"Young master, Madam is in her garden." The butler informed.

"Thank you, butler Hanz."

When he reached the garden, he saw his mother busy with cultivating some plants that she did not notice his arrival.

The only person in the world whom he could not display his cold aura is his mother.

He loves to tease her and if she did not notice his arrival, he likes to surprise her by making some noise.

"MOM!" he shouted knowing he is only three meters away from her. Her mom jumped in surprise

"Goodness, Clifford!!! Do you want me to die of heart attack??!!"

"I know you won't! You're as healthy as a cow!" he grinned. Her mother laughed.

She took off her gloves before she go over her son.

"Are you nervous, mom?" he said still laughing.

"H-How'd you know?"

"I'm your, son, remember? Besides, I always observed that everytime you were nervous, you often divert it to your plants. And I pity all your plants." He said seriously.

"Oh you brat!" his mother hissed. "But seriously, how's the meeting?"

"It's okay, same with the rituals in every business meetings, nothing's new."

"How about…"

"What mom?" he asked innocently, though he knew who her mother was referring to.

"Oh never mind." And her head budged and held high like an aristocrat.

"I told you mom, you and him should talk. As they say, 'love is sweeter the second time around.'" he said with full of amus.e.m.e.nt in his eyes.

His mother's eyes grew bigger and disbelief was written all over her face.

"I will definitely disown you, Clifford!" she said irritably.

But then her mother suddenly came up an idea.

"Okay, let's have a deal. I will attend the party and talk to your father. But! You should find a date on the said party your dad prepared for you or I will find someone for you." Her mother smiled triumphantly.

"UH, the answer is NO." he said flatly. "I will come to that party unescorted or I will not attend. Take it or leave it, with no bargaining."

He laughed soundly and his mother suddenly sulked within.

"Just what am I to do with you, Clifford?" his mother sighed deeply.

Then he remembered the b.u.mping incident happened earlier after his meeting with his father.

'Hmm…" then he smirked.

…

On the same night, Ingrid and her son prepared to go to bed.

"Mom, I miss you." She smiled sweetly upon hearing those words from her son.

"I miss you more, son. Sorry, if I have been so busy lately and we did not get the chance to bond."

"Oh, it's okay, as long as you grant me one request." Her left brow rose slightly.

"And what request will that be?"

"Hmm, can I, and uhm… I mean, can I go to Veanco Square's playpen? Promise, I'll behave mom." He said even raising his hands.

"Veanco Square? Why there? You said that you don't like playing in those places." Clark's mind has already planned the words to tell his mother.

"Yeah, but mom, I want to try new things, you told me that I should not only settle on one place but as well explore other places." She was stunned.

'Just what did I taught this child. I never thought that he could easily use it against me. Next time, I'll be careful.' She mused but at the same time amused.

"Okay then. I'll just inform Nanny Tess about your request. So when it will be?"

"I haven't thought about it yet mom,"

"But promise is a promise, you must behave. No pranks, don't irritate nanny Tess, no running, and most importantly, do not talk to strangers. Agree? Pinky promise?"

"I agree. Pinky promise. You're the best in the world, mom…" his son was smiling from ear to ear until he fell asleep.

She was thankful that his son did not ask about his father once again. She knew time will come that she has to explain everything to him.

'But please, not this early.' She silently prayed and she went to sleep hugging her son.