Chapter 542 Should Not Like
On the other side of town...
The Winters family returned to Leonard's house.
Elise was still in a sour mood. Bianca's wedding had been hard on her, as it was a political marriage, and she hadn't even seen Smith's face yet.
Seeing her sigh, Sebastian quickly comforted her, "Mom, don't worry. I've looked into Smith. He's reliable and genuinely cares for Bianca. I believe they'll be happy together."
Elise nodded, feeling somewhat reassured. "I hope so. Otherwise, I'd feel even worse for Bianca."
Derek voiced his concern, "Smith hasn't shown his face. Do you think he might have some kind of facial defect? That's what worries me the most."
"No, he's actually quite handsome. I've met him in person. There's just a misunderstanding between him and my sister, so he can't show his face right now. He's gone through a lot for her. A man like that will definitely treat her well."
Hearing this, everyone felt more at ease.
Leonard chimed in, "Alright, don't you trust Sebastian? It's been a long day. Get some rest. Aren't you all heading back home tomorrow? Joyce is alone and pregnant. It's too dangerous for her."
Joyce was over six months pregnant with twins, and her belly was quite large. For her safety, she hadn't attended Bianca's wedding.
Hearing this, Sebastian immediately picked up his phone. "Paxon, sleep with Leonard tonight. Dad and Mom are going to video call."
Leonard was the first to object. "No way. I'm not risking him wetting the bed again. I saw him drink a lot of juice today."
Paxon pouted proudly. "My pee is pure and magical. It can make you young again. You should be grateful if I let you have it."
Leonard laughed and ruffled his hair. "Why don't you let Grandpa try it and see if he turns eighteen again?"
Derek chuckled. "You think I haven't tried it? When he was a few months old, I was holding him up high, and he peed right into my mouth. I drank quite a bit. At the time, he was with Alissa, and I wondered why I didn't mind another kid's pee. Turns out, it was my grandson's special gift."
Hearing this story, Paxon couldn't help but laugh. He patted Derek's face. "That's why you're so young and handsome, Grandpa. When we go out, people think you're my dad."
Leonard playfully swatted Paxon's butt. "Your mouth is sometimes sweet as honey and sometimes sharp as a knife. I wonder who you got that from."
"Of course, I got the best traits from my parents. Sweet mouth from Mom, sharp tongue from Dad. But you wouldn't understand, being single and all."
Leonard laughed. "Don't talk about me. Remember, you're single too."
"My wife is on the way, but who knows where your wife is?"
"And where is your wife? What if your godmother has a boy? Then you won't have a wife."
Paxon stared at him with wide eyes. "No way. My godmother will definitely give me a wife. You're just jealous because I have one and you don't."
He turned away, crossing his arms in a huff.
Leonard kissed his cheek and coaxed, "I was just teasing. Don't be mad."
"Take me to Disneyland tomorrow, and I'll forgive you."
"Aren't you going back with them tomorrow?"
"I want to stay and keep you company. Is that okay?"
Leonard ruffled his hair again. "If your dad agrees, it's fine with me."
Paxon immediately smiled, remembering he hadn't had enough fun at Disneyland last time.
He hugged Leonard's neck. "Uncle Leonard, you're handsome and kind. You'll definitely find a wife. Trust me."
Leonard was about to respond when his phone rang. Seeing the caller ID, he quickly answered.
Orla's distressed voice came through. "Uncle Leonard, I feel awful. Can you come see me?"
Leonard frowned. "What's wrong? Why does your voice sound hoarse?"
"I have a fever. I'm at the hospital. My friend had to leave, and I'm all alone. I'm scared, Uncle Leonard. I keep thinking about my parents' death. I'm so afraid."
"Don't be scared. Send me the address. I'll be right there."
After hanging up, Leonard said, "Mom, Dad, Orla has a fever and is alone at the hospital. I'm going to check on her."
"Go quickly. It's pitiful for a child to be alone. Take good care of her."
"I will. I'm leaving now."
Leonard rushed out and headed to the hospital. When he opened the door to Orla's room, she was lying on the bed, an IV in her hand, looking pale and worn out.
Seeing Leonard, her eyes filled with tears. She bit her lip and choked out, "Uncle Leonard, I miss home. I miss Grandpa and Grandma, and Mom and Dad."
Seeing her cry, Leonard immediately went to comfort her. He gently stroked her head and soothed, "Don't cry. I'm here now. Once the IV is done, we'll go home."
"Will I be bothering you?"
"Don't be silly. Didn't I tell you? My place is your home. You can come anytime."
"I wanted to come, but I thought you were all together and didn't want to intrude."
Leonard tapped her head lightly. "You think too much. You've met my parents. They're not like that. They specifically told me to take good care of you."
"Really?"
"Would I lie to you? My dad and your grandpa have been friends for years. You're like family to us."
Hearing this, Orla felt a mix of emotions. This connection meant she was well cared for, but it also complicated her feelings for Leonard.
Though not blood-related, their families' close ties made their relationship tricky.
Thinking about this, Orla felt a pang of sadness. She looked at Leonard's handsome face and timidly said, "Uncle Leonard, I think I like someone I shouldn't."