He picked up after a few rings, his voice smooth and steady came through the Line.

"Hello?"

"Do you have any plans tonight?" Tilda asked, keeping her tone neutral.

“Yes, I do. Why? Is something wrong?"

Tilda wasn't surprised by his response.

She explained, “Nothing major. Corrine invited me over for dinner and wanted me to bring you. She asked if you were free to join us."

There was a beat of silence before Lyndon replied, “Sorry, I'm already at a restaurant. Maybe next time. How about we treat her to a meal at our place on another day?"

Tilda nodded slightly, even though he couldn't see her. "That's fine. I told her you might not be available."

Lyndon paused again, his voice sharpening slightly. “Is she inviting anyone else?"

Tilda's eyelashes fluttered. She chose honesty. "She mentioned Keanu. She wants to thank him for saving her life."

There was a brief silence, heavier this time. When Lyndon spoke again, his tone was unreadable. “Well, you can take Sheldon with you."

Tilda blinked. She had already planned to bring Sheldon along, yet Lyndon's suggestion carried an odd weight.

"Alright, I will," she said softly. The call then ended.

Meanwhile, Lyndon stood outside the restaurant, his expression clouded with thought.

His assistant hovered nearby, but he waved him off, murmuring, "Go ahead. I'll join you in a moment." He pulled out his phone and dialed Elma.

Soon, Elma's voice came through the line. "Hello, Mr. Fernandez."

"Hi, Elma, is Sheldon there?" Lyndon asked.

"Yes, he is playing in the living room."

"Please put him on."

"Okay."

A moment later, Sheldon's cheerful voice chirped through the Line.

"Hi, Dad!"

Lyndon's tense features softened slightly. "Sheldon, let me ask you something. If someone tried to come between your mom and me, what would you do?"

Sheldon paused, his young mind working to process the question. “Huh? Someone's trying to come between you and Mom?"