Ch. 711..715

Chapter 711

Odell brought them out of Carter Corporation to a business district.

There were many good restaurants, and the environment was quiet and classy.

Odell asked, “What do you two want to eat?”

Isabel immediately pointed her little finger toward a hot pot restaurant sign and said, “I want to have meat in a hot pot!” “Okay.”

They had been eating children’s meal sets for the past few days. They could have a change of menu on that day. It was the peak hours. The private rooms upstairs were fully booked, but there was a wide seat by the windows. Odell sat there with the children.

Awaiter walked over with a smile and asked politely, Sir, what soup would you all like?”

Soup?

Odell frowned.

He always had Cliff with him whenever he was outside. It was Cliff who did the ordering.

Even if Odell had eaten hotpot several times with Sylvia and the children, Sylvia and the two kids always ordered the food. He never intervened.

Upon thinking of Sylvia, his chest felt stuffy. After suppressing his emotions, he asked Isabel and Liam,“ What soup do you two want?”

Liam did not say a word.

Isabel stretched her hand and pointed to a pot with two soups on the menu. “I want this hot pot. Serve all of the meat you have here too.”

The waiter was struck by her adorable look. He smiled and replied, “Okay, little kid. Do you want any vegetables?” Isabel did some quick thinking. “I don’t want vegetables.”

However, after she spoke, Liam said, “She wants carrots, corn, cabbage, and mushrooms.”

Isabel immediately pouted. “I don’t want them.”

Liam's little brows knitted into a tight frown at that moment.

Isabel closed her mouth instantly. After Liam was done ordering the vegetables , the waiter took the menu and left. Only then did she mutter, “Bad Liam.”

Liam looked toward her with his big cold eyes.

Isabel's gaze turned timid. She turned around and snuck under Odell’s arms.

Liam let out a “hmph” and did not look at her anymore.

Isabel breathed a sigh of relief since he was no longer looking at her.

Odell took in the siblings’ interactions. The corners of his lips curved slightly. He did not know whether to feel happy or resigned. Soon, the hot pot and fresh side dishes were served.

Isabel demanded to have meat. Odell helped her to put the meat slices into the pot right away.

However, not long after he started putting them in, Isabel made a fuss again. “Baddie, slow down. The meat will become tough if you put so much in one go. It’s not nice if it’s tough.”

Odell immediately slowed down his speed of putting the meat.

Amoment later, Isabel nagged again. “Baddie , why are you so slow? Quickly put that plate of meat into the pot!”

Odell put the plate of meat slices she was pointing at into the pot.

The next moment, she grumbled yet another time, “Why

did you put them all in the spicy soup? You have to put some on the other soup too.”

Odell breathed in and continued putting the vegetables into the pot according to Isabel’s instructions.

At that moment, Lily was watching that scene with great shock outside the glass windows of their seat.

She did not think she could meet Odell while she was shopping. More unexpectedly , Odell personally brought the two children to eat hot pot. Not only did he accompany them to have hot pot, but he also kept being ordered around.

He was the man leading Carter Corporation. He was the Young Master Carter whom all the wealthy people of Westchester City feared!

Yet, he was endlessly doting on children!

In particular , the daughter sitting in his arms obviously had no manners. She must have been spoiled by Odell’s ex -wife.

 

Chapter 712

A hint of annoyance targeted at Isabel flashed across Lily's eyes. She entered the restaurant through the back entrance and headed straight to Odell’s table.

It was only then that Odell noticed and looked toward her. Lily smiled and said, “Young Master Carter, what a coincidence. | didn’t think you'd personally bring the children to have a meal here. Is this the important matter that you mentioned during the day?” Odell frowned.

Before he spoke, Lily continued, “However, the children are indeed important. If | had such adorable children, I’d leave my work aside and accompany them more too.”

Odell’s brows relaxed. He asked out of courtesy, “Is Ms. Springsteen here to eat as well?”

“Yes, but I’m meeting other friends at another place. | have to head over now. Enjoy your meal.” “Okay.”

