Victor just gave Odin a fleeting look before lowering his eyes and returning his attention to the paperwork in his palm that he was studying. Odinâs grin froze in an imperceptible manner. He clenched his fists.
âThe last time we saw one other was a couple of years ago. Youâre still the same person you were back then, Victor.â Victor ignored Odin, like he always did.
Odin remembered seeing Victor for the first time when he was only three years old. Victor was taken back to the Sullivan family by Carolyn. Odin was still doing jigsaw puzzles with his parents at the time.
When his parents spotted Victor standing behind Carolyn, their smiles froze.
Odin gave Victor a curious look before smiling.
âGrandma.â Maria quickly grabbed his hand as he was going to drop the puzzle and hurry to his grandma. He was struck by a sharp pain. Mariaâs hold on his hand became harder and tighter the more he tried to pry it free.
âMom.â Odinâs father rose to his feet, grimaced, and regarded Carolyn with a stern and disapproving face. The living room was tense for a little while. Odin didnât understand the tension in the air as a youngster, but he couldnât help but glance back at Victor. His first impression of Victorâs clothing was that it was of extremely low quality.
Victorâs lengthy eyelashes shielded his eyes as he lowered his gaze. At the time, no one could see what he was thinking. Odin, despite his immaturity, was able to pick something out. Victor had a striking resemblance to his father. Despite this, he was unable to decipher its significance.
Carolyn called out, âLukas!â
Lukas, who was at the peak of his powers at the moment, rushed over in a hurry.
âMrs. Sullivan...â Carolyn softly beckoned Odin, who was being held by Maria.
âCome here, Odin.â Odin wanted to stroll over almost unconsciously.
Maria grabbed his hand again as soon as he made a step forward. This time, Odin was really hurt. He scowled.
âOuch, that hurts!â Maria did not release her grip as if she had not heard him. Carolynâs grin faded away.
âOdin is still young, Maria. Holding him like that will cause him pain. I am no manâeater. Do you think Iâll eat him? What exactly do you mean when you behave in this manner?â , âHow come you brought him back, Mom?â Odinâs father, who was standing next to Maria, spoke before she could utter a word. While speaking, he avoided looking Victor in the eye.
âDid you just ask why I brought him back? What, do you not realize?â
âI donât know a thing. And Iâd rather not contemplate it either,â Odinâs father said coldly. Odin couldnât tell that his father and grandmother quarreled because of the youngster standing behind Carolyn, but he didnât know why. Carolyn was angered by her sonâs statements, but she tried to remain cool when she saw Odinâs gaze on Victor.
âLukas, take Odin upstairs,â she instructed Lukas. Lukas stepped up to take Odin from Maria. Maria remained steadfast in her grip on Odin.
Carolyn said with a frown, âYou may do anything you want if you donât believe it matters whether Odin witnesses his parents arguing. No matter what you believe or what you say, Victor stays!â