The Disolate Scion

I'm sorry

The man's expression turned rigid, and all his concern vanished. He lingered momentarily before delivering a cold directive, "There's a first aid kit in the living room. Don't let others think we mistreat you."

Unconcerned about the origin of his injuries, he made his way up the stairs.

"I'm sorry."

Benton Vanderose paused in his steps, turning to look back.

His brows furrowed as he observed the delicate, somewhat pitiable figure, his lips maintaining a forced smile.

Facing the refrigerator, the young man's gaze dropped, his lips still carrying a strained smile. The distinct marks of five fingers were imprinted on his cheek, clearly the aftermath of a powerful blow.

A sense of unease welled up within Benton Vanderose, perhaps a mixture of regret and the familiar resemblance between the young man's face and Juelz's - a sight that tugged at his heart. He proceeded up the staircase with a stern expression, entering Juelz's room.

Amidst the cacophony of crashing items from the upstairs room, Zak casually flexed his numb, icy hand before withdrawing to his own room.

At morning, Zak stepped out of his room and spotted Juelz seated at the dining table.

Juelz pretended not to notice him, treating Zak as if he were invisible, completely ignoring his presence.

Unfazed, Zak took his seat, only for Juelz to suddenly burst out: "Mrs. Sears, I've finished breakfast. Please clear this away promptly."

Mrs. Sears emerged from the kitchen, her expression puzzled. "Second young master hasn't eaten yet. Could you wait for him?"

"I told you to clear it, so please do.” Juelz slammed his hand on the table, his gaze icy. "If you still wish to serve, then heed my words. I've finished eating, so please remove the dishes."

His tone was sharp, unaware of someone descending the stairs behind him.

Slightly taken aback by the outburst, Zak laid down his chopsticks and smiled at Mrs. Sears. "Go ahead, Mrs. Sears. I'll just have a glass of milk."

"And bring down the milk as well." Noticing Zak's composed demeanor, Juelz clenched his teeth.

"I haven't eaten yet." Benton Vanderose settled into the main seat, his expression darkening. "Juelz, have you forgotten my words so soon? Your behavior is deteriorating."

Juelz turned back and was startled by Benton Vanderose's stern expression. Using a respectful tone, he greeted, "Dad, good morning."

Zak began to rise, intending to leave, but Benton Vanderose kindly gestured for him to stay. "Sit down and eat. Skipping breakfast isn't advisable. Don't mind Juelz."

In a fit of anger, Juelz stormed off to his room, ignoring Samantha Elliott's inquiries.

"What's happening?" Samantha Elliott approached Benton Vanderose, but her gaze remained fixed on Zak.

"It's your indulgence that's making him more and more capricious," Benton Vanderose commented. Despite the words, his tone held no blame, only a sense of fondness.

Zak lowered his gaze, consumed a few bites casually, and then returned to his room.

"You're familiar with his personality. Why did you allow Zak to share a meal with him?" After Zak departed, Samantha Elliott settled into her seat, cut a piece of steak, and brought it to her mouth.

"Juelz tends to act on impulse. Even if he wants to reprimand someone, can he really resort to physical means? Moreover, you shouldn't have resorted to violence yesterday. What if this child were to accuse us publicly?" Benton Vanderose responded in a deep voice.

Samantha Elliott burst into laughter, placing her utensils back down. She casually commented, "Look at him, does he seem capable of something like that?"

Benton Vanderose let out a disdainful snort and said, "He's far from being composed. Nevertheless, talk to Juelz, make sure he doesn't exceed the boundaries."

Deep in their conversation, neither of them noticed that the door to the nanny's room had remained partially ajar since the beginning and was now fully shut.

Behind the closed door, Zak pursed his lips, his dark eyes exuding coldness.

He had initially thought Benton Vanderose might possess some conscience, but now he appeared to be no different from Samantha Elliott.

With this realization, Zak lifted his hand and touched his face.

Yesterday's slap had not been in vain. At the very least, it had caused Juelz some trouble, and it had illuminated the true nature of these people.

Zak stood up, retrieved the lifeline bank card Samantha Elliott had given him from his backpack, and placed it in a drawer.

Throughout the weekend, Zak remained confined in his room, with even his meals being delivered by Mrs. Sears. It was as if the house was unaware of his presence, and nobody cared even though he hadn't stepped out.

Monday was overcast, the type of day that appeared poised to rain at any given moment.

Before heading out, Zak grabbed an umbrella and got into the car, instructing the driver to take him to school.

Perhaps following Juelz's instructions, the driver remained stationary, his face showing hesitation.

Zak opened the car door and stepped out, using the umbrella to shield himself as he walked for about fifteen minutes, eventually reaching the closest bus stop.

After half an hour, the bus pulled up at the school gate. Zak removed his headphones and disembarked from the bus.

Outside, a light drizzle had started to fall at some point. Zak opened his umbrella and had only taken a few steps when someone unexpectedly slipped under the umbrella, standing beside him.

"...I forgot my umbrella. Mind if I walk with you?" a guy from the bus suggested. "I actually attend the same school as you."