The CEO Gets What He Wants

Chapter 722

Chapter 722 Do You Not Recognize Me

After more than two years apart, Zachary had grown significantly taller. Perhaps due to the incredible growth spurt during a boy's puberty, he now stood half a head taller than his twin sister.

His face was still strikingly handsome, and his eyes were more radiant than ever. On top of that, his natural curls made him look like a dashing little prince straight out of a fairy tale. One glance at the boy, and it'd be impossible for anyone to take their eyes off him. ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

Right there and then, however, Zachary was staring at Cayden with an incredibly complex gaze. He seemed excited, conflicted, and somewhat annoyed, which Cayden found slightly amusing.

He beckoned to Zachary as he spoke up, his tone stern and fatherly. “Come here. Don't you recognize your father anymore?”

After a moment's hesitation, Zachary walked calmly over to Cayden. “Daddy.”

In all honesty, he felt bitter toward Cayden. He resented him for not returning after such a long time, resented his absence that brought his mother so much hardship, and resented that while others had both parents, he and his sister seemed to be living in a single-parent household.

However, as soon as Cayden appeared, Zachary suddenly realized how much he had missed his father.

Cayden sighed softly as he ruffled his son's fluffy hair, his heart a tangled ball of emotions. “You and your sister used to call me 'Daddy,' but now that you've grown up, you're no longer the kid who'd do everything I say. I haven't been able to witness your growth for the past two years, and that's my fault. From now on, I'll always be with you guys.”

Zachary was one who rarely showed his emotions.

Especially in the last two years since his father's disappearance, he had grown even more withdrawn and composed.

Alas, when Cayden stroked his head as usual, Zachary, like his sister, threw himself into the former's arms and began sobbing.

“I really missed you, Daddy. Mommy, Rory, Cal, and everyone at home miss you too. Why did it take you so long to come back? Do you know how hard it was for Mommy while you were gone? Rory would often cry her eyes out, and Cal is always mischievous... It's good that you're back now. Our family is finally complete again. Daddy, please don't leave us again...”

“Be good, Zach. I was wrong, but I promise you that no matter what happens in the future, I'll never leave you guys again. Our family will always be together,” Cayden patiently coaxed as he patted his son's back.

As Avery watched the father and son embrace each other, it was a scene so warm and touching that she felt her eyes welling up with tears.

Truth be told, Zachary had always been a very sensible child. In the last two years, however, he became even more thoughtful and responsible that it tugged at Avery's heartstrings.

She had always thought he was incredibly well-behaved and never once caused her to worry like his younger siblings, which made her forget his actual age. In reality, he was still just a seven-year-old boy!

Since Avery was in a rush to return to the hospital in the afternoon, she thought a simple home-cooked meal would suffice. However, Jeffrey firmly disagreed.

Eager to celebrate the return of Cayden, Jeffrey invited several renowned hotel chefs and had them prepare a lavish feast.

Needless to say, lunch was wonderfully sumptuous.

The food on the table was beautifully presented and undeniably a feast for the senses. One glance was all it took to make one's mouth water.

Jeffrey sat at the large, round dining table while Lily and Kendrick took the seats on his right.

Next to Kendrick sat a charming woman who carried herself with poise and grace. She was stunningly dressed in the latest fashion, and the essence of the big city was perfectly embodied in her.

As it turned out, she was Rachel Daley, the woman Kendrick married two years ago and the precious daughter of the deputy governor, Graham Daley.

Since she had a premarital pregnancy while dating Kendrick, it was no surprise that Lily forced the latter to marry the mother of his child.

At first, Kendrick was adamantly against it. It was only when Lily attempted suicide by slitting her wrists that he was coerced into agreeing to the marriage.

However, life was anything but peaceful for Kendrick and Rachel after their marriage.

Not only were they wild at heart, but Kendrick had also never loved Rachel. To make matters worse, he was repulsed by the woman's fiery temper, controlling personality, and overwhelming jealousy.

Because of that, the two often came to blows, causing chaos in the Moore family. Lily would sometimes get so angry that her head hurt, but more often than not, she deeply regretted forcing her son to marry such a bossy and unreasonable woman.

Unfortunately, regret was futile. The idea of Kendrick divorcing Rachel was something Lily could never accept. She couldn't afford to offend Rachel's influential family, but more importantly, she refused to give the despicable Allie a chance to gloat. Therefore, all she could do was grit her teeth and bear it.

After their marriage, Kendrick and his wife each did their own thing. They displayed affection in front of others, but once they returned home, they were like strangers, which evoked a sense of sadness in those who knew them.

Between Rachel and Kendrick was a plush high chair, upon which sat a pretty little girl of about two years old.

The girl's name was Tatiana Moore, and she was the spitting image of Kendrick. Her face was sweet and tender, while her skin was fair and flawless. Alas, despite her young age, she had been so spoiled by Lily that she was extremely arrogant and overbearing.

On Jeffery's other side, Allie, Cayden, Avery, the twins, and Alina were seated together.

Compared to the atmosphere on Lily's end, things with Cayden and his family were much more peaceful and harmonious.

Cayden's considerate actions of serving food to Avery and his loving attitude toward her were a blatant display of affection in Rachel's eyes. That, naturally, made her green with envy.

She glared at Kendrick, only to find him happily tucking into his meal, making her so furious that she could hardly swallow her food.

The next second, Rachel nudged Kendrick and grumbled, “Look how well others treat their wives. What about you? All you care about is getting your fill. Are you a pig, or are you blind, Kendrick? Don't you know how to serve your wife and child food?”

“What a nuisance!” Kendrick retorted as he glanced at his wife and scooped up a spoonful of barbecued pork.

Rachel's heart leaped, but just as she was about to praise him, she saw him put the barbecued pork into Tatiana's bowl before pinching her face lovingly. “Eat more meat so you can grow taller, Tatiana. I'll take you kayaking next time.”

Even though Rachel was upset, she couldn't possibly vent her anger on her daughter. Thus, she had no choice but to suppress the rage crashing through her as she stared daggers at Kendrick.

Despite her attempts to get his attention, Kendrick ignored her and continued with his meal.

Just then, Tatiana scooped out the barbecued pork Kendrick had given her and threw it on the floor. She tilted her head arrogantly, a look of displeasure on her face. “I don't like barbecued pork. It's too fatty and oily. It's so disgusting! I want to eat what Zachary is eating!”

With that, she pulled the food in front of Zachary to her side while displaying an air of superiority like a queen, leaving the boy utterly speechless.

Oh, my goodness... Tatiana always pulls the same stunt during mealtimes. Even if it's food she doesn't like, she still wants to snatch them from me and Rory. How did Grandma Lily teach such a young girl to behave like this?

Meanwhile, Lily casually continued eating as if nothing was amiss. Of course, she was the reason Tatiana turned out like a brat, but that was because she couldn't stand Allie's family. If she couldn't bring them down in the more important matters, she was more than happy to cause them some minor inconveniences.

Cayden's eyes were ice as he glowered at Tatiana. Children were usually more sensitive, so when the latter saw such a stern uncle staring at her, she was so frightened that she burst into tears.