Chapter 4 Ronan's Mischief

• Athena was taken aback. Before she could react, Dorian was already signaling frantically at her side.
• It was evident to everyone that Ronan had developed a fondness for Athena.
• If Athena could build a good relationship with him because of this, it would be ideal.
• Athena felt powerless, forced to lift him once more.
• The little boy's joy was palpable as he wrapped himself around her even more tightly, his eyes sparkling with uncontainable excitement.
• Athena was moved by what she saw, and she gently carried him out into the open air.
• Once outside, she flashed a warm smile, expressed her gratitude to the little boy, and said, "Thank you for having my back earlier."
• "No biggie, she's just, like, super annoying. My dad's always got a bunch of 'em hanging around. It's like, whatever," the little boy replied with a casual shrug.
• Despite his youthful voice, he spoke with surprising authority, radiating a maturity far beyond his years.
• Athena chuckled. "How old are you that you're already used to it?"
• The little boy sighed profoundly and spoke earnestly, "There's nothing I can do. My dad's a total heartthrob, so those women are all over him like flies. It's super annoying. But hey, you're different. You're beautiful and kind. I really dig you, so… I'm gonna take care of you!"
• Upon hearing this, Athena nearly stumbled, wondering if she had misheard.
• Take care of her?
• A little tyke, about four or five years old, was telling her he would take care of her!
• Athena couldn't help but chuckle and shed a tear. She silently mused, "Do you even know what 'taking care of' means? You're offering to be my knight in shining armor." But she shrugged it off, planning to set things straight before returning to business.
• However, the little rascal looked at her anxiously, "So, silence means you're in, right?"
• Athena smirked and replied, "Sure thing, I'm in."
• "Sweet! You're coming over to my place later then."
• The little boy's smile radiated joy. His delicate features flushed with a rosy glow, adding to his irresistible charm.
• It elicited an irresistible urge in people to shower him with kisses!
• However, Athena restrained herself and replied with a grin, "Heading home? Seems a bit unnecessary, don't you think?"
• Ronnie's expression turned serious. "But you agreed to let me be your protector. You're not planning to break your promise, are you? My old man says fibbing will make your nose grow longer."
• Athena finally understood that the little boy was serious, not joking around.
• But… wasn't this too absurd?
• He was just a kid. How could he wrap his head around 'taking care of' someone?
• How were the Sterling children raised?
• During their conversation, several people had already descended the stairs.
• A luxurious Rolls-Royce was parked at the door.
• The bodyguard bowed and opened the car door. However, the little boy was still clinging to Athena, awaiting a response.
• Feeling swamped by all the fuss, Athena said, "Ronnie, let's shelve this chat for later, alright? Ms. Sinclair has things to do. You head home now. And as for that whole 'taking care of' gig… let's catch up on it later, deal?"
• "No worries. You already promised me. Can't back out now," the little boy replied firmly.
• Athena was hit with a sudden headache, berating herself for speaking without a second thought.
• What on earth should she do now?
• Refusing would feel like lying, but agreeing… he was just a little kid. Could she be that heartless?
• As Athena wrestled with her thoughts, the little boy piped up again, "Don't you wanna come over to my place?"
• Athena nodded tentatively, "Yeah, the Sterling family is kinda a big deal. They probably have tons of rules. We've just met, you know? If I show up there, they might think I'm some kinda impostor. So, I really can't say yes."
• The little boy tilted his head, pondering for a beat. Suddenly, a lightbulb seemed to go off in his head.
• "Well then, if you're not into coming to my place, we could always swing by yours," he suggested a mischievous glint in his eye.
• Athena's response was met with an awkward coughing fit.
• "Cough, cough, cough…"
• Athena sputtered as saliva betrayed her, wondering how they'd returned to this absurd moment.
• "This won't work either?"
• The little boy's lower lip quivered, his eyes brimming with tears as he gazed at Athena pleadingly. "Ms. Sinclair, you don't like me?"
• Athena's heart twisted as she took in his sorrowful look.
• How could she resist him?
• With those rosy lips, pearly whites, and irresistible charm, he was practically a walking heartthrob!
• In the blink of an eye, Athena gave in, her tone resigned. "Fine, fine, I'll give you a lift home; there's no need for waterworks."
• She scooped up the little boy and headed straight for the backseat.
• The little boy nestled into Athena's embrace, and a triumphant smile played on his lips.
• Meanwhile, at the Sterling Group, in Thaddeus' office.
• Thaddeus sat behind his desk, looking at a financial report.
• Jay entered with a cup of coffee, setting it down on the table as he delivered the news. "Mr. Sterling, Ronan's bodyguard just called. Apparently, he stirred up trouble over at Nexus Creations."
• Thaddeus remained seated, his posture unwavering, and he responded casually, "Let him stir the pot if he wants. Just make sure he doesn't go ballistic again. And if Nexus Creations takes a hit, we'll cover the damages."
• Jay cleared his throat before delivering the next piece of information. "No harm done, but… rumor has it, he got escorted home by a lady."
• "A lady?"
• Thaddeus lifted his head at last, his distinguished features knit with concern. "What lady?"
• "It looks like it was a female employee from Nexus Creations. They say Ronan took a liking to her as soon as he saw her. He stuck to her like glue and wouldn't leave, even saying he wanted to take care of her," Jay awkwardly explained.
• As expected, Thaddeus' demeanor hardened. "Tell Theo that if he feeds any more of this nonsense to Ronnie, he's off to Africa to handle business indefinitely."
• "Understood," Jay responded promptly, asserting, "Shall we send someone to bring Ronan back?" Jay hurriedly took the order, then asked cautiously, "Should we send someone to pick up the Ronanyouneg master?"
• Thaddeus rubbed his temples, feeling the onset of a headache. "He's always a tough nut to crack. No one can talk sense into him. I'll handle it myself. Where am I going?"
• "North City District, Iris Residence," Jay replied promptly.
• Thaddeus nodded silently, grabbing his car keys before heading out.