14

Elijah's calm demeanor belied the bombshell he dropped. "The Silver Market suggested a compromise: Cloud and I will stay in the palace for three months. We'll get to know each other... intimately." His gaze locked onto Xander, his eyes glinting with challenge.

Xander's face contorted in rage, his hands erupting in flames. "You think I'd let you near Charlie?"

Drake's voice intervened, measured but laced with warning. "Xander, control yourself."

Elijah continued, unfazed. "The contract stipulates that, despite payment and claiming, the Petit man isn't fully yours until four months pass. This... trial period ensures compatibility."

Xander's eyes blazed. "You expect me to accept this?"

Drake's expression turned grim. "The clause has always been there, Xander. We can't deny its validity."

Cloud's excitement was palpable, his gaze fixed on Xander with an unsettling intensity.

Elijah's scan of the room ended with a frown. "Where is Charlie?"

Xander's growl was low, menacing. "Safe. Away from you."

Lucas, observing the tension, placed a calming hand on Drake's arm.

The palace, once a sanctuary, now felt like a powder keg.

Charlie stirred, his eyelids fluttering open. The room seemed empty without Daddy. Xander had promised to return by the time he woke up. Fear crept in, and Charlie's eyes welled up with tears.

He tossed off the blankets and swung his legs over the bed, his feet dangling in the air. Daddy's shirt, now his makeshift dress, billowed around him. Black panties peeked from beneath the hem.

Charlie sniffled, wiping his nose on his sleeve. He missed Daddy's warmth and reassurance.

With a determined look, Charlie stood up and walked out of the room, searching for his Daddy. The hallway seemed endless, but he pressed on.

As he approached the meeting room, the door creaked open, revealing a tense scene within. Charlie's gaze locked onto Xander, his heart skipping a beat.

"Daddy..." Charlie's voice trembled, "...you left me."

Xander's expression softened, his arms opening wide. Charlie sprinted into them, straddling Xander's lap.

"Baby, I'm here," Xander whispered, cradling Charlie close.

Elijah's surprise turned to offense, his eyes narrowing. Cloud's anger simmered, his fists clenched.

Drake's smirk hinted at amusement, his voice measured. "It seems Charlie's joined us."

Lucas, napping on Drake's chest, remained oblivious to the drama.

Xander's possessive gaze roved over Charlie's face, his grin triumphant. "My Baby's here. Now, let's discuss terms."

Elijah's composure regained, his tone measured. "Very well. With Charlie present, let's clarify—"

"No," Xander interrupted, his voice firm. "With Charlie here, I'll never agree to your proposal."

Charlie's sniffles subsided, his eyes fixed on Xander's. "Daddy, don't leave me again."

Xander's whisper was soothing. "Never, Baby. You're mine."

The room's tension escalated, the stakes higher than ever.

As Xander's warmth enveloped him, Charlie's eyelids grew heavy. The tension in the room receded, replaced by Daddy's soothing presence.

"Daddy won't leave me," Charlie mumbled, his voice barely audible.

Xander's grip tightened, his lips brushing Charlie's forehead. "Never, Baby."

Charlie's breathing slowed, his body relaxing into Xander's. Sleep claimed him once more.

Elijah's gaze lingered on Charlie, his expression unreadable. Cloud's anger still simmered.

Drake leaned back, his eyes locked onto Elijah. "It seems our discussion will wait."

Lucas stirred, yawning, and gazed at Charlie. "He's adorable."

Xander's smile softened. "My Baby."

The room fell silent, the only sound Charlie's gentle snores.

Elijah stood, his movements fluid. "We'll resume this discussion later."

Cloud followed, his eyes flashing with resentment.

As they exited, Drake's voice echoed. "Xander, we need to strategize."

Xander nodded, his gaze never leaving Charlie's peaceful face.

In the silence, Xander's thoughts churned. Protecting Charlie was his top priority.