Chapter 33: Lucas and Sebastian Trailed Closely Behind Sienna and Noah

Lucas and Sebastian trailed closely behind Sienna and Noah.

They stepped into the small eatery. Sienna ordered a warm pot of congee with several side dishes. After the server left, she fixed her gaze on the two men across from her. "Do neither of you have any common sense? He's just a little boy. Spicy food is completely inappropriate. That tall tale about spicy food making you grow taller is absolute nonsense. How could educated men like you believe such foolishness?"

Sebastian opened his mouth to protest. Lucas kicked him sharply under the table. He adopted a serious, attentive expression. "You're absolutely right, Miss Bennett. I'll be more mindful. Are there any other points I should remember?"

"Mommy," Noah interjected, seizing the opportunity. "Daddy enrolls me in endless tutoring. My classes run until midnight every single night." He continued, his voice small. "And he leaves me alone at home most of the time. We only share one meal a week. He takes me out to play just once a month." A sad sigh escaped him. "All my friends have parents who play with them. I'm always by myself."

Her heart ached for the child. Sienna's expression hardened as she turned to Lucas. "Mr. Harrington, this is entirely unacceptable. He carries your blood. You are his father. That comes with responsibility. He's a young child. Why burden him with so many classes? He isn't a machine. He deserves a joyful childhood. Furthermore..." She continued, listing his parental failings without pause.

Lucas didn't interrupt. He listened quietly, periodically refilling her water glass. When she finally finished, he pulled out his phone. "Miss Bennett, would you provide me with your number? This way, you can continue to advise me on parenting matters in the future."

"Yes, Mommy," Noah chimed in, nodding vigorously. "You have to remind Daddy every day. Otherwise, he'll forget everything you said."

Without a second thought, Sienna took out her own phone and added him on ChatLine. Sebastian watched, utterly bewildered. How had this happened so quickly? They were exchanging contacts now? Suddenly, Sienna's phone screen lit up. The caller ID showed 'Owen'. As her agent and friend, he only called for urgent matters. She excused herself quickly and stepped outside to answer. A flicker of jealousy tightened Lucas's chest. Owen. A man's name. Sebastian leaned in, muttering, "Don't worry. I'll find out who that is."

Outside, Sienna listened to Owen's report.

"Two things, Bella. Miles found the guest list from Grand Meridian Hotel five years ago…"

The name hit her like a physical blow. Grand Meridian Hotel. Her body went rigid. Instinctively, she glanced back into the restaurant. Lucas was carefully selecting food for Noah. He noticed her look and gave a slight nod. A strange, unexplainable feeling washed over her. She felt a powerful urge to keep the incident from five years ago hidden from him.

"We'll discuss this when I return," she said swiftly, ending the call.

Lucas studied her tense posture. "Is everything alright?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.

"It's nothing important," Sienna replied, her brow furrowed. Why was she so worried about Lucas discovering the truth about that night? The reaction was puzzling, even to her.

She collected herself, her tone becoming brisk. "Something has come up. I need to leave. The repair shop is delivering my motorcycle. Take good care of him. No more spicy food."

"Mommy!" Noah scrambled from his seat, clinging to her leg. He didn't want her to go.

She gently ruffled his hair. "Be good, sweetheart. I've added your father on ChatLine. I'll be watching him closely to make sure he treats you properly."

"Okay! But you have to promise to video call me," Noah beamed, his large, pleading eyes making him look like a hopeful kitten.

Sienna nodded. As she turned to leave, Lucas stood and followed her. "I'll walk you out."