Suddenly having to take care of two kids, Catriona thought they might get bored at home, so she asked, "Do you want to go to the amusement park?"
"No," two voices chimed in simultaneously.
Catriona: "..."
Weren't they going to hesitate at all?
"Little Nightblade, what do you want to eat or do? Just let me know, don't be shy," she said, looking at the expressionless child.
Although this child looked very much like her son, it was still easy to distinguish. Her son was livelier at home and wouldn't have such a cold expression.
The boy, caught off guard by being called Little Nightblade, remained silent. "..."
Suddenly, her phone rang. Catriona answered to find Eulalia calling.
"How does it feel to be back home?"
Catriona: "Pretty good."
Eulalia hesitated, seemingly wanting to say something but holding back. After a long roundabout way, she finally asked, "So, what about Cedric's dad? Has he come after you?"
Catriona pursed her lips. "Why would he come after me? Don't think too much."
"Isn't it because he likes you? If he likes you, he should come after you right away."
Catriona's expression was calm. "He's gone abroad on business. But we don't have anything going on, so don't gossip."
"What?!" Eulalia exclaimed loudly.
Catriona held the phone away from her ear, feeling it was too loud.
"Wow! You mean he's on a business trip? So he met the young lady from the White, had a great conversation, and is now going abroad for fun?"
Roderick had been standing nearby, listening to their conversation over the phone. When he heard this, his brow furrowed, and his small face tensed.
What "young lady" of the White?
And they're getting along so well, planning to travel abroad together?
Whose mouth is so filthy, daring to spread rumors about him?
On the other end of the phone, Eulalia started to speak sarcastically, "Tch, I thought Roderick really liked you. But now it seems like he's interested in that Miss White, huh? He was even telling reporters that it was an accident at first, but now he's deeply in love—ugh... I'm about to puke."
Roderick:...
The little hand beside him clenched tightly, and the lips pressed into a straight line.
What on earth is going on!
As soon as something went wrong, rumors started flying. Who is behind this?
That person was fed up.
He felt a bit anxious and quickly looked at Catriona. Did she believe it? She couldn't have really bought into it!
Catriona spoke calmly into the phone. "Eulalia, it's not a big deal. Just because someone says they like you doesn't mean they'll like you forever. Besides, I rejected him. Just stay calm."
"How many people have I rejected over the years? Do they all have to keep liking me? If everyone acted like that, they'd all end up alone!"
Those she had rejected had quickly found partners or married shortly after; it was all quite normal.
Who would keep knocking at her heart door forever? They weren't fools.
Even Roderick, after confessing several times and getting no response, would eventually give up and leave.
"Dear..." Eulalia paused for a moment before speaking softly. "I understand what you're saying, but he's different. He's Cedric's father, and he's quite handsome. If you like him, I really hope you two can be together."
"But he went abroad with the young lady from the White, which means he doesn't like you that much. Let's not think about him. Our dear is so beautiful; you can have anyone you wants!"
Catriona smiled. "Alright, stop worrying about me. Don't overdo your diet and take care of yourself."
She chuckled lightly, but the smile on her beautiful face was a bit weak.
She had sent another person who loved her away.
But... why did sending this person away make her feel a little uneasy?
Roderick couldn't remain calm anymore.
Watching Catriona talk to that woman, it was clear she believed that case!
Just as she left the Luna Palace, right when he had his accident, this devastating rumor appeared.
Maybe he should just admit his true identity now?
Roderick looked down at his height, his short legs and arms. No... he couldn't admit it.
If Catriona knew his identity, any lingering good feelings she had would surely disappear.
After hanging up the phone, Catriona felt bored staying at home, so she took the two little ones out, just to go anywhere but home.
All the way, Roderick frowned, his little face stern. Suddenly, his eyes widened. He could message Catriona using his phone!
After transforming back into human form, his phone had been in the clothes he wore last night, which Silas had taken away.
His phone was still at Catriona's house!
After they wandered around, he would go back and use his phone to explain everything to Catriona.
Honestly, this woman was too quick to believe others. Was his love really that worthless?
The little boy puffed out his cheeks and sighed deeply.
Catriona paused. "Little Nightblade, what's wrong? Are you not happy?"
