NovelBookSkyler couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy for William, who seemed to have everyone's affection and attention.
He never knew what it was like to be doted on. His families were strict with him and his siblings. None of them dared to be too clingy or whiny.
But things got a bit different. Skyler then had Aurelia, who spoiled him rotten, and Skyler, who always had his back. For once, he could let his guard down and be the kid he was.
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"Angel," Skyler murmured, tucking in his chin and instinctively snuggling closer to Aurelia. She got the hint and wrapped an arm around his shoulders. "Don't worry, Skyler. We all believe you. Arnold will take you up to the deck to play later." His face lit up with a smile. He too was a boy shielded by a protective circle.
Tanya rolled her eyes, feeling a bit miffed. She was his birth mother, after all. Shouldn't he be cuddling up to her instead? "I can no longer tell who's telling the truth or lying. Leopold, | hope you can sniff out the real troublemaker soon so we can get to the bottom of this mess." Leopold took a sip of his milk, his expression serious. "Tanya, watch your back. There could be a Judas in your midst. You know the old saying, 'There can't be two kings in one castle." It's not only outsiders you have to worry about. Even blood relatives can turn on each other over power and riches." Aurelia interposed, "It's the nature of the beast when it comes to power. Everyone turns their back on kin like in the tales of old. Look at Queen Elizabeth I, how her court was always a nest of vipers." A nerve twitched on Tanya's forehead, but her face remained as calm as a still lake. "The younger generation is too impulsive, unlike us old-timers who knew how to keep our cool." Leopold served her some chicken soup, saying, "What you need most is to take care of your health. Don't overwork yourself. Why not let the young cousin handle some of the company work? If she needs help, | can always show her the ropes." Tanya's laughter was light and breezy. "I've been thinking about retiring, but that girl's a bit of an airhead, easily duped. It's better to leave the business in the hands of the boys. If Skyler could grow up a tad, | would hand over the reins without worry." The mention of responsibility had Skyler shaking his head violently. "Aunt Tanya, please don't... Please don't count on me for that. I'm just a kid. I wouldn't know the first thing about running a company. | just want to play, and I'm staying in Elysium. I'm not returning to Eastwood Heights." “He wanted no part in the tiresome business affairs, and all he wanted was to play!” Thinking like this, Tanya felt quite desperate. This boy was hopeless. Perhaps a figurehead was all he was good for.
"You, my dear, will never grow up," she sighed.
Skyler pouted. "What's so good about growing up? Adults have all sorts of problems. Kids don't have to worry about anything. Just play and be happy." Aurelia ruffled his hair affectionately. "It's okay, Skyler. Do whatever makes you happy. That's what matters most." "Yeah!" Skyler grinned, comforted by the thought that at least Aurelia understood him.
After breakfast, Arnold took the 'kids' up to the top deck.
Aurelia and Leopold followed, curious about the hypnotist who had targeted Thomas.
The cruise ship's top deck boasted a water park.
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The trio changed into their swimsuits.
William grabbed a fighter jet-shaped inflatable, Skyler chose a tank, and Sierra picked a graceful swan.
At the top of the slide, they hopped into their inflatables and zoomed down into the pool below, laughing all the way.
"Yeehaw!" Once they were all played out and back on dry land, Aurelia brought over some fruit and drinks, and they all gathered on the circular sofa to munch on the juicy offerings.
Handing William a piece of kiwi, Aurelia asked, "William, can you try to remember what that man looked like? Mommy will sketch him out for you." William scratched his head, looking puzzled. "Mommy, | can't remember it that well."
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