Though he began to display a fatherly presence again by showing concern for them and having them well taken care of, it was still rare for him to spend time with them like he did at the moment.
“No, you can’t undo the move you’ve made. Basic chess rules.”
Though Sebastian spoke mildly, his stance did not waver in the face of the children’s pleas.
Matteo and Vivian were rendered speechless as they were unaccustomed to their father’s firmness. Only Ian frowned thoughtfully for a moment before reaching out tentatively and moving one of his black pieces.
The next instant, Sebastian’s white piece dashed across the board to seal the fate of black’s defeat.
The triplets sighed, crushed by the merciless blow.
What are we supposed to do? Daddy isn’t the same as how he was before. He is not going to let us win.
To the children’s surprise, Sebastian scooped Vivian up who was closest to him as he stood up.
“All right, let’s get out for some fresh air. Would you like to fly a kite today, children?”
“Yes please, Daddy! I would love to!”
“Yes!”
“I want to blow bubbles, Uncle Sebastian. I want to blow big ones.”
In the span of several seconds, the trauma of defeat was washed off their faces at the prospect of another activity with their father.
Jonathan watched Sebastian leading the children out and found his eyes moist for no apparent reason.
In fact, his anger mysteriously dissipated as well.
Jonathan headed for the study.
After half an hour, Devin called. “Did you tell them that I had hemophobia?” he demanded over the phone instead of coming to Oceanic Estate.
“What do you think?” Jonathan retorted, neither confirming nor denying it.
Incensed by that provocative answer, Devin felt the pressure of his suppressed emotions throughout the entire day erupting.
“What do I think? What exactly do you mean? Why did you prevent me from joining the International Anti-Terrorist Group? Isn’t my absence a good thing for you?”
“A good thing?” Jonathan repeated. The rage he had suppressed mere moments before reared its head again. “Why would you think that it’s a good thing for me? Tell me!”
Devin was about to retort but at the last minute swallowed his pride and bit his tongue, prompted by the strict upbringing he had.
Because the successor you have in mind for the Jadesons is not me. Because I am never good enough for you and your standards.
“This will be the last time we’re discussing this. Just know that this is my decision and also what I’ve planned for my own future. If you try and stop me, I will just volunteer myself as a civilian instead of a military man.”
At that final threat, Devin hung up.
Jonathan almost smashed the phone in his anger.
This good for nothing brat!
At that moment, Tony the butler appeared with a cup of tea and sighed at his master’s fury.
“Mr. Jadeson.” Tony cleared his throat. “If I may, I think that you have been a little too harsh on Mr. Devin. If you’ve said what you said to somebody less tolerant, it would have been a blow.”
“Can’t you see how angry the boy makes me?” Jonathan grumbled, though his scowl diminished while his rage disappeared almost entirely.
“Yes, and you have a right to be,” Tony continued patiently. “But you have no idea how hurtful your words are to so many people. Though Ms. Jasmine had done wrong, she is still Mr. Devin’s mother. How could he tolerate such awful things you said about her?”
Jonathan was unable to retort.
“Besides, Mr. Jadeson,” Tony pressed on. “Ever since Mr. Sebastian was found, you have been neglecting Mr. Devin. Even in your speech you frequently express your displeasure toward him. Have you not noticed?”
How brazen for Tony to speak up against me like that!
Jonathan froze, his temper about to act up and deny all the allegations made about him.
Upon second thought, he found that he was unable to refute Tony. Discontent, he sat where he was and fumed.
It is true. I have been taking it out on the brat of late.
At that moment, Sasha was waiting for Devin at Red Pavilion.
As she had not contacted him prior, she did not know where he was. Being unable to do much else, she showed up at his house.
Fortunately, he had yet to depart. She spotted him as he emerged.
“Mr. Devin, you’re finally back.”
When she caught sight of his car, Sasha waved as she heaved a sigh of relief. It had been a long wait outside of his villa.
Devin stared at her in annoyance as he was not in the mood for socializing in the wake of his argument with Jonathan.
However, he still descended the vehicle at the sight of her.
“Why are you here? Is there anything urgent?”
“Yes. I would like to discuss the incident that I caused, Mr. Devin. I behaved rashly as I was searching for the true culprit of the children’s poisoning, but it did not occur to me that it would cause you so much trouble. Mr. Devin, I-”
