Bab 15: Chapter 12 Are they Dragon-phoenix Twins?

Timothy's little face turned up, with his slightly pouting lips and rosy cheeks framed by the half-mask of Ultraman, making him extremely adorable. "Uncle, Timmy is older than me and Tifanny, so isn't it right to call him big brother?" Roy was amused by his vivid expression and became curious, "Her name is Tifanny? What's yours?" "My name is Timothy!" Not the least bit shy, Timothy pulled out a chair next to Timmy and made a welcoming gesture, "Uncle, you can sit here!" Tifanny also ran over, her pink bow on top of her head swaying as she grinned at Roy and said, "Uncle, Timothy is my older brother, and I'm his younger sister, Tifanny!" Just like that, Roy's attention was completely captivated by the two adorable children wearing half-masks in front of him. Although he couldn't see the details of their facial features, he could tell from their red, pouty lips, tender cheeks, and bright, shining eyes that they must be quite beautiful and spirited children. Roy couldn't help but feel the urge to reach out and pinch their cheeks. When he realized the horrifying thought he had just entertained, he was startled. He had always thought of children as a huge nuisance. If it weren't for the need to secure a successor for the Lewis' vast fortune, he wouldn't think having children was a necessity for him. Therefore, he never imagined that he would have any affection for any child other than his own son. But right now, not only did he feel affection, he even curiously asked, "Are they twins?" Roy noticed that the two children were about the same height and had very similar expressions and mannerisms when they talked and laughed. Such a deep connection was not something that could be developed just by living together. Before Richelle could answer, Timothy raised his hand and showed him two fingers on his right hand and three fingers on his left hand. "Yes, I'm twenty-three minutes older than my sister." They say that there's no harm without comparison; compared to Timothy and Tifanny's open and cheerful personalities, his own son seemed even more of an introvert. Even though he was Timmy's father, he had to admit that Timothy and Tifanny, compared to his own son, were more childlike, more adorable, and more vibrant. Seeing that the conversation between her children and Roy was becoming increasingly dangerous, Richelle hurriedly redirected Timothy, "Timothy, can you help Mommy get a bottle of ketchup?" "Sure thing!" Timothy quickly turned around and ran to the kitchen with a "thump." Richelle quietly breathed a sigh of relief; if the conversation continued, they might end up talking about their birth dates and years. That was a landmine Richelle didn't dare to step on. "Tifanny, take out some wet wipes and clean your hands before sitting down." Tifanny responded with an "Oh," opened the drawer under the table, took out a box of wet wipes, and handed them to Roy first, "Uncle, you take one first!" Roy couldn't resist any longer and patted her head, which was styled like Richelle's bun, "Thank you, Tifanny!" Tifanny grinned back at him, "No need to thank me! Mommy said that everyone who comes over is a guest, and this is something I should do!" After that, she brought the wet wipes over to young master, "Big brother, you take one too!" The young master took one, "Thank you, sister!" Hearing his son call Tifanny "sister" outright, Roy was astonished. But Tifanny just stood there and didn't leave, pushing the wet wipes towards him again, "Big brother, you should take two, one to wipe your face and the other to wipe your hands!" The usually independent young master surprisingly complied with an "Oh" and obediently took another wet wipe. Then he used one to wipe his face and neck before using the other to wipe his hands. Timothy, who had been sent out to get ketchup, returned and placed it in front of Richelle Dunn. He then climbed onto the chair beside Tiffany and casually wiped his hands with a wet towel. As Richelle served soup to everyone, she asked, "What game were you all playing just now?" "Mommy, we were making clay figurines together!" Timothy was good at giving face to Timmy as most of the time, it was Timothy and Tiffany demonstrating, while Timmy was learning. Roy Lewis looked somewhat surprised and glanced at Timmy. Wasn't this the kid who used to say that making clay figurines was too childish? "The teacher didn't make it fun, but it's fun with my brother and sister." Timmy explained with a straight face, but his slightly blushing ears betrayed his inner embarrassment. Roy couldn't help but sigh. The same activity could be so different when done with different people. What surprised him even more was that his precious son actually hit it off with Richelle's children right away and, instead of resisting, even started calling them brother and sister affectionately. Even though he didn't have a good impression of Richelle, he had to admit that she had raised her children to be sensible and likable. "Dr. Dunn, you've done a great job raising your children. They're adorable." Roy's words came from the heart, but he overlooked his own son's sensitive and fragile soul. Tiffany, who was sitting across from Timmy, saw that he lowered his head and quickly said, "Uncle, Mommy says every child is a little angel sent by God to their parents. Big brother is cute too," Tiffany raised her hand and mimed a few moves, "He can do martial arts like Timothy, he's amazing!" Timmy raised his head, his eyes shining as he looked at Tiffany, "I can shoot too, I can protect you and Timothy!" Roy had never seen this side of his son before and was filled with mixed emotions. He couldn't help but look at Richelle with a more inquisitive and scrutinizing gaze. What also surprised him was that Richelle's cooking turned out to be unexpectedly good. Not only did the children enjoy the food, but Roy himself ate an extra bowl of rice, even though he had planned to manage with just a few bites. What was even more unexpected was that his usually reticent son was actually laughing and joking with Timothy and Tiffany. The three children chatted happily while eating, discussing topics only they could understand. In just one meal, Timmy's smiles seemed to be more than he had in a whole month. On the way here, he was somewhat regretful. He had repeatedly told Richelle to mind her own business, yet he had to swallow his pride and come for dinner for the sake of his son's health. But now, he was at peace. Seeing the carefree laughter and innocence in his son that he had never seen before, this trip was worth it! After dinner, Richelle brought out desserts and fruit. Her eldest son was eating her home-cooked meal for the first time in four years. Although she used all her cooking skills, she wished she could feed him all that she owed him for the past four years. Moreover, after a separation of more than four years, she tried every way possible to keep their happily reunited family of four together for a little longer. Roy, who had planned to leave after dinner, saw his son's happy face and softened, deciding to stay a little longer. And Timmy, who obviously wanted to spend more time with his mother, brother, and sister, volunteered to stay with his father after eating dessert and fruit. "Daddy, I want to stay for dinner!" Actually, Timmy wanted to spend the night because compared to his bedroom, which was as big as a basketball court, his brother and sister's bedroom seemed more fun, with many more interesting treasures. Of course, Roy couldn't let him continue without some restraint. While his son's smiling face was adorable, this place wasn't their home after all. Richelle watched her eldest son's negotiation failure with his father helplessly and had no choice but to take out some snacks and his favorite food that she had packed earlier. "Timmy, these are some extra goodies Auntie made for you to take home and eat tonight." Looking at the large steaming bag on the coffee table, Roy's heated mind suddenly cooled down. Throughout the day, Richelle had gone out of her way in her actions toward Timmy and even him, clearly going beyond what was necessary. Who would believe she had no ulterior motives?