NOVEL NEXT Chapter 454: A poor grandpa
After witnessing the amount of food Scarlet ate during breakfast, that single ice cream had an even greater weight on Luther's heart.
«Do they always eat so much meat? For breakfast?» he inquired.
The twins didn't even wince but continued eating while the three adults froze in place and exchanged nervous glances as if Luther had talked about something extremly secret.
Their kids were gluttons, okay, but... Was there any need for such a nervous reaction? Were they so ashamed of it?
They didn't look like Robert's family, he thought. That man would feel no shame for the amount of food he could have in a short while.
«They took after their grandfather!» he exclaimed. «I remember Robert could eat a whole platter filled with meat and feel okay. It was weird to see, at first, but I got used to it... Just, isn't it a little early to start with huge meals?»
«B-breakfast is the most important,» Lara tried, glancing at Nate in search of inspiration.
They were both used to that kind of meal. Nate because he was a wolf, and Lara because she barely remembered her habits before the cubs. Meat and strong meals had become her daily life.
Not to mention how she was so glad her cubs had enough to eat that she hadn't worried about their diet since moving in with Nate. Those days when she would struggle for food were in the past.
«Sorry, I didn't want to question your ways of being a parent,» Luther sighed. «It was not my intention... I was just surprised.»
He let go of his thoughts and suspicions, realising it was not his right to meddle in their daily habits. He didn't have a family of his own to compare, either way. It might have been his impression.
«What will you do, Luther?» Melanie inquired, swiftly changing the topic of the conversation. «Will you move into the apartment Lara offered you, or will you stay here?»
«It's very tempting, Melanie, but I know well enough that you love your place to be quiet. I'll stay there for the moment... But I might come back here to have tea from time to time. After all, I don't know anyone else anymore. My old friends must have forgotten me. Not to mention they're all in Sheton and around there.»
«But you don't want to go back to that city, right?» Lara asked, tilting her head. Her uncle didn't want to see his former family, it was understandable.
«Not to live. I shall go back to finish my business at some point, but I don't have any reason to stay.»
«And what will you do, exactly? Sue my parents?»
«No judge in the world would agree with me, Lara. I've been sentenced because of a crime. That sentence means that anything I try will fail. The tribunal won't be of any help.»
«So, what do you think of getting back your company? How will you take revenge?»
«I am not a violent man, unfortunately. I couldn't even get into a fight in prison because it felt so wrong. All I have is business sense and brains. Not more than that. Also, what would cause more damage? Think about it...»
He scratched his cheek, remembering the past with his usual, hard-to-decipher expression.
«What would hurt your mother more? Her reputation, am I wrong?»
At his words, Lara straightened her back.
«And what will you use to hurt her, ah?»
«It's not like she's a saint. There are many things she did and doesn't want the world to know. Don't worry.»
«Don't worry?»
«Oh, you're safe! I wouldn't use your children as a weapon, ever. Throwing you out of home might be the worst, but it's not her only mistake. You don't know your mother as well as I do, so, believe me...»
«As long as you let my family out of it, I don't really care,» she replied. «You can destroy them all you want, I won't stop you. But, please, think carefully about the consequences because I won't forgive you if your actions end up involving my children. Even as collateral, even if not on purpose.»
«See? You're a better mother than Grace was for you. I'm glad her example didn't reach you.»
Lara moved her eyes to Nate, and he squeezed her hand.
«Don't worry,» he said. He wouldn't have let anyone hurt his family, after all. Lara didn't need to think of the consequences because Luther wouldn't have been able to act if he had any intention of involving them in his scandals.
Meanwhile, oblivious to all the tension at that table, Scarlet had finished her portion. She still wanted something sweet to finish breakfast while Jaden was patting his stomach, happy.
«Here,» Nate murmured while placing the plate with cookies closer to his daughter. «Just two!»
«Yes, daddy! Two!» Scarlet agreed. She grabbed one with each hand and started nibbling, only to devour one and grab another when Nate was distracted.
Only at the fourth did he notice, and he moved the plate away from her. His sigh made Luther chuckle while Lara just rolled her eyes.
At least, Scarlet didn't try convincing Nate with her big eyes and sweet words. For once, she just accepted the limit and pouted in silence.
«Are you two done?» Nate asked. «We should take a walk in the garden now. You two ate too much this time. What have you done yesterday if you're so hungry?»
«Nothing,» Scarlet replied, more out of habit.
«We talked with grandpa Luther.»
«Just talked?» Nate chuckled. «You couldn't wake up till late...»
«I'm too old to run with them,» Luther replied. «We played cards together.»
«Cards?»
Nate opened his mouth to remind him his pups were too little for cards, but he closed it soon after. Whatever they liked, they could play.
«Next time, I will bring a chess set. I'm sure they will love it,» Luther continued. «Not like their grandfather. Thankfully, they didn't take impatience from him...»
Nate nodded, dumbfounded, while Lara sighed. Her kids had swindled a poor grandpa, making him think they were calm and silent.