Chapter 310
Although the sun was shining brightly that afternoon, their table was set under a leafy tree, protecting them from direct sunlight. The gentle breeze made the atmosphere even more pleasant.
Everyone was seated in their places. Ethan sat at the head of the table; Harry and Julian sat on the other side, seriously discussing some company projects.
Meanwhile, Lilian was talking to Gabriela next to her, while Benjamin and Dinho were sitting in front, gossiping about Matthew and Laura's recent relationship.
Shortly after, Lilian called Antonio, who was standing further back in the garden.
“Antonio, could you ask Theo and Harry to join us? And please ask the chef to start serving.” We can start lunch,“ said Lilian. She had decided not to wait any longer for Matthew and Daniel.
”Yes, ma'am...“ Antonio nodded. But before entering the house, he remembered something. ”What about your other friends?“
”Ask someone to wait outside. If they arrive, bring them straight here," instructed Lilian.
Gabriela, who had overheard the conversation, suddenly widened her eyes.
“I'm in trouble!” she whispered, grabbing Lilian's hands.
“Huh? What happened?” Lilian asked, concerned. “Are you okay, Gabriela?”
Her friend's hand was cold, which alarmed her even more.
“I'm an idiot! How could I forget my little Théo?” Gabriela took a deep breath, her expression somber. “Wow! I completely forgot about him... What the hell was I thinking!?”
Lilian almost fell off her chair. She really thought something serious had happened.
Gabriela noticed her expression and cleared her throat.
Before Lilian could complain, Benjamin called out to her:
“I thought you were trying to hide Théo from me! You didn't want to introduce him to me, did you?” he protested, narrowing his eyes. “I've been waiting for this opportunity since I arrived!”
“Sorry, bro. I wanted to bring Théo to meet you sooner, but he has computer classes with his teacher,” Lilian explained.
Benjamin gave her a “seriously?” look and turned back to the house.
He was anxious. For months he had heard Lilian and Dinho talk about Théo, about his unusual ability with computers. A four-year-old with intermediate programming skills was not normal. He himself had only started at six.
If Théo is really talented, Benjamin thought, I want to be his mentor.
He would protect the boy from falling into the wrong hands in the future.
Suddenly, remembering something Lilian had said earlier, he asked:
“Sis, did you say Théo has a computer science teacher?”
“Yes. Since we arrived, someone has been teaching him. I'll introduce you to my son's teacher. He's having lunch with us.”
“Perfect! I want to meet him.” Benjamin smiled.
“Stef—Benjamin, behave yourself!” Gabriela interrupted him abruptly, almost saying his real name.
Benjamin narrowed his eyes at her. Gabriela cleared her throat before continuing:
“Théo is different from other children. He doesn't warm up to new people easily. You need time for him to trust you. Don't scare him, or he may not talk to you for a long time... maybe a year...”
Benjamin was surprised.
Then he looked at Lilian.
“Is that true?”
“Yes,” Lilian nodded with a smile. “Even Antony only managed to get close to him after meeting him a few times.”
“Don't worry, bro...” Dinho patted Benjamin on the shoulder. “Little Théo will talk to you, but he needs time. It took me five meetings before he finally spoke to me... and even then, it was just one sentence.”
Dinho's words were enough to make Benjamin swallow hard. He had no idea it would be so difficult to get close to Théo.
“Ha ha ha, don't listen to them,” said Lilian, feeling sorry for Benjamin when she saw the pallor on his face. “My son has changed a lot since we moved here.”
“Really? Théo isn't so hard to approach anymore?” asked Gabriela, surprised.
“Yes. His introverted side is slowly changing because here he has many friends and various activities that help him meet new people. He's started to socialize more easily,” explained Lilian, smiling as she saw Benjamin relax.
"Well, Benjamin, don't worry.
You'll do great. If you have the same hobby, he may like you faster than he likes ordinary people...“ she continued.
”Huh!? What hobby?“ asked Gabriela, curious.
”Theo likes computers and programming, so maybe you can talk casually about that..." replied Lilian, giving Benjamin a welcoming smile.
Benjamin finally breathed a sigh of relief. He could get closer to Théo through technology.
But before he could say anything else, he saw a chubby little boy with fair skin and wearing a black sweatshirt walk out the door. It could only be Théo.
Benjamin smiled broadly. He thought Théo was adorable, even beautiful.
But the smile vanished the moment he noticed the tall man walking beside the child. Brown hair, confident posture. Benjamin clenched his fists immediately.
What is he doing here?
And then another thought struck Benjamin like a bolt of lightning:
Is this guy Théo's computer science teacher? Impossible! I'm much better than him!
Trying not to show anything, he quickly looked back at Théo, avoiding raising suspicion.
But Harry saw it.
Harry watched Benjamin closely, frowning slightly.
Have I seen this guy before...?
Harry's gaze lingered on him, curious.
“Come here, my dear son...” said Lilian, getting up to find Théo.
Gabriela followed excitedly—she was eager to see the little boy again after almost a year.
“Mom, this...” asked Théo with his usual calm, looking at Gabriela, who was right behind Lilian.
“Little Théo, it's me, Aunt Gabriela.” Wow, have you already forgotten your beautiful aunt?“ said Gabriela, putting on an exaggerated sad expression to please him. She couldn't stop looking at him. He was so adorable... and healthier than the last time she had seen him in France.
”Aunt Gabriela?“
”Yes, yes... I'm your beautiful Aunt Gabriela!" She smiled even more... until she heard his next words.
“Why are you more beautiful today, Auntie?”
Gabriela's heart melted instantly. It was the first time Théo had ever complimented her like that. She put her hand to her chest, moved.
Lilian and everyone present looked at each other, equally shocked and delighted.
Gabriela laughed, beaming.
“Ha ha ha!”
Thank you, Théo. You're more handsome and taller too. I'm so happy to see you again...
“Thank you, Aunt Gabriela. What I'm trying to say is that you're beautiful without that heavy makeup,” said Théo, impassively.
Silence fell over the table.
And then Gabriela's eyes widened, offended and honored at the same time.