"Done making trouble now?

You need to head back to Mistlyn soon, kid. I'm running out of patience, you know."

Aldus' voice came through the phone, steady and powerful, but with a hint of firmness. Theodore knew it wasn't out of anger. With a sense that Aldus was still energetic, his spirits lifted and his voice softened.

“Grandpa.” Theodore called to the man on the other end of the line. His icy gaze warmed, and the stern facade he had maintained towards Zayden began to dissolve.

“I'm almost done here, as long as—"

He shot a thoughtful glance at Zayden.

"As long as there aren't any unnecessary distractions."

Aldus caught the implication behind ‘unnecessary distractions’. He let out a sigh and spoke with patience.

"Once the troublemaker is brought back this time, he won't be leaving Mistlyn again."

Theodore stayed silent, taking in Aldus' words.

Aldus knew Theodore's nature well enough to recognize that silence was a sign of disapproval.

Handling this kid could really be a handful. He sighed inwardly, his feelings towards Theodore a complex cocktail of fondness and frustration.

Still, since Zayden was the one stirring up trouble, Aldus decided to bend a little.

“T'll take back the 5% stake in the family business from Zayden. It'll be a welcoming gift for your wife when you return.”

At this, Zayden's face tuned crimson, and he struggled with all his might, nearly breaking free from the men restraining him.

He let out a grunt, lunging towards Theodore's direction. His efforts, however, were met with apathy, even if he ended up ripping the bed apart.

Theodore was content now. After all, the shares that Zayden owned were significant pieces of the family business. The 5% dividend alone would be enough for an ordinary person to live a life of luxury for generations. It would serve as a protection for Ariana when he couldn't be there for her.

His mood visibly improved, a small smile even graced his lips.

Recollecting something, he switched off the speaker and stepped out of the room.

He leaned against the corridor wall, cleared his throat with a grin, and then told Aldus in a serious tone.