Chapter 154 The Heir's First Bite

Chapter 154 The Heir's First Bite
Evan stared at the intercom screen for several seconds, then his hand moved to press the disconnect button. He did not answer the gate guard’s instructions. Instead, he turned and looked at Alice, who was still standing near the balcony with a face full of questions.

“Evan? You’re not going to accept those documents?” Alice asked.

Evan walked over and took both of his wife’s hands in his. “Alice, do you remember what we promised each other at the beach house yesterday? We are done with the past. Whether it’s leftover Smith wealth, old secrets, or anything else… I don’t care anymore.”

“But what if it’s important for Lucas’s future?”

“Lucas’s future is already more than secure with what we have now,” Evan replied firmly. “I don’t want a single piece of paper from the past entering this house again and triggering your anxiety. We closed that chapter, Alice. Let’s keep that book closed.”

Evan took out his phone and sent a short message to the head of security: Reject all documents without an appointment. Send the man away. We are not accepting any files tonight.

Alice let out a long breath, a relieved smile slowly appearing on her lips. “You’re right. I’m tired of surprises. Let’s just focus on what’s right in front of us.”

Four Months Later.

The main kitchen of the Nathaniel residence was unusually busy that morning. This time, the activity was not for preparing a lavish dinner for business associates, but for a major family milestone: Lucas’s first day starting solid food.

Lucas was now six months old. His body was chubbier, his cheeks healthy and rosy, and he could already sit upright in his high chair with great enthusiasm.

“Lavina, isn’t this broccoli too firm? I’ve steamed it for fifteen minutes,” Alice asked as she lifted a small strainer.

Lavina, wearing a fabric apron over her silk clothes, came closer and pressed the broccoli with a silver spoon. “It’s soft enough, Alice. Remember, the texture has to be very smooth for the first day. A Nathaniel baby must not choke.”

Evan entered the kitchen with his shirt sleeves rolled up. He was holding a professional-grade digital camera. “Is our little hero ready for his first battle against vegetables?”

“He’s ready, but I’m nervous, Evan,” Alice laughed softly as she poured the smooth broccoli puree into a small silicone bowl.

“Relax, Alice. This is just food, not a court trial,” Evan joked as he adjusted the camera’s focus toward Lucas, who was enthusiastically banging on the tray of his high chair.

They gathered in the smaller, more intimate dining area. Lucas sat in his high chair, wearing a fabric bib decorated with a little lion. In front of him, Alice sat with a soft plastic spoon in her hand.

Zavian came in and stood behind Lucas’s chair, watching with a serious expression, as if observing a major corporate merger. “Make sure the photos are good, Evan. This is a historic moment.”

“I know, Dad. Don’t block the light,” Evan replied.

Alice scooped a small amount of green broccoli puree with the tip of the spoon. “Come on, Lucas… open your mouth. Aaaa…”

Lucas stared at the spoon with curiosity. He tilted his head, then slowly opened his tiny mouth. As soon as the spoon went in and the taste of broccoli touched his tongue, Lucas’s expression changed instantly. His eyes widened, his forehead creased, and he made a small gagging sound while pushing the puree back out with his tongue.

“Oh no, he doesn’t like it!” Alice cried in panic.

Evan burst out laughing while continuing to take photos. “Look at his face. He looks like he just drank vinegar.”

“Don’t give up, Alice. Try again. He’s just shocked by the taste,” Lavina instructed calmly.

“Lucas, come on. This is good for you,” Alice coaxed him. She tried a second spoonful. This time, Lucas accepted it, though his face still looked deeply suspicious. He slowly worked it with his gums, then finally swallowed.

“He swallowed it. Lucas did it!” Zavian exclaimed with immense pride.

After the morning feeding drama ended, the house relaxed again. Lavina took Lucas out to the side garden for some sunlight, while Zavian sat on the terrace reading the newspaper. Evan and Alice stayed in the dining area, cleaning up the splattered bits of puree on the table.

“I never imagined feeding a baby could be this messy,” Alice said as she wiped a green smudge off her own face.

“But it’s fun, isn’t it? No profit-and-loss reports, just a report on how much broccoli made it into his stomach,” Evan said, wrapping an arm around Alice’s waist and pulling her close.

“Evan, you’ve really changed. You hardly ever go to headquarters anymore,” Alice said.

“Headquarters is taken care of. My role there is just signing the big decisions. The rest, I prefer being here, watching you and Lucas,” Evan said, kissing her forehead. “I’ve talked to Zavian. I’m taking a long leave for the next six months to stay with you and help raise Lucas until he can walk.”

“Six months? Won’t Nathaniel Group collapse without your iron-handed leadership?” Alice teased.

“Zavian still has fangs when needed. And Rico is much more competent now after coming back from his vacation,” Evan replied.

That afternoon, they spent time in the family room. Lucas was trying to reach for a ball toy on the thick fur rug. Lavina sat on the sofa, knitting a pair of tiny shoes for her great-grandson.

“Alice, Grandma has already signed Lucas up for a baby swimming class next month,” Lavina said.

“A swimming class? Isn’t he still too young, Grandma?” Alice asked.

“That’s exactly the best time. Babies have natural instincts in water. Evan also started swimming at six months,” Lavina glanced at Evan.

“And I almost drowned my instructor because I pulled her hair,” Evan added, making them all laugh.

Zavian entered the room carrying a large box. “I just bought this for Lucas. It’s a manual wooden train set. No batteries, no radiation. Just imagination.”

“Dad, he can’t even crawl properly yet. Why are you buying him a train set?” Evan shook his head.

“He will soon. I want him to learn mechanical logic early,” Zavian defended himself.

Night fell. The Nathaniel residence grew quiet again. Lucas was fast asleep in his room after a warm bath and his milk. Lavina and Zavian had already retired to their own rooms.

Evan and Alice stood on their bedroom balcony, gazing at the distant city lights. Their lives felt incredibly stable now. No more fear, no more enemies lurking in the dark. They had truly reclaimed their lives.

“Alice, we’re going to the hospital tomorrow for Lucas’s routine checkup, right?” Evan asked.

“Yes, at ten in the morning. Dr. Sarah wants to see his weight progress after starting solid food,” Alice replied.

“Good. I’ll drive myself. We don’t need an escort this time. Just the three of us.”

Alice smiled and rested her head against Evan’s broad chest. She felt completely safe. But just as they were about to go back inside, Evan’s phone, lying on the small table on the balcony, vibrated.

Evan looked at the screen. There was no name, only an unknown number. At first, he wanted to ignore it, but a text message appeared on the lock screen.

He read it, and instantly his jaw tightened. He tried to remain calm so Alice would not notice.

“Evan? What is it now? Don’t tell me it’s work,” Alice said, studying his face.

Evan quickly turned the phone face down. “Just spam, Alice. Go to sleep first. I want to grab a glass of water downstairs.”