Chapter 627 Leopold's somber silence was punctuated only by the flickering of his deep eyes under the lamplight, making him appear brooding and inscrutable.
Aurelia pushed open the car door, "I'm heading back first." Leopold knew he wasn't Popular with the Hawthorne family, so he took his leave before things got awkward.
When Aurelia arrived back at Blossom Villa, William was showing Skyler around the house.
For Skyler, it was his first visit, and he was a mix of excitement and nerves, sucking on a lollipop, an effective way for him to ease his jitters.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtJolin brought over some snacks and fruit, “Skyler, don't be shy, and make yourself at home." She speared a slice of cheesecake with a tiny fork and offered it to Skyler.
"Th... thanks, stammered Skyler, his nervousness making him even more tonque-tied.
"Don't mention it, dear. Eat whatever you like. Later, I'll prepare a Pebblebrook special for you,’ Jolin said with a smile.
Her kindness helped relax Skyler a bit more.
Aurelia sat down and took a sip of her fruit juice.
In a low voice, William asked, "Mom, did they catch the bad guy who wanted to hurt you?" Aurelia stroked his hair. William had been at Skyler's place all morning, and she hadn't expected them to come over together, let alone go to the park looking for her.
"Today, it was really too dangerous. Next time you boys come over, give me a call first, okay?" "Okay" William nodded obediently, "Mom, don't be scared. Skyler and | will protect you." Nobody could hurt Mom. He'd let Superman do the punishing.
Skyler nodded vigorously beside him, "I'm really strong, and | can protect you." Aurelia smiled gently, "Skyler, thank you for saving me. | have a small gift for you." She handed him a small velvet box. Skyler, eager with anticipation, immediately open it. Nestled inside was a golden lollipop with an orchid on top - his good friend Orchid.
Aurelia said softly, "Even though you can't eat it, | hope when you see it, you'll remember how brave, smart, and kind you are.
Don't worry about those unfriendly people, and they're nothing compared to you." Skyler was deeply moved, his eyes brimming with tears, "Angel, this is the best gift I've ever received. | really love it." Though he was tall, his heart was still only eight years old, craving encouragement, affirmation, and praise.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmHe would carry Aurelia's lollipop every day, and it was the best gift ever.
Avery returned.
Aurelia had texted Leah a heads-up, so Leah didn't come along.
Seeing Avery, Skyler grinned, “Wow, big star, you're back. William and | were watching your show this morning." Aurelia introduced Skyler to Avery, and Avery greeted Skyler with a warm smile, sensing he was a bit different.
“I'm joining the set tomorrow, but it's just in the movie studio, not too far. | can come back on weekends." William's eyes lit up, "Mom, can we visit the set? | wanna see Uncle Avery act." Skyler chimed in eagerly, "Me too. I've never seen a movie being made. It must be so cool.” Both boys looked at Aurelia with puppy dog eyes full of hope.
Aurelia was speechless for a while. A set visit wasn't a problem, but Leah... If Skyler saw Leah, her secret would be out.
"Okay, I'm off tomorrow. I'll take you to the movie studio for a visit and we can have some fun there." "Yay, that's awesome.” Skyler and William were over the moon.
After dinner, Aurelia took Skyler out to the terrace for a chat.