"Oh my gosh, Mr. Martinez?" Robert's eyeswidened as he looked at the person sitting in the car. "When did you return?"

Robert appeared somewhat surprised. For as long as Robert can remember, his parents hadn't been particularly close with their relatives. Instead, they maintained frequent contact with Zachary's circle of friends.

Robert was very familiar with the person sitting in the car. In Malcolm's own words, Robert used to urinate in his arms while wearing open-crotch pants as a child. As he grew older, they maintained frequent contact.

Later, Malcolm moved out from Yrinas, but he occasionally returned to participate in gatherings. Even if they spent a long time apart, their bond remained strong. Malcolm often joked about why he only had a son and playfully mentioned that if he had a daughter, Robert would undoubtedly be his son-in-law.

Malcolm was the same person who had just dropped off Lionel from the car.

Malcolm smiled and said, "I just got here today and was actually looking for a place to have lunch when I saw you standing here."

"Hahaha!" Robert burst into laughter, nothesitating to open the car door and squeeze himself in."Mr. Martinez, why didn't you info rm me in advance that you were coming back? How could I really ask you for a wife?"

Malcolm playfully tapped on Robert's head and said, "Alright, since you've been asking me for a wife for as long as you can remember, I promise to find you a good one. By the way, have you eaten yet? If not, let's grab a meal together."

"No, I was just thinking about what to eat. Sincedear Mr. Martinez is here, let me join you for a meal." Robert wrapped his arms around Malcolm's neck.

Lionel didn't witness this scene; otherwise, he would have been utterly shocked.

Across the five western states, who dared to be so audacious toward Malcolm?

Malcolm's driver caught a glimpse of this scene through the rearview mirror and suppressed a smile.

After serving as Malcolm's driver for many years, he noticed that only Robert dared to behave so freely in Malcolm's presence. Even Malcolm's own son wouldn't dare to exhibit such boldness.

"Calvin, don't you dare laugh. Aren't you alsosingle and unmarried?" Robert noticed the driver's suppressed smile in the rear-view mirror."Let's go. We're right at the hotel entrance. Today, I'm going to secure a major meal!"

Robert and Malcolm shared a close bond, and their familiarity allowed them to dispense with formalities. Having grown up in Malcolm's care, Robert felt at ease in his presence.

As they entered the Majestic Hotel, Calvin was about to request a private room when Malcolm intervened.

Robert grabbed Malcolm's arm and sat down directly in the hall.

"Haha, Rob, it's delighted to see you. Let's have afew drinks," Malcolm said, gesturing for Calvin to bring a bottle of wine.

Robert curled his lips and retorted, "Looks like you've been cooped up at home for too long. Mrs. Martinez won't let you indul ge in drinking like this."

Malcolm burst into laughter, unbothered by being exposed by Robert. There was no awkwardness between them, as Robert seemed to be well aware of Malcolm's little schemes.

They ordered a few homemade dishes and settled into a booth, enjoying their meal at a relaxed pace. As they ate, they chatted about some everyday topics.

Calvin and Robert had known each other for a long time, so their companionship felt natural when they were together.

Calvin knew Malcolm enjoyed spending time with Robert's family because being with them was free from constraints and he felt natural and comfortable.

This was something that Malcolm couldn't experience in his own household. After all, his family abided by strict customs that had endured for generations.

The three of them didn't rush their meal; instead, they enjoyed chatting.

On the other side, Yahaira walked out with Lionel, and her face radiated joy.

Seeing the unconcealed joy on Yahaira's face, it was evident that she was highly content with the conversation they had just had.