Never Judge

It took Cedric's security team ten minutes to make sure that it was safe for Emilio to step out of the car with his father. They hadn't been informed that the little boy had come along with Cedric, they only found out when one office employee spotted the photo of Emilio riding the car with Cedric.

The car door soon swung open and Cedric stepped out. The photographers, paparazzi, and some members of the public quickly snapped photos of him.

A tall well built man with a dark expression stood between the door and the audience, shielding Emilio from the cameras.

"Are you Leon's temporary replacement?" Cedric asked in an indifferent tone.

"Yes sir. My name's Merrick." The man said, introducing himself.

Cedric nodded and wordlessly helped his son out of the car.

Emilio was once more dressed in a miniature version of his father's three piece blue suit. Most of Emilio's clothes by now were either adorable costumes his aunties had bought, or matching outfits with his father.

"Do you want to be carried?" Cedric asked his son in a loving tone.

Emilio shook his head as he looked around at the crowd that had gathered. It was quite evident in his eyes that the little boy was more curious than scared. Last time, his father had shielded his face from the public, so today would be the first time they would see him clearly, it would also be the first time that Emilio would be seeing the people who were obsessed with his family as well.

"Try not to show any expression." Cedric instructed his son. "Hold my hand, and don't let go." Cedric said as he extended his uninjured arm.

Emilio nodded and took his father's hand.

Cedric made sure that Emilio was comfortable before finally walking towards the large glass building with the little boy.

Amidst the flashes of the cameras, Cedric would turn to look at his son, he was surprised that the little boy could keep such a cold and expressionless face as the media shouted questions at them. Of course, none of those questions would be answered today, just like in the past the Reyes family would slowly sink into the background refusing anything that would attract too much attention to them.

But for now, they were the cover of every newspaper, every tabloid. They were the focus of business articles, gossip columns, and social media was filled with news about them. Right now, the public could not get enough of the most powerful family in the country.

When Cedric and Emilio finally reached the doors of R Tower, Cedric's bodyguards quickly stopped anyone attempting to enter after them. Cedric had hoped that they would at least be as tame as the reporters at Island's Inc. but it seemed that the various news outlets had sent their most persistent reporters over.

When they finally made it to the elevators, they were greeted by Cedric's assistants and Cedric was finally able to sigh in relief.

"They are quite scary out there." Ian commented as he looked through the one way glass that enveloped the building. The people inside R Tower could see everything going on inside, but those outside would only see themselves reflected back.

"Was it fooling of me to hope that they would be kinder?" Cedric asked with a laugh.

"Yes." Camilla said with a grin as she picked Emilio up.

"Were you scared little boy?" Camilla asked Emilio as she hugged him tight.

"No auntie Camilla." Emilio said as he shook his head vigorously. "Daddy was with me, daddy always protects me."

Cedric gave his son a weak smile, of course he would do everything to protect Emilio, but he couldn't help but think of the people he couldn't protect.

His thoughts drifted to Jam, who's murder seemed to be all but a part of Aiden's plot. He thought of Mia, who had sacrificed her life for his family, in relation he thought of Leon, who had lost the woman he loved and was still in the hospital trying to get better. And finally he thought of his mom, the most important person in his life, he was supposed to protect her but she had ended up protecting his wife and son.

"Ced?" Came Ian's voice, pulling him back into reality.

Ian's face painted a look of confusion as Cedric realized that a tear had rolled down his cheek. He had cried without meaning to, he was glad that they were already inside the building when this had happened.

He heard the elevator door ding open and stepped in with the rest of their group.

Cedric leaned against a wall as he watched Camilla, Dave, and Mae entertain Emilio, who was now laughing at one of Dave's jokes.

"What were you thinking about?" Ian asked as he stood next to Cedric. They had been through so much together that Ian now knew if something was bothering Cedric like it was today.

"I couldn't help but think of everyone that has died recently." Cedric admitted with a frown. "I feel like I haven't properly mourned my mother, but I know I can't show too much weakness. Aiden is still out there, and he can strike at any time."

"You honestly need a break." Ian said, shaking his head. "Didn't Miguel tell you to take a whole week off? He wanted that injury to heal first." Ian said as he pointed at Cedric's arm that was currently in a sling.

"I'm fine." Cedric grumbled. The wound on his leg may have healed quickly, but the one on his shoulder was taking its time. Even simple moments made it hurt, and it would still occasionally bleed out.

"Please, I know you're lying." Ian said as he shook his head.

Ian was about to say something else when the elevator doors opened and Emilio jumped out of Camilla's arms and ran towards Cedric's office.

"Yoyo!" Dave called out as he chased after the little boy.

Cedric smiled as he watched his son act his age, there were times Cedric was worried that Emilio acted too grown up. So moments like these were rare.

"Why don't we go through the news I need to hear first, then all the work we need to deal with?" Cedric asked his remaining assistants as he stepped out of the elevator and walked towards his office.

Cedric knew it was going to be a long and tiring first day back.