Felix beamed, pulled a silly face at the housekeeper, and chirped to Wren, “Thanks, Granduncle Wren!”
“No need to thank me.”
Wren’s eyes were awash with indulgent affection; he failed to notice Nathaniel walking in with his wife and children.
Nathaniel, for his part, had not expected Robert to arrive with his own family as well.
Elliot and Jonathan had just overheard and witnessed the scene inside. Apparently, the toys Wren gave them could be handed to other kids whenever he pleased.
Since returning to the Rainsworth residence, Elena had spoiled the two boys relentlessly. Elliot, bristling on behalf of his divorced grandmother, decided to stage a little tantrum and marched straight up to Felix.
“No way, that toy is mine!”
With one swift grab, Elliot snatched the toy from Felix’s hands.
Felix froze, utterly stunned.
Wren hurried to mediate, saying, “Eli, I’ll buy you another one later. Let Felix play with this for now, okay?”
But Elliot was no pushover; he instantly protested, “Grandpa, didn’t you say these toys were bought especially for my brother and me? You already gave them to us. How can you turn around and give them to somebody else?”
The little boy’s words left Wren speechless.
Elliot pressed on, “Grandpa, you can’t keep re-gifting like that, or my brother and I won’t like you anymore.”
Once again, embarrassment colored Wren’s face.
Felix, however, kept sneaking glances at the toy in Elliot’s hand.
“Granduncle Wren just said it was mine. Give it back!” he demanded.
He reached out to snatch it.
Although Elliot was healthy again, he was still smaller than Felix. He darted backward at once, keeping the other boy from touching him.
Jonathan rushed forward and planted himself in front of his brother.
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