Chapter 420
Chapter 420
Morning arrived with a comforting routine. The breakfast table was set as usual-cups of coffee and tea still steaming, toast neatly arranged, the scent of butter and jam filling the air. The soft clink of spoons against plates created a familiar, gentle rhythm.
Daven was already ready. His suit was immaculate, his tie perfectly in place. He looked fresher than he had the night before-not because his problems had vanished, but because he now knew what he was standing for, and for whom. He sipped his coffee calmly, occasionally glancing at his watch, but without any sense of hurry.
A small commotion came from the other side.
“Dad, is that toast mine or Grace’s?” Josh’s voice rang out first, followed by the quick sound of his footsteps.
“That’s mine!” Grace protested, hurrying after him, her hair still slightly tousled.
“Alright, both of you, calm down,” Althea said as she joined them, smiling while smoothing Grace’s hair. There’s more than enough for everyone p>
Daven smiled at the scene. “I can share if you want,” he said lightly.
Josh chuckled. “No need, Dad. I’m already grown. I was just asking where my portion is p>
Grace immediately cut in, “But I’m not grown yet, so I don’t mind if Papa shares with me p>
Althea sat down beside Daven and poured him a cup of warm tea. “You look better this morning,” she said softly.
“Because I slept with a clearer mind,” Daven replied, glancing at her-long enough to convey his gratitude without words.
Josh began talking about his plans at school today, with Grace chiming in with simple stories that ended in laughter. Daven listened, occasionally responding-asking questions, nodding, chuckling softly. For a few minutes, the world felt normal. Warm. Whole.
When Daven stood to leave, Grace wrapped her arms around his waist. “Be careful, Papa.
“Always,” Daven replied, kissing her forehead. He patted Josh’s shoulder. “Look after your sister p>
He walked away with squared shoulders. That morning, the house gave him its best provisions—calm and conviction-to face the long day ahead.
“I’m heading to Mighatan,” he said, pressing a kiss to Althea’s forehead. “Pray that everything goes smoothly p>
“Always,” Althea answered gently.
“You’re leaving already?” Cale asked while adjusting the sleeve of his shirt. “I thought it was still too early to get to the office p>
“I have something to take care of in Mighatan. I’ve already told Arsen a few things, and he’ll assist you p>
“You’re going there alone?” Cale asked, narrowing his eyes suspiciously.
“No. I’ll be with Hans. The trip to Mighatan is quite long-I need to take care of my physical condition p>
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“Good.” Cale nodded in approval. “So if I need advice or your input, we’ll talk on the phone p>
“Of course.” Daven smiled faintly. “I’ll leave a few matters in your hands while I’m in Mighatan p>
Cale nodded again. “That means it’s my job to drive you two,” he said to Josh and Grace, who were still enjoying their breakfast –prompting an excited squeal.
Josh looked up, slightly surprised. “Seriously p>
“Why? Is that not allowed?” Cale grinned.
Grace clapped her hands. “Uncle Cale is driving us p>
Nathan watched them with a faint smile. “Be careful on the road p>
“Always,” Cale replied.
The journey began with light conversation. Grace chattered about a drawing she wanted to show in class. Josh chimed in now and then-calmer, giving way to his sister, occasionally offering her advice. Even about how to find her very best friend.
Not long after, the car pulled up in front of Grace’s school.
“Bye-bye, Uncle!” Grace waved before trotting through the gate. As always, Cale made sure nothing was left behind-especially her lunch box.
The car moved on again. Now it was just Cale and Josh.
Josh stared out the window for a few seconds, then said, “I don’t like Selena p>
Cale glanced at him. “Why p>
“The way she talks,” Josh replied quickly. “Like… Mom did something terribly wrong to her p>
Cale smiled faintly.
“I’m going to go with Grandma to meet Eli,” Josh continued. “Like she asked p>
“Alright,” Cale said without hesitation. “That’s your decision p>
Josh turned to him, surprised by the lack of objection. “You don’t mind p>
“No,” Cale answered. “Why would I? Honestly, I’m glad you offered. Just… be careful p>
“Careful how p>
“There’s an old saying,” Cale said, “that listening more than you speak has its own advantages. Observe, don’t judge. From there, you’ll know what to do. And if anything makes you uncomfortable-anything at all—you’re
free to leave p>
Josh nodded. “I understand p>
“And one more thing,” Cale added. “Don’t promise anything on anyone’s behalf p>
Josh smiled slightly. “I’m not a little kid, Uncle p>
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Cale chuckled. “I know p>
The car stopped in front of Josh’s school. Before getting out, Josh hesitated. “Uncle p>
“Yes p>
“Whatever happens after that meeting, I hope they leave our lives. Ever since Selena and Eli showed always been trouble p>
Cale forgot, sometimes, just how perceptive Josh was. “I hope so too p>
“Alright, I’m going in. Drive safely, Uncle p>
“Always p>
up, there’s
Cale stayed there until his nephew’s back disappeared beyond the tall gate, watching until Josh was completely out of sight.
Then he reached for his phone and searched for a name.
The moment the call connected, Cale asked without preamble, “Is he awake p>
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