Chapter 161: Athena

What the-!?

A baby girl sat in front of me wearing a baby pink colored romper. She was wearing a head band on her head even though she barely had any hair. Her pale skin was highlighting the natural light pink blush on her chubby cheeks.

I couldn't believe my eyes for a few seconds.

Am I still asleep? I shook my head. I wouldn't be thinking that if I was, so I took a step out to see if there was anyone there but the hallway was empty, all the while the baby kept her big round eyes on me, staring at me with utmost interest.

I looked down at her again and she immediately threw her arms up, as if asking me to pick her up.

I was pleasantly surprised at her action. It was adorable and the most important part, it was a first.

Kids or babies never really come to me and I always knew that it was because of my aura. I knew my demeanor was too heavy for kids so I never really bothered with them either. I wasn't particularly fond of babies. No, I don't hate them but I'm just not fond of them because they cry easily, especially if they see something they don't like.

Maybe there's something wrong with this kid.

"Ooo." She flapped her hands in the air in protest.

"Okay, fine." I sighed, "But don't you dare cry once you're in my arms." I picked her up and looked at her, "How did you end up here?"

She just pouted while sticking out her inner lower lip a bit and looked back at me with eyes wide open.

I snickered, "Does that mean you don't know." I started walking and making my way to the stairs, "Or you don't want to tell me?"

"Omm." She ignored me and turned her head back to look at the hallway.

"Okay… Whatever you find interesting."

It was sort of surprising that she didn't cry in my arms or struggle at all. I was never fond of kids but she made me come to a conclusion that I like calm babies.

I descended the stairs and noticed that the third floor was quite active. All the maids and butlers were running around frantically as if there was something wrong but as soon as they saw me they all froze.

I stopped in the middle of the stairs while they held their breaths. They all seemed to be acting a bit awkward. I could sense a tension between all of them but I had no idea why or what it was.

"Who is this child?" I pointed at the baby and looked at the servants but didn't get an answer for a few moments.

The servants exchanged glances awkwardly and then finally one of them answered.

"We don't know sir…"

I sighed and went to the second floor. It was quite odd that all the residents and non-residents of the mansion were awake this early and on job.

The second and first floor was filled with similar commotion like the third's but as soon their eyes landed on me and the baby sitting on my left arm they all froze.

This is just plain weird. How come the reaction is same?

I know it's because of the baby, they wouldn't stop because of me.

"Who brought this child here?" I addressed them all while I stood on the stairs of the first floor, "Answer me honestly."

All my men and workers were there except Caesar. Made me wonder where he was, did he come back yesterday night or not?

"I-it was me." My gaze travelled to the owner of the voice as he stepped forward.

"Ben?" I really wasn't expecting him.

He looked down in shame, "I'm sorry Arius. You know my wife is sick and I couldn't find a nanny and somehow ended up bringing her with me." He wasn't meeting my gaze at all.

"She's your daughter?" I asked him.

"Yes," He nodded while still looking at the ground, "She's my daughter, Athena."

Athena… I glanced at the baby. It suits her.

Then I looked back at Ben and sighed, "What are you going to do now?"

"I um, I don't know." He glanced up at me, "I mean you're sending me to Russia."

"Oh God!" I rubbed my temples with my free hand, "Is that why you were reluctant to go? You should have told me. I told you if you had a problem you could ask me personally."

"Yes," He but his lower lip, "I wanted to but you fell asleep quite early and I didn't want to wake you and I thought I might find a nanny for her but-"

"But?"

"She's very picky with people."

I looked at Athena, she was staring at Ben, "Dada?"

I sighed again, "Take her, she's calling for you."

Ben stepped forward but just as he was about to take her Athena made a U-turn and stuck to me.

I will not lie, that was surprising.

"She's taken a liking to you." He stated, "She barely ever likes anyone."

I looked at her again and she looked back at me, "Your dad says you like me."

"Un!" She agreed enthusiastically and I took it as a compliment.

"But I'm not a kid person so go back to him." She ignored me and threw her arms around my neck and clung to me.

I won't deny it was a cute feeling but I can't have children in the mansion.

"She really likes you…" Ben said in a low voice.

"Lee," I spotted him among the crowd, "See if you can arrange a babysitter."

"Yes." He bowed and left.

"Ben." I started.

"Yes?"

"I would never have allowed a child, especially a baby to stay here but since it's you, I'll give you some time. Have some arrangements made for her before you leave for Kazan."

"Yes, right away!"

"Everyone else can leave too." Everyone started to disperse when I looked at Athena, "Let go of me and stick to your father."

She just held my collar in response.