Before Zane could speak up for himself, Douglas barreled toward Sonia and wrapped his arms around her waist, thereafter whining, “Aunt Sonia, Uncle Zane was pinching me!”

Sonia’s eyes narrowed into dangerous slits as she surveyed Zane reproachfully.

Zane was quick to raise his hands, as though the gesture was symbolic of his innocence. “No, I did not! Why would I pinch the little guy? I was only teasing him.”

“Teasing him, you say? So, why are his cheeks all red?” Her heart twisted as she soothingly caressed Douglas’ face, which was pink from the pinches. Then, she accusingly addressed Zane, “You’re just like Toby.”

At the mention of Toby, the playful glimmer in Zane’s eyes dimmed. “Toby?! What did he do?”

She rolled her eyes in exasperation and explained witheringly, “He practically kneaded Douglas’ cheeks until they were red last night. It’s always brute force when it comes to you men.”

His brows furrowed. “He kneaded Douglas’ face? Does that mean the both of you met Toby after I left last night?”

Sonia handed a spoon to Douglas and pulled up a chair at the table. “That’s right. Douglas was hungry, so I brought him out for food. We then ran into Toby at the restaurant. When Douglas needed to use the restroom, I was too embarrassed to bring him into the men’s room, so Toby brought him instead.”

“Oh, okay.” Zane nodded in understanding.

Meanwhile, Douglas was taking his oatmeal when he suddenly piped up, “Mr. Toby was hurt too.”

“Hurt?” Zane could not hide his shock as he looked over at Sonia. “How did that happen?”

She pinched the space between her brows in exhaustion as she began to narrate what had happened the night before.

After he heard the whole story, he rubbed his face and remarked, “There must have been some kind of jinx on you guys. I mean, the chances of stuff like this happening are practically slim-to none otherwise!”

A rueful smile played on Sonia’s lips. “Believe me, I know.” She thought they had been rather unlucky as well.

“You’re fortunate to have escaped unscathed,” he pointed out with a lopsided smile, his eyes meeting hers.

The corners of her lips slightly tipped up. “That’s only because Toby shielded me and was hurt instead. I’m still thinking about how I should thank him for it.” She didn’t want to show up at his place to deliver her thanks in person. If she did, a certain lunatic named Tina might very well

unleash chaos once more.

As though he read Sonia’s mind, Zane took a bite of the pancake and casually responded, “That should be easy. It’s not as if you were the one who forced him into saving you. Why don’t you rustle up a get-well-soon hamper or something and have someone send it over to him?”

“A get-well-soon hamper?”

I’d say that’s

rather sensible one and after she sipped her milk, she agreed with it. “I guess that works. I’ll have

breakfast was over, the three of

he took Douglas by the hand and stood in front of his car. Then, he glanced over at her meaningfully

and ruffled Douglas’ hair affectionately. With a small laugh, she added, “Besides, I like hanging out

too, Aunt Sonia. Can I come by again soon?” Douglas

course you can,” she promised, nodding

grinned at Douglas as he

excuse to see Aunt Sonia, you sly man. However, given how much he wanted Zane to triumph in his romantic pursuit, he

going to the hospital for the operation today?” Zane’s gaze flickered over

as she suppressed her heartache. A strained hum then escaped her before

will be present as well, but maybe I could lend an extra helping hand or something. Better to be safe than sorry, right?” he

mildly amused by his insistence. “Okay, then. You may

Zane waved his hand at her. “Right,

and waved

Douglas,” she responded

later and she did not stay

here is today’s schedule.” With that, the secretary began to detail

the schedule over and perused

so cancel the afternoon line-up,

would be staying in the hospital for a few days following the operation, which meant she would have to

Daphne nodded. “Yes, ma’am.”

when she turned and asked, “By the way, could you rustle up a get-well-soon hamper? Make sure to pack it with goodies, preferably for someone who needs a treat after injuring their feet. Have it

her surprise. Is President Reed trying to patch things up with President Fuller by

Sonia noticed Daphne’s expression, she knew instantly that Daphne misread her intentions. Sonia lowered her gaze and explained vaguely, “He’s hurt. Given that he’s our biggest collaborator, not to mention the man in charge of the alternative energy technology project, we should offer him our kindest wishes and concern as

a daze as she nodded her

heaving a quiet sigh of relief. However, she maintained her composure as she waved her hand, dismissing her secretary with a breezy,

Daphne nodded once and turned to

She had not elaborated on the cause of

it would be hard to explain why Sonia was hanging out with her ex-husband at the amusement park-and at night, no less. Even if she were to say that the meeting had been purely coincidental,

thoughts, Sonia pulled out her chair and sat down before she buried herself

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