Chapter 693
There was a long silence on the other end of the line before Aiden finally asked, “Are you seeing someone?”
Owen confirmed, “Yeah, I am.”
“So, it’s Aria?”
Owen admitted. Aiden fell silent again. “She actually fell for you?”
Now it was Owen’s turn to fall silent. “Come on, Grandpa, I’m not that bad, am I?”
Aiden scoffed, “So, when are you bringing her home to meet the family?”
Owen said, “We’re still figuring things out.”
Aiden asked, “So when do you think you two will settle down?”
Owen shrugged. “Let’s see… Maybe twenty, thirty, forty, fifty years? Or maybe we won’t really settle down until we’re old and gray.”
Aiden took a deep breath: “Are you serious right now?”
Grandpa, I’m dead serious. You’ve already got granddaughters to dote on, so just let me be, okay?”
If Kim were any good and could bring a granddaughter home, do you really think I’d even bother you?” Aiden scoffed.
Owen said, “Grandpa, sure, Kim might be hopeless, but you’re still around, aren’t you? If you go talk to Cloe and Julia yourself, there’s no way they could turn down their sweet old grandpa.”
Aiden replied dryly, “Gee, thanks for that.”
No need to thank me, Grandpa. Get some rest now.”
Go away!” Aiden huffed, his tone a mix of exasperation and fondness. Owen pocketed his phone and returned to the table.
Wilson, still smarting from being put in his place by Aria, decided to get back at Owen. With a sarcastic smirk, he teased, That was a long call. Who’s the lovely lady you were talking to?”
Owen replied in his gentle voice, “Next time I go home, I’ll be sure to tell my grandpa you said he’s a real beauty.”
Wilson nearly choked on his own breath. Myrtle couldn’t help but burst out laughing. Wilson glared at her and snapped, What are you laughing at?”
Caleb’s expression darkened. “Wilson!”
Wilson scoffed, “So, I can’t even say a word about your bodyguard now?”
Pearl suddenly looked serious and said, “Wilson, you’ve got something in your teeth.”
Wilson instantly fell silent, whipped out his phone to use as a mirror, and bared his teeth at the screen. Frantically, he asked,
“Where? Where is it?”
The whole table burst into laughter. Wilson thought, ‘Man, kids these days really know how to push your buttons. The meal ended with laughter and cheerful banter.
1/2
Chapter 693
+28)
Two days after that day, early that morning. Orlando showed up at Aria’s door with two document folders in hand and knocked. “Morning, Aria.”
Aria replied, “Morning. Here to see Pearl?”
“Sure.”
Aria opened the door to let him in, then called out, “Pearl!”
Pearl emerged from her room and called softly, “Orlando.”
Orlando smiled gently at her. “Pearl, I’m leaving Huthailia soon.”
Tyree was taken out, Ronan was no longer a threat, and with Russell having won the loyalty of the gang, he rightfully became the new leader.
Russell had no intention of letting the Wolfshade Syndicate continue its illegal operations, but breaking away from that lifestyle would take considerable time. With affairs piling up, Orlando had to rush back to lend a hand.
He opened one of the folders, and inside was a gift for the house. “Pearl, go ahead and sign this.”
Pearl’s eyes widened in shock. “Why are you giving me the house?”
Orlando gently ruffled her hair. “This is the only thing your two brothers can do for you, Pearl. The house is now in your name. You can live here as long as you like, and move out whenever you feel like it.”
Pearl shook her head firmly. “I can’t accept this. You two should keep it.”
Orlando asked gently, “Pearl, are you still mad at us?”
Pearl shook her head and said softly, “I never blamed you, brothers. You saved my life.”
They saved her, but didn’t take full responsibility, and almost put her in harm’s way. Orlando thought, ‘Seeing how well Pearl is doing now, both Russell and I can finally rest easy!’
Orlando said, “Pearl, we have no use for this house. If you still consider us your brothers, just sign the papers.” Life with them was nowhere near as happy as being with Aria.
Aria said, “Just take it. It’s not like they’re strapped for cash anyway.” Pearl hesitated for a moment, then signed her name.
“Let’s find a time to go to the notary office and finalize the transfer soon,” Orlando said, then pulled out another contract. “Aria, today’s your birthday. This is your birthday gift. Happy birthday.”
