From the driverâs seat, Nathan occasionally glanced at Colby through the rearview mirror, observing his expressions.
âKyson has been cleaning the restrooms in the lab lately.
Got any new pranks planned for him? If you feel Like punishing him, just let me know.
Iâm not going to stop you,â Nathan teased.
Shaking his head, Colby replied, âLetâs take things one at a time.
Heâs making good on his bet to clean the restrooms, so weâll let him be for a month.
Besides, Iâd rather not see him popping into the ward all the time.
â
Nathan remarked, âI remember he gifted you a large aquarium for your first birthday.
Since you never visited, he had someone manage it.
That aquarium hasnât been opened to the public over the years; itâs only accessible when you and Destinee visit.
Heâs been shouldering the losses for four years.
â
Colby gave a dismissive snort and turned his attention coldly to the landscape outside the car window.
âHe wanted to give me the aquarium.
He brought it on himself.
â
Nathan continued in a relaxed tone, âHe gave you the largest aquarium in Cadiered, stocked with a variety of rare marine Life.
The monthly costs for upkeep and management are pretty high.
â
Colby clasped his hands together and looked at Nathan with a scowl.
.
.
Library
âDad, what are you getting at? Should I feel bad about the money he has lost?â
Nathan smiled.
âThe Shaws have been wealthy in Cadiered for over a century.
Trust me, heâs not going bankrupt because of an aquarium.
What Iâm trying to tell you is that the aquarium belongs to you now.
Youâve spent much of your childhood in the lab, and there are many wonderful, unusual creatures youâve yet to see, right? After your treatment tonight, Iâll take you there.
How does that sound?â
Colby lifted his head with a look of scorn.
âThatâs something Destinee would enjoy.
Iâm not interested in animals, jellyfish included.
â
Nathan feigned disappointment.
âThatâs too bad.
I was planning to pick up Destinee and Lucinda from work later, and then all four of us could have visited the aquarium together.
I even got you and Destinee each an SLR camera to snap photos of any animals that catch your eye.
But if youâre not interested, I guess itâll just be the three of us.
â
Colbyâs face froze.
He had been adamant that the aquarium was just for little kids, but now he hesitated.
His whole family would be there.
Were they really going to leave him out?
Nathan added, âIf you decide not to come, Iâll take you back to N&L Fairy Land a bit earlier.
Just heat up some leftovers for dinner, alright?â
Colby bit his lip and a wave of discontent washed over him.
Were Nathan and Lucinda planning to treat Destinee to a fancy meal?
The thought of munching on leftovers alone felt utterly miserable.
Catching the uncertainty flickering across Colbyâs face, Nathan pressed on, âYou know, the aquarium is actually yours, and this trip is all thanks to you.
Itâs a shame that you, as the owner, havenât even seen the sea creatures yet.
Did you know the dolphin that belongs to Destinee can now toss a ball back and forth with her?â
Destinee playing ball with a dolphin?
Colby was a bit tempted.
He bent his head and pondered.
Seizing the moment, Nathan offered a crafty suggestion.
âYou know, since Kyson has been managing the aquarium for you, why not take this chance to have him splurge a bit more? For instance, you could have him bring in some exotic creatures that you fancy.
It would essentially turn it into your own private marine park.
Doesnât that sound appealing? It would be a free gift!â