Chapter 8 Brought Back To The Xenakis Residence

• Throughout the entire drive to the Xenakis residence, Hendrik remained completely unaware that it was actually the little one orchestrating the manipulation of public opinion online.
• Exhausted from a sleepless night and having barely touched his breakfast, Leonard's stomach growled persistently by the time they arrived.
• As soon as the car pulled up to the grand entrance, Hendrik handed the youngster over to the elderly butler, George, then quickly departed with Zachary back to the company to handle the burgeoning public relations crisis.
• Left in the vast, unfamiliar mansion, Leonard couldn't help but feel a twinge of fear despite his brave front.
• “Mr. Leonard, Mr. Xenakis has arranged this room for you. Please, take some time to rest here,” George, suggested kindly, bending slightly at the waist in a gesture that reminded the youngster of a caring grandfather.
• “Hen— Does Mr. Xenakis usually live here?” Leonard inquired, scanning the room decorated primarily in shades of black, white, and grey—clearly suited to Hendrik's known preferences.
• “Yes, indeed. Mr. Xenakis is often occupied with work and only returns occasionally. It is usually Old Mr. and Mrs. Xenakis who reside here more permanently,” George explained.
• “Old Mr. Xenakis?” Leonard echoed, trying to place the name in the family hierarchy, presumably someone of Hendrik's grandfather's generation.
• Considering the adage that the elderly were often fond of children, the boy wondered if perhaps he could charm the old man into interceding with Hendrik on his behalf.
• With this thought, his feelings of homesickness lessened somewhat, replaced by a budding curiosity to meet the elderly couple.
• “Maybe I should take you downstairs for a meal first; how about lunch?” George suggested, noting Leonard's growling stomach.
• “Sure thing!” Leonard's smile was bright and sincere, a stark contrast to the usual stern expressions that filled the mansion.
• Even the George found himself warmed by the genuine smile. In a household where everyone was primarily focused on profit and power, it had been years since he'd seen such unguarded warmth.
• Soon, they made their way to the expansive dining room on the first floor.
• “No wonder everyone wants to be rich,” Leonard mused aloud, impressed by the mansion's luxurious scale.
• The dining room alone covered a vast area, equipped with an array of dining tables to suit any style—from Epean-style revolving tables to Clusian octagonal ones and even woven mats.
• Leonard was dazzled, momentarily uncertain about where to dine.
• “This is a children's dining table specially prepared for you,” George indicated, leading him to a smaller, more child-friendly setup.
• Baby chair, training chopsticks, silicone meal tray—the sight caused Leonard's brows to furrow slightly. “I'm already five years old; I can eat by myself,” he protested mildly.
• “This was specifically requested by Mr. Xenakis,” George explained, mentioning that Hendrik had anticipated the boy's clever nature and had thus instructed that all the tableware be replaced with safer, child-friendly alternatives.
• He truly is a man full of cunning schemes.
• Despite feeling slightly patronized, Leonard decided to focus on the meal first, adhering to his principle of not letting himself be at a disadvantage. The array of children's dishes was both appealing and delicious, making the meal surprisingly enjoyable.
• As the meal wound down, George signaled for the dessert to be brought out. “Mr. Leonard, this dessert was specially prepared by a star-rated chef. It's sweetened with a healthier sugar substitute,” he introduced with a smile.
• The youngster's eyes lit up with anticipation, his love for sweets barely contained.
• Just then, an interruption came. “George, what's going on with— What is this?” Edwin, the elder master, called out as he entered the room, leaning heavily on his cane.
• Upon spotting the unusual setup and the unfamiliar child, Edwin's brows furrowed deeply. Known for his mysophobia and strict personal boundaries, he was not pleased by unexpected changes in his meticulously maintained environment.
• After all these years of service at the Xenakis residence, doesn't George know that it's taboo to bring someone back without prior permission?
