Ch. 281..290

Chapter 281 Never Look Back

Her rejection was already clear.

However, after a prolonged silence, Michael's voice remained gentle. "Eva, what happened? If you don't need me, then should I send David? He knows more, so that the salespeople won't try to deceive you when you choose a car..." Unfortunately, before he could finish speaking, Eva impatiently interrupted him, "Do I look that foolish? So foolish that any salesperson who approaches me can easily deceive me?" "That's not what I meant." Michael explained gently.

"If that's not what you meant, then why are you wanting to send David over? I said I don't need any help, didn't you understand?" Eva's tone was confrontational. There was silence on the other end.

After speaking harshly, Eva felt some regret in her heart.

After all, the person on the other end of the phone had been exceptionally good to her for the past five years, but being too soft would only bring harm to him and achieve nothing. Instead of continuing like this, it was better to end it quickly.

Not hearing any response from Michael's side, Eva thought that he probably didn't want to speak with her anymore. Surprised that he didn't hang up despite being angry, she ended the call herself. After hanging up, she stood in place and sighed deeply.

That's how it has to be. The words she spoke might have hurt him, but it was for the best for both of them.

Before boarding the subway, Eva glanced once again at her conversation history with NightA, who was still silent.

Not contacting her and not replying to her text messages, it seemed that he must have been delayed by something. With nothing else to do in the afternoon, Eva arrived at the school early to pick up her kids. She arrived half an hour in advance, so she was allowed to enter the school and wait. Since the children were still in class, Eva waited outside the classroom area, not wanting to disturb them. She flipped through her phone, checking messages and talking to Emily about the afternoon.

Emily had been Eva's best friend since childhood. Even though Eva had become a mother to two children, she still confided in Emily like a teenage girl. Emily, being the good friend that she was, would secretly chat with Eva even while at work. "Don't worry, Eva. It's quite difficult to reject someone who has been so good to you, not because you're seeking their kindness but because they are genuinely wonderful. Rejecting them and turning them away with harsh words would only make them feel hurt, and that would trigger feelings of guilt and remorse within you. But in matters of the heart, we must be cautious of such emotions. What you're doing now is right, so don't look back."

These words made Eva slightly narrow her eyes and she smiled, asking Emily, "You never used to be someone who would say such profound things. Why are you so serious now?"

With a hint of pride in her voice, Emily's tone changed as she replied, "You don't know, a few days ago something happened to me. My devil of a boss rejected the confession of a top beauty right in front of me. That beauty was his former classmate who treated him well and liked him a lot. Not only was she smart and beautiful, but she was also a talented dancer. But my boss rejected her outright, telling her not to trouble him anymore, or he wouldn't mind cutting ties. The beauty was left in tears. After she left, I told him he was too cruel and ruthless, and he explained this principle to me."

Eva had seen the boss Emily spoke of, who was a serious, cold-looking man with a handsome face and a strong presence. He was reserved and spoke sparingly. That was her first impression of him, and after hearing Emily's description, she also learned that he was a workaholic. It seemed natural for such formal words to come from his mouth.

"So, you applied his advice in your own life?" Eva replied with a smile.

Emily responded with a smile, her eyes narrowing, "Of course."

"Do you no longer think there's something wrong with your boss now?" Eva continued typing.

"He does have some issues, of course, but that doesn't mean I can't use his words to comfort you. Don't you think it makes sense?" Emily's reply quickly came through.

"Well, it does make sense." Eva chuckled. Although Emily usually had a lot of complaints about her boss, seeing her use his words to comfort her made Eva realize something. At least in some aspects, Emily trusted her boss to an extreme extent, using his words as advice to others.

The key point was that Eva found herself agreeing as well. Indeed, his straightforward and decisive approach to life was the right attitude to face it. As the time for school to end approached, Eva put away her phone and didn't chat with Emily anymore.

When the two little ones came out and rushed into her arms, their first words were, "Mommy, how did you come in?"

Eva ruffled the heads of the two little ones and said, "I got off work early today, so I came in to wait."

Ruby looked around and then said in an angelic voice, "I thought Mommy was like Uncle NightA, coming in to talk to us." Eva was taken aback by these words.

After a few seconds of shock, she reacted and held Ruby's face in her hands, looking at her seriously. "Ruby, what did you just say?"

Ruby looked at her with her bright eyes, puzzled. "I said Uncle NightA, what's wrong, Mommy?"

"You mean the NightA who always comes to watch your livestream in the broadcasting room?" Eva quickly asked.

Ruby nodded.

After she nodded, Eva turned to Dylan and asked, "Dylan? Is what Ruby said true?"

Dylan pursed his lips and replied, "Yes, Mommy, it seems like NightA's child is also here."

NightA has a child?

This information surprised Eva a bit.

She never expected that he would have a child. She thought that someone who constantly watched the livestream of the two little ones and donated so much money wouldn't have a child yet, so they could be so generous. But this was a bit too coincidental.

An alarm bell rang in Eva's mind. After all, he had been appearing quite frequently lately. First, he contacted her but didn't show up, and now her children bumped into him here.

Thinking of this, Eva's expression immediately became serious. "Dylan, how many times have you encountered him? What did he say to you?"

"Well, Mommy!" Ruby hugged her sleeve and almost hung on Eva's body. "I met Uncle NightA once on the plane here."

This statement stunned Eva again. "What?"

Dylan nodded too. "Yes, Mommy, I also bumped into Uncle NightA in the airport restroom, but he didn't know me at that time." "You..." Eva frowned. "You actually met him before coming to Chicago?"

 

Chapter 282 Unreliable Person

Although she didn't want to admit it, this was too coincidental, right?

If the things that happened these past two days were already too coincidental, bumping into him in the airport and on the plane as well, then this was truly amazing.

So, is this the reason he wanted to meet her?

But... why didn't he show up then?

"What's wrong, Mommy?" Ruby noticed that she seemed lost in her thoughts, so she reached out to embrace her. "Mommy, are you worried that Uncle NightA is a bad person? Mommy, Uncle NightA is not a bad person, okay?" Her trusting words made Eva look at her helplessly and smile. "Even if he is a bad person, he won't show it on his face, and he definitely won't tell you he is a bad person."

Ruby looked confused, as if she understood but didn't really understand.

Her bewildered look was extremely cute in Eva's eyes, so she reached out and tapped her nose lightly. "Silly girl, what did NightA say to you when you met him on the plane?"

"I forgot!" Ruby answered happily.

Alright, unreliable kid.

Eva could only turn to Dylan, "And what about you, Dylan?"

Even though Dylan was only a little older than Ruby, he had the maturity of an older brother. He not only had a clear mind but also spoke with logical reasoning, despite his young age.

After he finished explaining the whole process, Eva finally understood what had happened in the past couple of days.

Knowing that NightA had come in the morning to say a quick hello to the two kids and left, Eva surprisingly found it somewhat reasonable that he had asked her for cash at that time. After all, he had leisurely chatted with the two kids before but seemed hurried today. Could it be that he really needed that cash?

"Mama?" Ruby asked with wide eyes, "Has mommy met Uncle NightA?"

Upon hearing this, Eva snapped back to reality, reaching out to rub the back of Ruby's head and whispered softly, "No, I haven't. Well, let's go home. If everything goes smoothly, I can pick up a car tomorrow, and then we won't have to take the subway or walk everywhere."

The kids quickly caught up with her, walking alongside her. Ruby even asked while walking, "Mommy, why hasn't Uncle Michael been picking us up recently?"

