Chapter 5 The Eldest Son—Zayn Dawson

• Zayn stared at his hand that was nested securely in Nora's.
• He felt a radiating warmth, comfort, and a faint, pleasant fragrance that comforted him.
• A fleeting thought crossed his mind as he felt the urge to follow this angelic lady back home.
• However, he knew that they were not related. And his father would soon be searching for him.
• As they stood waiting for the elevator, Zayn's face reflected his inner conflict.
• "Mommy, why are we in danger?"
• As expected, children are always curious. Nora's eyes flickered with uncertainty. She didn't know how to explain about her ex-husband's presence.
• "I have offended this hotel's owner. He's a bad guy, so we have to leave immediately."
• Zayn squinted his eyes and pondered. This is Daddy's hotel. Did he bully this angelic lady?
• "Sweetie, the elevator is here. Let's go."
• When they were about to enter the elevator, Zayn halted his steps and mustered up his courage to speak, "We might bump into the bad guys in this elevator. Let's take the one at the back. Mommy, you go first. I still need t—"
• He tried to think of a reason to part ways with her for now. Since this angelic lady had mistaken me for her son, this means that her real son must be nearby.
• "Okay, got it. You're still clever as always."
• Nora hurried along as she switched to the other elevator. Zayn activated the hotel's VIP elevator swiftly with his privileged access.
• Nora gazed at him who stood outside the elevator and questioned, "Sweetie, do you have to deal with the surveillance footage? I'll be here waiting for you."
• "Mommy, you go ahead. It's dangerous here. Don't worry, I'll be back soon."
• Zayn smiled warmingly as he waved his hand.
• In those fleeting moments of interaction, he had felt a warmth and connection that he had never experienced before.
• "Be safe, sweetie. See you later."
• Nora never once doubted her son's capabilities. She left without hesitation.
• As Zayn watched the doors closed, he placed his hand over his heart. He felt a pang of unease settled in his chest and took a deep breath.
• The elevator descended. Abruptly, it stopped at the 10th floor.
• Nora felt a twinge of worry as she hesitated on whether she should ring the emergency button for help or not. Just then, the elevator ascended and arrived at the 20th floor.
• As the doors slid open, Hudson rushed in.
• "Mommy, they've found me. We must leave at once."
• Hudson had control over the hotel's elevator system and could track Nora's location.
• "He's there, quick!"
• Not far away, the security guards were in pursuit of who they thought was Young Master Zayn. The danger was creeping in on them.
• Nora never realized the difference in her son's attire. The brief interaction between her and her son was wiped away.
• With seamless coordination, the mother and son executed their escape flawlessly.
• As they exited the elevator, Hudson activated a deletion program. The program was designed to erase all surveillance footage from the hotel for the night.
• In the meantime, Jordan stood amidst the crowd with a glass of whiskey in hand at the charity banquet. He was checking the time impatiently.
• Upon his unexpected arrival, the organizers were eager to socialize with him. Despite the outward pleasantries, his mind drifted to his defiant ex-wife.
• At this moment, a solemn-looking bodyguard entered the room and lowered his voice, "Mr. Jordan, Young Master Zayn has come to the hotel to meet you, but we're still searching for him. The hotel's security system is hacked. Accessibility and surveillance are affected."
• Jordan narrowed his eyes at the news. His expression was distant as he concluded his social engagements with a faint smile.
• Soon after, he strode out of the banquet hall and headed towards the VIP elevator.
• Meanwhile, Julia sat on the sofa with her legs swinging playfully. Her round and observant eyes took in the bustling scene of people around her.
• "What took Hudson and Mommy so long?"
• Her gaze inadvertently landed on Jordan passing by. Her eyes widened in astonishment as she caught his profile. "Wow, what a charming man. I hope my future dad looks as good as him."
• When she got bored, she started considering the crucial task of finding a match for her mother.
• Just as the charming man had left, Nora and Hudson came running from the other side.
• Julia noticed her mother's subtle glance from across the room. Sensing the unspoken signal, she stood up and went outside.
