Chapter 98 Something's Off with the Kiddo
Darian gave him a look, his brow furrowed even deeper. "Larkin, go call a doctor."
Larkin was about to go call a doctor when Griffin panicked even more. He stepped forward and grabbed Darian's clothes, saying, "Don't, I... suddenly it's not hurting anymore."
Darian looked at the little fibber in front of him and helplessly waved his hand, prompting Larkin to step back.
Darian lifted the kiddo and sat him down on the couch next to him, asking again, "Why are you back so early, before school is over?"
Griffin sorted through his thoughts, unable to find a reason. He sighed and said, "Because... because I don't like school... Daddy, I already know everything they teach at school. Can I not go to school?"
Darian paused briefly, observing the child's sharp intellect and rapid learning abilities. Despite being young, the kid had already grasped the material expected for his age. The decision to enroll him in school stemmed from concerns about his tendency toward solitude and reticence. Without the structured social environment of a school, his only interaction would be with a private tutor, potentially exacerbating his introverted tendencies.
Darian still hoped Rowan could spend time in lively places and make some friends, just like any other child his age.
"Don't like school? Tell me why," Darian asked patiently as he looked at Griffin.
Griffin started to speak, but then paused, feeling uncertain. In reality, he often faced hurtful taunts at school, with people labeling him as motherless and predicting that his father would also abandon him, branding him as nothing more than an illegitimate child. Naturally, these words stung deeply.
However, those people didn't know the truth about him. His mother, Cecily, was very much a part of his life, as was his father, Darian. He refused to be defined by such cruel assumptions; he was no illegitimate child.
However, he didn't want to waste his time arguing with those petty classmates. Still, he remembered how they used to make similar derogatory remarks about his older brother.
The insult was too much to bear and Griffin ended up getting into a fight with the group of kids. Despite their greater numbers, they couldn't lay a finger on him, and they were left whimpering, insisting that he wait for them.
'Wait? Fine, I'll wait. As if I'm scared of them,' Griffin thought, puffing out his cheeks in vexation, and he let out an involuntary hum.
Darian watched him with a steady gaze.
Griffin glanced at Darian and pondered whether telling him about the current situation would lead to an investigation, and consequently reveal that he had lied about the fight.
What a hassle.
"Why?" Darian urged when the youngster didn't reply.
"Because... because I just don't like going to school. It's not fun at all."
Darian frowned. "You have to go to school. If you don't like it, I can switch you to another one."
Hearing that, Griffin pouted as he responded, "That sounds like too much trouble. Never mind then."
In any case, he wasn't afraid of the bullies at school. He just found those people boring and somewhat annoying.
Darian's eyes narrowed slightly, sensing the little guy was hiding something.
Griffin swiftly changed the subject. "I want to see Mommy. Can you take me to see her?" After all, a five-year-old child like him doesn't like to be away from their mother for too long.
Darian's expression turned stern as he rejected the idea promptly, "No, you need to stay at home and behave."
There was an unequivocal finality in Darian's voice.
Griffin's eyes roved, probing, "Did you guys have another fight?"
Darian's frowned at his son's sudden question. 'A fight?' he thought to himself.
"No, she's happy with the person she likes. She wouldn't want to be bothered," Darian replied.
"You're aware yourself that you're a bother," Griffin muttered under his breath.
Darian paused, looking down at Griffin. "What did you say?"
Griffin shook his head, offering a friendly smile. "I was complimenting you."
"Complimenting me for being a bother?"
This time, it was Griffin who was taken aback. Darian had heard him.
Darian tilted his chin up, feeling annoyed but too weary to argue. He gestured to the youngster to go upstairs and play.
Griffin scampered upstairs as if he'd been granted a reprieve.
Darian gestured toward Larkin, who then approached and addressed him, saying, "Mr. Fitzgerald."
"Go to the school and find out if he's run into any trouble," Darian instructed. The kid's reaction today didn't sit right with him.
Larkin nodded immediately. "Yes, Sir."
...
After dinner, Cecily took Rowan out shopping and bought a ton of clothes and household items.
Not until they returned home laden with bags, having bought everything Cecily could think of for Rowan, did she feel truly satisfied.
Cecily even ordered a bed for Rowan that was to be installed by a craftsman, right next to Griffin's bed.
There weren't any spare rooms in their house, but fortunately, Griffin's room was spacious enough to comfortably fit two beds.
Cecily rearranged the room the two boys shared, looking forward to the day both would be back by her side.
...
The next day.
Cecily walked Rowan to school, holding his small hand up to the school gates.
Cecily crouched down, asking, "Rowan, this isn't your old school. If you can't get used to it or don't like it, tell Mommy, okay? I'll find you another one."
Rowan nodded. His mother had told him last night that Griffin was attending his old school on his behalf. He knew the curriculum already, and he didn't really mind where he learned. "I'll be fine, Mommy."
"All right then." Cecily waved to Rowan. "I'll come pick you up after school."
Rowan smiled, nodded in agreement, and then headed into school.
After dropping off Rowan, Cecily headed straight to the office. She hadn't been there yesterday, and after a day away, it felt like a mountain of work awaited her.
She spent the morning in meetings, and after lunch, her assistant came over to discuss her schedule. While Cecily glanced over her appointments, the corner of her eye caught Evander's return date to the country.
Aurelie seemed really intent on getting her to talk about that endorsement deal.
The assistant at her side spoke up, "Ms. Cecily, we also have a meeting with a collaborator scheduled for tomorrow. They've requested your personal presence for the negotiations, set at the Grandeur Hotel. Would you like me to decline on your behalf?"
Cecily arched an eyebrow, slightly surprised that there was another insistence on her personal appearance.
Cecily lifted her gaze and responded, "No need, I'll take care of it myself."
"All right then, you can go back to your business."
"Sure." Cecily smoothed her furrowed brows, pondering for a moment before she continued working.
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