At the mention of Michael, Eva thought again of her heartless words from earlier. She reluctantly tugged at her lips, about to explain when Ruby, who was holding her hand, suddenly cheered, "Uncle Michael!"

Eva's steps came to a halt, instinctively looking ahead.

Michael stood there, impeccably dressed in a suit, with a gentle smile on his face. He held the car keys in his hand.

"Come here," Michael crouched down and opened his arms towards Ruby.

With excitement, Ruby let go of Eva's hand and ran towards Michael.

Her impulsive actions left Eva speechless. Wasn't this little one being too obvious?

Ruby jumped into Michael's embrace, her face beaming with a smile. "Uncle Michael, I thought you wouldn't come to pick us up."

"How could I not?" Michael took off her little backpack and held it for her, then took out an exquisite little box from his pocket.

Ruby was immediately intrigued. "What's that?"

"It's Christmas Eve in a few days, and I've prepared gifts for Ruby and Dylan in advance." Michael said with a smile.

"Christmas Eve!" Ruby took the gift, originally wanting to open it in front of Michael. However, Michael held her hand and said, "It's a surprise, open it at home." "Okay then, thank you, Uncle Michael." Ruby held her gift tightly, appreciative.

Eva held Dylan's hand, smiling at the heartwarming scene.

Michael gestured for Dylan to come closter. Dylan walked over, glanced at his mother's expression, and finally muttered, "Yes, Uncle Michael."

Michael pulled out another small box and handed it to Dylan, "This is your gift."

But Dylan didn't know what to think, he pursed his lips and didn't reach out to take it.

Seeing him not reaching out, Michael called out to him, "Dylan?"

Dylan looked at Eva.

Eva smiled reassuringly and said, "Quickly, thank Michael."

Those unpleasant words should never be spoken in front of a child.

With Eva's words in mind, Dylan dared to accept Michael's gift and thanked him.

She glanced at Dylan.

This child is really too sensitive, can he even perceive his own emotions?

Seeing him finally accepting the gift, a joyful smile returned to Michael's face. He reached out and tousled Dylan's hair and then said, "Let's go, I'll take you home."

Now that the children here, Eva didn't say anything else and got into the car with the two children.

However, after getting in the car, she was unusually silent, continuously checking her phone and not participating in the conversation. Ruby didn't notice, happily chattering away with Michael throughout the journey. Dylan on the other hand, due to Eva's influence, didn't say much either, even taking out a little book from his backpack, and pretending to read.

Unfortunately, he didn't manage to read a single line when Michael's reminder came from the front seat, "Dylan, it's best not to read in the car."

Dylan's small hand gripping the book paused, then he looked up at Eva.

Eva nodded at him, and only then did he put the book away.

They thought the matter would end there, but unexpectedly, Michael now shifted the topic to Dylan, "Dylan, it seems like you've been avoiding me today. What's wrong? Did I do something wrong?"

Hearing this, Eva couldn't help but glance at Michael, her eyebrows lightly furrowing.

Dylan, who was the target of the conversation, became a little uneasy sitting in his seat.

But before he could feel uncomfortable for long, Eva spoke up, "Dylan's personality is unique. How could he possibly be avoiding you? You're just overthinking."

Through the rearview mirror, Michael took a glance at her, pursed his thin lips, but didn't respond.

Even the slow-witted Ruby could sense that something was amiss and stopped pestering Michael to talk, instead snuggling into Eva's embrace.

"Mummy," Ruby looked up at her, her small face no longer smiling, replaced by a hint of unease.

Eva smiled and caressed her head, mumbled a few words of comfort, but didn't say anything else.

The atmosphere was off, and Ruby stopped talking too.

When they arrived, Eva had the children thank Michael, and then she herself said to him, "Thank you for going out of your way to bring us home, but it's probably best if you don't come over anymore. After all, you have a lot of business matters to attend to, and I don't want to waste your time."

"I'm willing to waste it." Michael opened the car door and got out, standing in front of her. "Can I have dinner with you tonight?"

Eva hesitated for a moment, but didn't respond. She turned around and took the children upstairs, with Michael following behind.

After going upstairs, Eva entered the password, then told the two little ones, "You go in so long, Mommy has something to talk to Uncle Michael about."

 

 

Chapter 283 Emotions Out of Control

The two little ones obediently went into the house.

Eva closed the door again.

She stood still and there was silence behind her.

After a long time, Eva turned around and smiled at Michael. "You haven't had dinner yet, right? I remember there is a restaurant near the community center. Shall we go?"

Whether he was unaffected by her or for some other reason, Michael nodded with a faint smile when he heard her suggestion. "Let's go."

The two of them went downstairs together, the babysitter didn't disturb them with smiling.

Inside the house, the two little ones quietly lay next to the door, trying to listen to what was being said outside. Unfortunately, the insulation of the door was too good, no matter what position they lay in, they couldn't hear a single sound. After a while, Ruby turned her head to look at the serious-faced Dylan. "Dylan, are Mommy and Uncle Michael arguing?"

The term "arguing" made Dylan furrow his brow slightly, then he replied, "I don't know, but let's not guess. It's better that way."

"If Mommy and Uncle Michael are arguing, do we still have to be nice to Uncle Michael in the future?" Ruby asked with concern.

Hearing this, Dylan seriously contemplated for a moment, then said, "We should still be nice to him. Mommy and Uncle Michael are arguing, not us and Uncle Michael."

Ruby nodded, although not fully understanding.

In the restaurant, Michael carefully looked through the menu, ordering one dish at a time and asking Eva about it.

At first, Eva was patient. But by the time he asked about the third dish, she was starting to lose patience. Frowning, she said, "You don't need to order anymore. This is fine. Besides, I can't eat much anyway." Michael paused with the menu in his hand, then handed it over to the embarrassed-looking waiter. "Just bring these for now."

"Okay." the waiter nodded.

After the waiter left, Eva looked at Michael in front of her, intending to speak directly to the point.

Unexpectedly, Michael took out an exquisitely packaged small box from his pocket and placed it on the table, pushing it towards her. "Ruby and Dylan already have their gifts for Christmas Eve. This is yours."

Eva looked at the delicate box, and after a moment, she took it and opened it. Inside was a beautiful brooch, the color and style of which was the most popular on the market, matching perfectly with her favorite light beige coat. It was just a small gift, but he had chosen it so carefully.

To refuse him would make herself seem ungrateful.

"Eva felt a wave of guilt wash over her, however, Emily's words flashed in Eva's mind, reminding her to be cautious about her emotions.

If I don't want to continue this, being ruthless is actually good for him.

Thinking this, Eva forced a smile and said, "This brooch looks really nice."

Upon hearing her words, Michael pushed his glasses up and replied, "As long as you like it."

"I like it." Eva said nonchalantly, "but what I like is the brooch, not the person who gave it to me in the way that they want."

Eva fell silent.

"I naturally like nice things." she continued. "But, sometimes, it also depends on who the gift is from. I don't have to accept everything someone gives me."

After saying this, Eva placed the brooch back into its box and pushed it away. "You should keep this for someone who deserves it. Similarly, you shouldn't waste any more time on me. You've taken care of me all these years, and I'm grateful. If you need any help in the future, just let me know."

"I only give things to those I consider worth it." Michael pursed his lips, his eyes beneath the lenses reflecting a hint of helplessness. "I bought this brooch specifically with you in mind. If you don't want it, then what's the difference between this brooch and garbage?" Michael lowered his gaze.

