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Jack was silent for a moment, at a loss for an answer. “I-I did it because I had no other choice. I wanted a child so badly-“

“Well, I see,” Verlaine said, interrupting Jack’s unfinished speech, “the fruit doesn’t fall far from the tree,” he said with a quiet murmur.

Verlaine then cleared his throat loudly, as if signaling he was about to begin his important conversation with Connor and Jack tonight.

Connor began with, “As you told me on the phone that you would tell me about the next plan tonight. Tell me.”

Verlaine raised both eyebrows. “Ouh... you’re so impatient, Mr. Grayson,” he said in a joking tone. “Is it because it’s late, so you don’t want to make small talk any longer?”

“I brought Jack so you can use him for your plans too,” Connor replied, changing the subject.

Verlaine raised one eyebrow, realizing that Connor was really impatient for the plan he had. “Well... I’ll say it,” Verlaine said then, no longer wanting to mince words. “In a few days, there will be a party held by