Going Down To Business

***ARTEMIS***

Spell awkward; T-H-E A-S-H-T-E-I-N-S.

The newcomer, whom I identified as Count Frank Ashtein, and Xander had some sort of glaring contest without even uttering any words. I bet anyone could feel the enmity between the two.

"I see you're still hanging around." Xander said to his stepfather in a stoic expression.

"And I thought you will no longer bother this family." the count retorted with a sneer on his face.

"Unless it's my mother that wants me and asks me to do that I'm not entitled to follow your orders. And you're not my father."

"I'm still the husband of your mother."

"Do I look like I care?"

I eyed Kyle and Seven who shared the same look of surprise as me. Well, it wasn't only us. I think all of us were very surprised at Xander's sudden display of distaste towards his stepfather. He did mention he hated him but it was my first time seeing Xander being so… snarky.