Lily said to Isabel and Liam with a smile, “Young Master, Young Miss, enjoy your meal too.” Isabel looked toward her with her big eyes.

For some reason, she could not bring herself to like that

aunty. However, her mom told her to treat others politely, especially when that aunty looked quite polite. Therefore, she replied, “Bye, aunty.”

Lily smiled. She also grinned at Odell, then turned around and left the restaurant.

Odell did not look at her anymore. He took his fork and continued getting meat for Isabel. Isabel stared at the pot and gave orders on what she wanted to eat.

Opposite them, Liam was slowly eating the food he scooped from the clear soup.

He was quiet, and his movements were elegant.

It was as if the noise in the world had nothing to do with

him.

Even Lily did not look in his direction when she came just now.

Liam was thinking of his mom.

He did not care about having his dad tending to him. However, if Mom were there, she would have taken care of him attentively like how Dad was taking care of his sister. She would gently tell him to eat more and keep getting food for him. He would happily eat more instead of losing his appetite after a few bites, which was what he was feeling right then.

Aweek later. Carter Tower. Odell freed some time and went through the proposal Lily sent over.

She even sent her thoughts on the project. Every line was explained in detail. Allhough some parts were unrealistic, her perspective was unique.

He went through her idea, which had a few thousand words. After that, he gave her a call. The call was connected after it rang twice.

Lily's gentle voice came from the phone. “Young Master Carter, have you taken a look at the proposal and my thoughts that | sent you?”

“Mm. | have additional opinions. Come to Carter Corporation when you're free. Let’s talk face-to-face.” “| have time this evening. Is this evening convenient for you?”

“| can make it after 2:00 p.m.”

“Let's meet at the cafe in Carter Tower at 2:30 p.m.” Odell thought about it. “Okay.”

The cafe was not far, so walking over would not waste much time.

2:00 p.m.

Odell returned to his office after a short meeting. Liam was reading a book at his table by the window. Isabel, who was supposed to study and read with him, was secretly watching dramas on the phone.

When she saw Odell returning, she immediately hid the phone in her sleeve.

However, she did not turn off the volume. Odell could listen to everything clearly.

He walked to Isabel’s side and extended his big hand in front of her. “Give me the phone.” Isabel pouted.

Odell frowned. His expression turned even more stern.

Isabel did not dare to hide the phone any longer. She quickly took it out from her sleeve and handed it to him.

Chapter 713

Odell turned off the drama and placed the phone in his pocket. He said to Isabel, “I’m going downstairs and will be back soon. Be obedient and study with your brother. Don’t be naughty.” Isabel pouted. “Okay.”

Odell glanced at Liam. “Liam, keep an eye on your sister.”

“Okay.”

After that, Odell turned around and left. Isabel stood up while letting out a “hmph” when the office’s door closed. She crossed her arms in front of her chest and scolded,” Baddie.”

Those books were too boring. They were not as interesting as dramas. She did not want to read them at all.

However, her phone was confiscated, and there were no other toys she could play with. Isabel was depressed for a moment. Then, she suddenly thought of something and

ran out with her short legs. However, just when she reached the door, she was grabbed by her collar from behind. Her chubby figure was pulled back.

Liam stood behind her and asked sternly in his babyish voice, “Where are you going?” “Liam, | just want to see what Baddie is going to do,” Isabel explained hastily. She looked toward Liam eagerly. “It’s too stuffy here. Let's go out and play together for a while.”

Liam was silent for a few seconds. “We can only play for at most half an hour.”

Isabel immediately replied, “Okay!”

Then, she crouched down and snuck out like a thief.

Liam followed her.

Not long after, their two little figures went to the first floor by elevator.

At that moment, Odell's towering figure was walking out of the main entrance.

Liam and Isabel exchanged glances. They bent down together and snuck out along the wall.

There was a cafe with a great ambiance within 30 meters of Carter Tower’s entrance.

There were not many people in the cafe at that hour. As soon as he entered, Odell spotted Lily sitting by the

windows.

