Chapter 684

Cedrick was speechless.

He turned over his shoulder and noticed Benedict giving him an amused look.

Benedict continued asking calmly, “Isn’t that man your previous love rival? That’s why you got so upset when Zendy called him Daddy.”

Cedrick let out a sigh and gently tousled the little boy’s hair. “You’re still young, and the matters between adults shouldn’t burden you. Just focus on taking care of yourself and getting better.”

Benedict raised an eyebrow, mirroring Cedrick’s expression perfectly. He looked like a miniature version of Cedrick.

In a defeated tone, he said, “No matter how many IV drips, medicines, or efforts I put in, it feels like I won’t recover. I don’t want to keep tormenting myself.”

Cedrick’s heart ached as he gently caressed Benedict’s pale face. “Don’t say that. You may be unwell at the moment, but the laboratory has developed a serum to treat your condition. Once you regain your health and can handle the potential side effects, Uncle Joshua will ensure your complete recovery.”

Benedict didn’t answer him and instead redirected the topic back to Charles’ matter.

“Daddy, I know you have the power to make an impact in Chanaea easily. Why didn’t you get rid of that man? Why did you let him spend time with Zendy and make him her godfather?”

Stunned, Cedrick looked into his son’s eyes which were just like his.

“Benedict, you’re only five years old. Do you understand the gravity of what you’re suggesting? Do you know what getting rid of someone means? How did such a thought come to your mind?”

Benedict blinked twice, mustering a weak smile. In his usual frail voice, he responded, “Getting rid of someone means they won’t be around anymore, right? I just don’t want to see him. I want him to disappear.”

Cedrick felt a chill go down his spine. He’s only five. Where did he get that horrible idea from? Am I thinking too much, or is Benny more precocious for his age?

After collecting his thoughts, he said to Benedict in a solemn tone, “We cannot take someone’s life just because we want them to disappear. Regardless of my influence, I am not above the law. Charles is not only Zendy’s godfather but also yours. While he may have made some mistakes, he never intended for things to go as far as they did. He has also been there for your mommy and me, doing his best to help us. I can see that he genuinely cares for Zendy and wants to build a relationship with you as well.

He loves you. Can you try to accept him?”

Benedict hesitated, his pale lips pursed tightly. “I understand that you and Mommy have forgiven him, but I can’t bring myself to like him. In fact, I hate him. He’s the reason I’ve been confined to the lab, hooked up to IV drips. He’s the reason I can’t go to kindergarten like other kids and enjoy activities like jumping on a trampoline. Even if you and Mommy are not mad at him, I’ll teach him a lesson in the future.” I’ll do that my own way.

Shocked, Cedrick couldn’t help but chuckle aloud. “You want to teach him a lesson? What are you gonna do?”

Benedict flashed a mysterious grin. “It’s a secret. I can’t tell you anything.”

Cedrick let out a sigh and tapped his little nose. “Benny, you’re only five, and you’re already keeping secrets from me?”

Benedict maintained his sweet smile, his eyes crinkling with an adorable expression reminiscent of Zendaya’s.

Cedrick couldn’t help but gaze at the familiar face that mirrored his own, and a sigh escaped from deep within him. He’s only a kid. He must be joking.

“Benny, I know you’re incredibly intelligent, and it’s difficult to keep anything hidden from you. You have a keen understanding of things, but I want you to be less sensitive. I want you to have a joyful and carefree childhood, just like Zendy, and not let everything weigh heavily on your heart.”

Benedict smiled. “Don’t worry, Daddy.”

Cedrick patted his head gently.

As he was sympathizing with his son’s fragile condition since birth, his eyes fell upon a stack of books resting on the bedside cabinet.

He rose to his feet and walked over to pick up the books.

There was a Mathematical Olympiad workbook and an Anglandurn conversation book.

The book that caught Cedrick’s attention at the bottom of the pile was a black one titled Abnormal Psychology.

Cedrick furrowed his brows, his breath hitching when he noticed the book. He turned to Benedict and asked, “Have you been reading books of that genre recently?”

Benedict blinked and answered innocently, “Yes. I was bored, and I don’t like watching cartoons. I want to know what adults are thinking.”

Cedrick gave him a strange look. “Who gave you this book? Are you sure you understand it?”

Benedict shook his head. “I got them from a professor. However, this book is too difficult. I can understand some parts of it, but most of it is too challenging for me to grasp. I’ve read it a few times, but I still can’t fully comprehend it. Daddy, can you explain the book to me?”

Cedrick had a stern expression as he confiscates the book. “This seems like an interesting book, and I’m intrigued by it as well. Why don’t you let me read it first? Once I’m done, I’ll explain it to you in a way that you can understand.”

“Okay!”

Cedrick heaved a sigh of relief when Benedict agreed readily. He then searched all the cabinets in Benedict’s ward.

Zendaya was still at the age where she would demand to listen to bedtime stories every night, but Benedict was already tackling math problems from junior high and reading psychological materials intended for adults.

This stark difference in their development unsettled Cedrick.

He checked the entire ward thoroughly to make sure that his son didn’t hide similar books there.

Fortunately, he didn’t discover any books.

It seems that Benny has only read this one book.

“Daddy, what’s wrong? You look nervous.”

Cedrick returned to the bed and caressed his son’s cheek comfortingly.

“Benny, let’s focus on age-appropriate books for now. As a five-year-old, it’s important to enjoy storybooks meant for children. We can explore books regarding Mathematical Olympiad and Anglandurn when you’re a bit older. How about I get you a set of exciting storybooks?”

Benedict pouted unhappily. “Storybooks are childish. They may be suitable for Zendy, but I don’t enjoy them. Are you going to take away my only interest and hobby?”

Cedrick’s hand hovered mid-air, his fingers frozen above Benedict’s cheek. He was at a loss for words, feeling a sharp pang in his heart as he witnessed the hurt expression on Benedict’s face.

“I didn’t mean that…”

Benedict lowered his gaze despondently. “Do you think I’m a monster instead of an ordinary child?”

“Never!” Cedrick responded firmly. “Daddy and Mommy have never thought of you that way. I will protect you, Zendy, and Mommy forever.”

Feeling the weight of Benedict’s gaze, Cedrick felt his guilt intensify. He looked away, deciding to change the subject. “Benny, I have to step out for ten minutes at most. When I come back, let’s work on some Mathematical Olympiad questions that you love together, okay?”

Benedict nodded. “Okay. I’ll wait for you here.”

Cedrick left Benedict’s ward with Abnormal Psychology and went straight to Joshua.

“What’s wrong, Cedrick? Why do you look so stern?”

Cedrick gave him the book. “Did you give this to Benny?”

Joshua took the book from Cedrick and flipped through its pages carelessly. He pursed his lips, then responded, “Benny is still too young to understand this book. I’m not foolish enough to give such a book to a child.” As Cedrick remained doubtful, he insisted, “I didn’t give him this book. He told me he was bored, so I got him a few children’s storybooks with pictures to help him pass the time.”