• Seeing the potential for Edwin's temper to flare, George quickly approached, setting down his tray and whispering urgently, “This young guest was personally brought back by Mr. Xenakis. He's instructed us to ensure the child is well taken care of.”
• “It was Mr. Xenakis who brought the child here?” Edwin inquired, his interest piqued considerably upon hearing the confirmation.
• He knew all too well the kind of temper Hendrik possessed. It had been many years since Jovienne's departure, and during that time, Hendrik had not brought home a wife, much less provided a great-grandson for him to dote on.
• Could it really be that Hendrik had decided to bring a child home on his own initiative? Is it possible that this child is an illegitimate child from an extramarital affair?
• With these thoughts swirling in his head, Edwin's steps quickened with anticipation. He was eager to see the child for himself, suspecting that this might very well be his own great-grandson.
• Noticing Edwin's entrance, the little one promptly stood up, his large, expressive eyes locking onto the old man with an intense gaze. Despite this being their first meeting, there was an unexplainable warmth and familiarity that seemed to connect them instantly.
• “Hello, Grandpa!” Leonard greeted, bowing respectfully after a brief moment of surprise.
• “Oh my, no need for that. Please stand,” the old man exclaimed, his heart warmed by the greeting. Forgetting about the back injury he had suffered recently, he let go of his cane, moving to embrace the child.
• George, caught off guard by the sudden move, quickly stepped forward to support Edwin, cautioning him to take care due to his recent injury.
• “Grandpa, please be careful,” Leonard said instinctively, moving to steady him, his concern evident in his voice.
• Edwin glanced at the child, his smile broadening despite his discomfort. This boy, with his concerned expression and furrowed brows, was the spitting image of a young Hendrik.
• The resemblance is uncanny. You can't fake genetics!
• “George, call Hendrik back immediately,” Edwin began, then paused, changing his mind, “Oh, never mind, I'll speak with him myself.”
• Holding the child's hand tightly, he prepared to make a phone call, his face alight with happiness.
• “Grandpa, Mr. George just said that Mr. Xenakis is busy. Perhaps we shouldn't disturb him,” Leonard interjected, hoping not to interrupt his plans.
• Seeing the elderly man's hesitation, he quickly added, “If you're not feeling well, I can go with you to the hospital!
• “This kid, he's definitely more caring than his father was at his age,” Edwin remarked, his affection for the child growing by the second.
• Father? Did he mistake me for Hendrik's son?
• Leonard scrunched up his face in mild disgust, feigning confusion as he tilted his head to ask, “Grandpa, do you know my dad?”
• “Of course— Oh my! What's your name again?” Edwin asked, suddenly realizing he hadn't yet learned the child's name.
• This boy has no idea about his true identity! That rascal Hendrik...
• “Grandpa, just call me Leonard. It means as brave as a lion,” Leonard responded.
• “That's a beautiful name. Did your father choose it?”
• “My mommy named me. I don't have a dad,” the child replied softly, his voice barely a whisper as he looked down, his thick eyelashes fluttering slightly. “I've never met him, and Mommy never talks about him.”
• Edwin's heart sank at these words, his expression turning somber. The frustration with Hendrik surged anew.
• I have to give him a piece of my mind when he gets home tonight!
• “I'll be fine, Grandpa. I'm grown up enough to protect Mommy now. We don't need Daddy,” Leonard added quickly, his voice carrying a hint of pride despite the underlying sentiment.
• Such a young child, yet he's already so sensible...
• Such maturity and sensibility in one so young deeply moved the elder and even the butler, who remained silent, listening intently.
• “Can you tell me who your mommy is?” Edwin finally asked, intrigued by the woman who raised such an exceptional child.
• “My mommy is Jovienne Schumer,” Leonard answered simply.
• “What? Jovienne?”
• The air in the room thickened instantly with tension.
• That name was taboo within the Xenakis family, a fact that cast a sudden pall over the previously warm encounter.