"So you two now are besties, huh? Going out without telling or including me?" Tiana asked with her arms crossed. However, inwardly Tiana was surprised that Sayana seemed so cheerful with Dorian and wondered how this introverted girl became this friendly with him so fast.
'Jeez, girl, cut your friend a break,' Viktor sighed inwardly while Sayana's expression became anxious as she said, "No, I just wanted to show him around, and we didn't go anywhere fun or too far. Just to buy some books for him to learn. That's all. I didn't want to disturb you over such things."
"Relax, Tia. Saya was doing the right thing by showing Dorian around. I doubt you would be much interested in that," Brad chimed in from upstairs as he looked at the three.
Tiana felt tongue-tied since what he said was true. She wasn't at all interested in showing someone around since she found it too tasking.
However, the reason she was irked was that this was the first time Sayana did something on her own without telling when usually Sayana would mention anything she does no matter how boring to her.
"Dorian, can I see you in my study for a minute?" Brad asked, giving Viktor a chance to slip away.
Viktor sent a subtle thumbs-up as he replied like a loving grandson, "Of course, uncle. Saya, thank—I mean, see you later."
Sayana nodded with a smile while Tiana narrowed her eyes, seeing that something was up with these two.
She didn't say anything but grabbed Sayana's wrist, pulling her towards her room. Sayana sighed, wondering what she was going to ask now.
Meanwhile, Viktor had entered Brad's study room which was, in fact, his own room itself as Brad didn't like having a separate room and wanted to access his books and work at his leisure in his own room itself.
As soon as Viktor closed the door behind, Brad did a humble bow that didn't match his usually aloof demeanor at all.
Viktor sighed as he gave him a light hug, "Brad, you don't have to always do this. We are beyond that, aren't we?"
Brad wryly smiled as he stood straight and said respectfully, "I am really happy that you came back. The day you left, especially after having some issues with Taya, made me worry. I thought maybe she disappointed you too much, and as her father, I couldn't help but think if it was my fault."
"No, no. You are overthinking things. Taya is a nice girl and one of the most gifted women I have ever come upon. But you don't have to worry about the matters between us. It's all sorted and well and good. At least now she is living the life she always wanted, including the fact that she has a daughter now," Viktor casually said, but inwardly his thoughts and emotions were all over the place.
Brad sighed, "Good. I am glad to hear that you still look at my daughter in a good way. By the way, how have you been all these years? You still look as young as when you left as if no time had passed at all."
Even though from a stranger's perspective, these two looked like a grandson talking with his grandfather, in reality, they were conversing like old friends who came upon each other after a long time.
"Just managed by, and I tried to live a quiet life, but to be honest, it was quite boring. What about you? I suppose there haven't been many major problems after I left, right? Or anyone bothering Taya or you?" Viktor asked as he sat on one of the chairs.
Brad shook his head slightly as he sat down as well, "Nothing me or Taya cannot take care of on our own. She has become quite the strong woman these past few years. I suppose you must have already noticed it. That's why I let her manage everything since I know she will do a good job, probably even better than me. Anyways, after you took care of Dwayne nineteen years ago, nothing significant happened after that."
Viktor's brows furrowed upon hearing the name 'Dwayne', "Hmph. That slippery bastard always made others do his dirty jobs, making it hard for me to find him. But in the end, seeing him jump to his own death because of me was indeed satisfying, especially after how much trouble he gave to Taya."
Brad smirked, "Serves him right. Without you, he would have made our lives hell. I still can't thank you enough for what you did for our family all these years. It's a debt we can never repay, especially when—"
"Come on, Brad. You are embarrassing me here. There is no need for all that. Anyways I must say you are doing well even at this age. I guess retirement must have been peaceful, especially when you have a granddaughter to dote on. But seriously, I think you must have pampered her a lot," Viktor said with a slight headshake.
Brad wryly smiled and said, "You know...it's quite hard to reject when kids ask nicely. I just wanted to make her happy and," Brad's expression became wistful for a moment as he continued, "After Dina passed away, I only have you, Taya, and Tia as my family and of course, the people Taya brought with her. I just want to see all of you happy till my days are numbered."
Viktor slightly laughed, "No need to be so sentimental, Brad. You are fit enough to live for another twenty years easily, haha."
Brad heartily laughed as he stroked the handle of his stick and said, "By the way, I heard Taya is up to her old games by putting you up with a silly challenge. You know you don't have to indulge her. I have already readied up a mansion, a credit card with no limits, a bank account and—"
Viktor chuckled, "Whoa, slow down, Brad. It's no fun like that. Besides, I like to see the look on her face when she loses. Cheating will just take away all the fun."
Brad slightly shook his head with a smile, "Alright, as you wish. I guess it is good this way."
The two then continued to talk for hours regarding various things, especially of the past, while reminiscing some old memories. It was as if they had a lot to talk about all the years Viktor had been away.
However, as Brad continued to talk, his expression suddenly became serious as he said, "By the way, there is one matter of concern I wanted to talk to you about."
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