Maya pouted unhappily when that still did not get her a response.
Juan and Kyle reached out to touch their fatherâs forehead, checking his temperature against their own. Strangely enough, he was still not waking up despite not having a fever.
Maya hummed in thought before saying, âIf our ultimate move still doesnât work then weâll have to ask Mommy for help!â
âWhat ultimate move?â
The two boys stared at her, their gazes full of curiosity.
Maya hopped off the bed and ran out of the room. A few seconds later, she returned with two metal basins.
She handed one to each of her brothers. âYou two hit these basins while I sing for Daddy!â
The young boys knitted their brows as they accepted the basin from her. Giving the basins an experimental bang, a loud clanging sound rang out.
The noise from the basins echoed in the room, causing Evan to frown.
These little brats! Are they trying to make a huge ruckus to wake me up?
Maya hurriedly crawled up to the bed again, this time plonking herself down on Evanâs body.
âDaddy, Iâm going to sing a song for you, okay?â
With that said, she glanced at her brothers, who slammed their hands on the bottoms of the basins simultaneously.
Clearing her throat, she started to sing, âDaddy, Daddy, please wake up! Mommyâs made breakfast and is waiting for you! Tasty pizzas and fried chicken! Awoooo!â
She pitched her voice higher at the end, sounding as though she was a wolf, howling.
Amused, Evan could not help but open his eyes.
âAwoooo! Arf, arf, awooo! Daddy, youâre awake!â
Taking in their sisterâs excitement, the two boys began to bang on their basins in delight. They were like a little percussion band.
âAlright, the three of you should go and eat first.â
Evan moved his somewhat rotund daughter off of him before he pinched her plump cheeks.
He had not expected her to learn how to howl like a wolf.
âDaddy, you have to wake up now!â
âI got it.â
The three kids had only just exited the master bedroom when there was a knock on the front door.
Bewildered, Nicole went to open the door.
A man whom she did not recognize stood there with a thunderous expression on his face.
She queried politely, âAnd you are?â
The man planted his hands on his hips and began to yell at her, âWhat the heck is with all the howling! What is this, a gathering of animals? Itâs so early in the morning yet you guys are making such a huge racket with all of that banging! Youâve scared our kids awake!â
Thinking back on the earlier din, Nicole hastily apologized to their neighbor.
âBe careful next time or Iâll report you for public disturbance!â
âDonât worry; there wonât be a next time.â
After the man had stormed off, Nicole shut the door quietly. Maya hung her head glumly, feeling guilty for inadvertently causing trouble.
Evan stroked her head gently. âHow about we all move to Imperial Garden tonight? Thereâs no one around there that will complain about the noise. You can make all the racket that you want over there.â
âIs Imperial Garden as pretty as Rose Garden?â
âTheyâre each beautiful in their own way. Imperial Garden is decorated nicely and the overall layout is very good. Itâs suitable for your Mommy to live in. You little brats only get to enjoy it because of her.â
âWoohoo, we get to live in a big house!â the kids cheered as they clapped their hands gleefully.
A sad look appeared in Nicoleâs eyes. She most probably would not receive a chance to stay in Imperial Garden.
After breakfast, Evan sent the children off to kindergarten before rushing toward Seet Group.
He had only just taken a seat in his office when his phone rang.
When he saw who was calling him, his expression hardened.
âDad.â
âEvan, have you reached a decision yet? Your mother was very clear with you last night. Tonight, youâre to bring the four kids along with you, to move back here. After that, youâre cutting off all ties with that woman.â
Jonathanâs furious voice blared through the speakers of his phone.
Evan was silent for a moment before he answered, âDad, I can understand how youâre feeling. However, I canât agree with your decision. Iâm sorry but I just canât do as youâve wanted me to.â
âWhat did you say?â
Jonathan thought that his ears were deceiving him.
A whole night to make a decision and Evan plans on disobeying me? Heâs going to go against me and his grandfather, all for a woman?
It would seem like Sophia had wasted her breath on him last night.
âDad, I still have matters to attend to. Iâll be back home later tonight to apologize to you and Grandpa.â
With that said, Evan hung up without even waiting for a reply.
Jonathan stared at the dim screen of his phone, close to exploding with rage.
He flung his phone away from him before pointing an accusing finger at Sophia, roaring, âThis is the son whom youâve raised!â