CHAPTER 216: CHAPTER 216: DO YOU EVEN KNOW HOW TO WOO A GIRL?

The next day, Liam Sterling came over to Shannon Quinn’s house to mooch a meal.

This time he went abroad on a business trip and hadn’t visited for a few days.

Leo had a great relationship with him, like two buddy buddies with a twenty-year age gap.

Upon returning from abroad, Liam brought back plenty of toys and treats for Leo. In Leo’s eyes, only his mom was the villain, since everyone else spoiled him, so Shannon had to play the "strict mom" role.

"Shannon, there’s a New Year’s event organized by Old Z, a luxury cruise one-day tour. Do you want to come along?" Liam asked during dinner.

Shannon replied, "If it’s optional, then I won’t go. It’s cold, and for the sake of appearances, I’d have to wear a dress and suffer."

Shannon never liked attending such social events, unless she couldn’t refuse as part of her studio responsibilities.

As soon as she finished speaking, before Liam could persuade her, Catherine Yardley began, "Young people should get out and socialize. Why stay at home every day? It’s good to go out and have some fun with them."

In truth, Catherine wanted Shannon to attend more of these social gatherings, hoping she’d meet men, and perhaps encounter someone suitable.

Liam chuckled and said, "It’s organized by the design circle, all peers, many of whom you know. While I was abroad, Mike asked if you’d be coming. He’s traveling from overseas, and your absence would be a dampener."

"Alright, let’s consider it a breath of fresh air."

"Mom, I want to go with you."

Before Shannon could respond, Liam promptly agreed with Leo, "Sure, Uncle will pick you and Mom up later."

Shannon simply thought the child was playful and curious about new experiences, unaware of what Leo was planning in his mind.

On the morning of December 31st, Shannon started preparing.

Everyone boards by 5 PM on the 31st, then spends New Year’s Eve at sea and returns the next morning.

Shannon and Sheila Yardley styled each other, wearing matching emerald green dresses with only slight differences—Shannon’s was a strap style, while Sheila’s was a bustier style.

The green complemented their complexion, making it appear even fairer, paired with pearl accessories, rendering their look elegant and graceful.

Leo wore a little black tuxedo, exuding a gentlemanly air, inheriting the charisma from his father, which was bound to captivate countless girls when he grew up.

Within the design circle, domestically and internationally, Shannon knew quite a few people; thus, once on board, she quickly sat down and started chatting with everyone.

The temperature on the ship was quite comfortable, perfectly matching the attire.

Soft music played from speakers from all directions, although the crowd was loud, and no one really focused on appreciating it.

"Mom, I’m going over there to get something to eat."

Shannon glanced in the direction Leo pointed, thinking they wouldn’t lose him on a ship, and since she could see the spot with a mere lift of her eyes, she let Leo go without worry.

After Leo wandered over there, he directly headed for the staircase on the other side, as he had seen someone he knew go up just moments before.

"Little one, you can’t go up there alone, go play downstairs?"

Leo was stopped by staff as the third floor was reserved for VIPs and had guards.

Unafraid, Leo tilted his head up and said to the staff, "I’m here to meet someone."

Seeing the child didn’t seem to be up to mischief, the staff worried he might be a VIP’s child and asked, "Where are your parents? Don’t run around alone; I’ll take you to find them."

To get inside, Leo quickly claimed, "My dad’s up there!"

"What’s your dad’s name?"

"Sutton!"

"Mr. Sutton?" The staff turned to look at a colleague nearby who said, "Mr. Sutton isn’t married, where would he get a child? Lying isn’t good, little one."

"There’s only one Mr. Sutton?"

"Only one in the VIP room, Mr. Landon Sutton."

Realizing he hadn’t fooled them, Leo said, "I’m not lying, call him out and you’ll see."

While the staff discussed, from the end of the hallway, Landon Sutton and Ronan Rhodes appeared.

Leo waved his hand and shouted in that direction, "Dad!"

Landon Sutton looked up upon hearing the sound. When he saw Leo, he wasn’t too surprised; what struck him was Leo calling him "Dad."

Those two words were like a ray of sunlight squeezing through the thick forest, warming Landon’s heart and making his eyes misty.

Smiling, he quickened his pace towards Leo, leaving Ronan, puzzled, trailing behind, muttering, "Where did such a big son come from?"

Landon walked up, completely ignoring the curious stares from the staff, and bent over to scoop Leo up.

"Mr. Sutton... this child just said he was looking for you and claimed... you’re his father."

Landon looked down at Leo, who winked at him, which made him realize the "Dad" title was merely a ploy by this little rascal, but it still filled him with contentment.

"That’s correct, he’s my child. Don’t stop him if he enters here again later."

Landon had originally come down to find a chance to meet Leo, but now Leo had come looking for him, so he carried Leo back to the room and said to Ronan, "You wait for me downstairs."

Ronan had countless questions, but Landon gave him no chance to ask, already carrying Leo away.

Leo typically disliked being carried by others. Having developed his independent thoughts early, he insisted on walking when they went out. Shannon would face a sulky rejection if she tried to carry him.

As if being carried undermined his dignity.

Yet, nestled in Landon’s strong arms at this moment, he didn’t resist and even freed a hand to clasp Landon’s neck naturally.

"How did you find your way up here?"

"Mom won’t find me here, down there if Mom sees me with you, and she knows I’ve closed a deal, she’ll snatch away my money!"

Landon laughed, bending over to place the boy on the sofa, "Tell Uncle your plan."

"What plan, I’ve completed my mission by leaking Mom’s whereabouts to you, I’m just here to check your progress. Did you add Mom on WeChat and chat with her? Does Mom like you?"

Landon thought and responded, "Do you want me to be with your mom?"

He wanted to see if he had passed his son’s test.

Leo pondered, then said earnestly, "As long as you treat Mom well and are willing to earn money for her, then I agree with you two being together. But, of course, if Mom likes you."

"What if your mom doesn’t like me?"

With a disdainful look, Leo said, "Do you even know how to court a girl?"