His Devious Rule

The quick footsteps caused the sales ladies to look at the little boy who was running towards the resting area holding a charcoal-colored, knitted scarf.

They looked at each other and realized they were following the wrong person all along. The real customer was the kid. Their envious gaze went on the woman who was following the little boy with a graceful smile.

Zane climbed on the couch grabbing Alvin's attention from his mobile. He wrapped the scarf around Alvin's neck.

Alvin: "…"

Zane smiled looking at the scarf. He never saw Alvin wearing bright colors so he picked a charcoal shade of black. Satisfied, he looked at the saleslady who helped him, "Excuse me, I will buy this. Please pack it for me." He said.

Other sales ladies: "..."

"Sure, sir." The saleslady smiled and waited for Zane to remove the scarf and hand it to her.

Alvin snapped out of his daze. He was undoubtedly shocked by the thought of Zane buying a gift for him. Nevertheless, he assumed Zane was trying it on him and giving it to Dennis. He calmly took his wallet out to pay for the scarf.

At the same time, Zane unzipped his little backpack, opened his wallet, fetched his bank card, and extended his little hand next to Alvin's hand. "I will pay by card." He said in his baby voice.

Noticing the saleslady's awkward smile, Zane glanced at the black card between Alvin's fingers. He innocently said, "Mr. Matthews, I am buying it." Then he looked at the saleslady and stressed his words, "Please use my card." He gave a look that said, 'Or else I won't buy it.'

Alvin: "..."

The lady took Zane's card, went to process the payment. She returned to the resting area where one was checking the little backpack and another one was sitting in confusion, with a frown on his face.

After seeing the bankcard and wallet, Alvin couldn't hold himself and started to explore Zane's backpack he always carried when going out. He found a storybook, a small water bottle, a wallet with some cash, and a copy of Zane's identity card.

He grabbed Zane's hand and realized Zane's wristwatch was a smartwatch and one-of-a-kind model with a GPS tracker. Zane could send SOS messages but not normal voice calls or messages.

"Mr. Matthews?" Zane was bewildered.

Alvin watched the little man in front of him. He looked like a kid but none of his actions felt like one, "Do you know what this is?" He tested the waters.

Zane looked at his wristwatch and smiled, "It's a smart wristwatch. I can send my location to my Mommy." He happily explained about the gift he received from his mother. Hence he was never afraid of getting lost in the crowd.

Alvin discerned he doesn't know what a five-year-old boy could and couldn't do, knows and may not know.

Zane collected the paper bag, kept his card back in his wallet. Then he extended the paper bag at Alvin. He modestly bowed his head, "Mr. Matthews, thank you for taking care of me and My Mommy. Thank you for having us at your place. This is a small token of appreciation." He sincerely expressed his gratitude to the man.

Alvin: "…"

It was completely unexpected. Anya being first, Zane was the second person who made him feel his little actions were being acknowledged. And he wasn't used to it as it had his selfishness.

However, Zane's image as an intruder, Little Brat, and the little enemy didn't sit well with his current behavior. It was making Alvin uncomfortable and inarticulate.

"Mr. Matthews!?" Zane bit his lips wondering if Alvin didn't like the scarf. He regretted not asking Alvin before buying it.

Alvin stood up suddenly and took the paper bag from Zane's hand. He grabbed the little palm that was in the air and started walking towards the exit of the shop.

'Weird man.' Zane had to run next to Alvin before the latter slowed down. He was happy to reduce work for Anya.

Thus in complete silence, the duo reached the Oasis mansion.

—————

In the study room of the President's mansion,

The temperature of the autumn day was dropping when the sun reached the horizon. The warmth of the heater failed to reach Bernard who read the summons signed by the Chief Justice.

As soon as he returned from the outskirts, his secretary handed it to him. He threw the paper on the desk and grimly questioned his secretaries, "What is this? Isn't Kyle Reynolds in our custody? How did the hard disk case reach the Chief Justice?" The summons didn't have much information about the reason behind the summons.

Yulia Harris and Ricardo Baker looked at each other before the latter spoke, "President Collins, we have received the summons too." He paused with confusion painting his face. "We haven't found Ms. Owen yet, so I don't understand what is going on."

