Chapter 1409

"What did he say earlier? Did he say I was dirty? Which part of me was dirty? I wipe my shoes clean every time before leaving the house! I didn't even mention this brat wrinkling my clothes!" Austin stood stupefied, reeling from the shock. Seeing the older man and the boy's easy camaraderie, he felt like an outsider.

Finally regaining his composure, he asked in a hoarse voice, "Granduncle, this child is..."

"What the hell are you guys doing?" Dominic's sudden rebuke startled Austin. "All of you can't even manage one little boy! You took so long to find him in this small place! What's the point of hiring you?"

The servants remained silent under Dominic's reprimand.

"What are you all still standing there for? Get back to work! Oh, and get the chef to prepare something the little boy likes. Quickly!" Dominic's ill temper returned.

Austin was accustomed to this side of Dominic, but Galen was not. The boy's lips instantly curled downward.

"Fierce..."

He pouted, pushing on Dominic's cheeks, attempting to lift the corners of his mouth. Austin's eyes widened as if he'd seen a monster. Dominic, however, didn't get angry; he readily cooperated, even softening his voice to coax the boy.

"All right, my bad. I shouldn't have been so fierce. I'll smile, okay? Hahaha..."

Galen chuckled happily in response.

Austin felt utterly bewildered.

"Why the hell are you standing there like a fool?" Dominic finally noticed Austin. Frowning impatiently, he asked, "Who let you in?" He vaguely remembered not granting Austin permission to enter. This punk comes here too often! How annoying!

"Granduncle, I have something important to ask you. I didn't mean to disturb you." Austin was curious about Galen's family, given Dominic's obvious affection, but he hesitated to ask directly, fearing expulsion.

"What important matters could they be? You said the same thing last time. You're not doing anything serious with your life, are you? Don't you have anything better to do these days? Should I have your parents send you abroad to study?" Dominic's impatience contrasted sharply with his earlier kindness towards Galen.

Austin felt conflicted. Why do we get such different treatment? Wait a minute, no. I'm related to him by blood, but where did this brat come from?

"Granduncle, this child..." Austin hesitated, a terrifying thought forming. Could this child be his illegitimate son? The thought was quickly dismissed. No! That's impossible! Granduncle is so old and hasn't left this place in years. Judging by the boy's age, he's about one or two. How could he be his illegitimate grandson...?

While Austin pondered, Dominic carried Galen inside. After a moment's hesitation, Austin shamelessly followed.