CHAPTER 416: LOST A LOVING FAMILY

"What? Boss’s father is undergoing treatment?" Aiden’s eyes widened in shock as he stared at Roger, who had just delivered the unexpected news. "But he never mentioned a word about it."

"That’s because he didn’t know either," Roger replied with concern etching his face. "He and Layla only found out this morning."

Aiden leaned forward as his brows furrowed. "What stage is it?"

"Stage two," Roger said, taking a slow sip of his iced latte before continuing. "The doctor has recommended immediate surgery. It’s already scheduled for next week. I don’t think Boss and Layla will be coming into the office until then."

"I hope the surgery goes smoothly," Aiden said, his voice heavy with worry. "Did he tell you the exact date? We should go to the hospital and be there for him."

"It’s next Thursday," Roger confirmed with a nod. "Boss didn’t talk much about it, but I could tell he was shaken. He’s scared, even if he won’t admit it. After everything he’s been through... he was finally starting to live a life free of constant worry."

Aiden couldn’t agree more to it. "Boss and his family will get through this," he said. "All we can do is pray for his father’s speedy recovery."

"Hm," Roger murmured, finishing the last sip of his iced latte before leaning back in his chair. A brief silence settled between them before he asked casually, "Are you and Sylvia seeing each other?"

Aiden blinked, caught off guard. "What?"

"I saw you two at a restaurant last night," Roger replied. "Varya and I happened to be there too."

"We’re not dating," Aiden clarified quickly. "Sylvia just wanted to treat me to dinner, her way of celebrating a small milestone in her startup. You remember I told you she’s starting over from scratch."

Roger didn’t reply, so Aiden added, "She also mentioned that her conversation with Luca left a strong impression on her the last time they met."

He paused, observing Roger’s expression closely, but it was difficult to read what he was really thinking.

"I want Sylvia to move on with her life too," Roger said, his voice turning deeper. "Even though she always saw me as the man who lied to her... I never wished her harm. I still don’t. It just caught me off guard, seeing you have dinner with her. You’ve always kept your distance from her."

Aiden leaned back slightly on his seat. "Sylvia’s the youngest among us, and honestly, I don’t think any of us really understood her, or women in general. She carries this fire inside her... sometimes it comes across as aggression. But it’s rooted in loss. Unlike us, she didn’t just grow apart from her family, she lost a loving family. The trauma started there, and I think everything since has been her way of surviving."

Roger looked away for a moment, processing Aiden’s words in silence.

"You are right," Roger agreed with him.

"I’m happy for you, Roger. Varya returned to you. We didn’t get time to even talk about all these things, no?" Aiden remarked with a chuckle.

"Varya is an amazing woman. She is strong, wise and independent. I always knew women are amazing, but living with Varya I found so many things and my perspective regarding people turned broader," Roger said with a small smile.

"I’m waiting for the day of your marriage invitation," Aiden said.

"Soon! Well, I’m ready to marry Varya anytime, but she has to settle a few things in Russia. It is taking more time than usual, but once it’s done, I’m going to propose to her," Roger asserted.

"That will be nice," Aiden said. He glanced at the watch and realized they were in the cafe for almost an hour.

"We talked a lot in an hour," Roger said, looking at his own watch.

"Yeah. Time to head home," Aiden said, pushing back his chair as the two men stood and exited the cafe, parting ways as they each drove back to their respective homes.

When Aiden reached his apartment complex, something caught his attention. In the dim glow of the garden lights, he spotted Sylvia with a man near the benches in the society’s garden. His steps slowed, and he remained glued to his place, observing them from a distance.

"Are they arguing?" he muttered to himself, narrowing his eyes.

Sylvia seemed visibly upset. She turned to walk away, but the man abruptly grabbed her arm, holding her back. She flinched, clearly uncomfortable, and tried to pull away, but he didn’t let go.

Aiden didn’t remain standing anymore and walked to them.

"Let go of me, Josh!" Sylvia sternly told him. When he didn’t listen, she grasped his wrist with the other hand and twisted it.

Aiden halted at his place seeing how Sylvia used her own strength.

"Ahh!" Josh winced in pain. He tilted his head over his shoulder and saw Sylvia right behind him, "You better leave and never show me your face again. This is the last chance I’m giving you." She pushed him away and Josh faltered before falling on the ground.

Sylvia turned around and saw Aiden before her. However, she didn’t wish to explain anything to him. She brushed past him straight to the building.

Josh stood up and turned to look for Sylvia when Aiden blocked his path.

"Don’t harass Sylvia," he warned Josh.

"Who the fuck are you?" Josh asked. "Did she sleep with you too?"

Aiden clenched his fists hard and grabbed Josh closer by his collar. "Have you heard about mafias? I’m one of them. You better stay miles away from Sylvia."

Josh heart rapidly raced in fear. He tried to pull away but couldn’t get off Aiden’s grip.

"I will," Josh promised.

"You better stay true to your words," Aiden stated and shoved him away. Josh staggered but he balanced himself. "Ah–I forgot to tell you. Sylvia and I are seeing each other." Without waiting for Josh’s response, Aiden headed inside the same building, where Sylvia went.