Ch. 231..240
Chapter 231 The Pink Diamond Necklace Has Arrived
In the afternoon, Triton’s assistant, Todd Freeman, arrived at the airport.
Nicole immediately took Whitney to book a hotel and pick him up.
Todd was a man in his thirties. He had short hair, a pair of black glasses, and was wearing casual clothes. When he came out, he dragged a pink suitcase with a calm expression. As expected from Triton’s assistant, he casually walked around with jewels worth hundreds of millions.
Then, Nicole took Todd to the hotel.
The both of them knew each other, as Nicole and Triton had cooperated several times.
“Mr. Freeman,” Nicole said politely. Although Todd was Triton’s assistant, he was older and behaved like a senior to Nicole, so she addressed him respectfully.
He squinted and smiled. As he was a little chubby, there was a gentle feeling to his smile.
“Nicole, long time no see.” Todd nodded.
Nicole smiled as her eyes were filled with joy. “I didn’t expect you to remember me.”
He nodded and said, “Well, the cooperation between you and Triton was excellent, so I have a great impression of you.”
Feeling flattered, she answered, “Thank you for your compliment.”
The trio sat down and asked the server to serve the food before talking about business.
“Mr. Freeman, where is the jewelry I rented from Triton?” Nicole raised her eyes and scanned Todd.
He nodded. “Yes, it’s with me.”
As he said that, he pulled out his suitcase and took a soft black leather bag. He reached out to open the bag and inside was the pink diamond necklace.
Compared with the person Queenie had brought over last time, Todd seemed easy-going and he was still calm with such a precious thing in his hand.
The pink diamond was dazzling as it reflected the light in the room.
Nicole had a smile in her eyes and said, “Thank you, Mr. Freeman.”
Todd kept the necklace away and stuffed it into the suitcase again. “You’re welcome. I am interested in seeing how your design will maximize its value.”
After they were done with the meal, they chatted for a while. Then, Nicole asked Whitney to book a hotel. They would visit the Gardner Residence tomorrow as Nicole wanted to tackle all the affairs together.
Todd nodded without objection.
…
The following day, Nicole pulled Hayden out of bed early in the morning.
Hayden was used to being comfortable at home, so he rarely woke up early this morning. He was so sleepy that his face was puffy and he could not open his eyes.
He stretched out his hand to rub his eyes. After finally opening his eyes, he looked at Nicole with a confused yet clear gaze. “Mom, what are we going to do?”
His voice was soft as he had just woken up. Coupled with his unique baby voice, it sounded rather cute.
“We’re going to Mr. Handsome’s house,” she said lightly.
Hearing Nicole’s words, an initially sleepy Hayden woke up almost instantly. His eyes widened as he looked at her in disbelief.
Then, he tugged on Nicole’s hand and asked, “Mom, are you finally going to marry Mr. Handsome?!”
She laughed at his words. Then, she reached out and patted his head gently. “Stop thinking that nonsense. Get up. Didn’t you say you wanted to visit Grandma? We’re going to visit her too.”
Truth was, Nicole was confused about why Hayden liked Anna. After returning home, the boy kept pleading with her to take him to visit Anna again.
As Nicole was afraid of rumors, she never took him there anymore.
When he heard that, he immediately became energized. He quickly got up and began to put on his clothes.
She glanced at her excited son, and a hint of helplessness flashed in her eyes. After the DNA paternity test is complete, we are no longer related to the Gardner Family.
Chapter 232 Impossible
After breakfast, Nicole took her son, drove the car, and dropped by to pick up Todd to visit the Gardner Residence.
It was the weekend, so there were fewer vehicles on the road. It was still morning when they arrived at the Gardner Residence.
As Nicole had talked to Anna beforehand, Nicole went in directly.
Anna and Wendy were sitting on the sofa in the living room.
Nicole was carrying her son while Todd followed them in.
On this day, Todd was not wearing casual clothes—he was wearing a decent suit. However, he still looked plump as his belly was round.
Anna did not expect Nicole would bring someone over, so she looked up in surprise.
Nicole smiled as she explained, “Mrs. Gardner, he is Mr. Grant’s assistant from Triton Studio, Mr. Todd Freeman.”
Anna’s eyes lit up as she remembered what Nicole had said before. Then, she smiled. “Hello, Mr. Freeman. Please take a seat.”
