Chapter 18 Dominic directed the maids as they served the meal. The Rhodes family's dining table was a traditional square one from Vecraland. Tristan occupied one side, Chloe another. Callum and Lucia sat together on the third side, while Michael held Rose on the fourth. Melanie fluttered her eyelashes. "Miss Lancaster, do you mind if I sit beside you?" "Melanie, sit next to Michael, Tristan interjected smoothly. "Don't crowd my mo-uh, don't crowd Miss Lancaster." Then he placed a choice piece of fillet onto Chloe's plate. I remember you loved this. Have more. Melanie was stunned. A man of Tristan's status, personally serving a young lady? How favored is she? And Chloe just accepts it, without even saying thank you? ' she mused. If Chloe is Tristan's mistress, Melanie thought, she should be the one fawning over him. Yet Chloe seems utterly relaxed, completely at home. Just how many times has she been here ?' Melanie sat down, confused. "Daddy. I want a meatball, Rose chirped sweetly from Michael's lap. "And fish! But I'm scared of the bones. Can you pick them out for Michael smiled at her. "Of course " Lucia bit her lip, gathering courage. "Daddy , I-I want fish too. It had been over a month since she'd seen Michael. Lucia longed for him to hold her, to serve her food like he did Rose. But he seemed oblivious to her presence. She had to speak up Michael, however, only glanced at her . "Lucia, you've grown up. You should learn to pick out fish bones yourself. You can't always depend on others." Melanie hid a satisfied smile. When she gave birth to Rose in the delivery room, Michael was there the whole time. He even saw Rose a little earlier than her. And Michael had no feelings for Lucia's mother. 'How could Michael care for a child born from an unwanted union?' she thought. Lucia lowered her head. Rose was even older than she was. "Lucia, you are pretty grown up, Callum remarked beside her. "When I was your age, I did everything myself." Chloe shot Callum a look. She reached over and lifted Lucia onto her lap. "Want some fish?" Lucin nodded, then shook her head. She didn't want just any fish-what she wanted was the fish Michael had deboned for her. Chloe picked up a whole fish and dropped it onto Tristan's plate. "If your eyesight isn't failing, pick the bones out for Lucia ." Chloe looked at Tristan. Lucia, as a member of Rhodes by blood , was ignored in her own home. Isn't that partly your fault as the head of this family?' she mused . Tristan felt the weight of Chloe's displeasure and silently began deboning the fish. Melanie was completely stunned. She mused, 'Chloe ordered Tristan to pick fish bones? And did she imply he was going blind? That's too bold. Tristan founded Rhodes Group, navigated Erord's business world for half a century, commands respect from politicians and generals alike and a young lady orders him around?" Melanie glanced at Michael . He showed no reaction . Callum was also cating calmly. 'Did I mishear? she thought. After the meal , Tristan , eager to please Chloe, instructed, "Michael, clear your schedule this afternoon. Take Miss Lancaster shopping. Melanie's fingers tightened liguly She vaguely felt like she was starting to understand . This Miss Lancaster, she must be Tristan's chosen bride for Michael Why else insist Michael take her shopping? she thought. She gave Rose a subtle nudge. Rose immediately took the hint . "But Daddy . You promined to take me to the movies. This afternoon, okay? Tristan's frowned. Rose is usually so well-behaved. Why is she so unreasonable now? Adults are talking, he mused Tristan glanced at Michael To his disbelief. Michael actually hesitated. Chloe is his great - grandmother. New to this time, needing P P - Chapter 18 guidance. As her descendant, shouldn't he prioritize her? And he hesitates for an unrelated girl!" "Fine," Tristan declared, thumping his cane as he stood. "Michael , you take Rose to the movies. Ill take Miss Lancaster myself. He turned to Callum. "You're the expert on fun stuff. You take the lead" Chloe lifted Lucia again. You're coming too, sweetheart." Callum practically skipped getting the car keys. His monthly allowance was tight. Today, with Tristan paying, he could buy anything he wanted. He thought he'd first go to the car dealership, buy a car for Chloe, and then slip a sports car for himself while he was at it. Tristanı probably wouldn't notice. The car pulled up. Chloe and Lucia got in, followed by Tristan. Callum hit the gas, and the car vanished down the driveway, Michael watched them go, an inexplicable sense of abandonment settling over him. "Daddy, let's go to the movies!" Rose beamed. "My friends say it's amazing. And there's a limited-edition doll! Over $15,000. More than Mommy makes in a month. She said we can't afford it, but I really want one." Michael pushed down the strange feeling. "After the movie, I'll get it for you. "Hooray! Daddy's the best!" Rose jumped for joy, "You got me a gift: you have to get Mommy one too, okay?" Michael agreed readily. Meanwhile, Chloe's group arrived at the car dealership. Seventy years ago, fancy cars were rare luxuries, accessible only to the elite. Chloe knew how to drive; having a car would be convenient. aring the card She chose a low-key black car. Tristan pulled out his card. Callum's hand shot out to grab it, but Chloe intercepted, placing firmly in Lucia's hand. "Sweetheart, can you go pay for it?". Lucia, timid , hesitated. Callum panicked. "She's just a kid. She doesn't get it. I'll handle it!" He'd already picked out a $2.5 million sports car-Tristan's card was his only hope. "Back off," Chloe said, pushing him aside. It was precisely this kind of dismissal that made Lucia so shy. Chloe knelt, speaking softly to Lucia "See that lady over there? Give her the card and say , "May I buy that black car, please? She'll help you Lucia bit her lip. "C-can I do that?" "Of course you can, Chloe encouraged warmly. "You're the best, Lucia." A shy smile touched Lucia's lips. She took the card firmly and walked towards the sales counter. Callum trailed behind her, pleading. "Honey, seriously, let me handle this." "No ," Lucia declared, surprising herself with her boldness. "Auntie gave me this job. I can do it myself. Please move, Uncle Rhodes" Callum grumbled inwardly, watching his dream car slip away. 'Fine. Chloe's car is over $3 million anyway, way cooler. I'll just borrow hers later.