Upon hearing this, Liam Valerius waved his hand dismissively. "Dad's birthday isn't until next month. It would have been fine if you'd just come back then."
Thomas Valerius coughed softly. "I thought I'd come back a bit earlier. I was hoping I could help out. Isn't Dad planning a big celebration this year?"
"What help could you be, in your condition?" Liam Valerius blurted out.
At Liam Valerius's words, Thomas Valerius's gentle expression instantly stiffened. The eyes of the man in black standing behind him, pushing his wheelchair, sharpened in a flash.
Bell, the butler, gave a timely cough, clearly feeling that Liam Valerius's remark was out of line.
Liam Valerius realized then that he had misspoken. He looked at Thomas apologetically. "Thomas, we're full-blooded brothers. After Zeke died, you're the only brother I have left. I was just worried about your health, that's all. Don't read too much into it. Of course I'm happy you're back."
