Chapter 5 Colton Had To Suppress His Annoyance

Colton let out a soft sigh and knelt down beside the child.

He observed that the boy had gentle, appealing features. Typically, Colton wouldn't waste time on helping a kid, but today he felt an unusual patience.

"How old are you? Shouldn't your mom choose easier clothing for you?"

He looked at the stuck zipper and his brow creased slightly.

"I'm four years old! I'm a big boy now!" Archer asserted quietly.

"A big boy who still struggles with zippers?"

Colton was not normally one for small talk, yet he found himself oddly at ease and engaging more with the boy.

A quick, unreadable expression flitted across Archer's face as Colton helped him with the zipper.

"All set."

Colton had just loosened the zipper when Archer exclaimed, "Oh, I can't wait any longer!"

"What?"

Before Colton could get another word out, he felt a warm, unpleasantly scented splash across his face.

"Sorry, it was an accident!" Archer said quickly, then darted into a stall as swiftly as a little eel, closing the door behind him.

It was only then that Colton fully grasped what had occurred.

Really?

Had he, Colton Sutton, the esteemed president of Sutton Group, just been urinated on by a child?

Colton's anger flared.

"Get out here, you little rascal!"

It had been years since he had felt this enraged.

Inside the stall, Archer wore a mischievous grin, yet his voice trembled as if he were crying. "Sir, I'm truly sorry. I couldn't hold it anymore. Should I get my mom to compensate you? Or, um, would you like to pee on me to even the score?"

Colton was taken aback by the suggestion.

Him, retaliating against a child in such a manner?

The idea was ridiculous.

A deep, simmering frustration welled up within him, and the sensation on his face was still unbearable.

He scrubbed his face repeatedly, yet after he used soap multiple times, the odor seemed to persist.

Inside the stall, Archer could hear the commotion, a grin spreading subtly across his face.

This served as a small payback for the way Colton had treated his mother and him!

Consider it just a bit of accrued interest; they would even the score gradually.

A spark of mischief lit up Archer's eyes, yet he maintained a crying voice, saying, "Sir, please don't be mad, okay? Just think of me as your own child and go easy on me. I really didn't mean to do it. And please, don't tell my mom, or I'll be in so much trouble!"

Archer even mustered a few convincing sobs to enhance his plea.

Colton stopped in his tracks.

His own child?

Had Kiera survived, would their child be about Archer's age now?

As he gazed at his reflection in the mirror, Colton had never seen himself look so unkempt. His hair was damp, clinging to his forehead, and his distinctive almond-shaped eyes, usually sharp, now appeared weary, filled with a mix of confusion and rage.

Those unique almond-shaped eyes with an upward tilt at the corners?

It struck Colton that the boy's eyes mirrored his own.

That explained the sense of familiarity; it was all in the eyes.

Such distinctively shaped eyes were uncommon in Freley, likely the reason he felt an unexpected leniency toward the boy.

Realizing this, Colton let out a sigh and instructed coldly, "Keep today's events to yourself, even from your mother. If our paths cross again, pretend you don't recognize me."

"Understood! I won't tell anyone!" Archer assured him promptly, his readiness to comply making it difficult for Colton to remain upset.

Colton had to suppress his annoyance.

He cast one final glance at the stall before quickly leaving the restroom.

"Mr. Sutton, what's wrong?" his assistant asked in shock, but Colton walked away without saying a word.

Archer waited until the echoes of Colton's steps faded. He then sneaked out from the stall, a mischievous smirk on his face as he retrieved a pinhole camera hidden under the sink, tucked it into his pocket, washed his hands, and exited the restroom.

Having left the restroom earlier, Kiera became worried when she didn't see Archer. As she was about to go look for him, she caught sight of Colton rushing out, his hair still wet.

Since she was accustomed to Colton's meticulous care for his appearance, the sight of his disheveled state shocked Kiera. She instinctively withdrew, keeping herself hidden to avoid attracting attention.

She had returned.

It was time to address the wrongs from five years ago; she could afford to be patient.

Once Colton had stormed off, Archer left the restroom.

"Archer." Kiera reached for his arm, giving him a thorough once-over. She only relaxed once she was sure he was safe.

Archer understood his mother's concerns but pretended not to, inquiring innocently, "Mom, what's up? I was just in the restroom. Why do you look so worried? Oh, and wasn't that man who left just now very good-looking? What do you think, Mom?"