Her hair was curled. She wore a blush-colored haute couture dress and was sitting elegantly.

When Lily saw Odell entering, she smiled at him right away.

Odell returned a polite smile and sat on the seat opposite hers.

At that moment, a waiter walked over and asked what coffee he wanted.

Before Odell could speak, Lily said, “Give Young Master Carter an Americano.”

The waiter left after receiving the order.

Odell looked toward Lily. “How did you know my preference?” She smiled until her eyes curved into arches. “| made a guess.”

Odell pressed his lips together.

Lily said, “I lied. | had my assistant get the information from Assistant Bogard when she contacted him two days ago.” After speaking, she winked and laughed playfully while maintaining her ladylike elegance. Odell smirked.

He did not like joking around with his business partners, but the Springsteen family and the Carter family had been friends for many generations. The project that Springsteen Corporation wanted to join was creative and promising

Odell returned a smile out of courtesy. He said, “Let’s get into the main topic.”

Lily was taken aback, but she returned to her usual self the next second. She smiled and said, “Okay. | wonder what suggestions Young Master Carter has for this project?”

“| think there are a few parts that are inappropriate.” “Please tell me about them.”

“Firstly, | suggest that the project's construction site be switched to the new district . Although the new district has just started developing and can’t be compared to the city center, it has good prospects. Our families have to establish a new market there too. Secondly...”

His voice was husky and powerful like the ones on tapes. Every word was pronounced clearly. Lily sat opposite him and listened attentively.

However, she could not help but stare at Odell’s handsome face as she listened to him. Her head went blank uncontrollably.

Chapter 714

It lasted until Odell took a sip of his coffee. He said to Lily, “These are all my suggestions.”

Lily's gaze changed. She quickly said, “Okay, Young Master Carter. I’ll have them make the changes after | return.” “Mm.” Odell put down his cup. “Let’s end our conversation here.”

When Lily saw that he was about to stand up, so she said right away, “Wait.”

Odell looked toward her.

Lily smirked. The admiration in her gaze at him could not be hidden. “Young Master Carter, | just took over my family’s business, so there are a few things that | don’t know how to handle. Can | get some guidance from you?”

Odell frowned. “You’ll know how to handle those matters after you work for some time.”

As he spoke, he was going to stand up. “I haven’t told you about the questions yet, Young Master Carter,” Lily called him and looked at him with anticipation. “Can you give me a few more minutes? | promise that | won’t delay your time for too long.”

Odell glanced at the time.

He had been there for almost 20 minutes. He was not worried about Liam. On the other hand, Isabel did not like to read or study. He had confiscated the phone she liked to play with. He did not know whether she would be obedient or not.

However, a few minutes only meant exchanging a few sentences. After a moment, Odell looked toward Lily. “You can talk.”

The corners of Lily's mouth curved up. She smiled and asked him, “Young Master Carter, what will you do if you meet someone who made your heart pound during work?”

Odell immediately replied, “I’ve never been attracted to anyone during work.” “It's just a hypothetical question.” “There are no ‘ifs’.”

Odell said, “Does Ms. Springsteen have any other questions?”

Lily smiled again. “Can | have a meal with you tonight?”

“I'm not free tonight...”

Smack.

Sounds were coming from behind him all of a sudden.

Odell was interrupted. He turned his head and had a look.

He saw the two kids, who were supposed to be studying in his office obediently, behind him.

Isabel had slipped and fallen on the floor. Liam’s hands were placed below her armpits as he tried to help her get up.

Seeing that Odell had discovered them, their actions stiffened. They looked toward him with big eyes.

“Young Master , Young Miss, why are you here?” Lily’s surprised voice rang. Isabel got up with help from Liam. They walked to Odell’s side. Odell was looking at them with a stern expression. Isabel quickly let out a “hmph”. “Baddie, didn’t you say you'd

come downstairs and be back soon? Why are you talking about love with this aunty? Are you going to have an affair again?” She got even more confident as she spoke.

Odell felt a lump in his throat.

Lily's expression stiffened. After a moment, Odell stood up and carried Isabel in his arms.

