Chapter 3 Can I call you Mommy

"I don't think so," Lorenzo Falcone finally spoke, shaking his head.

The moment he learned of Eric's disappearance, he had sent all his men and servants out to find the boy. He even called the police to prevent any potential kidnappers from escaping. The police had searched the entire city, but the clever little boy made sure to leave no tracks behind.

"Then do you think it's your uncle? Or John? I mean, Eric is a thorn in their plans," Delilah said, her voice trembling with worry.

Something flashed in Lorenzo's eyes. He also suspected that John Falcone might have something to do with it.

Six years ago, Frederick Falcone, Lorenzo's grandfather, had organized a family meeting on his 80th birthday to discuss the future of the company.

"I'm old and dying, yet neither Lorenzo nor John is prepared to get married," Frederick Falcone had said with a frown on his long face. "I honestly don't care. However, I want a great-grandson to secure the FF Group's future. So, the one who can give me a baby boy first will have 70% of my shares."

He spoke calmly, but his words sent the entire family into a frenzy. The person who inherited the shares would effectively control the FF Group, which was more than enough to spark a race.

The idea of owning the company was so enticing that everyone scrambled to find Lorenzo or John a wife.

The next day, John married Daisy Yu, a rising pop star. However, Lorenzo still didn't take any action.

"John is already married. His wife could get pregnant within a month," Delilah said anxiously.

Her son remained silent.

"You're close with Dorothy, right? How about we give her a call?" Delilah suggested kindly, despite Lorenzo's indifference.

After pondering for a moment, Lorenzo nodded. "Give it a try."

"You got it." Delilah called Dorothy Smith, only to be rejected outright.

Dorothy laughed over the phone. "Delilah, I can't afford to be pregnant right now, but I'm willing to marry-"

Before Dorothy could finish, Delilah hung up angrily. She glared at the phone as if her gaze could set it on fire. "Dorothy has gone too far," she snapped. "She only wants to marry you but won't follow through on the other end. What should we do?"

There was no response from Lorenzo, which only fueled her frustration.

"Are you really going to sit there and do nothing while John takes the shares?" Delilah shouted at her son's retreating back.

Lorenzo stopped, turning slightly so she could see the fierceness in his face. "You can find a girl, and I'll have a baby with her," he said sharply. "I don't think you need me to tell you how to handle it, right?"

Delilah snorted. "You got it."

She liked the idea better since it meant her son wouldn't be tied to anyone. She called Sophie and asked her to find someone.

When Sophie brought a girl back, nine months later, they were greeted with Eric.

The entire process was so secretive that even John didn't know about it until Lorenzo handed the baby to Frederick Falcone as proof, earning him 70% of the shares upfront.

At the time, Daisy Yu was only five months pregnant.

In a fit of rage, John kicked Daisy in the stomach, causing her to miscarry. Ever since then, she hadn't been able to conceive.

Although that was in the past, it was something no one could forget.

No one truly knew what John was capable of.

"Lorenzo, I'll go to your uncle's home and ask him now. If he did anything to Eric, I'll bring him back," Delilah said, wiping tears from her cheeks. She'd do anything to get her grandson home.

Before she could leave, Lorenzo's phone rang.

Seeing it was his good friend Jay Fang, he quickly answered. "Any news?"

"One of my men saw Eric this morning at the airport, so I've sent more people to continue the search. Do you think he could board a plane by himself?" Jay asked nervously.

Lorenzo frowned. "He didn't bring an ID with him, so I don't think so."

"What if he boarded with someone else?" Delilah wailed even louder. "If he was abducted," she sobbed, "I'd rather die than know about this."

"But my men said he was alone, so I'll keep tabs on this," Jay added.

"Got it. Keep searching. I'm on my way."

Lorenzo hung up and grabbed his car keys. "Mom, just stay home. I'll let you know if I hear anything. I don't think this has anything to do with John."

Delilah slumped onto the sofa, weeping. "Bring my grandson back, please."

Meanwhile, Amelia had taken Eric out to dinner. Afterward, she visited her mother. It was already ten in the evening when she returned to her apartment.

The whole time, Eric trailed behind her like an obedient little dog.

Once she finished bathing him, Amelia opened her suitcase and pulled out a cute pair of pajamas for him to wear.

Eric eyed them, taking them from her grasp. "Why do you have clothes for kids, Auntie?"

Amelia laughed. "I love children's wear, so I usually buy them if they look good."

The truth was, she bought children's clothes every year in memory of her young boy. She missed him so much that she'd cry while holding those clothes. Sometimes, she had to force herself to put them away, hoping to forget.

"Auntie, you like kids, don't you?" Eric tilted his head.

"Of course, especially ones as clever and obedient as you." Amelia poked his nose playfully.

Something flashed in his eyes. In reality, he was quite naughty at home. He often destroyed his toys, making his dad replace them. He wasn't about to admit that to her, though. What if she abandoned him if she knew?

Eric waddled toward her and kissed her softly on the cheek. "Auntie," he said brightly, "can I call you Mommy?"

Mommy, Mommy...

The words sent a pang through her heart.

If only... Her eyes welled up with tears.

"Eric, I think your real mommy would be unhappy if you called me Mommy," she whispered.