Chapter 50 - Pretentious Old Fart

The young Roderick was slouching as he stepped into the room, while his dad had strolled in the Zero's door with confident strides, walking in grandly like he knew who was more superior, who held the power in this room. 

Lord Zero was already waiting inside. Besides being consumed by old age, this man had not changed much over the years. He still bore the same weak chin and the same old hairstyle, though one could see how the gray color had overcome the once black hair. 

The beady sapphire eyes had sparkled when they landed on them and a smile stretched too wide was starting to cause Zeke to shift uncomfortably. All in all, this old man was not a pretty sight to see, even in sophisticated regalia. 

A young woman was seated beside him. Clement. 

The younger woman with shining black hair that fell over her shoulder and tumbled down her waist with the same shade of sapphire that shone with intelligence if he ignored the tint of disdain that danced within. Her lips were painted red and the dress she wore only emphasized the color ever more. 

She looked much more like a regal compared to her father. 

However, Zeke couldn't care less about the two look-alike Alpha sitting in the large ċhėsterfield sofa in the middle of the room. His jade eyes had zoomed into the figure standing straight at the back of the sofa, just right behind where Clement was sitting. 

Zeke sighed as he looked at Jian Yu. The sight was just so breath-taking. Soft white hair that was brushed back carelessly, leaving the bangs falling over his forehead down to his left cheek. 

'Oh, his hair has grown,' Zeke noticed how the white hair had grown past the beta's pretty nape. Would he tie his hair if it grew longer? Zeke could definitely do it for him. He could help him dry his hair too, slip his fingers and massage his scalp for him-- 

Zeke was snapped out of his inner future domestic life plan when his dad suddenly strode over in front of him towards the opposite sofa but not before pinching his side where the older Roderick knew will hurt the most, making the youngster hissed in pain. 

"It is an honour to be here, Lord Zero." The Lord of Roderick greeted with as much elegance as he could muster. "Your taste is as splendid as ever." 

He kept his shoulders tight, trying to give an impression. If he heard an audible snort, he ignored it completely.

Malakhi Zero's smile widened even more at the praise. "Welcome, welcome! I learn from the best, Lord Roderick." He raised from his sitting position and reached out for Derek's hand. Once he grabbed hold of them, he shook those hands vigorously. 

"I would like to introduce you to my beautiful daughter, Clementine," The older Zero gestured towards his daughter who was sipping the tea silently that was served on the small table. She had not moved at all, but at least now, she finally raised her eyes and offered them a small nod. 

Derek stepped to the side to reveal his son. "And this is--" 

"You must be Zeke!" Malakhi Zero exclaimed, eagerly taking one of the dumbfounded young Alpha's hands into his own and shook. "Son! I have heard a lot about you, all good stuff, of course!" 

Derek felt a vein pop somewhere and twitched. 'Who are you calling son, huh? That is my SON!' 

"You win the tournament almost every year! How many times had it been? Four? Five times in a row? I'm sure this time you will rightfully claim it again!" The Lord of Zero laughed and clapped his hands together. 

A faint blush appeared on Zeke's cheeks as he rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. 'Ah, there goes my secret.' He pouted inwardly. He had planned on faking his skills if he and the Beta over there ever faced each other. 

He glanced slightly to the side, using his peripheral vision and his heart almost warmed at the sight. The silver-haired Beta was looking at him with eyes that were filled with awe. Jian Yu didn't even look at him that way when he was stabbed! 

Zeke curled his eyes upwards, crinkling them on the sides as he thanked Lord Zero. "Ah, thank you, Lord Zero. but you must be exaggerating, it really wasn't anything like that--" 

"Nonsense!" Lord Zero exclaimed again. "That's what I expected from my future son-in-law! Then I shall worry no more about ȧssassinations in the future with you by my daughter's side!" 

As if a bomb was dropped, the whole place became silent. Zeke carefully slipped his hand out of Lord Zero's grasp. "Uhh…" 

"That," Derek suddenly started. "That is something we should discuss. That is why we are here, after all." 

Drawling, he glanced towards Lynn. "However, I am sure we are able to conduct this with just the two of us." 

Lynn immediately raised his eyebrow in return, indicating 'what the hell are you doing?' before shaking his head. Derek merely winked at him. 

"Oh, oh, certainly," Lord Zero clapped his hands and Zion appeared in an instant. "Please give our guest a tour, while I and Lord Roderick discuss our business." 

The older Zero turned to his daughter, but before he could utter a single word out, Clement waved her father off and stood up, patting and straightening her dress, she walked out of the door without even glancing back, her beta butler in her toes. 

Zion ushered Zeke and Lynn out, who exchanged uneasy and worried glances, mostly Lynn, but they followed Zion nevertheless. Derek smiled cheerfully and waved them off. His precious butler gave him one worried look before leaving. 

Zeke actually looked confused. He thought he was supposed to be included in the discussion as he was one of the objects inside, he wanted to have a say in it; however he just shrugged, stuff hands in pocket, and strolled after Zion. 

Derek smiled at Malakhi once everyone was gone. Lord Zero gestured to the seat opposite him and Derek complied, sitting leisurelessly on the comfortable sofa. 

For once, Derek had taken his idiotic son's suggestion and prepared his speech and spell he was going to cast on Zero on his palm. He felt like rubbing his palms together and grin maniacally and wickedly-- 

After an hour. 

--He gave up. This guy was nuts. Everytime he tried to steer the topic back to the marriage contract, this bastard skillfully avoid the topic as if he knew whatever Derek was planning if they continued down the road. 

But Derek knew he had to get it done today, for his son's sake. 

That brat better be grateful for what he had gone through today, dealing with a god-tier pretentious old fart was totally not in his agenda.