NovelEnglishLeopold was speechless.
"I care about my wife and my son equally," Leopold mused, lingering his gaze on the horizon. "Today, | just want to spend some
quality twith my boy."
William was at a loss for words. He didn't want that kind of attention. Not at all. There were no good intentions there.
Desperate, he shot pleading glances at his mother, hoping for rescue.
Aurelia approached, her voice gentle. "Honey, I'm thinking of taking a bath. Why don't you keepcompany? Let the kid have
sfun on his own."
Leopold affectionately patted her head. "Darling, I've been so caught up with work lately, I've neglected Kane. Today, | want to
make it up to him. You relax, and I'll join you later tonight."
With that, he scooped up his son and headed outside.
"Con, son. Daddy's going to tuck you into bed."
William was about to cry. He didn't want Uncle Leopold's company and yearned for his father. If only his dad were here, Uncle
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtLeopold wouldn't dare to bother him. Oh, the injustice!
As they reached the doorway to his room, 'Kane' clutched at Leopold's shirt. "Dad, I'm not sleepy anymore. | want to play with
William and Skyler. It's still early. If | sleep now, | won't be able to later tonight."
Having Uncle Leopold on watch was the last thing he needed. Right now, the priority was to switch places with Kane.
"Alright," Leopold nodded.
In the groom, Skyler and the other children were engrossed in a heated gof Monopoly. Kane was distracted and worried
about William.
William shuffled in, head hung low, with Leopold trailing behind. His frustration was palpable. Uncle Leopold's clinginess was
suffocating, far from the usual indifference he showed Kane.
Skyler waved him over. "Kane, you're back! Cjoin the game."
"Okay." William took a seat next to Kane, deliberately choosing the spot farthest from Leopold.
The servants brought in a late-night snack of sweet almond custard, a favorite among the children.
"Let's eat first, then we can continue playing," they suggested.
"Sure," the kids murmured, spooning the custard eagerly.
Leopold's gaze occasionally swept over William's face, probing and intense, as if searching for something untold.
William and Kane, nearly identical in appearance, could only be told apart when side by side, scrutinized for the subtlest of
differences.
"You notice something off about Uncle Leopold today? He keeps staring. You didn't slip up, did you?" William whispered, anxiety
creeping into his voice.
Kane scratched his head. "I don't think so."
"Then why is he watchinglike a hawk? | can't even find a chance to switch with you." The sense of impending doom was
overwhelming for William.
Kane stuck out his tongue. "I'm clueless. Ever since Dad returned, he's been like this. Don't you think he's looked into Susanna and
found out she's your neighbor in Goldstone?"
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm
"No way," William gasped, blanching his face. Could Uncle Leopold have uncovered his secret?
Just then, Aurelia entered, coming to her son's aid.
She settled next to Leopold. "Cfor a stroll in the garden with me?"
"Aren't you tired? You should rest early," Leopold suggested.
"l can't sleep without you," Aurelia murmured, resting her head on his shoulder. "Or perhaps you could joinin our room?"
Leopold stroked her hair. "Alright, I'll ctuck you in later."
Aurelia sank her heart. He meant not now, but later, still insisting on staying here.
A servant cin, carrying Chirpy's cage, and placed it before Leopold.
With a flick of his wrist, Leopold opened the cage, freeing Chirpy. The bird was eager to join the fun, especially since it had caught
wind of William's voice.
William broke into a cold sweat. Uncle Leopold had to be doing this on purpose. If Chirpy landed on him and called him William, his
cover would be blown.
Before Chirpy could make its move, William blurted out, "Chirpy, I'm Kane, remember? I'm Kane!"
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