Chapter 3 Miniature Version of Lance Jardel

• It turned out that even though her children were precocious and sensible, they never mentioned in front of her that they still longed for a father's company deep down inside. It was her neglect.
• But this man, Lance Jardel…
• Even when he was drugged back then, he was clearly conscious and could have sought a doctor or used cold water to resolve the issue. Yet, he chose to deceive an unfamiliar woman into bed!
• At that moment, she had decided that such a man could, at most, be a sperm donor and was not worthy of being her children's father.
• Thinking about this, Yvette's eyes grew slightly cold, and she exhaled a heavy breath.
• "Let's set this matter aside for now." She took Stella's hand. "I have to do something very important first, and then we'll go pick up your older brother."
• River's exposure was already bad enough; she couldn't possibly bring Crystal and Stella along to search for him. She absolutely couldn't let Lance know about the existence of the other two children.
• Sensing that their mother wasn't in the best mood, the two girls immediately nodded obediently.
• Yvette, with luggage in one hand and holding Stella's hand in the other, found Crystal naturally holding Stella's hand as well. The mother and her two daughters left together.
• …
• After finishing a call in the corridor of Jardel Tower, Declan turned around only to be startled by a little guy, about four or five years old, standing a few steps away with a backpack almost half his size, quietly watching him.
• Taken aback, he blurted out, "Where did this kid come—hmm?"
• As he spoke, a sense of peculiarity hit him, and he couldn't help sizing the toddler up. The little boy looked to be around four or five years old, with a fair and delicate face resembling a porcelain doll. His features were exquisite, and his big, dark eyes sparkled, instantly endearing him to anyone who laid eyes on him. Yet, his small face seemed a bit tense, giving off an air of a little adult.
• But the alarming part wasn't that—the child's face was incredibly familiar! Hell, this kid is a miniature version of Boss! Especially that expressionless, high-cold demeanor. Even a dumbo would believe this child was related to Lance!
• Declan was shocked for a moment and instinctively asked, "Are you…"
• The little boy looked at him solemnly and said, "I'm looking for Lance Jardel."
• Declan couldn't help musing, Despite his childish voice, his aloofness and temperament are practically next to identical to Mr. Jardel's!
• Various thoughts ran through his mind as he pressed on, "May I ask, what is your relationship with Mr. Jardel?"
• River pursed his lips and said, "He is my dad. Where is he?"
• Confirmed! Declan grinned and said very politely, "Mr. Jardel just got off the plane and is on his way back. Let me take you to the lounge to wait."
• He approached to hold the boy's hand and lead him to the lounge, but River, with a serious expression, took a step back, staring quietly at him with his pitch-black eyes.
• Have I just been rejected? Declan thought. Well, this is the young master, alright.
• With his fist over his mouth, he cleared his throat, and just as he was about to turn around to lead the way, a voice of disbelief came from the nearby elevator. "How could Lance have a child?! Don't let this kid fool you, Mr. Jonas."
• Declan frowned and turned to see a woman approaching with confident strides. She had a high ponytail, fashionable clothing that accentuated her graceful figure, and a disdainful air.
• It was Sandra Milligan, the Chief Designer of Luxor Treasures, one of the collaborating partners on the project.
• Behind her were several people, including three people responsible for the project from the Jardel Family, and Sandra's assistant. All of them looked at the little boy in astonishment.
• Edward Hudson, a manager from Jardel Enterprises, exclaimed, "I have to admit, this child looks incredibly alike Mr. Jardel. Could it be…"
• Sandra interrupted disapprovingly, "What are you talking about? Are you implying something about Lance's private life?"
• Edward immediately shut up. He dared not shoulder such heavy blame, especially against Sandra, who held considerable influence.
• As the heir of the Jardel Family, Lance was a prominent figure in the elite circles of Hadleigh. In recent years, many speculated about Sandra's relationship with Mr. Jardel. Although it was never officially confirmed, the Jardel Family's resources significantly supported Sandra. This secured her unshakable position at Luxor Treasures. Moreover, she was the only one bold enough to address Lance by his first name, indicating a special connection.
• Seeing that no one dared to speak further, Sandra haughtily huffed and said to Declan, "You, as an assistant, are too careless. This is undoubtedly another scheme to tarnish Lance's reputation. If you don't want to lose your job, get rid of this little troublemaker quickly!"
• Declan's furrowed brows deepened. So be it that this woman bosses people around in Mr. Jardel's name, but to say such unpleasant words in front of a child!
• Sure, there were previous incidents of impersonation, but they were later proven to be a deliberate attempt by business rivals to smear the Jardel Family's reputation. The situation now was clearly different! Anyone with eyes could see that this child was undoubtedly related to Mr. Jardel.
• He was about to speak when a child's innocent voice preempted him: "Excuse me, ma'am, what relation are you to Daddy?"
• Sandra's face stiffened, and then she flushed with anger, nearly losing her composure. She couldn't believe the little rascal called her 'madam!'
• The child looked completely innocent and serious, causing Declan and others to almost burst into laughter, but they couldn't show it and uncomfortably held back their amusement.
• Sandra's temples throbbed as she suppressed her anger and forced a hint of a smile. "You can't just claim someone as your dad, kid. The last naughty child who lied got taken away by the police, you know."
• "What relation are you to Daddy?" River wasn't afraid and, as if in contemplation, said, "Oh, I know. You must be Daddy's butler, or why would you meddle in Daddy's affairs?" He then nodded sagely, displaying great politeness as he said, "Hello, Madam Butler. Do you know where Daddy is?"
• Sandra was almost driven mad by the repeated 'madam,' yet she couldn't erupt in public, and her face contorted with suppressed frustration. Moreover, the boy's words left her feeling insecure; after all, she had no authority to meddle in Lance's affairs.
• Declan, irritated by Sandra's attitude, found himself stifling a chuckle. He held back his amusement, cleared his throat, and resumed a serious tone. "Miss Milligan, the child's questions concern the Jardel Family. As long as everyone here refrains from making unwarranted comments, Mr. Jardel's reputation will remain unaffected. Let's discuss the matter further when Mr. Jardel returns. The cooperating party is already in the VIP room. Miss Milligan, please go ahead and wait there."
• While his words sounded polite, the implied criticism was evident, and Sandra's expression changed again. It was clear that he meant if Lance's reputation suffered due to this incident, everyone present would be implicated. He was also subtly reminding her that she had no authority to meddle in the Jardels' affairs.
• Seeing her finally quiet down, Declan turned around and smiled at the little boy. "The lounge is this way. Please follow me."
• Sandra watched helplessly as Declan led the boy away, a trace of coldness flashing in her eyes.
• That child was practically a miniature version of Lance. How could she not tell?! Then again, if there was anything Sandra was certain about, it was that, knowing Lance's character, he would never engage in any underground affair and keep the existence of a son a secret from everyone.
• So, it could only be the work of a shameless woman, using some kind of method to secretly conceive the child. For her to suddenly send this child to seek his father, it was evident that this shameless woman wanted to use him to secure a higher position!
• She absolutely could not allow this illegitimate child to meet with Lance!