Chapter 272: You’re So Different

Later that day,

"Granny, Grandpa, I’m sorry to remind you again, but please don’t forget to come to my birthday party," Skylar said, with a serious expression that looked especially adorable on a boy who was almost seven.

Standing before him, Hannah and Kennedy exchanged amused looks before bursting into laughter.

"My little gentleman," Kennedy said with a nod, "I promise you we won’t forget."

"Oh, my dear." Hannah stepped forward and gently pinched Skylar’s cheek. "I promise I won’t forget either. I’ll come and bring you a huge birthday present."

Skylar’s eyes widened as though an old memory had suddenly returned. A few seconds later, he narrowed them suspiciously and looked at his grandmother.

"Granny," he said earnestly, "please don’t buy something like a giant robot again. You already bought two for me last year."

Hannah blinked before laughing even harder.

"You didn’t like the robot?"

"I liked it..." Skylar admitted honestly. "But it was taller than me, and heavy too. Arthur had to help me move it every day."

Kennedy chuckled and shook his head.

"I remember that," he said. "The poor butler looked like he was taking care of three children instead of one."

Everyone laughed again, including Arthur, who stood nearby with a polite smile.

Hannah crouched slightly so she was at Skylar’s eye level.

"Then tell Granny, what do you want this year?"

Skylar fell silent. His little face became unusually serious as he thought carefully about the question. Everyone waited patiently, curious to hear what answer he would give.

Before he could say anything, Zachary spoke.

"Buddy, do you want a suggestion?"

Skylar immediately looked up at his father with bright eyes.

"What is it, Dad?"

Zachary slipped one hand into his pocket and answered as casually as if he were offering the most reasonable idea in the world.

"If I were you, I’d ask Grandpa and Granny for company shares."

The adults immediately laughed.

Skylar frowned in confusion.

"A company share?" he repeated slowly. "But, Dad, I don’t like doing business."

He looked genuinely puzzled before adding with complete sincerity, "I like photography."

His innocent yet witty answer made everyone laugh once more.

Kennedy folded his arms with a grin. "I think he already knows exactly what he wants. Our grandson is a genius."

Hannah nodded proudly. "I think so too."

Zachary let out a helpless sigh, clearly preparing another argument about how company shares were an excellent investment. Before he could open his mouth, Sienna quietly shook her head at him.

The subtle gesture made him stop.

She smiled knowingly, silently telling him not to start convincing Skylar to become a businessman before the boy had even turned seven.

Understanding her meaning, Zachary gave up with another quiet sigh.

"Little Sky," Hannah said warmly, "you’re so different from your dad."

Skylar tilted his head. "Oh, how so? Is that bad?"

"Not at all." Hannah gently stroked his hair. "It means you’re growing into your own person. Don’t worry, dear. Grandpa and I will find a birthday present you’ll truly enjoy."

Skylar’s face immediately brightened.

"Thank you, Granny. Thank you, Grandpa."

He wrapped both arms around them in another affectionate hug before finally stepping back. Looking at his parents, he smiled happily.

"Mom. Dad. We should go now."

Sienna nodded politely.

"We’ll be leaving now, Father, Mother. Thank you again for today."

"Drive safely," Kennedy replied.

"We’ll see you at the birthday party," Hannah added with a warm smile.

Outside the house, the family walked together toward the driveway. Zachary naturally moved beside Sienna as they approached her car. Before she could open the passenger door, he reached for the handle first and opened it for her.

"Thank you," Sienna said with a gentle smile.

Zachary smiled back as she settled into her seat.

"I’ll be back for dinner," he said softly.

"We’ll wait for you," Sienna replied without hesitation. "And don’t tire yourself." She was worried because her husband had to go to his office even though today was Saturday. There was a sudden meeting he couldn’t avoid.

"I won’t."

Their eyes met briefly, and despite the busy day ahead, the simple exchange carried the quiet comfort of a couple who had slowly learned to rely on each other.

From his seat, Skylar leaned forward between them.

"Daddy," he called cheerfully, "don’t be late."

"I’ll try, buddy."

"And..." Skylar added with a grin, "...have fun at your office, Dad."

Zachary couldn’t help laughing.

"I don’t think anyone has ever wished me that before."

"I did," Skylar said proudly.

Sienna laughed softly. "He probably thinks your office is a fun place."

"It isn’t," Zachary replied.

Skylar looked thoughtful before adding, "Maybe you should tell everyone to smile more."

That innocent suggestion earned another round of laughter.

"I’ll keep that in mind," Zachary said before gently tapping Skylar’s head.

After making sure Sienna had fastened her seat belt, he closed the car door. The driver slowly pulled away from the mansion, carrying Sienna and Skylar back home.

Zachary remained standing in the driveway, watching the car until it disappeared beyond the front gate.

Only then did he walk toward his own vehicle.

The moment he slid into the back seat and the door closed behind him, the warmth disappeared from his face.

His relaxed smile faded without a trace.

The calm husband and affectionate father everyone had seen only moments earlier vanished, replaced by the cold, unreadable expression that had earned him respect and fear in the business world.

His mind returned to the conversation he had quietly overheard before lunch.

He had never intended to listen, but when he realized Riley and Sienna were alone in the living room, he had paused outside for a moment. What he heard afterward had remained with him ever since.

Riley loved Sienna. Not as a friend. Not as family, but as a man who loved a woman.

Although Sienna had rejected him without hesitation and made her feelings perfectly clear, the fact itself was enough to stir something dark inside Zachary.

Throughout the day, he had hidden every trace of it.

He had laughed when Skylar joked. He had smiled at Hannah and Kennedy. He had spoken to Riley as though nothing had changed.

Not even Sienna had noticed the anger he had buried beneath his calm expression.

The car merged onto the main road toward downtown.

Without taking his eyes off the passing traffic, Zachary picked up his phone and selected a familiar number.