Chapter 202 Grandpa Might Take a Shine to the Three Kids
Jacob found himself inexplicably drawn to the trio of children. Perhaps it was their uncanny resemblance to Aaron, or maybe their undeniable charm was simply too irresistible to ignore.
"Are you three triplets?" he inquired.
In his prime, Jacob had been a decisive and formidable businessman. Despite his advanced age, he still exuded an aura of authority that commanded respect.
Most of the younger members of the family approached him with a level of reverence, t heir voices never rising above a whisper in his presence. Yet, these three children fearlessly met his gaze with their bright, innocent eyes.
"Yes," they replied in unison.
"And who among you is the eldest?"
"I'm Alex, he's Billy, and she's Samantha," Alex responded, his youthful voice carrying an air of quiet confidence.
"How old are you?"
"Four and a half."
"Recently started preschool, correct?"
"Yes."
"Did you come here with Carter? Where are your parents? Didn't they accompany you?"
Jacob harbored a secret hope that these children were fatherless, possibly the illegitimate offspring of Aaron left to fend for themselves. If this were the case, he could take them under his wing!
Carter, suppressing a chuckle, gathered the children into her arms.
"Their parents are tied up with work, so they've entrusted their care to me," she explained, deliberately glossing over the details of her granddaughter's divorce.
Jacob eyed Carter with a hint of envy, his lips pursed in silent contemplation.
Carter pedaled away on her bicycle, the three children in tow. Samantha was entranced by the surrounding scenery, and Alex and Billy shared her delight.
Upon noticing a pair of men engrossed in a game of chess nearby, Alex expressed his desire to watch. Billy eagerly followed suit.
The two chess players, Jacob and Mike, were so absorbed in their game that they barely acknowledged the children's presence. However, when Jacob made a move, Alex instinctively reached out to stop him.
"That's not the right move. You should place it on the other side," he advised.
Jacob, taken aback, considered the boy's suggestion. To his surprise, he realized the validity of Alex's advice, marveling at the child's understanding of the game.
Mike, who until now was confident of his impending victory, was visibly irritated by the interruption. "Alex, don't interfere anymore," he grumbled.
"Sorry, I couldn't help it," Alex apologized.
Turning to the boy, Jacob asked, "Alex, do you know how to play chess?"
"Yes."
"Then why don't you take my place?" Jacob offered, rising from his seat to make room for the boy.
Mike frowned, "You expect me to play chess with a child? Even if I win, it won't feel like a victory."
Jacob chuckled, "I wouldn't be so sure you could beat him."
"Are you doubting my abilities?"
"Let's find out who's the better player!"
"Challenge accepted."
Mike turned to Alex, "Alex, if you lose, no tears, alright?"
Alex responded with a stoic expression, "If you lose, don't sulk."
Mike fell silent, taken aback by the boy's audacity.
'What a cheeky little one!' he thought to himself.
Jacob couldn't help but laugh, finding the boy's boldness increasingly endearing.
"Alright, make your move!"
"Okay."
Alex concentrated on the game, his moves reflecting the seasoned confidence of a seasoned player.
Jacob observed the boy's profile, which in that fleeting moment, bore an uncanny resemblance to a young Aaron engrossed in a game of chess with him.
'He's so similar! It would be wonderful if this child were Aaron's.'
"It's a draw."
Alex's declaration snapped Jacob back to reality, only to find Mike staring at Alex in disbelief.
"You managed a draw with me at your age? Who taught you to play like this?"
A flicker of pride danced in Alex's eyes.
"I taught myself."
'Self-taught?'
The two elders exchanged glances of astonishment.
"Alex, what else can you do besides playing chess?"
"I can do a lot," Alex confidently stated. "Billy and I have already self-studied through the high school curriculum."
Jacob and Mike were taken aback.
"Really?" Mike asked skeptically.
"Test us, and you'll see," Alex challenged.
"Alright, I'll come up with a question."
Jacob borrowed a piece of paper and a pen from a bystander and jotted down a high school math problem.
Alex and Billy huddled together to examine the question and quickly set to work on solving it.
Seven or eight minutes later, they submitted their answers, one after the other.
Jacob had been observing their process the entire time, impressed by their quick wit and sharp intellect, which seemed to surpass even that of an average high schooler. A look of admiration spread across his face.
"These two kids are prodigies. If they're nurtured properly, they're bound to achieve great things in the future," Jacob remarked to Mike.
Mike's eyes sparkled with admiration. "Prodigies indeed! Apart from your grandson, I've never seen children this bright."
"Right? Wouldn't it be wonderful if they were Aaron's children?"
"He definitely needs to persuade Aaron to settle down and start a family. Can't let those perfect genes go to waste!"
Meanwhile, at the Gordon Group, Aaron sneezed unexpectedly as he left a meeting and returned to his office. Rubbing his nose, he thought of the three children and dialed his driver Brian's number. The call was promptly answered.
"Mr. Gordon."
"Did Grandpa meet with Alex and the others?"
"Yes, he did. Jacob is having a great time playing with Alex and Billy. Would you like me to send you a video so you can see for yourself?" Brian offered.
Aaron raised an eyebrow, "Sure."
After ending the call, Brian quickly sent over a video. In it, Alex and Billy were engaged in a lively conversation with Jacob. Although there was no sound, it was clear from Jacob's hearty laughter that he was thoroughly enjoying their company. A smile tugged at Aaron's lips. He knew his grandfather would be smitten with the three children.
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