Chapter 3 A Family Of Three

• Meanwhile, Leonard casually leaned against the wall at the entrance of the kindergarten. A lollipop rested comfortably in his mouth, and his small fingers danced expertly over the keys of a laptop.
• To any casual observer, he appeared nothing more than a carefree child engrossed in play. But beneath that innocent facade...
• “Leo, if you launch another attack, there's a high chance that Mr. Xenakis' security will catch on!” His teammate, clearly alarmed, messaged him urgently as a caution.
• “It's just a database, no big deal.” Leonard nonchalantly shifted the lollipop from one side of his mouth to the other, dismissing the concern with a few deft keystrokes.
• His teammate, unable to sway him, reluctantly closed his own computer, silently hoping that luck would be on their side.
• The Mr. Xenakis they were referring to was none other than Hendrik, the formidable leader of the most powerful company in Sparaville, commanding a vast empire worth hundreds of billions at the tender age of thirty.
• His influence stretched far and wide, encompassing the global market and holding the economic pulse of the entire city within his grasp. What detail could possibly escape his vigilant eyes?
• The stakes were high; being caught meant facing a dire fate. Yet, Leonard seemed blissfully unconcerned with the gravity of the situation.
• Unfortunately, the youngster completely disregarded this individual.
• He had once breached the Central Intelligence Agency system of Muprary, a feat far more daunting than infiltrating the less extensive Xenakis Group's database.
• As he mischievously left a clue in the system, closing his laptop to await the unfolding drama, a familiar figure approached.
• “Mommy!”
• At the sight of her, Leonard's eyes lit up, and he sprinted into her arms with youthful exuberance.
• “Eating another lollipop, are you not worried about getting more cavities?” Jovienne teased, playfully patting his little bottom.
• Who else could have indulged him with sweets if not Cameron?
• Before she could ponder further, a streak of light flashed from a nearby car. “The candy buyer is here,” Leonard declared with a grin, candy still in his mouth.
• As expected, Cameron Fisher rolled down his car window, beaming as he called out, “Get in.”
• Mother and son shared a knowing look and a laugh before making their way to the vehicle, settling comfortably inside; Jovienne in the front, Leonard in the back.
• The car eased into motion, ferrying them away.
• Cameron, renowned as the chief physician of critical care medicine at Premier Hospital, had entered their lives when Leonard was just a month old. At that time, Jovienne was a struggling single mother, grappling with the uncertainties of life in a foreign city.
• His arrival had been a beacon during her darkest days, offering support that sparked a turning point in her life. There was an innate charm about Cameron that seemed to disarm those around him, easing their burdens and fears.
• With his support, Leonard thrived, and Jovienne was able to pursue her studies in Architectural Design, eventually making her mark in the field.
• Over the years, Cameron's assistance had been invaluable, and though Jovienne could never fully repay him, she endeavored to show her gratitude in small ways whenever possible.
• “I've already made reservations at the restaurant, opting for the private room decorated in Leonard's favorite black and white theme,” Cameron announced as they merged onto the highway.
• His refined features were highlighted under the ambient light of the car; his high-bridged nose, thin lips, and sharply defined jawline gave him a princely appearance.
• “Thank you, Mr. Fisher!” Leonard chirped before Jovienne could respond.
• “He's just a kid, eating in public dining area is fine,” Jovienne interjected gently. She preferred to keep her son's environment simple and unpretentious, fearing that too much formality might foster a competitive spirit in him.
• Leonard looked earnestly at Cameron, hoping he might sway his mother's opinion.
• Ever since Jovienne took on the new project, their routines had diverged. Leonard would finish his meals at school and return home alone, while she managed with takeout, her evenings consumed by work.
• This rare opportunity to celebrate his birthday together was precious. They deserved to enjoy it without the shadow of formality looming over them.
• “Exactly because they're children, while they can still experience joy, it's even more important for us adults to do our best to fulfill their happiness,” Cameron countered softly, his smile warm and his eyes glowing, reflecting his gentle nature.
• Leonard gave him a subtle thumbs up, his expression a mix of admiration and concern that his mom might not agree. Jovienne knew the intentions of both parties by now and chose not to argue further.
• As they drove, a peculiar scene caught her eye—seven or eight black Lincolns were blocked in the opposite lane by a large truck.
• “What happened here?” she wondered aloud.
• Lumonburg was typically tranquil, with most of its residents living content and cheerful lives. It was rare to witness such a spectacle here.
