Home Sweet Home (3)

A black jeep drove through the driveway and parked right in front of the entrance to a manor. Immediately the car parked, the door opened from both sides and Alexander and Xavier got off.

Alexander was quiet and walked straight into the manor leaving Xavier behind.

Xavier watched his back thoughtfully and wondered if he had hurt his feelings again.

That was why he thought Alexander was not suitable for the race, especially against someone like Leslie and with no prominent supporters to boot.

It was great that Alexander found an excuse to get away from everything, the not so great thing about it is the unexpected variables they both encountered.

Surprisingly someone knows of Alexander's actual identity, and they know so much about him and the intricate matters surrounding him.

'A die-hard fan or a stalker…?', Xavier pondered seriously before he moved his attention to other things. Like Alexander's mood swings and the principal.

The majority of his thoughts were occupied by Principal Darwin.

He wondered what could have happened between her and his mum that made them grow distant, and why she told him all she did when she knew his condition.

Was it to get back at his mum through him or were there other reasons?

'She's definitely another anomaly. But why was she so sure I'd be okay?', that was the one thing Xavier did not understand.

He recalled what the count had told him and reassessed the principal once more.

"She's the principal of Arcane Elite High and Arcane High so she must know the secrets of the Elite School. In that case, why did she tell me so much? I thought it was forbidden…"

Xavier lowered his gaze and caught up with Alexander, he could only assume she was telling the truth, since he could not confirm with his mother.

Alexander had an apartment on Arin island, but he was staying at the Austin Manor at Mrs Austin's offer.

Unlike other top families, the Austin Family was not completely based in the capital, they had a branch there, which was the head branch, but that was not where their influence laid.

Currently, the most influential family on Arin Island was the Austin Family. And their forces were spread out across the entire island.

Xavier Father's Company, the Austin Group was an inheritance that had been passed down in his family line. His branch was one of the few powerful ones, and it was due to this company.

The Austin Family are known as the founders of Arin Island and are responsible for the internal affairs of the island.

Although there is such a thing as the five top families, the Austin Family is known as the head and leader of the other four families. But that is only on the surface, and true head and leader amongst the five families remains to be seen.

Unlike Ean, Xavier had powers and influence of his own, both on and off the island. And because of that, he was unusually busy and travelled a lot, and thanks to that, not many people on Arin island actually knew him.

Alexander had been distant and lost in thought since their journey back home, and that somehow worried Xavier.

"Alexander wait! What's going on? Are you okay?"

Just before Alexander could go upstairs, Xavier called out to him and he turned around.

"Uh yeah I am.", Alexander said, then hesitantly added.

"I'm just worried…"

"Ean…", Xavier said thoughtfully, and watched Alexander go up the stairs.

And that led to Xavier to think about Ean and her objective.

Should he investigate her?

Xavier never liked the idea of investigating people carelessly. When he was younger and reckless, he did as he pleased and preferred to go headfirst into trouble than to figure out a plan before acting.

'Why did I do such a thing?', he thought.

And realized an answer when he saw Thomas approaching him.

'I probably thought things were too boring. It's not good to be bored… and suffocated'

Thomas got to Xavier and greeted him, Xavier responded back verbally.

"The madam requested you see her as soon as you arrive", Thomas calmly passed on the message.

And Xavier replied, "Okay, but where is she?"

"The study"

"Hn", and with that Xavier headed upstairs to go meet her.

Thomas waited for him to go first before he followed. Along the way, Thomas wanted to say something to Xavier but he always hesitated.

Xavier was aware and didn't care. He didn't want to talk to Thomas in the first place, and it was great Thomas couldn't talk to him either.

But when he got to the study, he stopped and finally asked only because he was curious and wanted to know what Thomas was so hesitant to say.

If it was something he couldn't answer or reply to, he'd just enter the study and avoid Thomas. But if it was something worth hearing or listening to, why not stay?

"Is there something you want to say?", Xavier asked coolly.

"Yes, but I'm not if there is a need to", Thomas didn't seem as unconfident as he was earlier on, but he appeared steady instead and the years of experience he had began to show as he baited Xavier.

"Just say it", Xavier said impatiently.

Thomas smiled, then said, "How was school, Young Master?"

"Is that it?", Xavier was stunned.

Was that all?

"Of course not, but since you want me to say something I decided to say this. As I said earlier on, there was no need."

They were right in front of the study, who knew if Mrs Austin was right in front of the door about to come out and look for Xavier.

Xavier frowned then replied, "It was okay…"

He thought about Ean, the spy then the principal and said.

"It really wasn't as bad as I thought it would be"

Thomas found himself smiling, and replied, "I'm glad you liked it Young Master"

'What made you think I liked it?', He wanted to argue then decided to let the old man be.

He opened the door and his mother looked up immediately. She was sitting on a sofa with her phone tightly clenched in her hand.

She must be expecting a call.

Xavier looked away from her gaze gloomily and sat down.

"Xavier you're back, and so late. Did anything happen back at school? How was school today?", Mrs Austin asked gently.

But she frowned when Xavier chuckled before responding.

"My sincere thoughts are; your sacrifice wasn't worth it", He spoke nonchalantly and wanted nothing but to leave this room.

He wondered if he should tell her about his encounter with Aunt Adelaide, but then he decided against it.

Something had happened between her and his mum, and although he was curious about what it was, he didn't want to find out through his mum.

Mrs Austin was stunned, then she smiled and said, "Don't be so quick to speak, you don't know what my true aim is."

Xavier furrowed his eyebrows then rubbed his glabella, 'Darn it, I've been doing that all day'

Mrs Austin ignored Xavier feelings and asked, "Did you meet with the principal?"

"Should I have not met her?", Xavier asked back.

"No, it's good that you did. Did she tell you anything?"

"Is there anything I'm supposed to know but I don't?"

Mrs Austin met Xavier's relaxed gaze, chuckled then told him he could leave. Xavier did not hesitate and quickly went to his room.

As she watched him leave, she thought, 'What a silly kid, talking with him was so infuriating…'