"You were going to let me accompany you to see the car this afternoon just to tell me all these things, did you?"

"No, I just suddenly didn't want you to come." Eva paused, then spoke in a cold voice. 'If you hadn't shown up at the school of my children, I wouldn't have gotten in your car and I wouldn't be sitting here talking to you now. I...am annoyed." Upon hearing this, a flicker of confusion crossed Michael's usually gentle face. "Annoyed?"

"Yes, I don't like you." Eva emphasized. "I've made that clear to you before, but you kept pestering me. I feel annoyed having to deal with you every day, especially after returning to here. I don't have the patience to deal with you anymore. So please, stop wasting your time on me and find someone else." Eva had to make a decision.

A glint of coldness appeared in Michael's eyes, as if he couldn't believe what he was hearing. Another voice echoed in his mind, overlapping with Eva's voice.

"Do you know how annoying you are? Is it only me in your world? Why do you always find me annoying? Why don't you bother your father instead? You're wasting my time, why are you talking to me? You are a waste, it's because of you being such a waste that he treats me like this!"

That night, a small figure was forced to kneel on the hard floor while a basin of cold water was poured over their head. The freezing temperature almost suffocated the young boy. "Mother...I'm sorry..."

However, the person he called 'Mother' just coldly put down the basin and walked away.

Numerous dark days came rushing at Michael like a tidal wave, threatening to engulf him. He bit his lip and clenched his fists.

Unfortunately, Eva didn't notice any of these changes in him. After her indifferent words, she lowered her eyes, her demeanor still cold.

"I've made myself clear, right? I hope you will pay more attention to your own life in the future and stop always looking for me." With that, Eva picked up her bag and began walking towards the door. Coincidentally, she bumped into a waiter who was bringing tea.

Seeing that she was leaving, the waiter called out to her without thinking, "Miss..."

"No, thank you." Eva said as she left the restaurant.

The waiter stood still, holding the tea, foolishly watching her leave, then shifted his gaze to the man left alone at the table.

He sat there, his aura dramatically changing with the woman's departure, as if enveloped in an icy world that no one could enter.

The most frightening thing was that his face and lips were pale, as if he had been shocked or suddenly fallen ill.

The waiter was initially afraid, but also worried that something might happen to him in the restaurant. In the end, he approached cautiously, still holding the tea, and asked, "Sir, are you okay?"

"Go away!" The man, who had been cold and silent, suddenly lashed out, forcefully knocking the plate out of her hand.

The scalding hot tea splashed onto the waiter without warning, causing her to instinctively scream and take several steps back.

Everyone in the restaurant turned to look in their direction.

Amidst the screams, Michael seemed to only now realize what had just happened.

His face momentarily froze, then returned to normal. He walked over to help the waiter up.

"I'm sorry, I lost control for a moment. Are you okay? Let me take you to the hospital." Michael said.

 

Chapter 284 Are you scared of me?

After Michael helped the waiter up and she saw the concern in his eyes, she became momentarily confused. Was this gentle person in front of her the same as the violent one from earlier?

"I'm fine." the waiter shook her head and said.

But the man didn't let go of her. Instead, he swore under his breath, and then pulled up her sleeve to check.

As he pulled up her sleeve, Michael could see that her hand was red and inflamed.

His expression changed slightly as he said in a deep voice, "First, cool the area with cold water."

Afterwards, Michael personally accompanied her to the back of the restaurant while she rinsed her hand with cold water. He stayed by her side the whole time.

The pain from the burn quickly subsided as the cold water washed over it. Because it was winter, once she finished rinsing with cold water, her hand was almost completely numb.

When she came out, Michael stood in front of her. "I'm really sorry, let me take you to the hospital."

"No need, it's just a minor burn. The cold water will do." The waiter politely declined.

"Come on, it's my responsibility." Michael said gently.

Facing the handsome and gentle face of the man, the waiter couldn't resist anymore.

As Eva returned home, she felt a sense of relief, although there was still some guilt in her heart.

She used to feel overwhelmed by his kindness, like a mountain pressing down on her. But now, after turning herself into a bad person, she suddenly felt that things were better. At least she was no longer burdened by shackles. "Mummy, you're back." Dylan called out to her from the entrance.

Eva snapped back to reality and saw Dylan. She walked over to him and said, "Hmm, were you waiting for Mummy?"

Dylan's little face showed a worried expression.

"Mummy, are you fighting with Uncle Michael?"

Fighting?

Eva shook her head. "We didn't fight, we just clarified some things."

Upon hearing this, Dylan seemed to sense something. "Mummy, does Uncle Michael... want to be our dad?"

This question made Eva silent for a moment, then she explained, "Perhaps he used to, but I don't think he'll think about it anymore after today."

Her words were so harsh, that only someone with self-destructive-tendencies, like Michael, would choose to continue pursuing her.

"Mummy, did you reject Uncle Michael?" The little one understood her words.

"Yes, I did." Eva nodded.

"Will Uncle Michael still come to see us in the future?" Dylan asked.

"I don't know." Eva sighed.

Actually, it's better if he doesn't come. Not seeing each other can help us sever ties completely.

Dylan thought for a moment and asked, "Then, Mummy, do we still have to live here?"

Upon hearing this, Eva looked up at the house.

To be honest, they shouldn't stay here. After all, this is Michael's house. Even though she already paid the rent, but... They haven't been back in the country for a month, and they would have already moved three times. Eva herself didn't mind; an adult can sleep anywhere. But if kids have to move frequently, she doesn't know if they can adjust.

Considering this, Eva said to Dylan, "Do you mind moving? Will it affect you?"

Dylan shook his head and then said, "Mummy, if you want to move, I will tell Ruby."

"Okay, thank you for doing that." Eva ruffled Dylan's hair.

Before going to bed, Eva glanced at her chat history with NightA.

He still hadn't replied, their conversation was still stuck on her explanations.

She worried, did he go to the restuarant and leave without waiting for her, thinking she stood him up and got angry, not wanting to talk to her anymore?

Or did something come up and that's why he hasn't replied to her messages?

Based on the current situation, it seemed more likely to be the former.

If it's the latter, it's already late, how could he not have had time to check messages on his phone?

After much thought, Eva finally decided to go to bed.

The next day, Eva mentioned her rental issue to Tim. Since he was a local, she wanted to ask if he knew of any rental listings.

Upon hearing this, Tim said, "You want to rent a house? This is so sudden. Normally, when people first come to Chicago, they have already sorted out such things."

Eva didn't plan to disclose her personal matters, so she just smiled faintly, "I have my reasons, I just need you to let me know if you hear of anything that is available."

Hearing this, Tim raised an eyebrow and said, "Could it be that the place you're staying at was prepared by Mr. Cooper before? And now, you suddenly want to move out... did you reject him?" Why is this man so perceptive?

"If you could focus your gossiping tendencies on work, I think our company's business might improve." Eva deliberately said.

"Without work, a person can easily become bored. But I suggest that if you consider long-term business development, it's best to buy a house nearby instead of moving around in the future." Tim laughed. Eva had thought about this, but Adrian's frequent appearances recently made her hesitate and wonder if coming back to America for business development was a mistake.

If her children would eventually be taken away by Adrian, she might as well stay overseas and do some other small businesses, instead of starting a company.

Seeing her furrow her brows, Tim asked, "Something on your mind?"

Eva snapped back to reality and shook her head, "It's nothing."

If she kept hesitating and looking back, wouldn't she be letting down the people who came to work at her company?

