Justin Battleson walked in holding Grace Thompson, placing the gifts on the table before heading straight to the couch. Hank Thompson gave a stiff smile, then consciously shifted over, making room for Justin.
Cyrus Thompson sat at the edge of the couch, looking up accidentally at Justin Battleson, who just happened to look back as he sat down.
When their eyes met, Cyrus didn’t panic, but coolly nodded at Justin. It was a conciliatory gesture without any hint of hostility.
Justin looked at Cyrus, whose face bore a striking resemblance to his own, and raised an eyebrow slightly.
The boy’s face was devoid of superfluous expressions, his aloofness evident in between his brows. He might surpass Justin in maturity when he grew up.
On the other side, Chad Thompson, who was engrossed in a book on the chair, became unsettled when he saw Charlotte Thompson opening the door for Justin. He raised his head nonchalantly to look at the couch and noticed Justin talking to Grace with his head bowed. The little girl was smiling brilliantly.
Charlotte then went back to the kitchen to finish cooking. The clamor from the frying pan mixed with the sound of the television provided an ambiance of the mundane warmth of a united family.
Chad Thompson realized something was off about the atmosphere, unexpectedly breaking out in a cold sweat.
If things continue this way, this man will eventually get what he wants.
Chad glanced around and, seeing no one paying attention, nudged the elbow of Jack Thompson who was intently studying a tutorial on building blocks. Puzzled, Jack looked up from his work.
Chad mouthed three words to him.
Knowing that Chad had a plan, Jack didn’t ask further and followed him stealthily into their bedroom.
Grace and Justin were happily chatting away, Cyrus was engrossed in his tablet, and although Hank Thompson seemed to be absorbed in the television, his attention was entirely on Grace and Justin’s conversation.
No one noticed the two who left midway through. Thɪs chapter is updated by n0velfire.net
Chad made sure no one was aware of their absence before he closed the door softly.
He walked towards the bedside cabinet, opened a drawer, and pulled out a cell phone.
The cell phone was new, bought during their stay in Ashton by their uncle to alleviate their boredom. However, none of the children were interested in it, so it had been sitting unused for a long time.
He brought it back when they moved back to China.
The cell phone already had a Sim card. Chad turned it on. While waiting for it to boot up, Jack, with a dubious expression, asked,
"Bro, what are you going to do?"
Chad glanced at him, a cunning look in his eyes. He then lowered his voice and said under Jack’s inquisitive gaze,
As soon as he finished speaking, the cell phone was ready to use. He unlocked it, made a call, and recited Adam Ross’ number.
The ringing tone emanated from the cell phone. Just when it was about to go to voicemail, it connected.
A familiar voice with a hint of alienation emerged from the other side.
Chad’s eyes lit up. He hurriedly said, "I’ll send you the address. Get here soon."
There was a silence for a couple of seconds on the other side, followed by an attempt to confirm, "Chad?"
"It’s me." Chad pursed his lips.
A suppressed laughter came through the phone receiver. The initial alienation in Adam Ross’ voice vanished, giving way to a hint of excitement.
"Chad, where did you get this phone number from?"