Out of the blue, Tilda remembered the words Lyndon had once imparted to Sheldon: "For those who underestimate you, show them your competence."

Lyndon's insight, shaped by his experience as a man, rang undeniably true.

With a warm smile, Tilda turned to the kids and asked, "Do you want to keep playing on the computer? How about trying something else?"

The two exchanged a quick look before Jerry piped up, "Besides playing on the computer, what else do you usually do?"

Sheldon paused, then said, "I read books."

Jerry grinned, "That's not my thing-I'm more into playing ball games."

Though Sheldon actually loved playing ball games too, he rarely had a playmate.

Tentatively, he asked, "Could you show me how to play sometime?"

Jerry's eyes darted to the window. "I noticed that there's a court in the estate-want to go try it out now?"

"Yeah, let's do it," Sheldon agreed. "Let's go." Jerry grabbed Sheldon's hand.

Before leaving, he turned and called out to Anabella and Tilda, "Mom, Mrs. Fernandez, we're heading out to play for a bit!"

"Alright, go ahead," they replied in unison.

Anabella and Tilda were there to keep an eye on the duo, and their growing bond brought a quiet joy.

Trailing behind at a relaxed pace, they watched the boys chatter excitedly as they made their way to the court.

The simplicity of childhood shone through-friendship sparked with just a handful of words.

By the time they reached the court, the boys were already at ease with each another.

Jerry hesitated, recalling something Ellis had mentioned, before blurting out, "Sheldon, someone told me you're not your dad's real son—-is that true?"

Sheldon's smile dimmed. "Who told you that?"

"That guy who says he's your dad's cousin," Jerry replied with a scoff. "He's trouble—probably wanted us to fight so our dads' partnership would crash. Thinks I'm too young to see through him."

Sheldon shook his head, wise beyond his years. "Adults make everything so messy. It's true I'm not my dad's biological kid-I don't even know who my real father is. But my dad loves me like I'm his own. He told me to ignore what others say.

Jerry clapped a hand on Sheldon's shoulder, a gesture of solidarity. "I've got you, Sheldon. If anyone dares to bully you, I'll make sure they regret it."

Sheldon's grin returned. "Then I'll cover you in the game world."

Jerry laughed, "Deal. I'll work on my skills, and one day I won't need you to cover for me in the game."

"I don't think that's going to happen," Sheldon joked. "Why's that?"