Moreover, she had personally raised her children for five years. Even if he wanted to take her children, he might not succeed.

Besides, he already had someone else to bear children for him.

At the school entrance, a five-year-old boy, sat in the car with his backpack on his back.

Since he got in the car, he had been sitting uncomfortably in the corner, afraid to make a sound.

This person was George and Mary's child, Lucas.

With the sudden move and change of schools, and the appearance of a man he had to call Uncle and ride to school with, the five-year-old was extremely nervous at the moment. Moreover, ever since he saw him, that imposing man had been wearing a serious expression.

Children are the most sensitive to emotions. They can sense immediately if someone likes or dislikes them.

He could sense that this uncle didn't like him.

But if he didn't like him, why did he suddenly bring so many good things to their home?

He didn't quite understand.

"Mr. Blackwood, we have arrived." the driver's voice came from the front of the car after it stopped.

The child immediately sat up straight, clasping his hands together, feeling even more overwhelmed.

The man's cold and almost mechanical voice came, "From now on, I am your uncle. You will live with me, so don't call me by the wrong name, understood?"

Lucas was a sensible and timid child, and he immediately nodded, "Understood, Uncle."

His timid behavior made Adrian frown a little displeased, "Are you afraid of me?"

If Dylan and Ruby saw him acting like this, they would think he was a very strict uncle, wouldn't they?

 

 

Chapter 285 Children Like It

Just the thought of leaving a bad impression on the two children because of Lucas, made Adrian's brow furrow harshly. He had put in so much effort just hoping that Dylan, that little guy, would let his guard down and connect with them.

But if the outcome went against his expectations, then why did he bring this person here?

With that in mind, Adrian's gaze towards Lucas became even more fierce.

Lucas sat in place, feeling as if his back was about to freeze.

It was so scary, he wanted to go home.

Jacob, who was sitting in the front, couldn't bear it anymore and took the initiative to speak, "Mr. Blackwood, please don't rush. Lucas is just afraid."

"Wow, you always have a serious expression on your face with the little ones. No wonder they're afraid of you." Jacob remarked.

Upon hearing this, Adrian paused his actions. "Is that so?" he asked.

Jacob countered, "Isn't it? If you treat Ruby and Dylan with that expression and attitude, do you think they won't be afraid of you like Lucas?" Jacob's words left Adrian silent.

"What should I do then?" Adrian said, showing a rare hint of confusion.

"It's simple." Jacob spoke as casually as if he were talking about eating and drinking, "Treat him like you do Ruby and Dylan."

Squinting his eyes, Adrian questioned, "Do you think that's possible?"

How could he possibly be gentle with someone else's child?

Jacob, in a matter-of-fact tone, replied, "Mr. Blackwood, why wouldn't it be possible? Wasn't it you who wanted to establish a closer relationship with those two little ones? You've spent so much money and effort on it. You think it's impossible? Then why did you do all those things before? You might as well send him back and forget about everything."

Jacob's words rendered Adrian speechless.

After a moment of silence, Adrian squinted his eyes and said, "You seem to be getting more audacious lately."

Feeling the chill emanating from Adrian, Jacob involuntarily shrunk his neck. "No, not at all. I'm just offering reasonable advice."

Adrian didn't say anything more, focusing his gaze on Lucas, who was also shrinking his neck.

He moved his thin lips, wanting to say something, but in the end, he couldn't bring himself to speak and could only instruct Jacob, "Explain everything to him."

Seeing that Adrian had no other choice, Jacob could only say to Lucas, "Young man, your name is Lucas, right? Let me tell you, there's no need to be afraid..."

After a long and earnest persuasion from Jacob, explaining that Adrian was actually the kind of person who appeared cold but was warm-hearted, Lucas seemed to truly believe it.

Adrian's gaze no longer seemed as intimidating to him.

Taking advantage of the situation, Jacob handed a bag of candy to Adrian.

Instinctively, Adrian avoided taking it and frowned. "What is this for?"

Jacob suggested, "It's for the child, Mr. Blackwood. Kids like eating sweet things, and I bought various flavors. Children love them."

After pondering for a moment, Adrian finally accepted it.

Then, he took one out and handed it to Lucas.

Although Lucas was no longer as afraid as before, he still felt a bit nervous. But after receiving the candy, he seemed to relax a little.

"Get out of the car, let's go into the school." Adrian said.

The principal was still personally receiving visitors because he had heard that it was a relative of Adrian's family coming to study here. He treated Lucas exceptionally well, even holding his hand and taking him to the classroom, instructing the teacher to arrange a seat for him.

And at this moment, not far away, Ruby ran towards Adrian with excitement when she saw him.

"Uncle NightA!" she exclaimed, with Dylan following closely behind.

Dylan still maintained a cautious distance and expression when facing Adrian.

Adrian retracted his gaze and squatted down in front of Ruby. "Do you want some candy?"

"Thank you, Uncle NightA." Ruby quickly took the candy.

Adrian passed one to Dylan as well. Dylan took it with restraint and didn't immediately eat it. Instead, he looked at Lucas, who had suddenly appeared beside Adrian.

Lucas also stared at the two children.

He lowered his gaze and instinctively moved behind Adrian.

Ruby noticed his movement. "Uncle NightA, is this your baby?"

Adrian pursed his thin lips and reluctantly denied it. "Sort of, but he's a relative's child, not mine."

Hearing this, Ruby widened her watery eyes. "Is he the kid you mentioned in this school?"

"Yeah, his parents are busy, so they entrusted me to look after his schooling for him." In the past, Adrian would never stoop to any deception.

It was only out of helplessness that he resorted to this action.

However, now, facing Ruby's innocent and transparent eyes, a sense of guilt arose within Adrian's heart.

At this moment, he felt like a strange uncle.

Ruby, oblivious to everything, ran to his side and greeted Lucas, "Hello, I'm Ruby. This is my brother, Dylan. What's your name?"

The little girl was plump and had good skin. She was wearing a beige coat and had two braids, making her not only cute but also very approachable. Only then did Lucas shyly say, "I'm Lucas."

The little girl was naturally outgoing, and Lucas quickly integrated with the two of them, despite his initial shyness.

Watching them interact, Adrian said, "Lucas is more introverted. Can you two take care of him in school?"

"Of course we can." Ruby held Lucas's hand and smiled. "We're friends from now on."

Lucas blushed when the girl held his hand.

"Alright, then I'll treat you to cake for lunch. What flavor do you like? I'll bring it over at noon." Adrian said gently. "Uncle NightA, I want chocolate flavor. My brother doesn't like cake." Ruby happily replied.

Adrian was slightly surprised by this unexpected revelation and looked at Dylan. "Little guy, you don't like cake?"

Dylan pursed his little mouth and shook his head.

Adrian's eyes softened, and he placed his hand on the back of Dylan's head. "Then what do you like to eat? I'll bring it along when I come at noon." "No, it's fine." Dylan hesitated.

"My brother doesn't like cake, he likes to eat hamburger buns!" Ruby didn't consider much and immediately added.

"Are you talking about burger buns?" Adrian narrowed his eyes. This was the first time he heard someone liking to eat burger buns.

"Ruby!" Dylan urgently whispered her name. "When did I say I like eating burger buns?"

Innocently, Ruby looked at him. "Isn't it so, Dylan? Every time we eat burgers, you always eat the buns."

"That's only because you don't eat the buns, just the meat," Dylan solemnly explained. "Mommy said we shouldn't waste food, and as your big brother, I have to eat what you can't finish." Hearing this, Adrian understood everything. He chuckled lightly, realizing how considerate his son was towards his sister. Well done.

