​"Hey, don’t say that in front of your son. He might think I’m a scumbag for real. Do you want to ruin my reputation or something?" Vincent pouted, complaining to Caroline. "You used to be so quiet and always listened to my orders, and following me around when we were kids but ever since you got married to his father, you treat me like an eyesore."

​Caroline didn’t even glance at him as she continued opening another letter. "I stopped listening to you the moment I married into this family and became your superior. And you are an eyesore you have always been and I have always treated you like that," Caroline said calmly.

​"Still, that’s kinda harsh you know. We used to work together," Vincent sighed.

’They are talking like they have none each other for a long time’ Ian thought looking at their squabbling.

​"Do you guys know each other or something? Because the way you two are talking makes it seem like you are old friends," Ian asked after watching their back-and-forth banter.

​"Hey, have you never told your kids about us?" Vincent said, pointing between himself and Caroline.

’Us, what does he mean by that ? Is it what I think it is’ Ian started to blush when his thoughts started to run wild.

​"Us? What do you mean by ’us’? You are making it sound weird!" Caroline shouted at Vincent, pointing at him with the letter she was holding tightly. "Look at him now, he’s looking at me all weird! What are you blushing about?!" She said pointing at Ian.

​"Sigh... to make a long story short, we were both orphans, and we grew up together. We were taken in by the last Family Head—your grandfather—to be trained as guards since childhood," Caroline explained, calming down. "Vincent here was more talented than all the other kids. After many years, he continued to improve, while I was stuck at the Second Stage. That is how he became my superior and gave me orders. As for how I met your father... I was on duty to guard him. I saved his life on a mission, and then we fell in love with each other."

​Caroline summarized her whole life story in under one minute.

​"So, from what you just said this guy is kind of like my uncle, right? Even though you are not related by blood, he was like a brother to you. Now I see why you get so flustered dealing with him," Ian said, laughing.

​"Uncle... me?" Vincent muttered in a low voice, but nobody heard him.

​"What do you mean flustered?! This guy just does whatever he wants! Look at how he acts at his age. He is not even married yet. He is just the worst!" Caroline said to Ian, standing up from her desk indignantly.

​"Ha-ha-ha, Mom just the way you are acting right now reminds me of Emily. She always pushes my buttons like that too," Ian said, laughing out loud.

​She wanted to retaliate but the words where stuck on her throat. She did not want to admit it but what Ian just said was true and she knew it. Caroline just sat back down with nothing to argue back. She felt completely defeated and went back to finishing the last letter.

​"Uncle... me?" Vincent said again, still in a daze. "Uncle Vincent... I actually like the sound of that. He-he-he." Vincent started smiling widely. "You are my nephew now! Ha-ha-ha! Kid, if anyone ever messes with you, just tell your Uncle Vincent here, and he will get the job done." He smiled from ear to ear, looking genuinely happy about his new title.

’That must have made him really happy’ Ian thought looking at how enthusiastic he was.

"Oh! And here is a gift for you, my nephew, to commemorate this moment." Vincent said

​He reached into his pocket, took out a small black box, and handed it to Ian. Even Caroline, who was reading her letter, had her curiosity piqued and looked over to see what was inside the box.

​"What is it?" Ian asked with curiosity.

​"Open it and see for yourself," Vincent smiled.

​Ian opened the black box. Sitting inside was a simple, small red ring. "It’s just a ring?" Ian asked, feeling confused.

​"Not just a ring, it is an artifact," Vincent corrected. "I thought you would know what an artifact looks like, since you were saved by one."

​"Saved by one?" Ian repeated in a low voice. ’Oh, right! I almost forgot about the fake artifact pendant story!’ Ian started sweating slightly. "Well, you see, I didn’t get to look at that pendant very clearly. It was late at night, and I was busy being chased by assassins, ha-ha!" Ian started scratching the back of his head, rapidly thinking of ways to keep up his lie.

​"Anyways, that ring is not as overpowering as the mysterious pendant you found, but just like your pendant, it is a one-use item," Vincent explained. "It will automatically protect you once from a fatal attack that would otherwise cost you your life."

​"Uncle, I can’t accept this. It is too much. You should keep it for yourself," Ian said, shocked by how valuable the item was.

​"No, it’s okay. I am giving it to you because I know you will need it, especially with assassins still running around," Vincent insisted.

​"But, still, it’s—"

​"Just accept the damn ring, Ian. It is not every day you will see him being this nice," Caroline interrupted. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

​"Your mother is right. Even though her choice of words is terrible, she is still right," Vincent said, eyeballing Caroline, who was just rolling her eyes at him.

​"Fine. Thank you, Uncle," Ian said, slipping the box into his pocket.

​"You are very welcome, my dear nephew."

​"If you two are done with your little family reunion, don’t you think it is time for you to get going?" Caroline said to Vincent, clearly trying to kick him out.

​"You see how your mother treats me? It’s awful," Vincent sighed, looking at Ian.

​"I understand you, Uncle. I have two sisters, too," Ian said, sympathizing with Vincent.

​"One is a problem what I about two. It must be hell for you, right?" Vincent joked.

​"Of course they—"

​"ENOUGH!" Caroline shouted with an angry expression, slamming her hands on the table again. She glared daggers at Vincent. "You. Leave."

​"I think that’s my cue to leave," Vincent laughed, standing up and heading for the door. "Oh, by the way, where can I find Trevor, the new Headguard you appointed for this estate?" he asked Ian while grabbing the doorknob.

​"He should be at the Headguard’s office near the training grounds. Why do you ask?" Ian replied.

​"Nothing much. I just need to see the new Headguard, that’s all," Vincent said.

​However, his face had suddenly shifted into a deeply serious, almost dangerous expression. He then stepped out and closed the heavy wooden door behind him.

​’What is up with that expression?’ Ian thought, narrowing his eyes at the closed door.