will at least hear those bastards’ wailing.”
With that, she clocked out of the room.
****
“What the heck are you doing right now, Franco?” Mr. Weston shook his head as he put down his cup of tea, “I don’t know what you’re thinking.”
Franco pretended to be clueless, “I don’t know what you’re suggesting. I was shocked, okay?”
Mr. Weston rolled his eyes. He didn’t believe anything this old fox said.
Jack did a refill for Mr. Weston, smiling, “Mr. Weston, you probably don’t know this. But Cody is pretty stubborn. The boy’s still refusing to come to visit Sir Franco.”