Page 95 of Bought By the Ruthless Pakhan

"You..."

His face went white instantly, lips quivering.

Yeah. He was scared.

He tried to play it cool, but the fear showed in his eyes. "What are you doing here?"

I didn't answer. Just looked at him like I was looking at a dead man.

After all my years in this world, I'd seen every kind of thug. My stare was enough to make this old bastard piss himself.

"Mr. Volkov, I didn't mean anything, I was just checking—"

He backed up while talking. "I'm leaving, I'm leaving right now!"

He turned and ran.

I looked down at Alex beside me.

The little guy was staring up at me, eyes full of curiosity.

"Ivan, isn't he my grandfather? He seemed really scared of you."

I crouched down to his level, reached out, and ruffled his soft brown hair. "We'll ask your mom about that when we get back, okay?"

This was Anna's family business. Whether to tell Alex was her choice.

Alex was obedient, didn't push it. "Okay. So where are we going now? Where's Mom? She usually picks me up."

"Your mom's at my place. She's staying at my house for a few days."

"Staying at your house?" Alex's eyes lit up. "Ivan, do you like my mom?"

I froze.

Like? No. I loved her.

I loved Anna. It took me five years to see that answer clearly.

Looking at Alex's earnest expression, I nodded. "Yes. I love your mother. Very much."

I took a deep breath, throat tightening. "So, Alex, would you want to be my son? I'll take good care of your mother. And you too."

Alex was my child.

But he had the right to choose. Because I'd missed most of his life.

I held my breath, waiting for his answer. I could hear my own heartbeat. Pounding against my ribs.

Then I saw Alex smile.

He grinned wide, showing two little canines, and nodded hard.

"Yes! I'd love to!"

He leaned closer. "Actually, I figured it out a while ago. Ever since you showed up, Mom's been smiling so much more. I haven't seen her this happy in forever."

"She's been happy?"