"I came home to pack and get my travel documents. Something came up last minute, so I need to go on a trip, " replied Zayn as he stroked Randy's tiny head. After that, he instructed, "Go grab a drink. I need to discuss something with your great-grandpa."
"Okay, " said Randy. Then he slid off his chair and added, "Great-grandpa, let's continue playing later, alright?"
"Sure, " replied Jombo, who was gazing adoringly at Randy.
The little boy then left with Dori in his arms.
Benard closed the door to the study room and waited outside.
"Where are you headed to all of a sudden?" asked Jombo.
"I need to go to Phoenix City. Something happened at base, " replied Zayn nonchalantly. "Mr. Benday came to me earlier, and I gave him some hints. But he will still have to deal with the rest on his own."
"Okay, let's monitor the situation from afar for now, " said Jombo. Instead of pressing on, he asked, "Did Selena ask to see you?"
"No, she is a rational woman and probably won't come to me for something like this, " said Zayn.
Those were his heartfelt words.
"You should appreciate her. Women like her are hard to come by, " advised Jombo while rolling his eyes at Zayn. He then added, "Since everything is settled here, I should head back to M Nation too."
Zayn finally got the old man to say those words. Over the past two days, Zayn had deliberately made things seem ambiguous with Selena in the hot spring resort. He even shared the same room with her for two nights, and it was likely that Remon and Polka had shared that information with Jombo.
Moreover, I kept praising Selena when I came back and seemed genuinely fond of her, so Grandpa probably bought it and decided to head back to M Nation.
"It's good that you're heading back. Aymo City's weather is more humid, and you've always been unaccustomed to it. I'll take the kids to M Nation to visit you once I have settled everything here, " said Zayn, acting like he was a little hesitant to part.
"Yeah. I'll head back once you return, " informed Jombo while nodding. "Since you won't be home the next few days, I'm worried that no one will be around for the kids."
"It's fine, actually, " said Zayn, trying his best to sound natural. "After all, Mrs. Bolistin and Naya are here to help, and we have tons of maid."
"So what?" scolded Jombo while glaring at him. "They need at least someone who is related to them by blood. Only when there's family around will they feel safe."
"I will be back in a couple of days, " insisted Zayn nervously. He was truly worried that Jombo would change his mind and decide to stay. "The kids are old enough now, so they'll be fine even if they're on their own for a few days."
"Why do I get the feeling that you want me to leave?" said Jombo as he glared over unhappily.
"That is not true—"
"Then it's settled, " interrupted Jombo immediately. "I will return to M Nation once you're done with your work. Honestly, do you think I enjoy being here? The air up here is thin, and it's so humid that my old bones keep aching."
Zayn was secretly exasperated. Still, he had no choice but to accept that arrangement. He took comfort in the fact that Jombo planned on leaving after he returned from his trip, though. Let's hope he won't go back on his words…
Carla is not in the country anyway, and it's only for a few days, so things should be fine.
After coming to that conclusion, Zayn nodded and said, "Alright, but don't wear yourself out, okay? Let Remon drop off the kids so you can rest well."
"That is not possible! I'm already here, so naturally, I will drop them off in person, " insisted Jombo stubbornly. "It's settled. You should go now."
Zayn turned around and left. After that, he went to Randy's room and knocked on the door, calling out, "Randy, it's me."
"Hang on, Daddy."
Randy was playing with the black gold ring while sitting in front of his desk. He knew that his father would be leaving for a business trip and that some bodyguards at home would be going with him. Great- grandpa might return to M Nation too, and the Triplets Reconnaissance Team will be free to carry out Project Mommy.
Randy quickly kept the ring away and rushed over to open the door. "Daddy!"
"Can I come in?" asked Zayn with a smile.
"Of course, " replied Randy as he moved aside and gestured for Zayn to enter.
When Zayn walked in, he saw the familiar decorations and the family photo hanging on the wall. The sight stung his heart a little…
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