I Owe the Tyrant Four Little Heirs novel Chapter 186

Niamh frowned in confusion. When had Keir ever said that to Jareth? It was a ridiculous exaggeration.

"What will it take for you to leave my mom alone?" Keir pressed, his frustration growing.

"She'd have to quit her job at my company," Jareth replied simply.

Niamh shot him a dirty look. He was just being cruel, knowing full well how much she needed this job. And why was he arguing with a child?

To her surprise, Keir backed down. He knew that if his mom lost her job, they wouldn't have any money, which meant no more tasty food.

"How long are you planning to eat here?" Phaedra asked, her voice sharp.

"I don't know," Jareth answered honestly. "Maybe three months. Maybe six."

"You... how can you be like this?" Phaedra sputtered, infuriated.

Jareth watched her, completely charmed by her indignant expression. He felt like he must have done something truly wonderful in a past life to be blessed with four such delightful children.

"Alright, it's settled then," Jareth announced cheerfully. He hadn't felt this close to family in a very long time, and it felt incredible. "To show my gratitude, I've decided to get each of you a gift."

"What is it, Mr. Bragg?" Aurelia asked, her interest piqued.

"First, eat your breakfast. You'll find out after," he said mysteriously.

Jareth had never been a fan of chives, but for the sake of the children, he forced himself to try one of the sandwiches. The first bite was strange, but as he continued to eat, he found he quite liked the flavor.

"See, Mr. Bragg? Aren't my mommy's sandwiches the best?" Aurelia asked as she ate, pushing the remaining sandwiches toward him.

"Aurelia, you brat! If you give them all to him, what are we supposed to eat?" Keir yelled.

"Mr. Bragg, are you taking us to school?"

"Yes."

"Can you take us to school every day?"

"Of course."

"Thank you, Mr. Bragg! You're the best!" Aurelia exclaimed, climbing onto his lap and smothering his face with kisses again. When she was done, she sighed dramatically. "Oh, Mr. Bragg, I wish you were my real daddy."

"Aurelia, that's enough," Niamh snapped, her head starting to ache.

Even if he were their father, she would never get together with him. And since he wasn't, what was the point of all this?