Bernard's expression changed after hearing it. He waved his hand as he grabbed his mobile. He held back from dialing Linus's number as it would take time to wrap up the event.

He dialed Alvin directly and spoke first. His anxiety revealed in his tone, "Alvin, have you received any letter?" He didn't want to pull Alvin into his political life so he tried to be cautious.

Unfazed, [Summons for a private court session. Yes.] Alvin responded to Bernard very calmly. He added, [Linus has received it too.]

Bernard sprung on his feet. Whatever he didn't want to happen was happening. He regretted involving Linus and Alvin for his selfish reason.

His nervousness morphed to determination. He wasn't ready to let his son and nephew face the consequences of his actions. "You two don't worry, I will handle this. I won't let anything happen to you." He swore before he hung up the call.

Bernard immediately dialed his advocate's number to discuss the situation so that Alvin and Linus didn't have to pay for his deeds. He didn't once think of the consequences he will have to face.

——————

At Oasis mansion,

Alvin crossed his legs on his study chair and watched a letter on his desk. He was unnecessarily tranquil.

While analyzing the situation, he easily came to a conclusion. His Little Donut was an officer leading the case of which he was a part of a crime.

He knew stealing was illegal but he was fooled by his uncle to believe they were doing it for numerous people's lives.

Hence, Anya being with him will definitely raise questions about her credibility. Yet, he wasn't ready to let her go. He strongly doubted he might not be able to get her if she leaves.

'Ring… Ring… Ring…'

His attention shifted to the mobile. It was a call from Anya. He leisurely answered it and heard her hesitant voice, "H-hello!?"

Alvin hummed in response.

There was a brief pause before she spoke, [I am staying back for work. I have informed Dad, Mom and Baby.]

Alvin was satisfied that she didn't ignore him after informing her parents and Zane. He hummed in response again.

He could sense her uneasiness due to the summons while she hoped for him to say something about the summons. But Alvin had nothing to say about it.

The day he got to know she wasn't an assistant general secretary but a spy at the secretariat, he expected such a letter to appear.

The silence enveloped for a few seconds. Both expected the other one to speak about the summons yet neither of them picked the topic.

Anya neither apologized, nor made up an excuse for her actions. She wasn't guilty either. Yet his curt hum and silence dropped her heart to stomach. She got so accustomed to casual Alvin that his cold, indifference towards her started affecting her easily.

She bid him, [Bye.] and hung up the call.

Alvin wanted to know what she was thinking but the beep caused him to keep the mobile away. He recognized the unwillingness of Anya whenever he tried to help her.

Then how did her unwillingness change to acceptance?

His brows tightened recalling she started to open up and give into him after he solved her stupid misunderstanding. That is, he wanted her.

'Knock… Knock…' The knocks on the door distracted him from his thoughts.

When the door opened, Linus stepped inside with a bright smile, "Bro!!!" He exclaimed while looking at the mobile screen.

Alvin grabbed the summonses and slid them under the file. Without being aware, he tried to stop Linus from getting worked up due to summonses.

Linus laughed as he went closer. He showed his mobile screen to Alvin as he said, "Your plan was so smooth. You don't have a fiancée anymore." He laughed teasing his brother.

The news of the broken relationship between Matthews and Dalton was everywhere. The upper circle was buzzing with Flora's obsession with a man from school. Some families were preparing to propose a relationship with the Dalton or Matthews with their son or daughter respectively.

Linus grinned. He was very much pleased how his ignorant brother finally cared to get rid of the rumors.

He asked excitedly, "By the way, how is it going with Young Mommy? Is she pleased with the news? Now it wouldn't be difficult to talk with her parents. Wait… Does she know about this? Krystle must have told young Mommy, right?… I expected her to be with you. Where is she? I didn't see her with her parents or Little Champ…"

Alvin opened the file that was on the desk hearing thrilled Linus, going on and on about Anya and him. He is looking forward to Bernard and Linus's reaction when they see Anya aka Officer Owen.

Will Linus be still excited to bring them together?

Will Bernard still dare to pull his tricks on others?

What was in the store for Alvin?

Oddly enough, Alvin felt like Saturday was the Verdict Day for him and his Little Donut.