Ian refused to say a word as Roderick hurried over, exhilarated.
âNow, now, Matt, arenât you a fine boy? Come over here and give your grand-uncle a hug.â
Matteo looked at the zealous old man awkwardly.
Although both he and Vivian were there together, Roderick ignored the girl and talked only to Matteo.
Matteoâs gaze darted around as he thought of a way to get away. He went closer to Vivian and pulled
her up from the ground.
âIâm sorry grand-uncle. I have to hold Viviâs hand. Sheâs scared whenever sheâs in a new environment.â
âOkayâ¦â
Roderick was disheartened to hear this.
He really liked the boy and badly wanted to give him a hug.
âWhat about you hug Vivi, grand-uncle? Sheâs a good girl too.â
This girl?
Sheâs not even one of our us!
âItâs okay. You can walk with her. Letâs go over to my place. Your grand-aunt has made some really
good food.â
Vivian was too naive to read between the lines. She followed her brothers cheerfully when she heard
there would be delicious food.
Meanwhile, Ian was altogether quiet.
Although he was unwilling to go to Roderickâs place, he did not throw a tantrum because his siblings
were thrilled to visit a new place.
They hopped on the buggy and reached Roderickâs house after ten minutes.
âAlright, kids. Weâre here! Be careful when you get down.â
Roderick got off first and carried the children down one by one.
He was particularly careful when it came to Matteoâs turn.
Roderickâs wife, Gladys, treated the guests to the best food at home.
âWow! These look so good!â
Vivian went ahead and reached for a juicy peach when she saw a huge plate of fruits, but Gladys
quickly moved the plate away.
âMatteo and Ian, come over and have some fruits,â she quickly beckoned, âThese are all imported
fruits.â
She completely ignored Vivian and took the plate of fruits over to Matteo and Ian.
Tears welled up in Vivianâs eyes when she saw this.
Ianâs face turned gloomy seeing the dejection in the girlâs eyes. âCome here, Vivi.â
Matteo was vexed too.
He knew the people at the residence looked down on Vivian because she was not Sebastianâs child. It
was apparent from how they treated her ever since she came, but Vivian was still a child. However, she
was too innocent to notice any of this.
Matteo could not believe they would go to such lengths to exclude her.
He would not allow these two old people to despise her so blatantly.
Matteo turned toward Gladys and shot her a fake smile. âWe wonât eat unless Vivi eats too, Grand-
aunt.â
âThatâs really thoughtless of you. Didnât you see the girl wanted it too?â Roderick interjected tactfully
and gave the whole plate of fruits to Vivian.
Gladys had no choice but to let Vivian have the peaches in the end.
The children had a hearty meal and played in the courtyard for a while before Frederick sent someone
to pick them up.
The kids spent the night at Frederickâs and went to bed early.
It could have been an enjoyable and memorable day for the children if Matteo had not fallen sick in the
middle of the night.
âWhatâs the matter? Why is he having a fever all of a sudden?â Frederick summoned the butler
immediately when he was informed of Matteoâs situation.
âHe probably caught a cold when he was playing in the afternoon. Itâs no big deal. Iâll call the doctor
over.â
Tim hurried to get the doctor after assuring his frantic master that everything was under control.
After the doctor arrived, he did a thorough check on Matteo and said it was no big deal.
âThe boy just caught a cold, so thereâs nothing you need to worry about, Mr. Hayes,â the doctor said,
âIâll prescribe him some medication and give him a jab.â
âThatâs good news. Thanks.â
Frederick heaved a sigh of relief when he heard the doctor.
Ian and Vivian were awake too. They ran over to Matteoâs bedside when they found out he was sick.
Ian was especially agitated when he saw Matteo unwell. He was not just worried, he was pissed too.
âIt must be them!â
Everyone in the room turned and stared at the angry boy.
âWhat are you talking about? Who made Matteo sick?â
âIt must be that old witch. I know it must be them!â
Ian clenched his fists tightly as his breaths seethed with hatred. No one had expected so much
negativity from a five-year-old.