Chapter 119: Slow Down
The Thompson Mansion’s gates swung open, allowing the luxurious black Aston Martin to glide smoothly onto the estate.
The young man who stepped out of the car was tall, handsome, and impeccably dressed, exuding a sense of self-assuredness.
As he approached the mansion’s grand entrance, the sound of carefree laughter wafted through the open door, mingling with the evening air.
"Elder Brother..." Emerson exclaimed, running to Ryder and gazing up at him with an endearing smile. "Up, up!" she chimed, her small hands grasping his arms.
Ryder’s face softened, and he swept Emerson into his warm embrace, lifting her high. As he held her close, her eyes sparkled like stars on a clear night, shining with unbridled joy.
Her bright smile illuminated her face, radiating an inexplicable happiness that filled the space between them.
In Ryder’s eyes, the world was starkly divided: family, the sanctuary of unwavering devotion, and everyone else.
As the youngest, Emerson’s smile could light up the entire household, and her love was cherished by all at just five years old.
Emerson flung herself at Ryder, her eyes shining. "Elder Brother, I’ve been waiting!"
Ryder’s gentle smile accompanied them to the living room, where Lydia whispered to Melanie, "Emerson’s the only one who can melt our Elder Brother’s icy exterior."
"Why did you arrive so early today?"asking this Elder Edward looked at his grandson.
"I couldn’t deny Emerson’s request, Grandfather.." Ryder replied, his expression softening. "She asked me to come."
It was no secret that Ryder adored Emerson. His gentle tone, warm gaze, and tender touch all spoke volumes about his feelings.
"Emerson, where did you disappear to this morning?" Ryder asked, his voice laced with affection. He stroked her cheeks with one hand and rested the other on her shoulder.
"I was feeding the fish in the garden pond with Elder Sisters."
Ryder’s eyes softened, his joy at reuniting with his "little chipmunk" unmistakable.
"Brother Ryder, where’s my gift?" Emerson asked, her eyes shining with excitement.
"I forgot to bring it."
Melanie, observing from the side, whispered with a knowing smile, "My presumption was correct – this little one was after him for something."
"Hmm....we hardly received any attention from him.."Lydia nodded.
Emerson smiled drop as she heard his words.
"It’s okay Elder Brother.."She smiled back.
"What does my granddaughter want?Tell your grandfather..he is far better than your Brother Ryder..."Elder Edward spoke up from his seat.
"It’s between us.. grandfather.."Emerson replied.
Thea reentered the living room with a tray, prompting Elder Edward to ask, "Why are you attending to us? Where’s Butler Jane?"
"Aunt Jane had a burn accident in the kitchen.." she explained, placing the tray on the table.
Grandma Rosie leaned forward, her voice filled with worry. "How severe is the burn?"
"Aunt is tending to her wounds.."
As Elizabeth joined them, Grandma Rosie asked, "How’s Jane doing?"
"I’ve administered some medication and contacted our family doctor for further assistance," Elizabeth responded.
Thea served tea to the others, unaware of Ryder’s presence. As she lifted the next cup to hand it over, her eyes met his, and she was struck by his handsome face. Her hands halted mid-motion.
Elder Edward’s smile accompanied his question, "Isn’t my grandson handsome?"
Her hands, still cradling the cup, paused momentarily before releasing it, her eyes meeting Ryder’s as she realized he had already taken it.
Ryder had inherited the best features from both his parents, making him irresistibly handsome.
"Yes, Brother Ryder is absolutely stunning..." Lydia exclaimed.
Elder Edward beamed with pride. "Yes, yes, my granddaughter, it’s true. He’s very handsome. After all, he inherited his good looks from me."
Others :"...."(And Elder Edward never misses a chance to blow his own whistle – proudly announcing his legacy of charm.)and looked at Elder Edward.
"Handsome.."Ryder paused ,"Yes..I am!!Since my birth.."
Lydia:".."(Flattery doesn’t work on him)She looked at Melanie..
Emerson asked, "Sister Thea, where’s my tea?"
Elizabeth replied, "We have cake for you."
Emerson pouted, "But I want tea."
Thea offered, "You can have mine."
Elizabeth intervened, "No, Thea, you keep yours. I’ll make tea for her."
"Aunt, it’s okay."
Later she went to sit beside Melanie.
"This little kid always gets attention from them..." Melanie said.
"Even that iceberg brother pays more attention to her than to us.." Lydia spoke up.
"Iceberg brother?" Thea asked, laughing.
"Hmm, see how attentive he is.." Lydia continued. "We don’t get even a single percentage of attention from him."
"As you know, he’s a man of few words," Melanie began.
"In the company, everyone fears him more than the chairman. He had to take strict actions to deal with troublemakers when he took charge of the Thompson Corporation."
"Everyone calls him a devil in disguise of an angel.." Melanie spilled.
"Devil in disguise of an angel?" Thea uttered, chuckling. "The name doesn’t quite match."
She knew he was a remarkably handsome and talented young man, thanks to his exceptional genetic heritage from his parents.
He was incredibly loving, caring, and protective towards his family, yet cold and distant towards outsiders. The stark contrast in his behavior between family and others was unmistakable.
She gazed at him and noticed he was tenderly wiping Emerson’s mouth.
"They look like a father-daughter duo.." Lydia observed.Thea hummed in agreement, lost in thought. She couldn’t help but imagine Ryder would make a wonderful parent someday.
"Have your cake first...I will show you something.."
"What’s it? Brother Ryder.."Emerson asked curiously.
"That’s a surprise.."Ryder said with a smile.
"Wow!! Surprise !!My ...gift?"she asked with a lot of excitement.
"Mmm."Ryder nodded.."Now finish your cake first.."Thea too was having a slice of cake, observing the exchange.
Emerson started to dig her cake as fast as she could, stuffing her mouth without leaving any space inside.She looked adorable with her mouth stuffed with a food like a squirrel.
Ryder:"Slow down, otherwise you will get indigestion."Then he gently patted her head with full admiration.
