Chapter 319

Liam was destined for greatness.

The rich aroma of spaghetti wafted through the air, making the elderly gentleman's stomach growl.

Daisy noticed immediately. She carried her plate over with wide, innocent eyes. "Great-grandpa, would you like some?"

Theodore froze. He'd scolded this child just hours ago, yet here she was offering to share her meal?

Pride made him clear his throat and turn away. "Don't think this small gesture will make me forgive you."

Daisy's face fell as she withdrew her plate. "We know you don't love us."

The old man's eyes widened. "Who said such nonsense?"

"There's more in the kitchen if you want it. Your choice." Liam's interruption left Theodore speechless.

Had age weakened his authority? How had these children so easily dismantled his fearsome reputation?

Theodore grabbed a plate. He needed to taste Liam's cooking. It wasn't often he shared a peaceful meal with the children.

The first bite silenced him completely.

Daisy beamed, eyes sparkling. "Isn't my brother's spaghetti amazing?"

"Hmph. Who taught you to cook? It's... adequate."

"Mommy." Liam's simple answer made Theodore's hand tremble. Suddenly the food lost its appeal.

"That woman taught him?"

He set down his fork with a clatter. "What kind of mother lets children cook at your age? First she fails at parenting, now she encourages this recklessness."

"You have no idea what she endured for us!" Liam's voice cracked with emotion.

Daisy pouted. "Mommy raised us alone overseas. She worked so hard to feed us. Shouldn't we help her?"

"She was alone abroad?" Theodore's eyebrows shot up. He knew nothing of Evelyn and the children's past.

Caleb nodded solemnly. "No one helped when she was pregnant. She suffered everything alone."

Daisy added softly, "No one can replace Mommy in our hearts. She comes first, then Daddy."

Theodore fell silent.

Abandoning his meal, he retreated to his chambers.

The children's bond with their mother was unbreakable. Having been by Evelyn's side since birth, their loyalty ran deep.

Pity their mother was a Vanderbilt. He'd never allow his grandson to become that family's pawn.

The three exchanged glances. Their great-grandfather had clearly stopped listening. No amount of persuasion would change his mind.

The next morning...

Mr. Chester escorted Liam and Daisy to the front gates. They waved from the car window. "Bye, Liam!"

Liam waved back.

With his filming complete, he'd be staying home for now.

As he turned to re-enter the mansion, he collided with Rosalind exiting the building.

Though Rosalind despised the children, Theodore's presence kept her in check. They were just kids - she could handle them easily.