Chapter 393: Silent threats

'When did Uncle Martin return from Canada? Why didn't Jo tell me?' Noah wondered, while his feet took him towards the two men who seemed to be laughing over a matter he did not know. His sudden, unannounced appearance startled them and they stared at him for a few seconds before they burst out laughing again.

"Ah, Noah, when did you return?" Jonathan chided in between his smiles as he pulled the young man to sit beside him.

"A moment ago. When did you return from Canada, Uncle Martin?"

"Two days back," Martin replied, taking a sip of his tea, his wise eyes observing Noah carefully.

"Why didn't Joshua inform me of your return? I would have come to meet you soon if I had known about it."

"Don't. My boy doesn't know about me being here, yet." Martin replied in panic, his gaze turning serious all of a sudden.

"What? Why would you keep your return a secret from your own son?" Noah was confused by the man's words and he looked back and forth between the two older men.

"My son wanted me to stay in Canada for a few more weeks and he had even warned me to not return until he said so. But..." Martin lowered his head guiltily and Noah let out a helpless chuckle.

"But you returned against his words and now, you don't know how to face him. Am I right?"

Martin nodded and sighed lightly. "I couldn't not go against Hazel's words. She wanted to see her son badly and you know how bad her threats are." Martin looked like a lost kid, not knowing what to do. He was stuck between his wife and son and this time, Noah sympathized with him completely. "I don't know how to face him now that we have returned to the country."

"I might have a solution for that." Noah declared, his mind coming up with a wicked plan to torture Joshua. 'Why should I be the only one be pestered for kids? Let him go through the same treatment and demands I have to put up from my grandfather." A sinister smile made its way on his face and he looked at Martin calmly.

"What solution do you have for this? Tell me fast. Tell me." The man seemed excited all of a sudden and Jonathan chuckled, seeing his strange behavior. But he did not stop him from asking. He too wanted to know what solution Noah had come up with that could help Martin deal with his son. 

The Carters knew why Martin and Hazel had gone to Canada. After Joshua's previous failed relationship with Amber, he had gone into depression and unable to see her son this weak and miserable, Hazel had suggested moving to Canada until he returned to his happy self. Although Joshua did return to his usual self, he did not get into any serious relationships thereafter, nor was he interested in getting married. 

Every time, this topic was brought up, Joshua would end up getting frustrated and angry. So, the couple had decided to ward off the topic for a few months. But Joshua knew that this was a topic he had to face someday, and unable to gain the courage to do so, he had flown back to the city from Canada overnight. 

Although almost considerable time had passed since the issue, Joshua had prohibited his parents from returning home lest they should start pestering him regarding this issue again. Now that, his parents were back, Jonathan could not help but pity the boy as well as his parents for what lay ahead for them. While Jo would be pestered again, his parents too would have to face their son's anger for ignoring his requests and returning without informing him.

Seeing that he had both men's attention, Noah poured himself a cup of tea and leaned back leisurely, his face cryptic, yet arrogant. Martin and Jonathan waited for him to speak up. But after seeing his arrogance and silence, they could not wait any longer, especially Jonathan. 

"Why aren't you speaking? Tell us what idea do you have for Martin to tackle his son." Jonathan urged while Noah took a sip. Although he was not an avid lover of tea, he still loved the tea his grandfather drank. There was something different and unique in its taste compared to the other teas he had tasted.

'Why does this tea taste this excellent today?' Noah's gaze fell on his grandfather who seemed to be on tenterhooks to make him speak and get his answer. His grandfather's irked face was beyond entertaining for him and Noah decided to put the matter related to Mia for some time and have his share of fun. 'What do you think old man, only you could tease me and annoy me? See how I will take care of you.' 

Jonathan did not miss the look of provocation in his grandson's eyes and he blinked several times to see if he was imagining things. 'Why is he staring at me in a strange manner? Is he trying to incite some reaction from me?' He wondered, and widened his eyes asking Noah silently, 'What?'

Noah only chuckled, making the situation more mysterious, and finally, unable to control himself any longer, Martin snapped. "Noah, are you playing with us? Tell us if you have a solution to deal with ye son, or else..." He lowly threatened him, which did not affect the man in question anyway. He knew Martin was only vexed and he had no other intentions.

"Or else?" Noah lifted his eyebrows and tilted his head innocently, his eyes not leaving Jonathan. This time, the old man realized what was happening. His grandson was targeting him, not Martin. 'Are you targeting me?' He gritted his teeth and narrowed his eyes, questioning him silently.

'What if I am? What will you do?' Noah shrugged his shoulders indifferently, annoying him all the more.

'You...Wait, let me teach you a lesson.' Jonathan warned.

'And, how will you do that?'

'I will..I will...' Jonathan looked around, trying to find something or even someone who could help him deal with his stubborn of a grandson.

Noah smiled on realizing what was running in his head. 'You will do what?' He raised his eyebrows twice at him playfully, adding petrol to the fire.

Jonathan clenched his fists, breathing out fire through his nose. 'I will not back down. I need to... Wait a minute. I knew exactly what to do.' He then pulled out his phone and scrolled through it.

Noah observed the myriad of expressions that appeared across the old man's face and he waited in anticipation to see what he was up to. 'Try as you may, old man. This time, you cannot win me.' Oh boy, how wrong he was. As soon as Jonathan showed his phone to him, Noah's expression changed completely and he pulled forward at once.

'How did he? When did he...When did he get Aria's number?' Noah raised his eyes and noticed his grandfather's smug face, which was declaring war on him.

'If you will not speak even now, am I going to complain to Aria and she will take care of you.' 

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Hello everyone,

I apologize for the long delay in the updates. The last month had been quite stressful for me. Some mishap happened back home and it became very difficult for me to write. I hope you will forgive me this once and thank you for your patience.

Currently, I am preparing a stockpile for mass release. I will inform you about the same once I complete the chapters.

Thank you very much for your patience and sorry for the inconvenience.