Chapter: 545

Stunned, Jonathan found himself at a loss for words. He had never dealt with children before.

Nearby, Nikolas chuckled loudly. "See, Jonathan, this is your son! He's left you speechless!"

Jonathan gazed at the boy, trying to find any trace of someone else in his features.

But Rowan was the spitting image of Jonathan, with no visible traces of Bethany. Perhaps because he was still so young.

“Did your mother tell you I'm your father?" Jonathan inquired cautiously.

Rowan pouted, shaking his head. "No."

“Then what's your mother's name?" Jonathan persisted.

Rowan's brow furrowed with impatience. “Why does that matter? You just need to know I'm your son, and that you need to take me to your home!"

Rowan believed if he was in Jonathan's home, he could find the flaws in his company.

Just as Jonathan was on the verge of saying something, Nikolas cut him off, keen to dodge any potential clash between father and son.

“Hey, Jonathan, cut the kid some slack. He just met you. It's natural for him to be cautious. Why don't you take some time to get to know each other better? But for now, how about we grab something to eat? I'm starving, and he probably is too."

Nikolas then shot Rowan a wink.

Rowan nodded reluctantly. “Yeah, I could eat."

"Alright then." Jonathan was at a loss what to say or do with his son around, but thankfully, Nikolas was there to smooth over the rough edges.

Upon arriving at the restaurant, Jonathan ordered a variety of dishes, uncertain of what children preferred.

While Rowan ate in silence, Nikolas leaned in and murmured to Jonathan, "Just so you know, your son is something of an internet prodigy!"

Jonathan gave him a sidelong glance. “I've had my suspicions."

"Really?"

“The software meltdown? I suspect he was behind it."

It suddenly clicked for Nikolas. "I wouldn't have guessed if you hadn't brought it up. You really have some extraordinary genes in you."

Jonathan responded with a wry smile, “Maybe you should try having your own."

"Ugh! No thanks! My kid might not turn out as sharp!" Nikolas laughed, his tone playful. “Your son's quite the little grown-up. You don't have any parenting experience. How about I take him off your hands?"

Suddenly, Nikolas seemed to have shed his previous aversion to children.

He had grown quite fond of Rowan. A lot, actually.