"Morning!" Zayn greeted as he slowly pushed Jombo to the dining table. "Where are your manners?"
"Good morning, Great-grandpa, " greeted the triplets.
"Good day." Jombo didn't seem too well that morning. He looked wan, showing he didn't have a good night's rest. Yet, he managed an affectionate smile for the kids.
He frowned at Venus. "Why are you so thin?"
"I'm not feeling well, Great-grandpa."
She answered arduously, followed by a string of coughs.
"How are you feeling, Venus?" Carla immediately patted Venus's back gently. "It's chilly here. Let me take you upstairs."
Carla hadn't wanted to deal with Jombo. She was planning to leave right after sending Venus back to her room.
"Have Mrs. Bolistin send her instead, " Zayn insisted. "Randy and Josh, have you finished? Go upstairs and accompany Venus."
"But I'm not full yet-"
Before Josh got to finish, Zayn cast him a glance to silence him.
Josh soon realized Zayn wanted them upstairs. And so the former took a handful of hot cross bunnies, got up, then trailed after Mrs. Bolistin and Venus.
"Mommy…" Randy worried about Carla being ill-treated without them there.
"Go ahead." Carla ruffled Randy's head and comforted softly, "Don't worry. I'll come and pick you guys up soon."
"But they-" Jombo opened his mouth to speak, but when he caught Randy's sharp gaze, the former snapped his mouth shut.
Randy embraced Carla then turned to Zayn. "Daddy, do you remember the promise you made to me to protect Mommy two years ago?"
"I remember." Zayn stared at Randy. "I won't break that promise. Believe me."
Randy was taken aback by the determined look in Zayn's eyes. It was a rare sight to see.
"All right." Randy decided to believe in Zayn. "I believe you."
"Good boy. Head upstairs then."
Zayn cast a knowing glance at Brandy. The latter left with Randy's hand in tow, leading some staff upstairs to protect the kids.
Zayn finally shifted his focus to Layon and Selena. "Come sit with us and have some breakfast."
"No thanks." Layon swiftly averted his gaze after a cursory glance at Carla. "Selena and I will be heading back to our room."
Layon was pulling Selena to leave as he spoke.
"Sit, " Jombo instructed arrogantly. "You're in the Giblos' residence and my esteemed guests. We have nothing to hide from you."
"This…" Layon was conflicted.
"Grandpa is right." Zayn added politely, "Please have a seat."
Layon turned confident when he noted Zayn's bias attitude toward them. After exchanging eye contact with Selena, they both took a seat.
"Why sit so far away?" Jombo asked. "Come closer."
The father and daughter moved closer to the head of the table. Layon ended up beside Jombo while Selena beside Zayn.
Meanwhile, Carla merely sipped her tea silently.
However, if one would notice, her fingers on the teacup had tightened.
"Mrs. Bolistin, bring a few more dishes for our new company, " ordered Zayn.
"Yes, sir."
Molly was furious but could only follow her employer's instructions.
Freda was furious as well at Zayn's attitude. "Ms. Lierger, let's leave."
Carla finally set her teacup onto the table and lifted her gaze, settling on Zayn. "I'll come to pick up the kids seven days later. If anything happens to them, you will pay for it."
She rose, preparing to leave.
"You sure talk brave for someone so powerless, " Jombo taunted. "Do you think you can pick up the kids any time you want? They are the Giblos. Nobody can take them away."
"Try me, " Carla retorted.
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