chapter 40

The meeting had concluded, and the weight of the day seemed to cling to Scar Boss's shoulders as he walked back to his office. His mind, however, remained sharp, analyzing every decision and its possible consequences. Yet, despite the cold, calculating nature that made him the powerful figure he was, something inside him softened as he entered the confines of his office.His gaze shifted toward the small figure standing silently by the door. The young boy, no older than five, stood there with wide, curious eyes. His features mirrored Scar Boss's in a way that was undeniable—the same sharp grey eyes, the same black hair. But the silence was what defined him the most.The boy didn’t speak much. Never did, at least not in front of anyone. He simply watched, waiting for something Scar Boss couldn’t fully understand. His tiny hands gripped the edge of the doorframe, his small body slightly trembling under the gaze of his father.Scar Boss exhaled deeply, his eyes softening. He wasn’t the type of man to show vulnerability, yet there was something about the boy that always stirred a deep, protective urge within him.As soon as the meeting got over he took his seat as the remaining men started to leave, except for the small boy standing near the door.“Justin,” Scar Boss’s voice was low, trying to hide the emotions he never wanted to show. He walked closer, squatting down to the boy's level, his fingers brushing lightly against the boy's messy hair.The child’s lips parted, but no words came. There was always a silence between them, a space that neither seemed able to bridge. Yet, the boy’s presence was a comfort, a reminder of something Scar Boss couldn’t quite place.The young boy took a few steps forward and silently handed Scar Boss a sheet. It was his maths paper. Though being young this boy was highly skilled in his studies just like his father. He was already solving elementary school maths.Scar Boss’s eyes densed with pride. Scar Boss usually didn't praise anyone and neither him but today his heart was filled with grief and for some reason the boy looked more like the person for whom he was grieving. The innocence in the boy's eyes reminded him of Amaira.“You did good, son.” Scar Boss murmured, his voice tinged with a warmth he rarely allowed others to hear. The boy, however, just nodded quietly, stepping back. As much as Scar Boss wanted him to open up, the boy remained a mystery.Before Scar Boss could say more, a knock at the door interrupted the moment. He turned, already knowing who it was."Boss" Richard entered, his expression businesslike as always, but there was an underlying concern in his gaze. “There’s a call for you.”Scar Boss glanced at the boy, who was now turning to leave the room without a word. He didn’t chase after him; there was no need. The boy would come back, as he always did, whenever he was ready.“Thanks, Richard. I’ll take it,” Scar Boss replied, his tone snapping back to its usual cold professionalism. He cast a last glance at the boy, who was now silently walking away, before turning his attention back to his assistant.The sun cast long shadows across the office as Scar Boss sat behind his desk, flipping through documents. The day had been long, but he barely noticed the passing hours. His mind was always occupied—whether with business or something else entirely.A knock at the door.Richard stepped inside, his usual composed expression in place. "Boss, the guards called. Selena is here."Scar Boss didn’t look up. "And?""She’s insisting on seeing Justin. Says it’s been too long" Richard replied, his tone betraying his own skepticism.Scar Boss let out a short breath, shaking his head. "Let her in."Minutes later, the sharp click of heels echoed through the hallway before Selena strode into the office. She looked radiant, as always—perfectly put together in a deep burgundy dress, her hair styled in soft waves. Her beauty was undeniable, but Scar Boss saw through the polished exterior."Where is my son?" she asked, her voice laced with just more than what a concern would sound.Scar Boss leaned back in his chair, observing her with a cold, unreadable gaze. "Studing!"Selena placed a hand on her hip. "That bast***" she said under his breath and realised quickly to change her way, "I mean a week. A whole week without seeing his mother. Do you have any idea how much Justin must have missed me?"Scar Boss’s lips curled into a smirk, but there was no humor in it. "Missed you?" He tilted his head slightly. "Last I checked, you were in Milan, shopping."For a split second, something flickered in her eyes, but she quickly masked it with a sigh. "I was handling business.""Of course," Scar Boss muttered, his voice dripping with sarcasm.Selena ignored his tone and stepped closer. "I don’t want to fight with you.""You always want something," he said, cutting straight to the point.Selena smiled knowingly. "You know me too well."Scar Boss’s jaw tightened. "If this is about your ridiculous proposal again, you’re wasting your breath."Selena let out a mock sigh. "Still so stubborn," she murmured before shrugging. "Fine. But I have something I want as a mother."Scar Boss raised an eyebrow, waiting."Justin’s birthday is in a week," she said, watching his face carefully. "And I want to spend it with him. I want to take him out tomorrow for his birthday shopping." She smiled knowing it all. If Scar Boss was letting his son stay with her, he would surely come along as he didn't let Justin go with her alone.Scar Boss didn’t react immediately, but his eyes sharpened.Scar Boss remained silent, his gaze piercing.Selena took another step forward, lowering her voice. "You may hate me, Nicolo. But Justin loves US both. And no matter how much you try to push me away, I will always be his mother."Scar Boss’s hands clenched under the desk. He hated how she twisted words, how she played the role of a devoted mother when it suited her. But the mention of Justin made it difficult to dismiss her outright."Think about it" Selena said, sensing his hesitation. "I’ll be waiting for your answer. Afterall no kid would want a birthday without his mother."Scar Boss didn’t reply. He simply watched her leave, his expression darkening.Selena always had a way of making things difficult. And this time, she had chosen the one weakness he couldn’t ignore—his son.