Cherise found herself at a loss for words.
Unable to articulate her turmoil to the child, she simply nodded silently, bowing her head as she retched.
Outside the bathroom, Alexis leaned against the door, his expression fraught with concern. âIs there anything | can do to help?â
he inquired softly.
âMr. Lenoir.â
In the living room below, Sebastian sat with calculated composure, sipping the tea Frances had laid on the coffee table-his gaze, icy and unwavering, was fixated on Damien.
âIt's been a few days, Mr. Lenoir,â Sebastian remarked coolly. âHow have you been?â
Damienâs lip curled in disdain as he regarded Sebastian. âDo you concern yourself with my well-being?â
âPerhaps you're hoping Iâve been faring poorly,â he mused. âIsnât it?â
With an indifferent yawn, Damien continued, âIf you have something to say, speak it plainly. Otherwise, the Lenoir household does not need unwelcome guests.â
Unmoved by the implied threat, Sebastian maintained his composure.
âMr. Lenoir, your manners leave much to be desired,â he remarked mildly. âBut thatâs of little consequence.â
Turning to Yolanda, he gestured for her to proceed. âBring it forth.â
Yolanda nodded in acknowledgment, handing Sebastian a small bottle.
Taking the bottle delicately in hand, Sebastian placed it on the coffee table with a graceful flourish, his gaze unwaveringly cold as it fixed upon Damien. âMr. Lenoir, allow me to present to you the antidote for the poison afflicting Cherise,â he announced calmly, his tone betraying none of the tension between them.
Damien's brow furrowed as he eyed the bottle on the table, though he made no move to touch it.
âThe ingredients are indeed antidotal,â Sebastian affirmed, his smile unwavering.
âShould you doubt its efficacy, you are welcome to have the medicine tested,â he continued smoothly. âI understand Cheriseâs friend Lucy has returned to Adania. She possesses expertise in pharmaceuticals. If you seek reassurance, she can examine the medicine to ensure its safety before administering it to Cherise.â
Damien regarded Sebastian with suspicion, his expression guarded. âAnd are you being sincere in this offer?â
âAbsolutely,â Sebastian replied, his smile serene.
âWith my son under your care, itâs imperative that we maintain an amicable relationship to ensure his well-being.â
Damien arched an eyebrow, clearly taken aback by Sebastianâs claim. âYour son?â he echoed.
âYes, Alexis is my son,â Sebastian confirmed, his gaze steady as he met Damienâs.
âThis morning, my sister retrieved him from the orphanage, only for him to vanish without a trace. In Adania, you are the sole individual with a motive to abduct my son.â
Damienâs skepticism was palpable as he scrutinized Sebastianâs words. âYou are saying that Alexis is your son?â he challenged, his voice tinged with doubt.
Sebastian's smile remained genuine as he responded, âIndeed, you understand me well, Mr. Lenoir.â
âA person of my nature, capable of cruelty, would hardly extend such kindness as,t adopt ankraiseO m direoNeGige s child,â he explained earnestly. âAlexis is my own flesh and blood, which is why I've taken him under my wing.â
âPfft,â came a sound of derision from upstairs, where Alexis listened silently, rolling his eyes in disbelief.
Even if someone were to compel him to believe it at the cost of his life, Alexis couldn; bringhimelKioO m aboépt Yhe notion that his father was truly such a repulsive individual, capable of evoking such a visceral reaction from his godmother!
â| see.â
Damien's smile was faint as he reached for the small bottle, passing it to Mr. Hampson. âContact Dr. Staber,â he instructed calmly.
Mr. Hampson nodded in acknowledgment and quietly departed.
After Mr. Hampson took his leave, Damien's smile returned\as hey resged-Sebabtion, âthank you for sending the medicine for Cherise,â he expressed his gratitude sincerely.
âHowever, | must confess, | have no knowledge of the son you claim.â
âThat being said,â Damien continued, his tone even, âCherise did mention to me some unpleasant encounters with Ms. Weiss at the welfare home.â