Chapter 3

When Brian heard that, he furrowed his brows instantly, and he muttered coldly, "Everyone knows I'm here?" Henry quickly replied, "No one mentioned your name specifically. The rumor just says a powerful man from Marindale is visiting. Don't worry, I've already taken care of it. I'll speak to Mr. Foster again and make sure no one says another word." Brian gave a slight nod, though his expression remained grim. Brian continued, "Where is Kayden right now?" Henry looked even more embarrassed. "Well... I'm not sure. He didn't want anyone following him. I tried tracking his location with GPS, but the signal's gone. I think he found the tracker and disabled it." Brian went silent for a few seconds before giving an order. "When we return, tell the tech department to develop a new one. They must be useless if even a five-year-old can hack their technology." "Yes," Henry replied quickly. He knew it wasn't the tech that was the problem—Kayden was just too smart. He was barely five years old and already a skilled hacker. Nobody could handle him. Brian had no idea about Henry's true thoughts. He quickly pulled out his phone and called Kayden. At that moment, Kayden held Charlotte's hand as they stepped into the elevator, heading to the floor where the director's office was. The phone rang, and he answered immediately. "Hi, Daddy!" Kayden greeted cheerfully. "Kayden, where did you run off to?" Brian's cold voice cut through the speaker. The elevator was small, and Kayden's phone volume was turned up. Charlotte heard every single word, loud and clear. She froze on the spot, thinking she must have misheard. She could recognize that voice anywhere—it was that bastard, Brian. This was too much of a coincidence. Kayden, utterly oblivious to Charlotte's reaction, answered sweetly, "I got bored waiting, so I took a walk. But Daddy, guess what! I met this super pretty lady! She's a miracle doctor, and I convinced her to help treat you!" He was so proud of himself, sounding like he was delivering the best news in the world. Charlotte, on the other hand, was utterly stunned. She never expected that this adorable boy was Brian's son. She couldn't believe Brian had a son who was this old already. Her mind spun as she stood there in shock. Meanwhile, Kayden had already given Brian their exact location. Brian replied coldly, "Wait for me right outside the elevator. Don't move. I'm coming to get you." And with that, the call ended. Kayden put his phone away, then said to Charlotte with a big grin, "Ma'am, my daddy's on his way! You're about to meet him!" Charlotte was overwhelmed with emotions. Only now did she recognize that Kayden was a miniature version of Brian. How had she missed it earlier? Besides, when she first met him, she had overheard people saying he was from a powerful family from Marindale. She should've connected the dots and realized they were talking about the Norman family. Charlotte had no interest in getting involved with Brian again. Her expression darkened as she changed her mind. "Sorry, sweetheart. I know I told you I'd help, but something urgent came up. I'm afraid I won't be able to treat your daddy after all," she said apologetically. As she spoke, the elevator arrived on their floor. She led Kayden out, then added, "I'm really sorry, but I've got something I need to take care of. I have to go now." "What?" Kayden froze, clearly stunned. Instinctively, he tried to stop her. "Wait! Please don't go!" But Charlotte had already pressed the elevator button and turned away. She did feel a bit guilty toward Kayden since he had pleaded so earnestly. But his father was Brian, and she wanted nothing to do with him. Her trip to Marindale wasn't just for the surgery she had just performed. The real reason she was here was for a major pharmaceutical research project tied to her family's company. Her father, Samson Howard, was the head of Howard Group, Juxburg's leading pharmaceutical empire. Howard Group had built its reputation on medicine, with a vast network spanning traditional medicine, medical equipment, hospitals, and drug development. One of the company's branches in Marindale was tackling a challenging research problem, and they needed her expertise. Even though this place held many painful memories, those who hurt her were no longer part of her life. So, Charlotte had no choice but to reject Kayden. … Charlotte left very quickly. She didn't notice that as the elevator doors closed behind her, a group of people turned the corner at the far end of the hallway. Brian was at the forefront of the group. He was dressed in a perfectly tailored suit and walked with such confidence that it drew everyone's attention. People along the corridor glanced up as he passed, but he didn't so much as blink in their direction. His sharp gaze had already locked onto Kayden, who was standing alone just ahead. He happened to glimpse the figure in the elevator behind Kayden. It was only a fleeting moment, not even long enough to see her face, but it was enough to make him stop in his tracks. His eyes narrowed, and there was a flash of surprise. That woman looked familiar—she looked like his ex-wife, Charlotte. He wondered if she was back. Brian's expression shifted instantly, and without a second thought, he began to chase after her.