Roderick shook his head, his emotions complex.
Little Nightblade sighed, and she immediately noticed, concerned.
But big Roderick Nightblade was breaking down in front of her, and she remained as calm as a stone.
This woman...
Little Nightblade sighed again.
Thinking the little guest wasn't having fun, Catriona specially went to a toy store and asked him, "Little Nightblade, do you like this? What do you want? I will buy it for you!"
Roderick:"..."
He stared at the toy airplane, his expression flat as still water. "No."
Catriona picked up a toy car, smiling. "How about this? Wow, it's so cool! It can go really far!"
Little Roderick's expression grew even more indifferent, his round face showing no emotion as he calmly said, "No."
Catriona asked several more toys, but the little prince showed no interest at all. She frowned. "What do you like then?"
"You." The boy looked at her, speaking without hesitation.
"What about me?" Catriona truly hadn't considered that. Though she was well-liked by children, how could this child, who had just met her, like her? It was impossible; she wasn't that self-absorbed.
Besides, this little prince was sporting a serious expression.
The little boy pursed his lips, staring at her. "Roderick told me he likes you."
Catriona was taken aback, caught off guard by hearing this from the child. She tugged at the corners of her lips and stammered, "Ah... yeah."
"He only likes you," the little boy said, his tone serious and earnest.
"Ah... oh." Catriona felt a bit awkward. That silly wolf was trouble! What was she even supposed to say to a four-year-old?
The boy pressed his lips together, furrowed his brow, and, seeing her dismissive attitude, stepped forward with some dissatisfaction. "He likes you so much he's about to lose his mind. This time, he's going abroad for business, and it's just him—there's no young lady from the White. Don't overthink it."
Catriona froze. "You heard me talking on the phone just now?"
The boy averted his gaze. "I only heard a bit."
Uh...
Catriona felt even more embarrassed. What was going on? And being told this by a child, she really...
"Do you believe it? He'll message you tonight."
Catriona forced a laugh and nodded. "Alright, let's not talk about that. Look around and see what you like. I hope you have fun at my place!"
"Mommy! He won't like anything, don't buy him anything!" Cedric glared at the little Nightblade and tugged on his mother's hand to leave.
He had already made a bold guess earlier.
Now, hearing this guy say so much to his mom, he was certain.
Hmph, what a schemer.
Seeing the cub receive his mother's affection, this guy had even shrunk to vie for her attention.
This person looked so much like him after shrinking that maybe his mom would really fall for him!
Shameless, acting all innocent at such an age.
He was still thinking about this person, but no longer!
Taking advantage of Catriona's distraction, he walked up to little Nightblade and said with a serious face, "I know who you are."
Roderick's expression didn't change. "So?"
Roderick blinked and replied nonchalantly, "Don't forget that box of gold bars. Isn't that your hush money?"
"I thought you were a Nightblade, around my age," Cedric looked at his dad with a face that said, "How could you do this? Isn't that embarrassing?"
Now that the cub had figured it out, Roderick dropped the act, clicking his tongue in annoyance. "Do you think I wanted this? It was an accident. It'll take me half a month to recover."
He reached out and pinched the cub's face as usual. "Kid, don't cause trouble. I've treated you pretty well this past six months, so at least think of me, okay?"
The little boy pinched the face of the cub, who was even a bit taller than him, and with that chubby face and tiny hands, it was a hilarious sight.
Cedric couldn't handle the sight either. Remembering this was his dad, he wanted to pretend he didn't know him. How embarrassing!
He swatted away Roderick's hand. "Don't pinch my face; you're shorter than me now."
Roderick frowned and clicked his tongue.
Cedric pursed his little lips. "So that box of gold bars was a deal, huh? I won't tell my mommy, but... I won't help you with anything else." He puffed up his chubby face and glanced at Roderick. "If Mommy decides to be with you, that's her choice. I'll support her no matter what she chooses."
"So even if you are my dad, I won't help you with anything else..."
Roderick smirked. "As long as you don't cause trouble, that's enough."
Catriona thought the two little ones were finally getting along and smiled.
On the way back, they were carrying a lot of bags.
As they entered the apartment building, they ran into an acquaintance.