 

 

Chapter 286 I Don't Care

"So, big brother eats the buns to avoid wasting them, not because he likes them?" Ruby said surprised.

Dylan's facial expression seemed torn. Who would actually like eating burger buns?

"I'm sorry, Dylan. From now on, I'll eat the buns myself." Ruby's delicate features wrinkled at the thought of eating the burger buns, but she would even pick out the vegetables in the burgers if she had to. Every time, her big brother would eat them for her, so she thought he must like them.

As the two little ones discussed this matter, Adrian listened attentively. Laughing at the end, he said, "If you both don't want to eat them, shall I eat them for you?"

Although he didn't like those things either.

Burgers?

In Adrian's eyes, that kind of thing was junk food, but it seemed that many kids and young people liked them.

Of course, if Jacob next to him could hear his thoughts, he would surely look at him disdainfully and say, "Mr. Blackwood, aren't you a young person too?"

Both little ones turned to look at him upon hearing that comment.

Dylan remained cautious, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

But Ruby was different. Whether it was her natural extroversion or her weak wariness, she immediately accepted, "Okay, okay, it's settled, Uncle NightA. From now on, Dylan and I will eat the meat, and you can have the bun and vegetables." Adrian, who was originally going to agree, furrowed his brows slightly at the mention of vegetables. "Why don't you eat vegetables, little one?"

If she didn't want the burger buns, Adrian couldn't care less because he didn't consider them to be anything good.

But not eating vegetables?

"Uncle NightA, vegetables taste really that bad!" Ruby pouted.

"Even if they don't taste good, you still have to eat some for vitamin and nutrients and to keep your body healthy." Adrian explained. Perhaps as a father figure, Adrian quickly voiced what he wanted to say.

Unexpectedly, Ruby didn't seem pleased and pouted, "Uncle NightA, why are you the same as my mommy?"

Hearing her words, Adrian was taken aback.

Since his return yesterday, he hadn't he hadn't contacted her. Even as NightA, he did not reply to her messages.

It was probably because she avoided him and only messaged 'NightA', causing him to feel a bit disheartened at that moment.

Disappointment always comes suddenly, accompanied by other emotions, making him feel turmoil.

After a while, Adrian pursed his lips slightly and said, "Is that so? Well, your mommy is right."

"Anyway, I don't want to eat vegetables." Ruby whispered her position and then beckoned to Lucas, "Let's go."

Lucas liked this outgoing and cheerful girl very much, so when she called for him, he immediately followed her.

When they were far away, Dylan frowned and noticed Adrian's gaze on him. He glanced at Adrian.

The next moment, Adrian's large palm landed on the back of his head. "Go to class and I'll come see you at lunch."

Just as Dylan was about to speak, Adrian added, "Rest assured, with Uncle NightA around, you won't have to eat hamburger buns anymore." Hearing this, Dylan blushed instantly. "I, I don't mind."

After saying that, he hurriedly ran away.

This interaction made Adrian's thin lips curl slightly.

After a while, he took out his phone and replied to Eva's message.

Eva received his message before entering the meeting room and glanced at it. It was from NightA.

"Sorry, I had something urgent yesterday and couldn't make it."

He didn't come and she didn't go.

He apologized and she apologized too.

Eva couldn't be angry because she had no grounds. She could only reply with a question, "Do you still need this cash? Should I transfer it to you?" Originally, she thought he would refuse, but unexpectedly, he agreed this time. After a while, he provided her with an account number and a name. "George?"

Eva didn't think much about it and proceeded to transfer the money to that person's account while having some spare time.

After sending a message to inform the recipient, she then entered the meeting room.

Adrian explained the situation to Jacob when he received the money. Jacob immediately contacted George, who promptly transferred the money to Jacob upon learning about it. Although he really wanted those tens of thousands of dollars.

But what happened in the past few days made him feel a bit confused. After all, he had been in his workplace for so many years. Even though he didn't have the mind to be in management, there were still some things he could sense. For so long, the Blackwood family of New York had never contacted them. It was impossible to establish a relationship with them. Suddenly, they show up, offering to change their jobs, house, and even sending their children to the best school in the city.

It's impossible for there to be no reason behind it.

But he dared not inquire into the specific reason, nor did he need to, because people Adrian Blackwood would not harm someone as insignificant as George.

All he needed to do was enjoy the unexpectedly good life that had just fallen into his lap.

George quickly transferred the money he received to Jacob, who in turn transferren it into Adrian's account.

Going around in circles, the money Eva gave him went through two hands.

Although it was only a small amount.

But Adrian still stared at the numbers on his phone for a long time.

Until Jacob reminded him, "Mr. Blackwood, we should go."

Recently, he had been delayed with work because of this matter, but there was a branch office in Chicago, so working there recently was also an option.

Adrian snapped out of his thoughts and left with Jacob.

At noon, Adrian personally went to buy a cake, burgers, and some snacks recommended by the store staff, saying that children liked them, such as french fries, egg tarts, and various other things. These were things that Adrian had never encountered before.

When they were handed to him, he found that they smelled pretty good.

Everyone finished class and went to the school cafeteria to queue for food, except for Ruby, Dylan, Lucas, and Adrian who stayed together.

When Ruby smelled the aroma of her favorite junk food, her whole expression lit up, tugging at Adrian's sleeve. "Uncle NightA."

Although she didn't say she wanted to eat, her little expression had already given her away.

This Ruby made Adrian see a shadow that seemed to resemble Eva from his childhood. She used to like something and wouldn't say it directly, but would instead tug at his sleeve and look at him earnestly. "Uncle NightA?" Maybe because he didn't react for a long time, Ruby's puzzled expression brought him back to his senses.

Adrian snapped out of his memories and spoke in a nearly gentle voice, "What do you want to eat first?"

"Cake? Or maybe the burger!" Ruby said hesitantly.

Adrian took the things out of the bag and placed them on the table. Seeing that there was a big bag of things that she loved to eat, Ruby cheered, "Thank you, Uncle NightA!"

 

 

Chapter 287 I Can Still Hold On

Compared to Ruby's joy, Dylan remained calm. While Lucas next to them couldn't help but swallow his saliva as he watched this scene.

Although his family was not a poor and one and his parents had a decent income, most of the money went towards paying off debts, so these things were luxury items for him. He might not even eat them once a month.

"Here." Ruby took the first burger and handed it to Lucas.

Lucas originally reached out to take it, but then he thought of something and stopped, turning to look at Adrian.

Although Jacob told him to call the man in front of him Uncle, he still couldn't bring himself to do it.

He always felt that the man was fierce, and if he upset him, he would be in trouble.

Seeing him hesitate, Ruby followed his gaze and looked at Adrian.

The smile at the corner of Adrian's lips paused for a moment.

Why look at him? Did he have to look at him to eat? How would his children see him later? Jacob, what exactly did he do to convince him?

"Uncle NightA?" Ruby's voice brought Adrian back to reality, and he immediately changed his face and said to Lucas, "Lucas, did you say thank you to Ruby?"

Lucas realized the situation and quickly grabbed the burger from Ruby's hand, then whispered a thank you.

Ruby didn't mind this at all, after all, her mommy taught her to do the same.

After receiving her burger, Ruby picked out the unwanted bun and handed it to Adrian without any hesitation. Dylan, who was nearby, saw it and quickly reached out to stop her. "Ruby, you can't be so rude."

