Chapter 76: A father’s request
Chairman Nathaniel Horace was already in his fifties. His oldest son Amiel was thirty-three years old, whom Knox only met twice ever since the chairman took him in. The second son, Anton, was thirty; the one who blatantly expressed his dislike and hatred towards Knox every time they would meet; Althea was twenty-eight; while Athan was two years older than Knox.
Among the siblings, the younger ones treated Knox amicably, despite their mother’s opposition and their father’s indifference.
The chairman stared at his youngest sporting a bewildered yet wary look. He understood his reaction, after all, he who had cast aside his existence and only provided the basic necessities and never once showed concern for the poor omega, was now claiming him a son and acting like a good father.
Nathaniel knew Knox Arden hated him. He could feel his reproof behind those lowered eyelids, and it gnawed inside him.
The chairman silently placed the teacup above the saucer and broke the silence again, "As you may have heard already, I will officially announce you as my son. Although I can’t do it as soon as we get back, I promise you that you won’t hide from anyone ever again. I will also allow you to take the name Hora—
"I’m grateful, sir, but I’d prefer my name to remain the same," Knox interrupted the older male alpha. His head was bowed, but his voice was firm and unyielding. The name Arden was the only thing that his omega father had left him, if he accepts the name Horace and gets married, then the name Arden will be buried. It was a petty reason, but it was what he wanted.
Nathaniel nodded slightly, giving his approval to Knox’s request, seemingly aware of his son’s reason. "If that’s what you want, I can allow that. On one condition," Knox gulped as he received the chairman’s stern gaze, "Stop addressing me like you’re my employee. Have you heard a son call his father ’sir’? Steve, have you?"
The secretary standing by the edge of the couch like a true butler answered, "I don’t think I encountered such, chairman."
"Right. It’s not normal. Once you’re officially introduced, you’ll have to attend family gatherings as well, and everyone will find it weird to hear you addressing me that way. So, get used to it," Nathaniel demanded.