After their classes, Flynn and Dylan were planning to head straight to Mary's restaurant again when they noticed Wilson waiting for them near where their scooter was parked.
"What are you doing here again?" Dylan asked, annoyed.
"Apologies, Young Master. I was just sent by your father. He wishes to speak with you," Wilson explained.
Dylan had no idea what his father could be thinking or why he suddenly wanted to talk, but he figured it might be good to hear him out after a few months—it might finally put an end to his father's nagging.
"Flynn... you go home first. Take the scooter with you," Dylan said.
"My apologies, Young Master. What I meant to say is that your father wishes to speak with both of you, Sir Flynn and you, Young Master," Wilson clarified.
Flynn and Dylan exchanged glances. Flynn simply nodded, signaling that he agreed to go along.
-
The dinner was quiet, with only the soft strains of classical music filling the private restaurant that Anna had arranged for them. She had chosen a small, square table so that everyone could sit close together, making conversation easier. Xavier sat at one side, with Anna on his left and Flynn on his right. Across from Xavier, directly facing him, were Dylan.
Despite the peaceful atmosphere, Flynn felt a little awkward as Dylan busied himself with serving food onto his plate.
"Dylan, that's enough. I already have plenty on my plate," Flynn whispered, nudging him slightly.
Dylan didn't even glance at him, continuing to carefully arrange the dishes.
When Anna reached to place some vegetables on Flynn's plate, Dylan immediately intercepted them with his fork and transferred them to his own plate.
"Flynn isn't eating that," Dylan said matter-of-factly, adding another dish to Flynn's plate.
"It's kind of amusing to watch. You two are really close. Dylan actually knows my nephew better than I do," Anna remarked, smiling softly. But the table remained silent. Anna gave a small, awkward smile before returning to her own meal.
"Ahemmm..." Xavier let out a pointed throat-clearing, the kind meant to slice straight through the awkward quiet surrounding them.
Flynn and Dylan, who had been quietly jousting with their utensils—Dylan sneaking food onto Flynn's plate and Flynn refusing each time—instantly straightened up in their seats when Xavier's voice cut through the silence.
"We're getting married next month," Xavier finally said. But it seemed neither of them heard him, for there was no reaction from either Flynn or Dylan—they just continued eating..
Noticing Xavier's awkward pause, Anna quickly followed up. "Uhmm... we were expecting you both to come," she said, attempting to ease the tension.
"Is that the only reason you dragged us here?" Dylan asked flatly.
"First of all, Sir Xavier, congratulations on your upcoming wedding. I wish the two of you all the best," Flynn said politely.
"Just call me Uncle," Xavier replied.
"Thank you for the invitation, Uncle Xavier," Flynn continued with a small, polite smile. "For your information, I stopped considering Anna as my aunt a long time ago. So I don't think my presence at your wedding is necessary."
Dylan couldn't help the smirk spreading across his face, clearly proud of Flynn's sharp yet composed response.
"I expected you to say that," Xavier said. "And that's fine. But actually... the real reason I wanted to see you is about your education."
Flynn lifted his gaze, silent but attentive.
"I know Anna has long been planning to send you abroad to study, and I know you've rejected the offer. But I wanted the chance to speak with you personally. Now that Anna is going to be my wife, and as her only nephew, I consider you like my own nephew too. I know things weren't good between you in the past, but maybe you can give her a chance to make up for it. And think about it, you're a smart kid. It would be a waste not to cultivate your skills. Studying at a good university abroad will open a better future for you. Both you and Dylan."
"Thank you for your concern about my future, Uncle, but I'm not aiming for any luxurious lifestyle," Flynn replied calmly. "I'm already content with what I have. And I believe that no matter which school I attend, my skills will still guide me to the better future you're talking about. So I don't need your help. But thank you." Flynn replied calmly.
Dylan's smirk only grew wider as he continued eating. amused and proud at Flynn's firm answer. He hadn't expected Flynn to respond so confidently to his father.
"That goes for me too," Dylan chimed in.
Xavier let out a long sigh. "I understand. Not now, perhaps. But I hope you think about it carefully."
Then he turned to Dylan. "As for you—you have no choice. Whether you like it or not, you're inheriting the company someday, so you're going to study abroad."
Dylan shot him a sarcastic smirk. He didn't bother arguing; nothing he said would matter to his father anyway.
Anna stepped in, smiling gently.
"Flynn, I hope you can really think about it. And by the way—since you and Dylan are close and already go to the same school, why don't you stay together at Dylan's apartment? That way, it'll be easier for me to look after both of you while you're deciding on college."
"I'm done eating," Flynn said, pushing back his chair. "And I think my answers tonight are clear enough. I'll be going ahead."
The moment Flynn stood, Dylan immediately followed.
"I'm done too," he said before walking out with Flynn.
Xavier and Anna were left behind. Xavier let out a short laugh—half amused, shaking his head as if he still couldn't believe how Flynn talked to him.
He had already noticed that Flynn and Dylan were similar in temperament, but Flynn's demeanor was something else—serious, direct, poised, and articulate. Despite everything, Xavier couldn't help but feel a bit impressed by the boy's determination and self-assurance.
"Your nephew is something else," Xavier murmured.
"I told you," Anna replied with a light laugh.
"I just hope he really thinks everything through. It would be a waste of his potential if he refuses our offer."
"I hope so too," Anna said softly.