Warmth of his kiss

"Uncle, you're here?" Roderick said in surprise as he stepped into the house earlier than usual. His gaze swept across the room, and a familiar presence made him pause. 'Layla's here too?' he thought, suppressing a sigh. "I hope you've prepared a nice birthday present for me this time," he added, attempting a light-hearted tone.

Lucius, seated with an air of authority, raised an unimpressed brow. "If you're thinking I'll hand over the land, then you're sorely mistaken, nephew," he replied curtly. "You already have more than most could dream of. I've given you plenty of gifts in the past, but did they ever matter to you? You toss them into the trash bin without a second glance."

Roderick stiffened, caught off guard by the accuracy of Lucius's observation. 'How does he know that?' he wondered. 'Who's feeding him these small, insignificant details?'