Catriona was surprised. "Edward, what are you doing here?"
Edward, her grandmother's grandson, twenty-eight years old.
Every time he visited her grandmother, Edward was always nice to her, and being two years older, they got along well.
Most of the Grandma's family didn't like her, so she appreciated the kindness Edward showed her.
The man, handsome and sun-kissed, had just emerged from the garage, holding his car keys. Upon seeing Catriona, he paused for a moment, then smiled and said, "Ah, Caddy, it's you."
He walked over, casually ruffled Catriona's hair, then looked down at the two little ones, surprised. "I thought you had just one child? Are these... twins?"
Catriona quickly explained with a smile.
Edward understood. "So that's how it is. You bought a house here too?"
"Yes, you should come over for dinner sometime."
"Sure, I'll definitely come."
Cedric blinked and silently watched them chat.
Roderick wore a stiff expression, his face darkening.
"Catriona, my stomach hurts."
"Ah, what? Let's go to the hospital." Catriona was startled, quickly snapping her attention back as she squatted down.
"Carry me," the boy said with a serious face, staring at her.
"Okay, let's go to the hospital."
"No, just let's go home and drink some water."
"Ah..." Catriona hesitated.
"We don't need to take medicine all the time, remember?"
Catriona paused for a moment, realizing—this was the werewolf cub, this was Nightblade's child. She was just worried about any potential complications, so she decided to head home first.
"Edward, let's talk later, I'll contact you another day," she said, lifting the boy into her arms. The boy, his face cold, wrapped his arms around her neck and shot a sharp, piercing look at Edward.
Edward was momentarily stunned.
Catriona carried one and held the other by the hand as they walked away.
After walking for a while,
Catriona heard little Nightblade's tense voice: "Who is he?"
"Caddy?" he repeated with a cold laugh, how dare he called her in such a familiar name!
"Just an inconspicuous nickname, nothing to worry about," Catriona said with an embarrassed smile. "My grandmother gave it to me."
"Caddy," the boy called, staring at her.
Catriona:...
Forget it; why argue with a child? Let him call her whatever he wanted.
The boy pressed his lips together and said unhappily, "Caddy, he likes you, stay away from him."
"If you say that again, I won't carry you," Catriona replied.
The boy widened his eyes, staring at her as if confused.
"Look at you, little child. I have a good temper, but you can't say whatever you want. Go play with your cousin; don't worry about my affairs," Catriona said, a mix of love and frustration at the boy's face, resembling her son's. She reached out and pinched his cheek. "Be good."
The boy immediately pressed his lips together.
"I'll go down; if you won't carry me, so be it."
What the...
The woman who had always been so gentle to him during his cub days changed her expression after he mentioned that man, Edward.
For that inexplicable man who suddenly appeared.
Catriona didn't expect the boy to have such a temper; after being told not to carry him, he ignored her and locked himself in his room.
She began to wonder if she had been too harsh just now.
After all, this child had just come to her home; he was a young master who had never suffered any grievances...
She had just found it a bit hard to accept when the boy mentioned "like," considering that was her grandmother's nephew, just like her cousin; little Nightblade had gone too far with his words.
"Baby, why not go play with your cousin?"
Cedric huffed, "No, don't care about him, Mom."
Catriona wanted to say something more when her phone chimed.
She opened it to find two unread messages under the contact labeled "Silly Wolf."
She froze for a moment, then pushed everything else aside and opened the messages.
[Silly Wolf]: I'll be back in half a month.
[Silly Wolf]: I only like you; don't believe the rumors. If possible, keep your distance from other men. Thank you.
Catriona pressed her lips together and remained silent.
Before long, there was a knock at the door.
[Silly Wolf]: Go answer the door.
Catriona frowned and went to open the door.
A woman in a suit stood at the door, holding a large bouquet of fiery red roses, smiling as she said, "This is from Mr. Nightblade; he asked me to give it to you. I hope you like it."
She quickly placed the flowers in Catriona's arms and hurriedly turned to leave, as if afraid of rejection.
Catriona stood at the door, stunned, holding the roses.
Cedric was sitting on the sofa, munching on cookies, and when he saw this scene, he let out a sound of disdain.
So this is what he was busy with while hiding in his room.
