My Child and I Married a Billionaire novel Chapter 254

Chapter 254: Chapter 254: Is He Possessed by Something?

Zeke Walton had been driving for three hours when a sign for a service area appeared on the side of the road.

Damien Vaughn had him pull into the service area. The three of them entered in silence.

They had skipped lunch, and by now, their stomachs were growling. Damien Vaughn asked if they wanted to get out and grab a bite, but neither Cecelia Archer nor Zeke Walton said a word.

’Fine, suit yourselves.’ He silently pushed open the car door and told Zeke Walton to get out.

Damien Vaughn drove the rest of the way. By the time they returned to Veridia, it was already dark.

Damien Vaughn drove Cecelia Archer straight to Shane Grant’s villa. Not a word was exchanged, but he watched her get out and take a few steps toward the gate before he drove off.

Then, he headed toward Zeke Walton’s house.

Zeke Walton sat alone in the back, listless. After a few hours of sheer boredom, he had actually fallen asleep.

He woke to find the car stopped. Damien Vaughn was already out of the car. The door swung open, and Damien kicked him from outside.

"Wake up. Get out."

He groggily opened his eyes, got out, and looked around. ’This place is so familiar... Why did he bring me back home?’

Zeke Walton’s anger flared.

’Looking down on me is one thing. Refusing to help is another. But bringing me back now just to humiliate me? Do I deserve to be insulted by him just because I’m not as capable?’

Furious, for the first time in his life, he laid a hand on Damien Vaughn, shoving him hard in the chest.

"Are you out of your mind?! Damien Vaughn, what the hell are you trying to do?"

Caught off guard, Damien Vaughn stumbled back two steps, his brows knitting together.

Just as a fight was about to break out between them, the nanny and the butler rushed out.

Seeing Zeke Walton and Damien Vaughn clearly, they let out simultaneous squeals of delight.

"I told you the young master was back! I saw his silhouette and knew it had to be him! It really is!"

"Madam! Sir! The young master is back! He’s back with Young Mr. Vaughn!"

With that, the two of them hurried over, placing themselves between the two men with cheerful smiles.

"Young Master, Young Mr. Vaughn, what brings you back at this hour? Have you eaten? The family is just sitting down to dinner. The food’s just been served, so hurry on in."

"Young Master, you have no idea how much your parents missed you while you were away. You’re finally back. They’ll finally be able to get a good night’s sleep."

The nanny’s words forced Zeke Walton to swallow his anger.

He knew his parents were worried, but he still didn’t want to go inside and face them.

He had accomplished nothing. In fact, the days since he’d run away from home had been utterly miserable.

His pride couldn’t stomach the fact that after running away, this was how he returned.

So, ignoring the nanny, he shot Damien Vaughn a cold glare and turned to leave.

Damien Vaughn reached out and grabbed his arm. "Where are you going?"

"Let go! This has nothing to do with you!"

"Nothing to do with me now? What happened to begging me for an investment?"

Zeke Walton was speechless.

Just then, his parents came rushing out.

"Exactly what it sounds like. Uncle, Auntie, you don’t have to be so surprised. Zeke and I grew up together. I know what he’s capable of, and just how capable he is. He’s not just talented in fashion design; he has other skills too. Perhaps because you’re his parents, there’s a bit of a gap. He might not always show you his full potential, so you aren’t aware of it. But honestly, he’s very impressive. The clothes he designs are incredibly popular among our generation."

’Is this really Damien Vaughn?’

’Has he been possessed? Why is he suddenly singing my praises?’

’If I remember correctly, just a few hours ago he was tearing my idea to shreds. So why now...’

Zeke Walton stared at him, completely baffled.

Damien Vaughn was genuinely hungry. He took a couple of bites of shrimp before launching into a detailed explanation of Zeke’s business idea involving fruit.

Mr. and Mrs. Walton turned to look at their son, their eyes shining with an unmistakable glimmer of surprise and admiration.

’It really is a good idea. A very novel one. To think their son came up with it!’

But Mr. Walton couldn’t bring himself to praise Zeke directly.

"It’s easier said than done," he said. "Especially in this economy. Everyone wants to be an entrepreneur, but it’s incredibly difficult without a meticulous leader who knows how to set the pace."

"Damien, I’m very moved that you’re willing to give him this chance and help him."

Damien Vaughn smiled warmly. "Uncle, there’s no need to say that. You’re making us sound like strangers."

"I don’t have any brothers, so I’ve always thought of Zeke as my own. This isn’t me helping him; it’s a partnership. Besides, I won’t be interfering much. I’ll just be providing the capital and taking a share of the profits. Everything else will be up to Zeke. If anything, I’m the one benefiting from his brilliance."

Mr. Walton was overjoyed, nodding repeatedly.

"That’s exactly right! Zeke lacks real-world experience. Just by partnering with him and trusting him with the operations, you’re already helping him immensely! So, is this why you both came back tonight? To tell us this?"

Damien continued, "Yes. Zeke may have acted all carefree when he left a few days ago, but he’s been by your side his whole life. And Auntie, we’ve all seen how much you love him since we were kids. You’re everyone’s favorite mom in our circle. Zeke misses you every day, but he’s too proud to say it. That’s why I had to drag him back here tonight."