Chapter 65

In the lush garden, Rodger reclined in a rocking chair, swaying gently as he immersed himself in a book.

A fluffy white puppy, tongue hanging, frolicked around him in playful circles.

Julian had informed Rodger ahead of time that he and Yvonne would be visiting the Powell estate today, and he had already brought Snowy along.

Rodger sipped his coffee, then leaned down to scoop the pup onto his lap, and said with a warm grin,"You're an absolute delight, little one. I can't wait for the day Yvonne and Julian give me a great-grandchild to cuddle!"

"Rodger..." Yvonne's voice carried a hint of fond exasperation as she stepped into the garden, arm linked with Julian's. Her eyes widened briefly at the sight of Snowy, her grip on Julian tightening.

It hit her instantly-Julian had made all the arrangements, even bringing Snowy, without consulting her.

Still, she swallowed her irritation, keeping up the facade of a devoted couple.

Julian felt the sudden pressure on his arm and glanced at her, his throat bobbing as he opened his mouth to speak, but Yvonne had already released him.

Smiling, she approached Rodger and began massaging his shoulders gently. "How are you feeling today,Rodger?"

"Better than ever. Seeing you two works wonders on me,"Rodger replied, humming contentedly as he closed his eyes.

Yvonne's gaze drifted to the book in his hands, and she shook her head slightly, almost imperceptibly.

The title read, "Strategies to Strengthen Marital Relationships."

Glancing at the table, she spotted more books with titles like "Enhancing Connection for Young Couples"and "Fostering Intimacy in Modern Relationships". Her cheeks flushed as she quickly averted her eyes, hesitating before asking, "Why are you reading these books?"

Julian's attention shifted to the stack, his eyes narrowing. A faint crack appeared in his usual calm, and he nearly reached up to pinch the bridge of his nose.

With surprising agility for his age, Rodger snatched a newspaper and draped it over the books. Smiling brightly, he sidestepped the question. "How long are you two staying? Is there anything you need? I can have it arranged."

Julian's brow furrowed as he noticed the unusual quiet of the estate. "Grandpa, where is Dario? And the rest of the staff? Why is no one around?"

Dario Mason, the ever-present butler of the Powell estate, was nowhere to be seen.

Rodger arched an eyebrow, sipping his coffee with deliberate calm. "I gave them all a week's leave. They've been working hard,you know."

Julian and Yvonne froze, their faces mirroring disbelief. "Then who is handling the cooking and cleaning?"Julian asked, incredulous.

Rodger's tone was light, almost playful. "That would be you, my boy."

"Me?" Julian, rarely rattled, pointed at himself, stunned.

"I've read up on the latest trends. Stay-at-home husbands are all the rage. I'm going to shape you into a stellar husband, son, and grandson over the next seven days!" Rodger said with a gleam in his eye.

Julian pinched the bridge of his nose, exasperated, and turned to leave.andpa,I've got the company to run.I can't stay."

He couldn't just abandon the Powell Group's business, which was worth tens of billions, to play as a stay-at-home husband. To him, that would be utterly crazy.

But before he could take a step, Rodger's measured words stopped him."I've already-cleared it with the board. You're working from home this week." Julian spun back, a sigh escaping as he prepared to argue the sheer lunacy of it. Just then, a pink apron flew toward him.He-caught it reflexively, his lips twitching as he registered what it was.

Rodger's grin was mischievous. "I'm hungry. How about you get started on dinner? Yvonne and I are eager to taste your handiwork."