Chapter 442

Evelyn sighed and tossed her phone onto the glass coffee table. She decided she'd visit Mr. Prescott later that afternoon.

The elderly gentleman was an important client, after all. And Genevieve had personally extended the invitation. It would be rude not to pay her respects.

Turning her head, she noticed Alexander struggling with an advanced mathematics textbook.

Curiosity piqued, she leaned closer. The book was clearly meant for fourth graders.

Evelyn snatched it from his small hands, frowning. "Alexander, you're starting first grade next month. Why are you doing fourth-grade problems?"

The boy straightened his posture. Determination flashed in his bright eyes. "I want to skip to third grade, Mommy. First grade is too easy for me."

Her breath caught.

That serious expression on his young face reminded her of his teacher's comments during last semester's parent-teacher conference.

"Alexander shows exceptional intelligence for his age. He's practically a child prodigy."

"His cognitive abilities match those of a third or fourth grader. Going through standard elementary curriculum would be wasting his potential. Grade skipping should be considered."

While proud of her son's brilliance, Evelyn had reservations.

Child prodigies often burned out too young. More importantly, she wanted him to experience a normal, carefree childhood.

Grade skipping had never been part of her plans.

Now faced with her son's unexpectedly mature decision, she felt at a loss.

"Do you understand what skipping grades entails, Alexander?"

"I do, Mommy."

Those big, earnest eyes stared up at her as he clasped his hands behind his back like a miniature adult. "I'm six now. Old enough to make my own choices and take responsibility for them. When I grow up, I'll help Daddy with work so he doesn't have to work late every night. Then he'll have more time for you and Isabella..."

The boy had noticed how rarely his father had free time for family outings.

Their family was different.

Other parents took their children hiking or to amusement parks. Not them.

Alexander believed it was because his father worked too much.

Tears pricked Evelyn's eyes as she studied his serious little face.

Why did he have to be so perceptive?

Sometimes she wished her children could remain blissfully ignorant, enjoying their childhood without burdens.

She cupped his soft cheeks. "We'll discuss this with Daddy first. You're still young, Alexander. I just want you and your sister to grow up happy."

He planted a wet kiss on her cheek. "I know, Mommy."

Dominic emerged from the kitchen just in time to witness the exchange.

Seeing his wife receive affection from another male - even if it was their son - made his jaw tighten.

A flicker of jealousy darkened his deep-set eyes as he took in his son's handsome features.

Dominic approached with deliberate steps. "Finished your homework, Alexander?"

The boy turned, blinking innocently before breaking into a grin. "Almost done, Daddy. I completed all the problems you assigned."

He proudly flipped to the last page of his workbook, awaiting praise.

Dominic gave it a cursory glance. "Hmm. Since you've finished, let's move on to something more challenging. This seems too easy for you."

Alexander's face fell. He shot Evelyn a wounded puppy-dog look, radiating injustice.

Evelyn pulled him into a protective embrace, glaring at Dominic. "He's just a child! Why overload him with work? Modern parenting emphasizes reducing academic pressure, not adding to it. Learn to balance work and play. Alexander, ignore Daddy. You're done - go play now."

Seeing Evelyn's temper flare, Dominic's stern expression softened instantly. "Don't be angry, Evelyn. Whatever you say. Alexander, you may go play."

The boy stuck his tongue out at his father.

Maybe Daddy intimidated him, but Daddy feared Mommy, and Mommy listened to him. With Mommy's protection, he didn't need to be scared!

Evelyn informed Dominic about Mr. Prescott's condition.

Learning the elder statesman was recuperating, Dominic insisted on accompanying her.

He shared a close bond with Mr. Prescott. Even without personal ties, the businessman in him recognized the value of maintaining relationships.

Though retired, Mr. Prescott's son Jonathan wielded considerable influence in the city. Cultivating this connection would benefit Blackwood Enterprises.

For the visit, Evelyn selected fruits rich in vitamins and pectin to aid recovery.

After dropping the children at Blackwood Manor, they drove to the Prescott estate.

The Prescott residence stood on sprawling grounds far from urban bustle.

The architecture appeared dated but well-maintained, the gardens immaculate - clear indicators of the Prescotts' appreciation for order.

An elderly gentleman with silver-white hair basked in sunlight on a rattan chair - Mr. Prescott himself.

He conversed with Jonathan while Genevieve hung fresh laundry. Despite household staff, the Prescotts preferred handling chores themselves.

Mrs. Prescott prepared tea nearby as Lillian, impeccably dressed, regaled her with amusing anecdotes that drew laughter.

The family turned at the sound of an approaching vehicle.

A luxury car pulled up outside.

Dominic emerged carrying a fruit basket while Evelyn stepped out the opposite side.

Lillian's pulse quickened at Dominic's arrival. But spotting Evelyn beside him, her heart constricted as if swarmed by angry hornets.

Damn it. Why did Dominic always bring that woman everywhere?