He turned back to look at Lily. “Ms. Springsteen , | think you should consult other people on this question.”

Lily smiled awkwardly. “Sorry for troubling you.” Odell did not say anything else. He exited while carrying Isabel. Liam turned around to look at Lily. Then, he went after them.

Lily sat at her place. Her expression was stiff and awful.

Did they not know that their mother had left with Thomas?

Even if they did not know, they should not have eavesdropped on adults like that. How impolite of them!

Odell quickly brought Isabel and Liam back to his office.

On the way, he explained that he and Lily were merely business partners several times.

Chapter 715

Not only did Isabel not listen to Odell, but her eyes even reddened. She stared at him angrily. “Why didn’t she talk to you about work? Why did she have to ask whether you feel attracted? Why is she even treating you to a meal?”

Although she was young, she had sharp eyes. That aunty’s eyes were almost glued to Odell when she looked at him. It was obvious that she liked him!

Odell was instantly speechless.

Smack.

He could not resist spanking Isabel's butt. “Where did you learn all these from?”

Besides being well — spoken but unreasonable for a five year-old kid, she even knew about love. Isabel raised her chin and said smugly, “Despite being young, I've watched many dramas.”

She was proud.

Odell's mouth twitched.

After that, his expression turned cold. He said to Isabel sternly, “From today onward, you're only allowed to be on the phone for an hour. It'll be confiscated during the rest of the day.”

Isabel's eyes widened.

How could she accept that she could only have her phone for an hour a day? She still had to watch many dramas every day! However, Baddie’s expression was scary. It was scarier than her not being able to watch dramas.

If Mommy were there, she would definitely not treat her so fiercely.

She missed her mom.

Isabel pouted. She raised her face and started crying.“ Boo hoo... Baddie bullied Mommy until she left, and now he’s bullying Izzy! Izzy misses Mommy! Izzy wants Mommy...”

Her crying intensified . Big drops of tears slid down her chubby face.

Odell’s brows were knitted into a tight frown.

If it were before, Isabel would not cry so hard even if he prohibited her from touching her phone for a day.

She must have truly missed her mom.

Odell toned down his emotions. He took out a handkerchief and wiped Isabel’s tears. “Don’t cry. I’m already looking for Mommy.” Isabel's crying softened. She opened her eyes to look at

him. “Where’s Mommy? Izzy wants to find her now...”

“| haven't found her yet.”

“Boo hoo...”

Odell frowned.

Isabel's mouth which was about to open closed immediately. She stared at him with red eyes.

Odell wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes again. He said softly, “I'll tell you when | find her.”

Isabel let out a “hmph”.

Odell sighed and said to Liam, “Bring your sister to do her homework. I'll check it tonight. Your homework tomorrow will be doubled if she doesn’t do well.”

Liam was expressionless. “Okay.”

The Springsteen family.

Lily finished working and returned home late at night.

The butler of the Springsteen family greeted her with a smile. The maids went up to her and took her bag and coat from her in an orderly manner.

Lily walked to the living room.

Under the extravagant chandelier , Madam Springsteen was taking a nap on the couch with a shawl over her. When she heard the sound of footsteps, she immediately opened her eyes to take a look.

Seeing it was Lily, she said excitedly, “Lily, come to Grandma’s side.”

Lily went over and sat down beside Madam Springsteen.

Madam Springsteen stared at her and asked, “How’s the progress on the partnership with Carter Corporation ?” Lily said tiredly, “It's going well.” “What about you and Young Master Carter?”

Lily immediately frowned. “There’s no progress between Us.”

“What happened? Didn't you two meet each other frequently lately?” “He’s very busy, and sometimes he’ll be pestered by the two kids.” Lily’s expression turned cold upon recalling the scene in the cafe during the day. “Especially his daughter. She doesn’t know that her mom had left with Second Master Carter. She asked Young Master Carter whether he was going to have an affair when | exchanged a few more sentences with him. Young Master Carter carried her away and didn’t even say goodbye to me.”