The Lawyer’s Romance in Law
Chapter 178 Howard Refuses to Hand Over Aiden

Chapter 178 Howard Refuses to Hand Over Aiden

Amanda was slightly startled. What do you mean? Grandpa wouldn't go to such extremes, would he?

"You're exaggerating. I don't believe he would stoop to that extent="

Her words abruptly halted as Elias sneered contemptuously. "Do you think you comprehend my grandfather better than I do? When it concerns the Winters Family lineage, he's more ruthless than anyone else. She fell silent. Although she had always known that Howard was eagerly awaiting Aiden's birth, she contemplated whether he could be capable of such actions.

...

As night descended, Amanda and Elias planned to go to Winters Manor to pick Aiden up. Since the man had injured his foot, she took the driver's seat this time, with him sitting beside her as a passenger. While driving, her mind was consumed with thoughts of what to do if Howard refused to let her take Aiden home. Lost in her contemplation, she nearly ran a red light.

"Amanda, red light," Elias indifferently reminded her.

She snapped back to reality and quickly stepped on the brake.

"Don't lose focus while driving. It's dangerous. Remember, it's not just your sake but also Aiden," he advised sternly.

She humbly accepted his advice and nodded in agreement. Although she was well aware of the dangers of losing focus while driving, she found it difficult to prevent her mind from wandering.

After forty minutes, the car gradually stopped outside Winters Manor. Amanda unbuckled her seatbelt and turned to Elias. "Do you need any assistance getting out of the car?"

Unfastening his seatbelt, he pushed open the car door and exited. "No need. I'm not that weak."

After a night of rest and recovery, he showed noticeable improvement, and his walking appeared to be back to normal. She trailed closely behind him as they stepped into the Winters Manor. The butler, Oscar Pate, noticed their arrival and greeted them with a smile. "Mr. Elias, Miss Bailey, welcome."

"Where are Grandpa and Aiden?" asked Elias.

"Old Mr. Winters is digging soil in the garden with Aiden."

Elias' expression turned to one of disgust. "What? Bring Aiden over immediately. He must be all dirty from digging."

For him, a clean freak, digging soil was exceptionally filthy. The thought of being covered in dirt all over was far from enjoyable to him.

Smiling, Oscar replied, "I'll inform Old Mr. Winters right away. Please wait in the living room."

Elias and Amanda went to the living room and settled on the couch. Shortly after, the servants brought them two cups of hot tea.

"Aren't you overthinking this? Would he intentionally hide Aiden from us?" she questioned. She believed that Howard was not the kind of person who would engage in such behavior, considering his consistent display of kindness and rationality.

Elias sneered. "Never speak too soon."

As soon as he finished speaking, Howard's voice came behind them. "Why did you come so soon? I was hoping to have more time with Aiden."

She turned around and called out, "Grandpa." However, even after searching for a while, she could not spot Aiden. That brat isn't still out digging soil in the garden, is he?

"Amanda, have you had dinner? Join me for a meal. It's ready."

"Well, we..." She wanted to decline politely since she intended to bring Aiden back home.

Unexpectedly, he resorted to emotional manipulation. "You wouldn't despise me and refuse to share a meal with me, would you?"

"No, no, that's not it... Alright, we'll have dinner with you. We don't have anything urgent to attend to either." Amanda quickly agreed, not wanting to hurt Howard's feelings. Observing her soft-heartedness, Elias could not help but chuckle. Seems like she still doesn't fully grasp Grandpa's character.

In the dining room, the three sat at the dining table with a variety of delicious delicacies. However, Amanda still did not see Aiden's presence and could not help but look at Howard. "Grandpa, where is Aiden? Call him to join us for dinner. We always have dinner together."

He smiled and responded, "No worries, children are playful. He's still enjoying himself in the garden. Let's go ahead and have our meal. Don't worry about him getting hungry. If he's hungry, the kitchen can prepare something for him anytime. Besides, these dishes might be too strong for him to handle."

Smiling in response, she fell silent and shifted her gaze to the composed figure beside her. She gradually sensed Howard's intentions, realizing he was deliberately trying to stall for time by any means necessary.

In response to her pleading gaze, Elias calmly said, "Let's eat. The chef here is skilled."

Amanda's anxiety grew, and she ate without much appetite.

After the meal, Howard showed no sign of allowing them to see Aiden. Instead, he engaged in conversations about unrelated topics. He started to reminisce about Elias' childhood. "I remember you were quite mischievous when you were a child, even more so than Aiden. He's more well-behaved than you were at his age. He always addresses me as 'Great-Grandpa' and is incredibly polite."

When it came to Aiden, Howard could not contain his smile. His mind was completely occupied with thoughts of playing with Aiden as soon as possible.

Amanda forced an awkward smile and could not help but interject, "Grandpa, it's getting late. Could you please bring Aiden here? It's time for him to come home. He has school tomorrow." "No need to rush. Let him play a little longer. I can also take him to school."

Howard's actions left her utterly speechless. Now, she understood the reason why Elias had insisted on accompanying her. If she had come alone, she would not have even caught a glimpse of Aiden. Feeling helpless, she turned to Elias beside her and pleaded for his help with her gaze once again. "Elias, do you think Aiden should stay here with Grandpa? It doesn't seem very practical, does it?" Her gaze and tone subtly conveyed the urgency for Elias to intervene and bring Aiden back with them. Of course, he understood her intentions and looked firmly at Howard. "Grandpa, enough with the games and hand Aiden over. It's time for us to take him home."

"You insolent brat, how dare you speak to me like that! What do you mean by handing Aiden over? Are you implying that I'm some kind of kidnapper? He's my great-grandson." Howard grew visibly angry and tapped the ground with his cane.

Amanda sat quietly on the side, not daring to speak up. It's best to let them resolve this matter themselves. I can't force Grandpa to hand Aiden over, either.

Elias' handsome face revealed a trace of impatience. "Grandpa, don't think I don't know what you're planning. Bring Aiden out. He's grown up with Amanda since childhood. He can't live without her for too long. It's fine for one night, but he'll cry tonight. You won't be able to comfort him. Understand?"

Howard fell silent. After a moment, he grumbled, "Why wouldn't I be able to console him? Children are easily amused. I can provide him with delicious food and entertainment, and he can stay content wherever he is."

He was determined not to let them take Aiden back.

Amanda grew anxious. "Grandpa, Aiden has been with me since he was a child. He can't sleep without me by his side. Please let me take him back. You can visit him anytime."