Hearing this, Ruby looked confused.

"But Uncle NightA said he would help my you and me eat the bun?"

Dylan was stunned and couldn't explain it to her for a moment.

Maybe Uncle NightA was just joking? After all, how could he help them eat it? They had only met a few times.

Just as Dylan was about to take the bun himself, a pair of distinct hands took it in advance.

The three children looked in that direction.

Adrian took the bun and smiled slightly. "I keep my word, let me eat it, I'm hungry anyway."

Ruby immediately smiled, "Dylan, I told you, Uncle NightA was telling the truth."

After saying that, she wanted to remove the lettuce inside, which made Adrian frown and stop her. "You can't take out the vegetables."

Ruby didn't listen, so Adrian simply held her wrist.

In that moment of holding hands, something seemed to hit Adrian's heart, and he stood still.

A child's wrist was soft, like touching a marshmallow. It felt like if he used a little force, he would break his daughter's hand.

A few seconds later, Adrian tremblingly withdrew his hand, but his face remained calm. "You don't have to eat the bun, but you must eat the vegetables."

Ruby pouted, unhappy, and called her brother to support her.

But Dylan ignored her and even said, "Uncle NightA is right, you can't skip the vegetables, you should eat more fruits too."

"You're mean, Dylan!" Ruby complained softly, turned her head, and ate what was left of her burger.

After finishing the meal, Dylan was no longer as on guard with Adrian, probably because his actions spoke louder than words.

Adrian packed up and said to Lucas, "I won't be available to pick you up after school this afternoon, the driver will come to get you. Do you remember the uncle who was the driver this morning?" Lucas nodded.

"Get in his car when school finishes." Adrian said.

"Okay, Uncle." Lucas nodded again.

After saying goodbye to the kids, Adrian left the school.

After leaving the school gate, Adrian covered his mouth with his hand, his eyebrows furrowed.

Jacob quickly handed him a thermos.

"Mr. Blackwood, your stomach is not yet healed. Eating that kind of junk food is not good for your stomach." Adrian took the cup and sipped it.

Seeing this, Jacob took a few more pills and handed them to Adrian.

Adrian looked at the pills but didn't take them.

"Mr. Blackwood, you should still take them. What if you don't heal completely and can't take care of your kids?" Jacob persuaded.

Indeed, Adrian was convinced by his words and silently took the pills, swallowing them down.

Jacob secretly rejoiced.

He used to be unwilling to take medicine, always thinking he could handle it on his own. But now that he found the right medication, things have become much simpler.

After taking the medicine, Adrian leaned against the car and rested for a while, still feeling a slight discomfort in his stomach.

It really was junk food, Adrian thought.

Next time, if he buys snacks for the kids again, he shouldn't buy this stuff.

"Mr. Blackwood, you don't seem to be in a good state. How about we go back to the hospital for a couple of days? After all, the situation last time was quite serious." Jacob proposed. "No need." Adrian replied, flatly rejecting his suggestion, "I can manage."

"But..." Jacob hesitated.

"But what? Following a regular diet and taking medication, isn't that enough?" Adrian interrupted.

"It is enough, but..." Jacob was worried about Adrian's health.

"Then stop talking and drive." Adrian instructed decisively.

Eva left work early that day.

After getting the car, she drove directly to the school to pick up her little ones.

Although her driving skills hadn't diminished, she still felt a bit uncomfortable with the traffic in America, so she decided to rather drive slowly.

When she arrived at the school, she immediately noticed a little boy that she didn't recognize next to her two little ones.

The boy was standing near Ruby, who had been talking nonstop.

Making a new friend?

Eva parked the car and opened the door. Perhaps because she had come by car today, the two little ones didn't notice her at first. It took them a while before they saw her. "Mummy!" Ruby happily waved.

Eva walked up to the three children.

"Lucas, this is my mummy."

Lucas? Eva looked at him. Hesitantly, Lucas greeted her, " Hello Auntie."

"Hello." Eva reached into her pocket and took out some candy to give it to him.

Lucas stood still, and Ruby immediately took it from Eva and handed it to him, saying, "Lucas, take it quickly. We're friends now, don't be shy with us."

Dylan silently tightened his lips as he watched this scene.

Lucas blushed as he accepted the candy box, saying, "Thank you, Auntie."

After giving the candy to Lucas, Ruby started explaining his identity, "Mummy, he is Uncle NightA's relative's child. Uncle NightA brought Lucas to school today."

Eva listened and then queried, "NightA's cousin's child?"

"Yes." Ruby nodded immediately.

Eva didn't understand before why it was such a coincidence that NightA had showed up at the school, but now it all seemed to make sense.

Given his ability to give generous rewards, he must be an influential figure in Chicago. And this school was the best in the city, so it seemed normal for him to bring his relatives to study here. The only abnormal thing was that he insisted on meeting her in person...

 

 

Chapter 288 Unaware of his identity

With that in mind, Eva looked at the full name on Lucas' chest, which happened to be the same surname as the sender of the remittance earlier that day. If they had the same surname, they were probably very close relatives.

"How are you related to NightA?" Eva asked him.

Lucas knew the answer to this question as Jacob had reminded him not too long ago. "He is my uncle."

Uncle?

Thinking about this, Eva gently asked, "Will your uncle come to pick you up later?"

Lucas shook his head, "My uncle is busy, but he will send a driver to pick me up."

He remembered the instructions Adrian gave him at noon. Usually, Lucas had a terrible memory, but Adrian was really scary, so he remembered everything he said.

"When will the driver come?" Eva asked.

"I don't know." Lucas shrugged his shoulders.

Eva wasn't particularly enthusiastic, but she was curious about NightA, so she couldn't help but say, "Do you want me to take you home?"

Just as she was saying this, a luxury car approached from behind. A middle-aged driver wearing glasses got out of the car and ran up to Lucas.

While Eva was about to say something, the driver saw her, hesitated for a moment, and instinctively greeted her with a bow, "Ms. Hansen."

Upon hearing this, Eva paused and looked at the driver in surprise. "You know me? Who are you?"

The driver was taken aback by her question and felt a sense of foreboding.

Mr. Blackwood had been in a complicated situation with this woman. He handled the money and followed whatever instructions he received from his boss. But he had seen Eva in the car yesterday

and knew that this woman held a significant position in their boss's heart, so he instinctively greeted her when he saw her.

He didn't expect this could be a problem.

"I..." As the driver was struggling with how to explain, he noticed the two children standing next to Eva. A sudden inspiration struck him, and he immediately said, "Since you are standing with these two children, I guessed you must be their mother."

Hearing this, Eva glanced at the two children but seemed skeptical. "Is that so?"

The driver felt a bit embarrassed. "Yes, I don't know your last name. However, both of these children have the last name Hansen, so I referred to you as Ms. Hansen. Please don't be angry if I have offended you."

"It's fine." Eva replied.

"Then I'll take Lucas now." the driver said.

"Okay, take care as you leave." Eva said.

The driver quickly took Lucas to take him home, and Eva stood still, with a neutral expression, watching them leave. After they were gone, she called for her children to get in the car. While fastening her seatbelt, Eva thought again about what the driver had said.

Although it sounded reasonable, her intuition told her that something was amiss about this whole situation.

It couldn't be that simple.

He must have known her, but how?

They hadn't met before, nor had they had any in-depth conversations. Yet, NightA's driver already knew her last name was Hansen. It was highly likely that he had investigated her. Sometimes Eva hated this social circle for precisely this reason.

