Chapter 17 "You don't seem very bright either?" Tristan felt embarrassed. He said patiently. "Your dad's mom is called grandma , so what do you call your grandpa's mom! " Callum rolled his eyes. I'm not a fool, he thought. Tristan kicked him in the butt. "Answer met What's your grandpa's mom called?" Callum muttered, "Great-grandmother." "There we go." Chloe curved her lips into a smile. "That's a good boy." "Your Callum sputtered, eyes wide. "Who the hell do you think- "Enough," Michael cut in calmly. He thought, 'Is this how I looked yesterday? All shocked and disrespectful? It was rather undignified' "Michael" Callum stared at him, "I say 'great -grandmother , and she answers? That's an insult to our our great-grandmother's memory. "And who let her in? Yeah, she's my classmate, but we have nothing going on. Dominic, get her out of here!" Slap! Tristan's palm connected sharply with the back of Callum's head again. Callum looked utterly wronged. Before he could protest further, he heard Michael, the brother he idolized, address Chloe, "Great-grandmother, he's always been loud and impulsive. Besides, the situation is rather unbelievable. It's normal he's struggling to accept it" Callum slowly turned his head. "Michael, what did you call ber?" Michael had accepted the fact. "She is our great-grandmother." "No way!" Callum's mind was a mess. "She's a liar, tricking you guys. She- "Utterly stupid Tristan interjected, turning to Chloe. "Callum's a bit slow, but his grades are decent. Top three in his class" Chloe raised an eyebrow, a faintly amused smile playing on her lips. "Is that so?" Callum flushed. He hated studying. He'd never willingly open a book, With Tristan frail, Michael always busy, and his other brothers far away, he'd spun the little lie to keep Tristan from worrying and affecting his health. "A white lie, harmless, right?" he thought. But under Chloe's clear, knowing gaze, he felt stripped hare, deeply ashamed. "Come here, you idiot, Tristan ordered coldly. Let me make this clear: Chloe is my mother. That makes her your great-grandmother. "You will respect her, cherish her, obey her, and honor her. Anyone who disobeys could get out of the Rhodes family. I have plenty of grandsons." Michael responded immediately. I got it, Grandpa ." Callum felt utterly defeated. He knew Michael was smarter. If Michael accepted it, it must be true. Calling his classmate "Great- grandmother was torturous. But if Michael did it, he mumbled reluctantly. "Great-grandmother." He was also terrified Chloe would expose his lie about his grades and ruin his image in Tristan's eyes To his relief, Chloe said nothing, simply gesturing. Sit Join us for breakfast" After breakfast , Tristan said, "Callum, go to Lucia's school and bring her home . Your great-grandmother should meet her." "But kids can't keep secrets. Just say we have a very important guest . Have her call. He scratched his head. "Mom, what should Lucia call your Chloe blinked. "Lucia?" "Michael's daughter, Tristan sighed. "Her mother died of an amniotic fluid embolism during childbirth. That poor kid had never known Chloe's gaze sharpened as she looked at Michael. "I thought you didn't have children. That explains why you're so eager to play daddy to someone else's' Chapter 17 Michael winced, feeling that familiar sting of being deemed " not very bright again. Callum was a man of action. He grabbed his keys and drove straight to Lucia's school. He returned with Lucia soon. Lucia was four, in a boarding kindergarten. She had a head of thick, wavy hair, big eyes framed by long lashes, and flawless skin pretty girl Yet she walked with downcast eyes and spoke in a whisper upon entering the house, Great-grandpa, Daddy. Uncle Callum She tilted her head, looking at Chloe. " Auntie ?" Chloe stepped forward and scooped Lucia up. "You're such a good girl" She thought. Who hadn't dreamed of a sweet, cuddly little girl when they were young?" Chloe turned to ask, "You said Lucia was at boarding school. I thought she was in middle school. Kindergarten? Why is she kept away from home constantly? " She continued, her voice dropping slightly. Tris, you were eight years old, and I still didn't keep you shut away at school." Tristan coughed slightly. "Michael insisted. Said fostering independence starts young. That kindergarten is aligned with international standards and staffed by renowned parenting specialists. It can't be bad." "Putting so much stock in foreign parenting fads Chloe scoffed, turning to Michael. "Michael, tell me. Is Rose also at a boarding kindergarten?" Michael said uncomfortably. "Rose doesn't have a father. She lacked security from a young age . Boarding school would increase her anxiety and sensitivity." Chloe was momentarily speechless, a bitter laugh escaping her. She hadn't misjudged him-Michael truly lacked sense. Before she could voice her frustration, Callum chimed in, "Rose is so pitiful without a dad. Michael, you and Melanie should just get married already. Give Rose a proper family! Tristan chuckled, "Rose is a lively , clever girl. I quite like her. Let's set a date soon." Chloe was lost for words. She looked down at Lucia in her arms. Lucia remained silent, her small fingers nervously twisting together. Just then, Dominic's voice announced from the doorway, "Ms. Parsons and Rose are here." Michael's face, which had shown little warmth when greeting his blood-bounded daughter Lucia , now softened into a gentle smile as he rose to meet them. Rose, in a beautiful dress, flew into his arms. "Daddy!" Melanie entered, carrying a bouquet. "Mr. Rhodes, how are you feeling today? " Rose nestled against Tristan's knee, her face a picture of concern. " Great -grandpa, you have to take care. If you get sick again, Rose will be so sad." " You're such a sweet talker, Tristan chuckled. "Lunch'll be ready soon-stay for a meal, won't you? Melanie's s gaze finally landed on Chlor. Though unsure of her exact status, anyone seated at the Rhodes family table was clearly significant. She pressed her lips together. "Miss Lancaster, I spoke with Rose about yesterday. She admitted she fell in accidentally. "She was afraid I'd scold her, so she lied and blamed you . I apologize for not teaching her better. Please don't hold it against a child." Tristan's expression darkened as he heard this for the first time. He pushed Rose gently but firmly off his knee, frowning. "Why would you do that?" Rose froze a little. In her experience. Tristan had always been kind to her. This sternness was new and frightening. She looked utterly scared Michael immediately pulled Rose into his embrace. "She's still young -it's normal for kids her age to lie . Grandpa , don't be too harsh . " Lucia glanced up silently. She remembered the time she'd told a lie. Michael had made her stand in the corner for two hours , Why is Rose lying not only okay but abo comforted by Daddy's hug! I am Daddy's biological daughter, Lucia mused. P P ·