Chapter 6 You Are Mistaking Me

• Carson's heart swelled with joy.
• It's Mommy. She's truly Mommy! She bears an uncanny resemblance to the woman in Daddy's wedding photo. No! Actually, this Mommy looks even lovelier than in the picture! The Mommy in the photo appears somewhat plain, but the real Mommy is both stunning and fashionable.
• Carson tightened his grip on her hand, a silent declaration of his realization that Timothy had deceived him.
• During his last clandestine visit to the study, when he caught a glimpse of the photo, Timothy spun a tale about his mom perishing in a fire.
• But here she stands. She is unmistakably my mommy!
• He found himself unexpectedly overcome with emotion, tears welling up in his large eyes.
• After all these years, he's finally reunited with his mom!
• Wendalyn patted her son, who appeared absentminded, before turning to head for the kitchen.
• Carson remained transfixed, his gaze trailing her retreating form.
• Just then, the bathroom door swung open.
• Raelynn, perspiring from her gaming session, opted for a quick shower to freshen up. She emerged, towel-drying her hair.
• Spotting Carson, her eyes sparkled with delight. "Caydy, you're back from buying durian so soon? And you've got new clothes?"
• This voice... It's the tattletale who reported me! Hold on a second, what's the connection between this tattletale and Mommy? Why is she living in Mommy's house?
• "Caydy, why the silence?" Raelynn noticed his reticence and waved her hand in front of his eyes.
• Goodness! How dare she reprimand me in my presence?
• Carson clenched his teeth, convinced that the girl in front of him and her entire family were fools!
• Observing the fury etched on his face, Raelynn hesitated, "What's wrong? And where's my durian?"
• What? After tattling on me, she has the audacity to demand her share of food from me?
• If it weren't for the concern of maintaining his gentlemanly demeanor in front of his mom, he would have reprimanded Raelynn.
• "Outrageous!" Carson muttered as he headed for the kitchen to seek solace in Wendalyn's presence.
• He needed to unravel the mystery surrounding Raelynn's relationship with Wendalyn.
• Meanwhile, Raelynn remained rooted in place, perplexed by her usually affectionate brother's uncharacteristic behavior.
• Her mind buzzed with questions, her brow furrowed in confusion. "Does he mean no durian? Is it sold out?"
• Honestly, if it's sold out, then let it be. Why take it out on me?
• ...
• Upstairs, on the 27th floor.
• With a somber expression, Timothy entered the room, punching in the password, followed closely by Calvin.
• The door clicked shut behind them as Timothy shed his coat.
• Despite scouring every inch of the room, Carson was nowhere to be found.
• His aura turned even more foreboding, his temples throbbing with tension.
• His mischievous son had become increasingly unruly over the past two years as he grew older.
• "He couldn't have gotten far with those short legs of his," Timothy uttered grimly.
• Resuming his coat, he prepared to descend the stairs in search of Carson.
• "Mr. Maberry, perhaps I should have been the one to locate Mr. Carson," Calvin cautiously suggested.
• "You? Even if you did find him, did you honestly believe he'd heed your words?" Timothy responded with a sardonic remark before striding out.
• As fortune would have it, upon descending the stairs, he immediately spotted a diminutive figure emerging from the neighborhood convenience store, laden with groceries.
• Suppressing his ire, he hastened his pace and seized Cayden's arm. "Hmph! You still manage to stock up on supplies while running away from home, huh?"
• Cayden wore a puzzled expression.
• Only upon closer scrutiny did he recognize the familiar figure from the airport—the irritable man.
• "Sir, while it's true we bear a striking resemblance, I believe you are mistaking me for someone else..."
• "Still feigning ignorance? Did you truly believe I wouldn't recognize you simply because you changed your attire? Cease with the deceit! I can see you want me to teach you a lesson."
• Timothy dispensed with further words, lifting Cayden and administering a light swat to his rear before retreating indoors.
• Cayden was instantly dumbfounded, writhing, "You abductor! Let go of me!"
• Abductor?
• "I'm your father!"
• Timothy bellowed, applying more pressure.
• Securing the small figure, he allowed no opportunity for resistance.
• Once within the confines of the room, Timothy placed Cayden down and wrinkled his nose at a foul stench. "What on earth did you buy?"
• Cayden surveyed the room, pondering, An abductor can hardly inhabit such a refined abode; this man must have misidentified me. Alas, he is truly pitiable, scarcely reaching middle age yet already experiencing cognitive decline. Not only is he prone to mistaking individuals, but he also fails to recognize durians.
• Cayden braced himself and endeavored to educate, replying, "Sir, this is a durian, native to Malteryn. It's a renowned tropical fruit..."
• What absurdity is he spouting?
• Timothy's temples throbbed even more intensely.
• "That's enough!" he interjected sharply, massaging his temples, then ushering Cayden a few steps toward an open door. "Go in! If your assignments remained incomplete, you would remain confined."
• Cayden instinctively gazed toward the door.
• The tabletop was strewn with workbooks.
• Upon closer inspection, he found "Progress in Mathematics," "Introduction to Poetry" – all exercises he completed at the tender age of three.
• He sighed. Alas, like father, like son. Not only is this man's cognitive function deteriorating, but his son also lacks acumen...
• Observing Cayden standing motionless, seething, Timothy forcefully guided him into the room and secured the door. He gently rubbed his nose bridge and proceeded to the study.
• Calvin awaited him respectfully in the study.
• Reclining in his chair, Timothy inquired, "What updates do we have on Arwen?"
• "It is confirmed, she did indeed return today, but we failed to intercept her. It is probable she alters her appearance, eluding our detection..."
• Timothy grunted, "Any other developments?"
• "They just discover that Arwen is a single mother, and she arrives with two children."
• Timothy raised an eyebrow in astonishment, momentarily recalling something before it slipped from his mind.
• He shut his eyes. "Review the airport surveillance footage. Identify all individuals matching the description."
• Given her presence at the airport was established, it was implausible that she could have vanished without a trace.
• "Yes, I'll commence immediately." Calvin bowed and exited.