Caden looked around when they entered the garden as he saw a greenhouse with different trees surrounding one side of it. The trees had fruits growing on them. 

On the other side of the garden was a maze of bushes with different flowers while vines were surrounding them. 

The man took them to the middle of the maze. When they reached it, there was a vast round table in the center of the area. There was a fountain with a mini pond on the right side of the site. 

A man and woman sat near each other at the table as there were two empty seats across from them. The woman had a cold and refined air as she looked at the fountain, taking a few sips from her cup. 

The woman had brown hair in a neat bun with no strands out of place as she wore a dress with zero flaws. It showed that she was a perfectionist. 

Next to her, the man had a more relaxed and approachable air to him as he was leaning back in his chair. His hair had grey in it while pushed back. The man was wearing casual clothes as he was holding a book in his hand. 

The butler bowed to Dean and Caden before disappearing. 

The man was the first to look at them as he set his book on the table before getting up. There was a warm smile on his face, showing off the lines in them as he walked over with stretched arms. "Dean!" 

Dean let go of Caden as he fast-walked to his father, wrapping his arms around him, "Father, how are you?" 

Dean always had a good relationship with his father. Although, the man was barely around due to his job. Most people think that his father is a cold and indifferent man since he is a CEO, but he is a warm person in reality. 

But, his father would never say no to what his wife wanted. He spoiled her and let her take the reign while he stuck to his work. 

Dean wished the man was stricter, but it was impossible to change his personality.

His father hugged him back before stepping out of the hold. "I have been well. What about you? Do you need anything? You know, your father will give you anything you want." 

Dean lowered his voice as he said, "Then can you get mother off my back?" 

His father chuckled as he shook his head, "You know her words are final." Then he looked over to Caden, who was standing in his spot before glancing back at Dean. "Come sit." 

His father walked back to his seat as Dean made his way to Caden. He grabbed the man's hand as he dragged him to the table. They sat down as the atmosphere was tense because Dean's mother had not acknowledged them yet. 

"Honey." Dean's father called his wife. 

She looked at him before turning towards her son and his "wife." His mother looked Caden up and down as her face was blank, not giving anything away. 

Then she turned to Dean, "Son," she greeted, "It has been a while since your mother has seen you." 

"I know, mother. But, we talk almost every day, and you are busy with work; I do not want to disturb you." Honestly, Dean did not want to visit at all. He is only here now because his mother tried to marry him off. 

His mother sneered at the response, "Still, you need to make an effort to see your parents. Do not forget all we did to raise you."

Dean could feel Caden squeezing his hand as he nodded to his mother, lowering his eyes, "Yes, mother." 

His mother hummed before taking another sip of her drink as the silence dragged on. After a few minutes, Caden decided to break it. 

"Hello, ma'am, I heard so much about you." 

His mother glanced at Caden and said, "And I heard nothing about you? My son said you did not want anyone to know because of your family. But, is it because you do not think my son is worthy? Or are you only with him for money? I can see that you are from a low-income family." 

Caden had Dean's hand in a death grip as he tried to keep himself calm. Dean had to hold back from wincing due to the strength behind the grip. 

"Ma'am, I assure you that I am not with your son for his money or feel that he is not worthy. I care for him very much, but I feared that if our marriage got out, my family would have gone for his money." Caden answered with a clear and calm tone. 

Dean's mother snorted.