Chapter 1652

"Grandpa, tea time," Galen's small voice was tender and polite.

Dominic turned to see the little boy holding a large tray, a servant carefully positioned behind him to prevent a spill. Galen, stubbornly insistent on carrying the tray himself, received only the servant's supporting hand.

"It's alright, go ahead and eat," Dominic replied gently, smiling.

"Grandpa, eat!" Galen strained on tiptoe, attempting to place the tray on the table, his small stature proving insufficient. He wobbled, about to fall, when Dominic swiftly supported the tray with one hand and caught him with the other.

"Oh, my little treasure!" The servant rushed to assist with the tray as Dominic lifted Galen into his arms.

"You can't let me relax?"

"Eat!" Galen, nestled in Dominic's arms, reached for the tray. Dominic finally beckoned the servant to set it down, then took a small pastry and fed it to Galen. The child laughed and clapped his hands, eliciting a chuckle from Dominic.

"You little monster. Only you can make me this happy!" Galen giggled.

Dominic sighed, gazing into the distance. "Back then, that stinking brat was just like you. He'd force me to eat, even when I didn't want to. I think he was just trying to curry favor; the more he urged me, the less I ate. In the end, he'd get so upset he'd cry." A smile played on his lips before fading, leaving him momentarily still. Galen, though oblivious to the old man's reminiscence, sensed his unhappiness.

"Grandpa, smile!" Galen gently tugged at Dominic's lips.

Dominic sighed, taking the child's small hands in his. "I want to smile, but how can I be happy? That brat was always around, and now that he's gone, I can't get used to his absence."

A servant entered. "Sir, there are people at the door who wish to see you."

"No!" Dominic snapped impatiently. "Send them away! Why are you reporting everything to me? Don't you have anything better to do?"

"Sir, it's... your brother's family," the servant added hesitantly.

"My brother?" Dominic's eyebrows rose in surprise. "The whole family?"

"Yes, sir. Even his wife. Maybe..." The servant trailed off, recognizing the boundaries of her role. Dominic understood her unspoken thoughts. He knew the family’s influence, despite their diminished standing compared to a century ago. Their enduring legacy and the police's involvement made their arrival unsurprising.

"Should I send them away?" the servant asked, noticing his silence.

Unexpectedly, Dominic stood. "Let them in!"