Afterlife Department

Chapter 392 - Children

Hudgeson Main Villa, Saturday, noon.

Harris Hudgeson has just arrived when he saw Rene was sitting elegantly on the couch, gracefully holding the teacup and sipping her drink, painting a beautiful picture.

"Elder brother. You finally arrived." Rhyan spoke as he played chess with Odrey who was sitting beside Rene, looking very obedient.

"En." Harris nodded, then looked around. "Where's Quinn?" he asked when he didn't see even a shadow of Quinn. "Didn't father say that we'll be eating lunch together?" he asked as he loosened his necktie.

"You've arrived earlier than he." Rene answered.. "Secretary Lin called him and he said that it was the housekeeper answered. The housekeeper said that Quinn is still asleep." She spoke with disdain.

The men have their own residences while the women remained in the main villa to accompany Iris, who is actually stays outside more than he remained inside. This isn't because of nightlife, but because he was just very busy with his tons of businesses. If Harris wasn't there, Iris would've hanged himself for being not having a time to even take a breather.

Rene and Odrey are fine to stay in the main villa, since they don't like going outside. It's not to keep their image as noble ladies, but because they don't see the need to go out. They would only tire themselves if they go outside, and annoy themselves facing hypocrites who lust after Iris' wealth.

Wasn't Rhyan who met Prille a prime example? So, Rene and Odrey didn't bother themselves and just made excuses like Iris is closely keeping an eye on them.

Harris, if not them knowing they were all adopted, would think that Harris is actually the biological son of Iris for them being too similar. Not in appearance, but in terms of handling businesses and problems. This is because Harris was the first child Iris took in, so he learned earlier from Iris, and that he is just a fast learner.

Rene's dream when she was young is to be an actress. Not only because she likes acting, but because she wanted to find her biological parents fast. If they would see her in TV, then they might recognize her. But, she actually doesn't need to be an actress. She thought Iris would kill her dream to prevent her from finding her parents, but he not only made her wish come true, but he also found her biological parents and even found them a beautiful home, arranged people to look after them and even allowed her to see them. She thought that Iris was planning something, but he actually is just like that – a kind person. So, she finally lowered her guard and deeply respected him.

Rhyan is the simplest child ever that Iris took in. He thought that his parents are the welfare workers, so he thought that he has lots of parents. But, when Iris took him under his wing, he personally explained to Rhyan the concept of 'parents'. Rhyan, as expected, cried, since he only has two parents. But, Iris told him that these two parents are just the biological parents, and he can actually have many parents as he liked. Rhyan was then pacified, and told Iris that he wants him to be his parent. Among all the children Iris adopted, Rhyan worried him the most when he was young, so he allocated many tutors for the child so that the child won't be deceived. If Rhyan was abducted, he would even help the person count his money. Fortunately, Rhyan grew up to not be a hopeless case.

Quinn is the naughtiest child. He is a devil – behavior-wise, when he was a child. He is the definition of a child – naughty, throwing tantrums, crybaby, etc. Harris has been matured since he was young since he already knows his parents have died. Rene found out that she was picked up and was separated from her biological parents so she already knew a little of the world. Rhyan is a simpleton. But, Quinn is a schemer. He has so many tricks in his sleeve, making the nannies hired by Iris quit their job because they can't stand Quinn.

So, Iris has to finally step in. Not because he is afraid of losing money to hire more nannies for Quinn, but because he realized that Quinn wouldn't wake up in his naughty tricks if he won't be given a harsh wake-up call. So, Iris devised a plan of burning one of his villas and had Quinn watch it burn from the beginning until the end. He even added an explosion. Quinn cried, as expected, but Iris didn't buy it. He told the young Quinn that a child will always be a child and can never be an adult if he continues to think like a child and act like a child. Iris is indirectly telling him that he can never match Iris, and Quinn's tricks are petty. Quinn changed the next day and didn't make a fuss anymore. From time to time, he would scheme on Rhyan – this na?ve child, but only to be left empty-handed since Iris has saw through him. So, Quinn turned blacker and blacker.

Odrey is the most obedient, since she's introverted. When she was still in the orphanage, some children would pick on her, and the rest would ignore her. Those who picked on her would then lose interest since she didn't cry nor got angry. So, in the end, no one befriended her. Did Iris choose her because she looked pitiful? No. It was because of her temperament. She is a pushover? She isn't. She has just better temper than everyone else. She can endure the pressure Iris gave them the most. Even Harris almost punched Iris one time Iris hurried them on the tasks he gave them. But, Odrey is very patient and calm. Thus, Iris liked her because she is the easiest to handle, and he didn't need to worry about her since she is smart. If she isn't, how can she survive in the orphanage when the workers sometimes not give her food because they dislike her? So, Iris took her away to sharpen her.

Each of Iris' adopted children has their own strengths and weaknesses. Only Iris can manage them. But, even though they were already adults, but they sometimes act childish towards Iris. Not only the girls, but also the boys. For instance, Harris has encountered a problem and he felt exhausted for the day. So, he admitted to Iris that he can't handle this project properly. How can Iris not know Harris' abilities? But, he decided to indulge the child once in a while.

The second child, Rene, is known for her love of theaters. One day she met a theatrical troupe in Thailand but found out that the costume she badly wanted was put up in an auction. So, she tried to lure Iris to the auction, saying he can display his wealth there.

The third child, Rhyan… no need to say more about him since he is the most childish among them. Even more childish than the youngest Odrey. One time, he was scolded by Harris because Harris was finding someone to vent after being frustrated by Quinn who deliberately messed with him. Quinn wanted to strike two birds with one stone and he succeeded by giving Harris a headache while making Rhyan hate Harris. Iris could only comfort Rhyan by patting him on the head, just like what he always did when they were a child. Harris apologized to Rhyan the same night, so it ended in Quinn's defeat.

Quinn only knows how scheme, so he always messes with Harris and Rhyan. He knows he can't win over Harris and playing with Rhyan is like punching a cotton, but he still continues to mess with these two because he knows Iris would solve the problem he made for Harris and Rhyan. This is the game only the two of them play.

The youngest child should be the one to be spoiled the most, but Odrey never expressed any likes or dislikes towards anything. Although Iris likes Odrey being obedient, but she is too obedient. He is also a father, and he also wanted to be a father towards his children even though they aren't related by blood. He thought all day and night what does Odrey likes, and asked Rene. They are both women, so Rene must know what Odrey likes. But, surprisingly, Rene answered she didn't know and suggested to buy Odrey bags, shoes, clothes and jewelries. Iris waited for Odrey's reaction, but her expression looked very lukewarm. He then decided to ask Harris, the eldest. But, he should've known. Harris is like him, so he changed his plan and asked Quinn who knows so many tricks. But, he also thought that Quinn might give him a weird idea, so he finally asked Rhyan. The next day, he followed Rhyan's suggestion and was surprised to see Odrey finally smiled! It turns out she likes seafoods! He asked Rhyan how did he know what Odrey liked. Rhyan answered that he is stealing the snacks of Odrey.