Chapter 452
After those words, the dining table went silent.
Even Aidan, with his tough exterior, felt uneasy hearing his grandson's comment. After a few seconds, he said, "Isn't this a home?"
"A home needs a mommy."
Aidan went quiet.
Caleb felt relieved, thinking his son was finally getting it. With his son's help, he believed reconciliation was just a matter of time.
Mia's eyes welled up. "Alright, let's eat."
After dinner, Caleb took Oliver upstairs.
Aidan stopped him. "Where are you taking my grandson? What do you want to say to him?"
"Just some father-son talk."
Aidan, clearly upset, gave him a warning look, reminding him not to side with that woman.
"Aidan, let it go," Mia said softly to Oliver. "How about you sleep with daddy tonight?"
Oliver nodded eagerly.
"You know Caleb sides with that woman, and you still let them be alone?" Aidan frowned, looking displeased.
"Then go stop them."
"I..." Aidan, usually stubborn, hesitated, thinking about his grandson's feelings.
"You're keeping him from seeing his mom, and now you won't even let him be alone with Caleb. Do you want your grandson to resent you?"
Aidan's frown deepened. He didn't want that. He loved his grandson dearly, but the child often opposed him, which frustrated him.
To be honest, there was some jealousy and competition for affection.
Very jealous.
No way was Susan taking his grandson away.
Upstairs.
As soon as Oliver entered the room, he asked eagerly, "Uncle, when will you take me to see mommy?"
"Stay here for a couple of days first."
"But I miss mommy, and she'll miss me too. She'll be worried."
"She knows you're here. I'll bring her over in a couple of days."
Oliver pouted. "Two more days? I can't sleep without mommy. And grandpa doesn't like her; he won't let her in, right?"
"Don't worry about that. I have a way for you to meet. Don't you trust me?"
Oliver nodded firmly. "I trust you, uncle."
Caleb felt a mix of emotions. He wished his son would call him "daddy." But he hadn't handled things well, causing Susan and Oliver so much pain. He wasn't worthy yet.
"Oliver, I promise to give you a happy, complete home."
"Okay, I'll stay here and make grandpa and grandma like mommy. Uncle, let's work hard together." Oliver earnestly extended his hand.
Caleb's large hand grasped the small one firmly. "Let's do it."
"Uncle, can I call mommy? She must be very worried now."
"Sure."
Susan returned home in a daze, lying down in Oliver's room, curling up with his toys.
"Oliver."
Susan was filled with regret.
She shouldn't have come back to City A for a better job. If she had stayed abroad, none of this would have happened. Now it was too late for regrets.
The thought of possibly losing her son was more painful than having a rib forcibly removed.
Tears silently soaked the pillow.
When the phone rang, Susan quickly sat up.
"Mommy." Oliver's clear voice was like a shot of adrenaline for Susan.
"Oliver." Susan's eyes lit up, clutching the phone tightly. "Are you okay?"
"Don't worry, mommy. I'm fine. Grandpa and grandma made lots of yummy food for me. They really care about me."
Susan felt both relieved and angry. They were just trying to take him away. But she couldn't say that.
"Mommy, are you okay?"
Susan's nose tingled. How could she be okay? She was in agony.
But she forced a smile. "I'm fine, just missing you."
"Mommy, I miss you too."
Susan covered her mouth and cried. She wished she could fly to her son's side immediately.
"Mommy, don't worry about me. Uncle said I can see you in a couple of days."
"Okay." Susan choked, wiping away her tears.
"Mommy, you'll always be my favorite person. No one can take me away from you."
Susan smiled through her tears, but her heart ached even more. Her throat felt like it was stuffed with cotton, making it hard to speak, fearful her voice would betray her tears.
"I'll take good care of Oliver," Caleb's deep voice came through. "Get some rest. Goodnight."
"Goodnight, mommy." Oliver grabbed the phone.
"Goodnight."
Reluctantly hanging up, Susan cried for a long time, covering her face.
She was really scared.
Morning.
Sunlight filled the estate, and the flowers were fragrant.
Oliver held Mia's hand, hopping downstairs.
"Careful." Mia couldn't stop smiling. Seeing her lively grandson made her heart feel sweeter than honey.
Aidan, dressed in white, was exercising in the yard.
"Grandma, what's grandpa doing?"
"Your grandpa gets up at 6:30 every morning to exercise. He's been doing it for years."
"Grandpa is amazing!" Oliver clapped enthusiastically.
Aidan proudly lifted his chin, feeling very proud.
"Grandpa, can you teach me?"
"You want to learn?"
"Yes, grandpa, will you teach me?"
Oliver was so polite that Aidan couldn't refuse, especially since he wanted to get closer to his grandson.
"Who's better, me or your mommy?"
"Mommy is great, and so are you, grandpa."
Aidan wasn't satisfied with this answer.
"Aidan," Mia found him childish.
"Then call me a few more times."
"Grandpa." Oliver called out joyfully.
Only then did Aidan smile.
"Come here first."
"Okay, raise your hand."
Oliver was very serious, learning earnestly, and Aidan nodded frequently.
"Look at my little grandson, how great he is." Mia's eyes curved with her smile, taking pictures from the side.
"Yes, Oliver is smart and adorable," the maid also praised.
"Of course, he's my grandson," Aidan suddenly added.
"Yes, you're the proudest."
In less than half an hour, Oliver had learned many exercise moves. "Grandpa, how did I do?"
Aidan gave a thumbs-up.
"Grandpa, can I exercise with you every day?"
Hearing "every day," Aidan's eyes lit up. "Have you decided to stay?"
"I can stay here, but mommy has to live with us."