Chapter 26 I’ll Do It
+8 Pearls
Jessica’s eye twitched. Selene’s excuse about buying soy sauce and bumping into an old classmate was obviously a lie!
Holding her phone, Jessica turned to look at the Charles seated there. From his demeanor, he didn’t seem like he was planning to leave anytime soon.
Tentatively, she asked, “Mr. Hensley, would you like to stay for dinner tonight?”
“Sure. Charles, with his usual aloof expression, answered without hesitation.
Jessica was taken aback. She had only been being polite; how could he agree so quickly?
Then… make yourself comfortable. I’ll get started on dinner.” Since she had extended the invitation, she had no choice but to prepare dinner.
“Mommy, I’ll help you,” Arthur said, rushing to her side.
Jessica patted his head. “No need. You entertain our guest. I’ll have dinner ready soon.”
“Alright. Just call me if you need anything. Arthur replied in a mature tone.
Charles watched the interaction between mother and son, suddenly curious about how they had managed to get by all these years. How much had they struggled?
It didn’t take Jessica long to prepare a simple dinner – three dishes and a soup. Normally, she only cooked for herself, Arthur, and Selene, so the amount was modest.
She hadn’t expected Charles to show up.
Jessica brought the food to the table and invited Charles to sit
As she looked at the modest spread, she felt a bit embarrassed. “Uh… It’s not much. I hope you don’t mind.”
Charles said nothing and took his seat.
Arthur, however, seemed content. “Mommy, tonight we have such a big plate of roasted pork. It’s more than enough.”
Charles glanced at the little boy, noting his thin arms and legs. Had the times been so tough that he hadn’t had enough to cat?
Then plate.
“Thank
you
I eat more,” Charles said, placing a generous portion of roasted pork on Arthur’s
should eat
you,
but I can serve myself. You don’t need to be so formal with me,” Arthur responded, helping himself to a couple more pieces.
Chapter 26 Do
+6 Pearls
“Mr. Hensley, please, help yourself. Don’t worry about him,” Jessica said, handing him a bowl of
rice.
Charles nodded slightly and began to eat.
After taking a bite of the dishes, Jessica asked cautiously, “Does it taste alright?”
“It’s edible. Charles’s response was terse
Jessica’s eye twitched again. What kind of answer was that?
Given that he was born with a silver spoon. likely having gourmet meals prepared by professiona chefs, it was already a compliment that he was willing to eat her cooking. She didn’t expect him to sing praises.
After dinner, a heavy rainstorm began, complete with thunder and lightning. It didn’t seem like i would stop anytime soon.
Jessica glanced at Charles, who was playing chess with Arthur. The rain was pouring, but she couldn’t let him stay overnight.
It wouldn’t be polite to chase him out in the rain, though. As she was mulling over what to do, Charles’s phone rang.
He answered briefly and hung up shortly after.
He turned to her, “Flint is waiting with the car downstairs. Ill be heading off
Jessica let out an inward sigh of relief. She looked out the window, then said, “It’s mining pretty hard. Let me walk you out.” She had an umbrella with her.
Charles’s gaze deepened slightly. “Alright.”
‘Charles, we haven’t finished this game,” Arthur called out.
‘Leave it as is. We’ll continue the next time I come,” Charles replied.
‘T’ll definitely win next time!” The little boy, still sore about losing earlier, declared
Charles’s mouth curved slightly. “I’ll be waiting”
Jessica overheard their conversation as she fetched the umbrella. She thought to herself, is he planning on coming back?
She went down with him in the elevator. The car was parked outside the complex. As they stepped outside, she opened the umbrella to shield them from the rain.
Charles was so tall that she had to lift the umbrella high. His large hand reached over and took the umbrella from her. “I’ll do it.”
Chapter 26 I’ll Do It
+8 Pearls
With the umbrella, they were quite close, and Jessica’s heart started to race. She didn’t dare look up at him.
Walking together into the rain, the umbrella wasn’t quite big enough. Reluctant to get too close, Jessica’s shoulder started getting wet.
Noticing this, Charles frowned slightly and extended his arm, pulling her closer to him.
Jessica found herself suddenly against his chest. He spoke in a low, smooth voice, “Stay close, don’t get wet. I’m not responsible if you get sick.
With that, he walked confidently, holding her close. Jessica, in his embrace, felt stiff and only managed to move with his steps.
Against his broad chest, she could hear his steady heartbeat and smell his clean, masculine scent. The warmth from his body enveloped her.
His hand, firm yet gentle, rested on her waist through the thin fabric, causing her skin to heat up.
The warmth spread to her cheeks, making her face feel hot.
What is happening to me?
Jessica didn’t realize how they got to the car. Flint held an umbrella by the car, opened the door. and waited for Charles.
Jessica felt a bit annoyed. Of course Flint would have a spare umbrella. She didn’t need to walk him down.
