?<strong>Chapter 985:</strong>


    Rnd’s eyes darkened. “Care to say that again?”


    Lucas ignored him, as if the tension in the air wasn’t there at all. “The soup should be almost ready. I’ll go check on it in the kitchen.”


    It was a subtle reminder to Rnd—no matter what, he was still the outsider here.


    Aurora exined, “Rnd, Lucas lives abroad with his parents. He visits us every winter and summer break. He’s our friend, and you two need to get along.”


    Since the moment Rnd had entered, Aurora was the only one who hadn’t tried to sh with him. He reluctantly resumed his meal. “We’ll see how I feel.”


    After dinner, Joelle wanted Rnd to join everyone, but he simply waved his hand and retreated to his room.


    Molly pouted. “Mom, just leave him alone. He doesn’t appreciate anything we’re doing for him!”


    Aurora gently patted her head. “Rnd isn’t like that. He’s just not used to us yet. Besides, isn’t Lucas heading back to school abroad soon? Why don’t we all go fishing together before he leaves?”


    “I’m not wasting my time on Rnd!” Molly nced at Adrian with a smile. “Dad, can I go abroad with Lucas?”


    Adrian didn’t even hesitate. “Over my dead body.”


    “Ugh!”


    Joelle let out a quiet sigh, but her resolve quickly returned. Everyone had once said finding Rnd was impossible, but she had proven them wrong.


    They’d just been apart for so long. She was sure that nothing was out of reach with enough determination.


    She washed some fruit, and Lucas, always thoughtful, offered to help. “Let me take it to him.”


    “Okay. You two are the same age, so you’ll have plenty to talk about. But don’t take anything Rnd says too personally. He recently lost his father and went through the trauma of war. That makes him extra defensive. But he’s really a smart, sensitive kid. Please don’t shut him out as a friend.”


    Joelle knew she was probably nagging, but she couldn’t help herself.


    Fortunately, raised by Rafael, Lucas had inherited the same gentleness, sensitivity, and patience as his father. “Don’t worry, I get it.”


    Lucas knocked softly on Rnd’s door.


    “Who’s there?”


    “It’s me.”


    There was a brief pause before Rnd’s voice came through, t and cold. “Go away.”


    Lucas, not backing down, said with a hint of teasing, “I know you’re jealous of me, but maybe if you tried being a little nicer, people would start to warm up to you.”


    At this, Rnd shot up from the bed, his face darkening. “Say that again.”


    “I’m serious,” Lucas replied, standing firm. “You’re a bit of a pain, but I know you’re just acting out to grab attention. You don’t need to be like that. If I say a few good words for you—”


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