Ever since Augus started his recovery period, he hadn't really had a formal sit-down with lan. So, when Beck mentioned it, lan felt a twinge of guilt.

The whole divorce from Maja thing was a pill too big to swallow for anyone in the Sanders clan. lan was itching to give Beck the boot, but before he could do anything, Augus' call came in first.

It happened right after lan got home from work, just as he overheard Beck on the phone.

"Dad, are you sure you're up for the trip?"

"What's so important? Alright, when will you be here? I'll come get you. Yeah, I know, Maja's due in two months, I wouldn't dare ask her to come herself, she's been resting up at home. When you get here, I'll set you up in the Sanders' local house to chill out before heading over to Greenfield Gardens."

Beck had wanted to keep this from lan, hoping to catch him off guard.

But as soon as he hung up the phone, he heard lan's voice.

"Dad's coming over? When?"

Beck stiffened, surprised lan had caught wind of the conversation, and instantly felt a touch of annoyance.

"Tomorrow, around six in the evening. You better brace yourself."

The news spoiled lan's appetite at dinner.

He was worried sick that Augus was coming to read him the riot act.

Maja had heard about Augus' visit too, and seeing lan so tense, she tried to offer some comfort.

"Relax, it's not like he's going to bite your head off."

lan looked dead serious. First, he ordered the staff to do a deep clean of the house, even Coco and Rocky got a thorough grooming. Coco even ended up with a stylish haircut. Maja thought the whole spectacle was a bit over the top.

But lan was on edge, micromanaging everything down to the landscaping in Greenfield Gardens.

Maja found it amusing but also knew it was lan's way of showing he cared.

She sat nearby, munching on some fresh fruit and enjoying the scent of freshly cut grass wafting from the garden.

lan stood by her side, occasionally barking orders.

Three minutes later, someone approached.

"Ma'am, here's a New Year's gift for you. It was held up at customs for a few days, so it's a bit late."

Maja raised an eyebrow. It looked like it had been shipped from abroad. Who could it be from?

Just as she was about to tear off the tape, lan snatched the box away, wary of potential danger. Upon opening it, they found dog food, toys, and the like.

And among them was a conspicuous note.

[Maja, some toys for our Coco. You've taken great care of him.]

Signed, Patric.

lan's blood boiled when he saw the note. He kicked the box aside and instructed the staff.

"Burn all this stuff, it's bad juju."

Maja was puzzled, asking, "Isn't it just a New Year's gift from someone?"

"Don't bother, it's a nasty prank."

The staff quickly took the box and note away, tactfully making themselves scarce.

Maja's suspicions grew, worried it might be something important.

Unable to withstand her probing gaze, lan caved.

"It's from Patric. He mentioned Coco."

lan knew how much Maja adored Coco, and the most infuriating part was that Coco had originally been a gift from Eric Raymond.

Now Patric, harboring Eric's grudges, was using this to jab at lan's soft spot.

Maja nodded, not bothering to retrieve the items.

She was more concerned about lan's brewing storm of jealousy.

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