“Morning!” Zachary greeted as he slowly pushed Henry to the dining table. “Where are your manners?”
“Good morning, Great-grandpa,” greeted the triplets.
“Good day.” Henry didn’t seem too well that morning. He looked wan, showing he didn’t have a good night’s rest. Yet, he managed an affectionate smile for the kids.
He frowned at Ellie. “Why are you so thin?”
“I’m not feeling well, Great-grandpa.”
She answered arduously, followed by a string of coughs.
“How are you feeling, Ellie?” Charlotte immediately patted Ellie’s back gently. “It’s chilly here. Let me take you upstairs.”
Charlotte hadn’t wanted to deal with Henry. She was planning to leave right after sending Ellie back to her room.
“Have Mrs. Rawlston send her instead,” Zachary insisted. “Robbie and Jamie, have you finished? Go upstairs and accompany Ellie.”
“But I’m not full yet-”
Before Jamie got to finish, Zachary cast him a glance to silence him.
Jamie soon realized Zachary wanted them upstairs. And so the former took a handful of hot cross bunnies, got up, then trailed after Mrs. Rawlston and Ellie.
“Mommy…” Robbie worried about Charlotte being ill-treated without them there.
“Go ahead.” Charlotte ruffled Robbie’s head and comforted softly, “Don’t worry. I’ll come and pick you guys up soon.”
“But they-” Henry opened his mouth to speak, but when he caught Robbie’s sharp gaze, the former snapped his mouth shut.
Robbie embraced Charlotte then turned to Zachary. “Daddy, do you remember the promise you made to me to protect Mommy two years ago?”
“I remember.” Zachary stared at Robbie. “I won’t break that promise. Believe me.”
Robbie was taken aback by the determined look in Zachary’s eyes. It was a rare sight to see.
“All right.” Robbie decided to believe in Zachary. “I believe you.”
“Good boy. Head upstairs then.”
Zachary cast a knowing glance at Bruce. The latter left with Robbie’s hand in tow, leading some staff upstairs to protect the kids.
Zachary finally shifted his focus to Taylor and Cynthia. “Come sit with us and have some breakfast.”
“No thanks.” Taylor swiftly averted his gaze after a cursory glance at Charlotte. “Cynthia and I will be heading back to our room.”
Taylor was pulling Cynthia to leave as he spoke.
“Sit,” Henry instructed arrogantly. “You’re in the Nachts’ residence and my esteemed guests. We have nothing to hide from you.”
“This…” Taylor was conflicted.
“Grandpa is right.” Zachary added politely, “Please have a seat.”
Taylor turned confident when he noted Zachary’s bias attitude toward them. After exchanging eye contact with Cynthia, they both took a seat.
“Why sit so far away?” Henry asked. “Come closer.”
The father and daughter moved closer to the head of the table. Taylor ended up beside Henry while Cynthia beside Zachary.
Meanwhile, Charlotte merely sipped her tea silently.
However, if one would notice, her fingers on the teacup had tightened.
“Mrs. Rawlston, bring a few more dishes for our new company,” ordered Zachary.
“Yes, sir.”
Molly was furious but could only follow her employer’s instructions.
Lupine was furious as well at Zachary’s attitude. “Ms. Lindberg, let’s leave.”
Charlotte finally set her teacup onto the table and lifted her gaze, settling on Zachary. “I’ll come to pick up the kids seven days later. If anything happens to them, you will pay for it.”
She rose, preparing to leave.
“You sure talk brave for someone so powerless,” Henry taunted. “Do you think you can pick up the kids any time you want? They are the Nachts. Nobody can take them away.”
“Try me,” Charlotte retorted.