• Once they were away from the danger, they hailed a taxi and headed back to their apartment.
• Nora gathered her children close with her heart swelling with pride and gratitude. "You two are amazing. Thank you, my loves."
• She glanced over her shoulder and let out a sigh of relief. She was grateful that they had escaped from her relentless and troublesome ex-husband.
• On the 27th floor of the Dawsons Hotel, the hotel manager reported with a stiff demeanor, "Mr. Jordan, the security system has been restored. But the deleted surveillance footage cannot be recovered."
• "Hmph. She ran off again," Mr. Jordan chuckled lightly as he swung the door open. He was not mad. Instead, he was amused by his ex-wife's persistent attempts to flee.
• Interesting. The more she tried to escape, the more I wanted her back. She shouldn't provoke my possessiveness.
• "Mr. Jordan, Young Master Zayn is in the room." The bodyguard stood silently at the door. He did not dare to let out a sigh.
• Jordan's demeanor shifted imperceptibly. A faint smile played on his lips as he strolled in calmly.
• Zayn raised his head and stood before his father. His eyes darted anxiously, unsure of how his father would react.
• "Daddy."
• "Do you know what you've done wrong?" Zayn pressed his lips tightly and remained silent. All he yearned for was his father's care rather than criticism.
• Sure enough, Jordan was dissatisfied with his acknowledgment of mistakes.
• "Go back to the Dawson Family."
• Night descended over the living room of the Dawson Residence.
• Zayn's actions had unwittingly stirred the attention of Shannon.
• Jordan sat on the sofa while sipping a glass of whiskey. Across from him, Zayn sat quietly. Between them laid a palpable distance, a gap filled with unspoken words.
• "What happened? Zayn caused trouble in the hotel? Why didn't the bodyguards stop him?"
• Shannon was draped in opulent attire with a slight frown across her face as she addressed the situation.
• The Dawson Residence was a fortress monitored by an intricate web of surveillance.
• When they returned home, Jordan would have to put on a convincing performance for the sake of appearances.
• The oppressive atmosphere made Zayn feel smaller. He kept his head down and remained silent.
• "Don't you know how to greet? Is this how The Dawsons had taught you?" Jordan demanded harshly.
• "Mom, Zayn has been spoiled to the point where he lacks even the most basic manners. If you can't discipline him, I'll have to send him abroad."
• That way, he would be free from the pervasive surveillance and control of the Dawson Family.
• This was a calculated move by Jordan to test their reactions.
• Zayn's fear surged upon hearing his father's words. He shook his head immediately as he pleaded while choking on his sobs, "Daddy, I don't want to go."
• Shannon had noticed Jordan's lack of genuine affection for his son.
• Realizing that he hadn't spoiled the child, she found herself without grounds to reprimand him. Instead, she had to play the role of a benevolent grandmother.
• "Zayn is still young, be patient. He is your son, after all. Don't speak of sending him away like this."
• "Teaching only works if he listens," Jordan spoke coldly. His strategy was clear. In order to protect his child, he must appear indifferent.
• "Sir, Madam, Ms. Price is here."
• Lauren Price hurried in with her high heels clicking on the floor.
• She was dressed in a designer dress, adorned with expensive jewelry, and a face of flawless makeup. Every detail in her was curated to perfection.
• "Zayn, what have you done to upset Daddy? Have you apologized?"
• As she approached, Zayn's nose wrinkled at the overpowering scent of her perfume.
• "Mommy."
• He mumbled reluctantly.
• Deep down in his heart, he knew that this woman was not the mother he longed for. Despite that, he never wanted to anger his father any further or risk being sent away.
• Lauren feigned her tenderness as she embraced Zayn. She played the role of his mother in a way that felt entirely unnatural.
• "Mr. Jordan, don't be mad. Zayn is still young and doesn’t understand things yet. I will be patient with him."
• In truth, she felt no genuine affection for Jordan and everyone could see that.
• Five years ago, she arrived at the Dawson Residence with baby Zayn in her arms. That night, she took on the role of Jordan's one-night stand, and thus, became Zayn's surrogate mother.