“WELL, that dinner went better than expected,” Ellis said.

“Yeah,” Astrid said, looking out of the car’s window. He hoped it did.

The two of them were on their way back to his apartment. The Grimaldis actually told them they could stay for the night at the manor, but he refused. And he tried his best not to be swayed. Eating dinner was fine, but staying over for the night was a bit… Good thing he had school tomorrow, so was able to come up with a believable excuse.

Besides, there was still that weird atmosphere around the duke. He didn’t like how the other had been so quiet since dinner started. No, more accurately, the other started acting that way since he saw him eat the cupcake.

He pinched the bridge of his nose. He couldn’t believe that things might get complicated just because of a freaking cupcake. Really, what a stupid mistake on his part. He shouldn’t have let his guard down. If he had his guard up, he wouldn’t have made that mistake. But because he was so comfortable around Nicol, he completely disregarded the presence of the duke, and just did what he would normally do.

And now, this was the situation. S~eaʀᴄh the NôvelFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

He just hoped that he was simply thinking too much and nothing of what he was imagining would happen.

“Honestly, it was a bit uncomfortable,” Ellis said.

She thought Duke Grimaldi would be a bit more stern. But it turned out the other was probably just quiet and reserve. The same could be said for his eldest son. Thankfully, Lord Cassius was there to lighten up the atmosphere.

She secretly glanced at Astrid, who was still looking out of the car window. Normally, if there was an awkward situation, Astrid would try to ease the situation with his characteristic gentle smile. But this time, the other didn’t even try.

She had noticed this before, but Astrid seemed very uncomfortable interacting with the Grimaldis. Well, except for the young master. But that was probably just because the other was a kid. She thought at first that it might be because Astrid was uncomfortable around nobles.

But if that was the case, then how could he act so informally around the prince – someone who’s literally at the top of the nobility pyramid, if there ever was one.

Then, the reason definitely lay with the Grimaldis.

Hmm… she wondered what that reason could be? There could be a deep reason behind, or it was just one of those things where a person simply wasn’t compatible with another. Either way, it’s not something she should pry about. Especially if the reason was something personal.

Well, as long as it’s not along the lines of Astrid being the illegitimate son of the duke, then everything else would probably be fine.

If Astrid had heard what she’s thinking right now, he would definitely smile and say ‘oh, if you only know’. But thankfully, she kept that opinion to herself, so she was temporarily saved from having to constantly worry about another potential ‘career-ending’ situation.

“But at least we got something out of that dinner,” she continued, referring to what Cassius had said about timing the release of the magazine photoshoot with the release of [Serendipitous Summer].

“Yeah, it will be a good promotional tactic,” Astrid replied without much thought. He just said what’s at the top of his head just so Ellis wouldn’t notice that he was acting weird.

Even as the conversation continued, his mind was still filled with thoughts about the duke and all kinds of worst-case scenario.

That didn’t stop until he return to his apartment.

—–

After returning, Astrid first took a quick shower and changed into a pair of pajamas. Then, he messaged his brother, telling him to video call once he’s free. What happened today was something that the other should definitely know.

But since Reas was making the call from the military academy, Astrid asked him to find a secluded place where he could be alone and ensure their conversation wouldn’t be overheard.

After about 20 minutes of waiting, Reas finally requested a video call. Astrid quickly accepted it.

“What’s wrong? Did something happen?” Reas immediately asked.

Astrid wasn’t surprised that Reas asked that. His brother most likely felt from his message that something must have happened.

“Yes, something big has happened…”

And he proceeded on telling Reas all the details that happened in the manor. From accidentally meeting the duke, to making a mistake with that damn cupcake, and how the duke acted during dinner.

After he finished speaking, Reas was completely silent. As if he didn’t know how he would react.

“So, do you think the duke, you know, suspects anything?” Astrid asked.

Reas seemed to ponder for a moment, before answering, “Maybe, maybe not.”

At his brother’s dry reaction, Astrid raised his brow. “You think I’m overreacting, don’t you?”

“No. Although I do think you’re overthinking.”

“Isn’t it better to overthink than be nonchalant about this whole situation?”

“I mean, yes, there’s a minute possibility that the duke successfully deduced that you’re Mom’s kid because of the way you ate a cupcake. But the possibility of that not being the case was even greater,” Reas reasoned. “And even if he finds out that we’re his grandchild, so what? What could he even do about it?

Considering all the things he had done, he would be all kinds of shameless if he go to us and demanded we treat him as our grandfather.”

When Astrid heard that, it was his turn to be silent. Then a soft laugh escaped his lips. Yes, Reas was right. What did it matter if the duke found out they’re his grandsons? What could he do about it? It’s not like he could announce it to the world or anything.

He shook his head. Now he just felt silly for worrying.

———-

“Is it done?” Anthony asked as he stood by the floor to ceiling window and stared at the starry night sky.

His answered aide answered, “Yes, Your Grace. We will receive the result of the gene matching tomorrow at the latest.”

Anthony lowered his gaze. “Make it by midnight.”

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