Chapter 444:
“I’m finished playing,” Lionel muttered, his mood thoroughly dampened by Kristian’s persistent evasiveness. “Continue with your games if you wish. When Freya eventually chooses someone else, you’ll have nothing but regret.”
Kristian remained silent, instead preparing a cup of coffee and offering it to his grandfather.
His tranquil demeanor only intensified Lionel’s conflicting emotions of affection and irritation. No matter how harshly he reprimanded him, Kristian never displayed anger and invariably found ways to appease him.
“What thoughts truly occupy that mind of yours?” Lionel finally inquired, surrendering to his conflicted feelings.
Kristian kept his inner reflections carefully concealed. “Nothing in particular.”
Lionel nearly choked on his coffee.
He examined Kristian’s composed expression for an extended moment before completely abandoning his efforts. “Leave my presence. I can’t bear to look at you any longer.”
Kristian accepted the dismissal without protest and departed as instructed.
Liam remained elsewhere, so Kristian decided to verify the banquet arrangements at the hotel.
Although his father had likely managed everything competently, confirming the details would prevent any unexpected complications.
At the hotel, Isaac was preparing to depart just as Kristian arrived. Upon seeing him, Isaac greeted him with a knowing smirk. “Has your grandpa banished you from his sight?” Kristian found himself speechless.
Isaac placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “Eventually, you’ll grow accustomed to it.”
“You faced similar disfavor in your younger days,” Kristian retorted.
Whenever they encountered one another, their exchanges bristled with playful barbs, and Kristian invariably emerged defeated. This occasion proved no different.
𝖈𝖗𝖊𝖉𝖎𝖙 𝖌𝖔𝖊𝖘 𝖙𝖔: g⧉𝗮⧉𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝗲⧉𝗅𝘀.⧉ⅽ𝗈⧉𝗆
“I may have faced disapproval, but at least I provided him with a grandson,” Isaac remarked smoothly, his tone carrying the craftiness of a seasoned fox. “What contribution have you made?”
Kristian countered, “Without my assistance, winning Mom’s affection would have taken you considerably longer.”
“I appreciate your help, Kristian,” Isaac responded with an untroubled smile.
Kristian found himself unable to formulate a response.
The exchange felt as futile as attempting to punch a pillow.
“During your childhood, you exhibited such endearing qualities and possessed a natural talent for persuasion,” Isaac observed, appraising him thoughtfully. “If regaining Freya’s affection is your goal, perhaps revisiting those childhood tactics might prove effective.”
“Childish,” Kristian responded tersely.
The memories evoked embarrassment.
Whenever he recalled how he once behaved adorably to persuade Lionel to cease scolding Isaac, he experienced profound discomfort.
Isaac’s lips formed a subtle smile. “You’ve matured and lost your charming qualities. Had I anticipated this development, I would have provided you with a lot of sweets to preserve your sweetness.”
Kristian secretly rolled his eyes.
“This venue now falls under your responsibility,” Isaac stated, his smile deepening. “I’m departing to spend time with my wife.”
Kristian’s brow furrowed slightly. Even at his current age, Isaac couldn’t resist showcasing his romantic devotion.
Despite finding it somewhat irritating, Kristian couldn’t deny the reassurance it provided.
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