When you want to know about someone, you don't need to get to know them personally by asking questions. All they need is to that the word, and the people under you will bring all the information about that person to your doorstep. In front of these people, she had no secrets at all.

Although she didn't feel as if she had anything to hide, this method of gathering information didn't sit well with her.

So, when she returned home and sent the kids off to do their homework, Eva took out her phone and messaged NightA.

"Sir, my children said they have met you before, is this so?"

After sending the message, she didn't receive a reply from him.

Ten minutes later, Eva glanced at her phone again, but NightA still hadn't replied to her message.

She wasn't in a hurry. After all, she had already asked the question, and he would reply sooner or later.

With this in mind, Eva added another sentence, "Are your children at their school too?"

After sending it, the nanny called her. As Eva answered, she was about to put her phone away. But unexpectedly, the phone buzzed, and NightA replied instantly, "There is one child there who isn't my child." The speed of this reply surprised Eva, and she raised an eyebrow.

He replied instantly?

In other words, he had actually seen her previous messages but chose not to reply? Why didn't he reply? What was he hiding?

Eva squinted her eyes slightly and suddenly became curious about this NightA. What was he planning?

Soon, he replied again, "My relatives' child goes there. I just occasionally visit."

Eva tugged at her lips and typed, "Is that so? Are you very busy?"

After seeing this message, Adrian was about to pour himself a glass of warm water, but when he saw it, he narrowed his eyes and didn't drink the water. Instead, he asked her, "What do you want?" It was already evening, and she was asking a stranger if he was free?

"I want to ask something." Eva's message came through.

Ask something?

The hostility in Adrian's eyes lessened a bit, "Go ahead."

"Sir, you haven't answered my question. Have you already met my two children?" Eva asked directly.

Upon hearing this question, there was a moment of silence from the other end before he replied, "Isn't that already obvious?"

Obvious?

The coldness in Eva's eyes deepened, "So, is it also obvious for the driver to know my last name is Hansen?"

This message was sent in frustration and without much thought.

After sending it, Eva knew that if NightA had a violent temperament, he would definitely fire the driver or make things difficult for him.

Unfortunately, there were certain things she felt had to be explained, and during this process, someone had to bear the consequences of speaking on her behalf.

NightA obviously didn't expect her to suddenly say this, and after a long silence, replied, "What do you mean?"

"Oh, I just thought it would be better if you personally came to ask me questions if you wanted to know about me." Eva typed in response.

Adrian couldn't understand what she meant by that.

It was probably because the driver revealed something when picking Lucas up today.

What an idiot.

He scolded silently in his mind but didn't show anything on the surface.

Although Adrian didn't know what exactly the driver revealed, the fact that Eva still referred to him as Sir or NightA meant that she didn't know his real identity yet.

Perhaps she felt offended because she thought he had investigated her?

After pondering for a moment, Adrian called Jacob to inquire about the situation.

After hearing the news from the driver, Jacob replied with just one word, "Apologize."

"Apologize?" Adrian repeated.

"Yeah, Mr. Blackwood, if you don't apologize in a timely manner now, it might affect your situation in front of the two children later." Jacob reminded him.

After hanging up the phone, Adrian thought for a moment before replying to Eva's message, "I'm sorry if I offended you. I just asked someone I'm familiar with about Ruby and Dylan's parents." Someone familiar?

"Who?" Eva replied very quickly.

 

 

Chapter 289 Impure Purpose

NightA had apologized so quickly, which was unexpected by Eva.

"Someone from the school staff." his response made Eva hesitate. Was it normal for him to be familiar with someone from that school? And between familiar people, was it normal to mention the parents if they saw Ruby and Dylan? But didn't all the people at school think Michael was Ruby and Dylan's father?

Did he know about this too?

If he knew about this, then why did he still want to meet her?

The more Eva thought about it, the more she felt that something was not adding up with this situation. It wasn't as simple as he had made it out to be. But for now, she didn't want to ask any further, so she decided to let him dismiss his concerns.

Thinking this, Eva replied to him, "I see, then there's nothing to worry about. Good evening."

Is that it?

Adrian frowned, his thin lips pressed tightly together.

He grew up with Eva and knew her character very well. If there were suspicions, she would never just let it go so easily.

He should investigate further, but now it was possible that she had remembered something else and didn't want to ask anymore so he would put his guard down.

If she were anyone else, Adrian wouldn't even bother with this kind of thing.

Let her think whatever she wanted, but this was Eva.

Adrian immediately called Jacob and instructed him to take care of things.

The next day, Eva dropped the children at school.

After leaving school, Eva didn't rush to leave but followed them inside. The teachers inside the school were quite fond of Ruby and Dylan, the well-behaved, obedient, clever, and adorable twins. So as soon as Eva entered, a teacher came up to her and said, "Ms. Hansen, you've brought the children to school."

Eva smiled and nodded at the teacher, "Yes, hello. Today, I would like to know how they are performing in their classes."

After calling the two little ones into the classroom, Karen smiled and said to Eva, "Ms. Hansen, you can ask me anything you need to know."

Occasionally, parents ask teachers about their children's situations, which is quite normal at school.

"I heard that my children recently made a new friend? His name is Lucas, right?" Eva asked.

"Yes, you're right. His name is Lucas, and he's a new student at our school," Karen nodded.

"New student?" Eva continued asking.

"Yes, I heard this child's uncle just recently brought him to enroll him." Karen said.

When mentioning this uncle, a trace of shyness flashed across Karen's face. Although it was faint, Eva's eyes didn't miss it.

Judging from her reaction, he must be someone of important or very attractive.

Eva raised an eyebrow slightly, "Karen, who is this child's uncle? The thing is, my children just returned to this country, so I wanted to understand the family background of their friends."

"I understand." Karen nodded. In some families, if the child's family is well-off, it's not uncommon to make acquaintances and connections through their children.

Anything could happen, it's not strange at all.

"However, I don't really know who Lucas' uncle is, but judging by his appearance, he isn't an ordinary person." Karen said.

This sentence didn't provide much information.

But from Karen's shy demeanor, it was estimated that Lucas' uncle had a stunning appearance.

"But from what I see, he gets along well with your children. They even had lunch together yesterday." Karen recalled.

Upon hearing this, Eva paused, "Had lunch together?"

Yesterday, she was preoccupied with other things, so she missed the opportunity to ask the children, and yet these two little ones didn't even bother to tell her such an important matter. "Yes, Lucas' uncle bought food and came to see Lucas. Ruby and Dylan went with him. The school also approved since they saw the child's uncle, so they didn't say anything." Karen explained. Afterwards, Eva gathered some information but didn't inquire further since she couldn't find anything useful. She had to give up for now.

Everything seemed to be developing quite normally.

But for some reason, she couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off. Lucas' uncle was off, and everything else felt off too.

On her way to the office, Eva told Emily about this. However, Emily had a different perspective. "Could it be that you're overthinking? Even if he's investigating your situation, it doesn't necessarily mean anything. Perhaps it's because the things that have happened to you all seemed too coincidental, which piqued his interest, prompting him to investigate you?"

After a brief silence, Eva couldn't help but comment about her good friend, "Do you only have soap opera plots in your mind?"

"Well, what else could it be? Besides impure motives, is there any other reason for someone to approach you, especially when they are wealthy and influential?" Emily retorted.

Eva fell silent, unable to come up with another answer. After all, she herself wouldn't actively approach a man, except for a certain someone. But that was all in the past. She wouldn't engage in such behavior anymore.

