Chapter 14

CHRISTIAN The next morning, I woke to Blake's call. "What is it?" I asked, a little annoyed by the disturbance. "Director, we have acquired most of the land for our resort project, with the exception of a few lands. One of these lands covers quite a good amount of the planned resort area. The owner, however, is unwilling to relocate." He sound frustrated. My already sour mood turned bitter. "Offer him twice the previous price," I ordered coldly. "Director, we've already attempted that. However, they are unwilling to retract their position. It appears the property has recently changed ownership, and the new owner has declined our proposals." This is the problem with these small land owners. They're way too attached to their fields and create trouble in the work. However, minor obstacles are typical for large-scale projects, and I am accustomed to them. "Offer more; if they still disagree, then proceed according to the law and evict them," I ordered and hung up the call. After awakening, I proceeded to the bathroom for a shower and prepared for the workday before descending to the dining area for breakfast. Upon entering, I observed Celine, who greeted me with a bright smile, "Good morning, Chris. Shall we begin breakfast?" However, my attention was elsewhere at that moment. Zeon is not yet at the breakfast table, and it is eight o'clock in the morning. He is usually an early riser and typically has breakfast with me. "Where is Zeon? Isn't he awake yet?" I asked, turning to his governess. "The young master appears to be asleep. I have attempted to awaken him, but he was unwilling. A-nd— and he seemed to have a slight fever," his governess explained. "He has a fever, and you didn't inform me?" I snapped at her coldly. "I— I wa-nted to sir, but—" "Oh, stop making excuses," Celine said firmly to the governess, who became quiet and hung her head. "Please don't worry; allow me to check on him," she offered, but I stopped her. "It's alright, I'll go myself." I hurriedly excused myself from the dining area and proceeded upstairs. Quietly, I entered his room and found him lying in bed. I gently touched his forehead to check his temperature and frowned. The governess was correct; he had a slight fever. This is not quite right. Veronica checked him, and by her report, he should have been fine. Then—is it due to his distressed mind? I felt restless. This won't do; I must take him to the hospital. I was about to make a call, when— "Mo-omh." His muttering word reached my ears. I turned to him again and heard the same murmur once again. My heart ached as I witnessed my unconscious son calling for his mother. It had been a long time since I had seen him so happy, and leaving Veronica that morning clearly had a stressful impact on his delicate mind. I sighed— the more I wanted to avoid her, the more I found myself dragged to her in some twisted way. I looked at my son and caressed his head. "If that is your wish, my son," I softly said and then left the room to grant his request. Leaving his room, I dialled Blake's number. After a few rings, he answered, "Director," he greeted me. "Send me Veronica's number," I ordered. I remained silent for a second before he replied, "Right away, sir." I hung up, and a few seconds later, I received her number via text. Without delay, I dialled her number, which she answered after a few rings. "Dr. Veronica Granger here, may I ask who's calling, please?" Her soft and melodic voice rang in my ear. Something within me trembled, and it took me quite some time to answer her: "It's me, Christian." A silence fell before she spoke to me in a cold tone, asking, "What do you want?" Her coldness, it seemed, was directed solely at me. "Not me; it was Zeon," I stated, my fists clenched. As anticipated, her demeanour shifted, and her following words echoed in my ears. "What is the matter? Is he alright?" Her tone softened, filled with motherly concern. "He has had a slight fever since this morning and has been asking for you; would you be able to visit him?" I inquired, attempting to remain composed. I am unsure of what I hope for, but her distant demeanour is quite disheartening. After a brief pause, she responded, "I will visit him now. Send me your address." "Hmm." I ended the call, releasing the breath I hadn't realized I was holding. I texted her the address before returning to his room and sitting beside him. I dropped a kiss on his forehead. "She'll be here soon," I murmured and left his room while texting Blake about my absence from work. No way I'm going to work leaving my unwell son home. ........... AUTHOR'S POV After Christian departed, Zeon discreetly opened his eyes. A quiet amusement filled him as he gently retrieved the onion from beneath his nightshirt. He briefly glanced at it before returning it to its hiding place and settling back onto the bed with a mischievous smile. He knew this trick would work. If he fell sick and called for his mother, his father would bring her back!