The expression on Maxwell Peary’s face was like a painter’s palette, displaying a myriad of emotions. He stood frozen, his tightly clenched fists betraying his current mood. Slowly, he released Nia Mitchell’s hand and was the first to head downstairs. Nia hurried after him, knowing she shouldn’t have asked such a question at this time. But she had not only asked it, she had also greatly upset the CEO. Nia quickly ran to the sofa, slipped off her slippers, and climbed on, sitting cross-legged. "Uncle?" she called out tentatively, reaching out with a small hand to poke his side. The firm feel of his muscles was surprisingly good, and she grinned at Maxwell Peary. "Uncle, I wasn’t asking because I want to eat them. I was really just curious." If the CEO had thrown his snacks away, she needed to be mentally prepared. If he hadn’t... "Uncle, it would be such a waste if those snacks expire," Nia said, putting on a virtuous expression. Her small hand moved up to rest on Maxwell’s shoulder. Because of her posture, Nia straightened her body, pressing herself completely against him. "Uncle, I’ll ration the snacks properly! I’ll eat my meals on time, and I promise I won’t eat less of them," Nia vowed, pained by the sacrifice for the sake of the snacks. If this still didn’t pry the CEO’s mouth open, she was truly out of options. "Really?" Maxwell raised an eyebrow, not believing a word she said. Nia nodded vigorously. More genuine than a pearl! "On the third floor." Nia’s expression flickered. She hadn’t been to the third floor since arriving at Royal Bay Villa. "Okay! Mwah!" Nia chirped, already scrambling off the sofa to put on her shoes, eager to find those precious snacks. "That’s not how ’mwah’ is used," Maxwell said, grabbing Nia’s small hand. Before she could ask how ’mwah’ was supposed to be used, he pulled, and she tumbled into his arms. He swiftly silenced her with a kiss. Nia’s eyes flew wide. Beast! How dare he launch a sneak attack! Despicable! Just then, out of the corner of her eye, she spotted Frederick Goldsmith, the butler, approaching with a fruit platter. Nia instantly bristled, pushing Maxwell away with all her strength. "Hello, Mr. Goldsmith," Nia said, awkwardly scratching her head, her face beet red. Maxwell Peary! Maxwell Peary!! she shrieked internally. I wish I could march over and give this man a good thrashing! How could he make moves on me in the living room, right where the butler could see?! Frederick Goldsmith, smiling kindly, said nothing as he walked over. "Fruit platter," he announced, placing it on the coffee table with a smile. Seeing Nia’s flushed face, he gave Maxwell a meaningful glance. "Is the Peary Clan going to welcome a young master soon?" Frederick felt a wave of relief. To think I’d live to see this day! I can die without regrets now. Nia was so embarrassed she didn’t know what to do; she wanted to flee that very second. Why is Mr. Goldsmith just like a mother-in-law, always urging us to have children? "The matter of a young master... that’s up to Uncle Peary," Nia blurted out, desperately trying to distance herself from the topic. In her haste, she completely forgot to change how she addressed the CEO in front of others. ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ 𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡⁂𝔣𝔦𝔯𝔢⁂𝘯𝘦𝘵 Oh no, I actually called him Uncle Peary... Sure enough, upon hearing Nia’s form of address, Mr. Goldsmith paused, momentarily stunned, and glanced at Maxwell Peary.