"So, apart from his interest in you, it's either just your own overthinking,..." Emily was about to say something else when a sudden voice interrupted.

"What are you doing?" The clear and cold voice belonged to Emily's boss, whom Eva had heard before.

"Nothing much, just making a call to a business partner." Emily lied.

"Making a call to a business partner in the stairwell? Are you up to no good?" the male voice continued.

"Can't I have personal preferences? I simply wanted to make the call in the stairwell, or I could go to the restroom to make it. Is that any of your business?" Emily huffed.

Hearing them argue again, Eva couldn't help but curl her lips and whispered to Emily, "I'll hang up now, we can chat later."

After that, she hung up the call.

After hanging up, Eva seriously thought about what she had said. If NightA was only curious about her, that would be fine. But what if he had other intentions? After all, she was a woman, a single mother with two children. If someone had set their sights on her...

What should she do?

Perhaps she could try to take the initiative and ask him out to see what he really wanted. Besides, after meeting in person, she would also know what he looked like.

Eva had made up her mind, and when she went to pick up the children in the afternoon, Karen suddenly told her, "Ms. Hansen, Lucas' uncle came again at noon today, and your kids went over to have a meal with them."

Eva suddenly felt embarrassed. Her children were usually well-behaved, but suddenly they went to mooch meals off someone else? Ruby, fine she could understand with her personality, but why Dylan as well?

So before arriving back home, Eva parked the car by the side of the road and asked about this matter with a serious expression.

"What is going on with you two? You have food at school, why did you go to eat someone else's food? You both have to explain this to me today."

 

 

Chapter 290 Wanting him to be the father

Realizing they had done something wrong, Ruby immediately lowered her head when questioned, her fair fingers fidgeting in front of her. "Sorry, Mommy, I just couldn't resist the food." Dylan couldn't muster any tough words either at this moment.

Seeing Dylan in such a state, Eva almost burst out laughing from being exasperated. "Dylan, you couldn't resist either?"

Hearing the words "couldn't resist" Dylan finally spoke up, his handsome face immediately turned red, "No, Mommy, it's not like that."

Eva sighed and spoke softly, "What's going on with you two? Didn't I always tell you not to eat things from strangers?"

"But Mommy said yesterday that we are friends with Lucas now, and Mommy also gave Lucas candy to eat." Ruby said, not understanding.

Eva was rendered speechless by her daughter's retort.

Yes, if she considered Lucas' uncle a stranger to Ruby and Dylan, then isn't Lucas a stranger to her too?

After thinking for a while, Eva had no choice but to say, "I expressed myself incorrectly."

Upon hearing this, Ruby quickly said, "It's okay, Mommy, don't blame you."

Ruby reached out and rubbed her daughter's soft hair, but in the next moment, her expression changed, "But you still need to explain to me why you've been leeching off someone else's food for two days in a row?" Seeing Eva starting to question again, Ruby became extremely guilty. "But Mommy, Uncle NightA is not just anyone."

Uncle NightA is not just anyone?

That's right, for these two little ones, the identity of NightA has been familiar to them for a long time, even though they have never seen the real person before, only through rewards.

After all the rewards from NightA in the past years, how could they not like this uncle after meeting him in person?

Dylan also spoke up at this time, "Mommy, Uncle NightA is really nice to us."

"Oh, really? Then can you tell me what he has done?" Eva coaxed them to speak.

Upon hearing this, Ruby was the first to raise her hand and speak, "Uncle NightA helps me eat the burger bun!"

Eva thought she had misheard, but, to her surprise, Dylan confirmed this, nodding slowly. "Yes, Mommy."

Upon hearing this, Eva couldn't help but understand.

So, her children were won over because NightA ate the burger bun for them?

But... would he really eat leftovers from someone else's child? Isn't that a bit strange? Who would eat leftovers from another family's child?

"Mommy, Uncle NightA really treats us well." After speaking, Ruby thought of something funny and covered her mouth, giggling. "And Mommy, Uncle NightA is very handsome!" "Handsome?" Eva questioned.

"Mhmm! Mommy, how about letting Uncle NightA be my daddy?" Ruby asked innocently.

Eva's expression changed. "What are you saying?"

Ruby pointed her fingers together and pouted. "Well, I don't have a daddy, but Uncle NightA is really good to both me and Dylan."

Upon hearing this, Eva couldn't help but lightly tap Ruby's forehead with her hand. "What do you know? You're still so young, someone being nice to you could be because you're so cute, it doesn't necessarily mean they want to be your daddy."

Upon hearing this, Ruby showed a look of grievance. "Mommy means that I'm not good enough! So Uncle NightA doesn't want to be my daddy, does he?"

This little girl is really good at interpreting her own thoughts.

"I don't mean that. What I mean is, how do you know that Uncle NightA doesn't have a wife and children already? Do you understand?" Eva explained.

Ruby nodded as if she understood, but quickly said, "Then Mommy, tomorrow I will ask Uncle NightA, if Uncle NightA doesn't have a wife, can he be my daddy?"

In the past, Michael was so good to her, but she rarely saw her make such a request to him, asking him to be her father figure. And NightA has only been with them a few times, but she actually developed this idea. Is it because he eats burgers buns so well?

Eva was shocked, "Ruby, tell Mommy the truth, did Uncle NightA say something to you?"

Otherwise, why would she have such an idea?

"What would he say, Mommy?" Ruby asked.

Eva thought for a moment. "Well... for example, did he say that he wants to be your father?"

Ruby shook her head, "No, I just want Uncle NightA to be my daddy."

"Why?" Eva was puzzled.

"Because Uncle NightA is very nice to me and my brother." Ruby said innocently.

Almost instinctively, Eva blurted out, "So Michael was not nice to you?"

After saying that, Eva regretted it. She shouldn't have compared Michael to him, especially since she had already rejected him.

Fortunately, the child's mind is simple, and she didn't think much about it. After listening to her words, she only subconsciously said, "Mommy, Uncle NightA is better looking than Uncle Michael."

Now Eva suddenly wondered if her daughter judges a person's goodness by their appearance if she has to rely on looks to choose a father figure.

But after calming down, Eva felt doubtful.

Michael, in terms of looks and physique, is exceptional, and coupled with his high position, there are hardly any people who can compare to him. And the little girl actually said that NightA is even better looking than Michael?

With this in mind, Eva looked at her son. "Dylan?"

Dylan had been listening to their conversation, and when Eva looked at him, he lazily looked at her and questioned, "Mommy?"

"Is what Ruby said true?" Eva asked.

For a moment, Dylan wasn't sure what Eva was referring to, but when he recalled the most recent part of their conversation, he nodded.

Eva suddenly realized that if even her son nodded, then what Ruby said must be true.

Then she thought of Lucas's face.

It's not that she's judging based on looks, but... if they are uncle and nephew, then their genes shouldn't be that different.

But Lucas's appearance is just that of an ordinary child, even when he sees people, he still has the expression of a shy little boy.

He appeared timid and weak.

Forget it, let me not think about this matter for now.

"Ruby, you can think about these words yourself, but never tell Uncle NightA, understood?" Eva said.

"Why?" Ruby showed a puzzled expression. "Mommy, Uncle NightA is really nice."

Eva didn't know how to explain to her daughter at that moment. She only reminded her not to speak without thinking and to listen to her mother's advice.

Then she turned her head and instructed Dylan, "Dylan, keep a close eye on your sister. Don't let her say anything inappropriate in front of Uncle NightA, alright?" "Got it, Mommy."