?Chapter 444:


    “I’m finished ying,” Lionel muttered, his mood thoroughly dampened by Kristian’s persistent evasiveness. “Continue with your games if you wish. When Freya eventually chooses someone else, you’ll have nothing but regret.”


    Kristian remained silent, instead preparing a cup of coffee and offering it to his grandfather.


    His tranquil demeanor only intensified Lionel’s conflicting emotions of affection and irritation. No matter how harshly he reprimanded him, Kristian never disyed anger and invariably found ways to appease him.


    “What thoughts truly upy that mind of yours?” Lionel finally inquired, surrendering to his conflicted feelings.


    Kristian kept his inner reflections carefully concealed. “Nothing in particr.”


    Lionel nearly choked on his coffee.


    He examined Kristian’sposed expression for an extended moment beforepletely abandoning his efforts. “Leave my presence. I can’t bear to look at you any longer.”


    Kristian epted the dismissal without protest and departed as instructed.


    Liam remained elsewhere, so Kristian decided to verify the banquet arrangements at the hotel.


    Although his father had likely managed everythingpetently, confirming the details would prevent any unexpectedplications.


    At the hotel, Isaac was preparing to depart just as Kristian arrived. Upon seeing him, Isaac greeted him with a knowing smirk. “Has your grandpa banished you from his sight?” Kristian found himself speechless.


    Isaac ced a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “Eventually, you’ll grow ustomed to it.”


    “You faced simr disfavor in your younger days,” Kristian retorted.


    Whenever they encountered one another, their exchanges bristled with yful barbs, and Kristian invariably emerged defeated. This asion proved no different.


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    “I may have faced disapproval, but at least I provided him with a grandson,” Isaac remarked smoothly, his tone carrying the craftiness of a seasoned fox. “What contribution have you made?”


    Kristian countered, “Without my assistance, winning Mom’s affection would have taken you considerably longer.”


    “I appreciate your help, Kristian,” Isaac responded with an untroubled smile.


    Kristian found himself unable to formte a response.


    The exchange felt as futile as attempting to punch a pillow.


    “During your childhood, you exhibited such endearing qualities and possessed a natural talent for persuasion,” Isaac observed, appraising him thoughtfully. “If regaining Freya’s affection is your goal, perhaps revisiting those childhood tactics might prove effective.”


    “Childish,” Kristian responded tersely.


    The memories evoked embarrassment.


    Whenever he recalled how he once behaved adorably to persuade Lionel to cease scolding Isaac, he experienced profound difort.


    Isaac’s lips formed a subtle smile. “You’ve matured and lost your charming qualities. Had I anticipated this development, I would have provided you with a lot of sweets to preserve your sweetness.”


    Kristian secretly rolled his eyes.


    “This venue now falls under your responsibility,” Isaac stated, his smile deepening. “I’m departing to spend time with my wife.”


    Kristian’s brow furrowed slightly. Even at his current age, Isaac couldn’t resist showcasing his romantic devotion.


    Despite finding it somewhat irritating, Kristian couldn’t deny the reassurance it provided.


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