• “Perhaps it's a bridal car for some big shot,” Cameron speculated, half-jokingly. He was fully aware of the potential complications, but he chose not to involve her in any unnecessary conflicts.
• “Yeah,” Jovienne responded with a subtle nod, seeming to concur with his assessment, yet she remained silent thereafter. This kind of spectacle was something she used to witness daily during her time with the Xenakis family.
• Nevertheless, the individual who alighted from such grand vehicles was never the person she had hoped to see.
• One couldn't help but ponder which fortunate woman might encounter a man so boldly declaring his affection. For Jovienne, it appeared such possibilities were no longer within reach in this lifetime.
• At that moment, seated in a Lincoln, Hendrik sensed an air of hostility. His gaze drifted casually to the rear-view mirror. By sheer coincidence, the Lincoln halted right alongside a white sedan traveling in the opposite direction.
• There, caught in a moment of distraction, was Jovienne. Their eyes locked in a sudden, unintended meeting. His eyes, usually dark and unreadable, sharpened instantly, piercing as a blade.
• Jovienne, too, was startled, her breath catching in her throat, her complexion turning a shade paler.
• Was that Hendrik? I must've been mistaken. Lumonburg is a second-tier city. It's hardly a place worthy of such a distinguished presence. Perhaps I'm letting my memories of the Xenakis family color my perceptions.
• Jovienne quickly shook her head, dismissing the fleeting image, and when she glanced again, the road ahead was clear, the Lincoln having roared off into the distance.
• “What's wrong?” Cameron inquired, noting the change in her demeanor, a line of concern forming between his brows. Jovienne's spirit dipped suddenly, evidently stirred by the unexpected encounter.
• Was it that man? Or was it the earlier mention of “marriage” that had stirred old emotions? After years of raising her child alone, it's natural she might long for the companionship that a marriage could bring...
• “I-I'm fine,” Jovienne reassured him, regaining her composure though half her face remained obscured by shadows, making her feelings difficult to read.
• “Is the project keeping you busy?” Cameron tactfully shifted the topic, noticing a flicker of emotion pass through her eyes.
• She remained silent, perhaps considering her son's needs or maybe it wasn't the right time to discuss certain things. He respected her privacy, allowing the conversation to lapse into intermittent small talk.
• Meanwhile, the little one in the safety chair was absorbed with his laptop, uninterested in their adult conversations. He, too, had caught that sharp gaze. Unlike Jovienne, his reaction was tinged with a resolute chilliness.
• Hendrik Xenakis... As the overlord of Sparaville, he acts quickly. He managed to track down the source of the intrusion using just a decoy IP. It seems the real drama is about to begin!
• The dinner was set in a private dining room at the top floor of Grand Summit Tower, one of Lumonburg's most prestigious restaurants. As they entered, the table was already laid out with the meal they had pre-ordered.
• “Excuse me, could you bring a baby chair, please?” Cameron signaled to a waiter.
• “No need. When I'm at home, I always sit alone at the table,” the youngster said, casting a light glance at Cameron. “Mr. Fisher, it's been a while since you've had a meal at my place, have you forgotten?”
• Caught in an awkward moment, the waiter hesitated, unsure how to proceed.
• Cameron gave a slight tug at the corner of his mouth and gestured for the waiter to leave. “Yeah, it's been a while since we last went. Your mom has been quite busy, after all.”
• Over the years, Cameron had enjoyed the misconceptions outsiders had about their relationship, often viewed as a family of three. However, each time, the young one's candid remarks inadvertently shattered that illusion.
• He couldn't help but be curious about the background of the child and his mother. With his considerable influence in Lumonburg, uncovering their history would have been effortless. Yet, he refrained, respecting her privacy.
• Nevertheless, he felt fortunate that the child's father was out of the picture, presenting him with an opportunity. The mere thought that she had once deeply loved another man was enough to provoke a twinge of jealousy.
• “Leonard, you must not be disrespectful toward Mr. Fisher,” Jovienne gently admonished, sensing Cameron's discomfort.
• She had known Cameron for years and was acutely aware of his feelings toward her. Despite his perfection, she felt broken, unwilling to hold him back because her heart, deeply scarred, seemed incapable of love.
• Leonard quickly found a seat, ready for the meal, but the atmosphere grew tense between the adults.
• They stood facing each other, the silence heavy between them.
• It wasn't until a breathless waiter burst through the door, exclaiming, “Quick, leave! The restaurant is surrounded!” that the tension broke.