Anna saw Hayden in Nicole’s arms as she was done with the pleasantries, and her face was filled with joy. Remembering she had a business to attend to, Anna asked Edith to take care of Hayden for a while.
When Hayden left, Anna looked at Todd.
Todd used to be in the presence of upperclassmen, so he naturally sat on the sofa and put the suitcase on the table.
“This is the jewelry that Miss Anderson rented from Triton Studio, and I’m here today to show it to you. However, you can only wear the jewelry on the day of the event and I cannot let it out of my sight. Please forgive me,” Todd respectfully said as he reached out and opened the safe.
In the safe lay the pink jewelry. The jewelry was luxurious and playful, and the enormous pink diamond looked beautiful.
The jewelry was made of pink diamond and suitable for a youngling like Wendy.
Upon seeing that, Anna was filled with joy. Although Nicole said she rented Triton Studio’s jewelry long ago, Anna thought Nicole had failed as there was no news for some time.
However, Nicole unexpectedly brought the jewelry to Anna today. The pink diamond was way better than the one rented by Queenie and much more suitable for Wendy.
Nicole raised her voice and said, “Mrs. Gardner, if Wendy likes my design, she can wear it with this jewelry. If she likes Director Schmidt’s design better, I wouldn’t mind either.”
Wendy hurriedly denied it. “That’s not it, Miss Nicole. I have always liked your design. However, Miss Joanna’s design is more suitable for the jewelry sent by Queenie.”
Anna nodded. “Nicole’s one is definitely better, regardless of the design or material. We chose Joanna’s design because we wanted to match it with Queenie’s jewelry rented from Triton Studio.”
Anna’s gaze fell on the jewelry brought by Todd, and she said with emotion, “It will look good if this jewelry is paired with the clothes you designed.”
At that point, Todd frowned. Raising his gaze, he asked, “Mrs. Gardner, did you say someone rented a piece of jewelry from Triton Studio? Is it from the current season?”
Anna’s expression darkened and she nodded with confusion. “Yes. It’s the one in green. I must say, though, it’s not as pretty as this one.”
Todd’s expression gradually turned stiff when he heard that. He frowned and said in a low voice, “But that’s impossible!”
This was the first time Nicole had seen Todd being so serious, and she thought something big had happened. “Mr. Freeman, what’s wrong?”
Todd said solemnly, “We only lent one from the current season’s jewelry to Miss Anderson. The rest of the jewelry is in the safe, so there’s no way another piece of jewelry would surface!”
As Triton Studio’s customers were royalty, it was difficult for ordinary people to rent the jewelry. The studio didn’t bother to lend the jewelry to make money. This time, however, they agreed to lend the jewelry to Nicole only for the friendship between Triton and her.
Chapter 233 Fake
Anna’s expression turned dark when she heard what Todd had to say. Then, she frowned and said in a low voice, “However, the designer who lent that piece of jewelry is called Kevin Carter. I met him; he was the same person as the photo you uploaded on the official webpage.”
Todd finally understood. Then, he explained, “Mrs. Gardner, Kevin was indeed a young designer in Triton Studio. However, he was expelled at the end of last year because he had lent the jewelry multiple times without permission.”
As it was related to the reputation of Triton Studio, Todd stood up and continued to say with a different look, “He didn’t design the current season’s jewelry. All of our jewelry is in the vault. This jewelry is the only one brought out by me.”
Everyone was silent. If what Todd said was true, that piece of jewelry was fake.
Business and government officials from all over the world would come to Wendy’s birthday party, and the media coverage would be overwhelming. One could only imagine the scene if Wendy wore a piece of fake jewelry.
The Gardner Family’s reputation would be destroyed if others knew about this.
As Anna thought about it, she felt a chill run down her spine and was scared.
“Are you sure?” she asked with watery eyes.
Todd nodded, then said thoughtfully, “This is related to the reputation of Triton Studio. I won’t make fun of it.”
Anna finally understood the severity of the matter. Fortunately, Nicole cooperated with Triton Studio. Otherwise, the consequences would be unimaginable.
“Okay. Thank you for telling me. The Gardner Family will investigate this matter,” Anna said solemnly.
Todd nodded too. “This matter also concerns us. Can you invite that person over today? I want to confront him.”
“Of course.” Anna nodded.
…
Queenie had been unable to eat or sleep well these past few days. When she closed her eyes, she could recall Colton’s words.
“I want to annul our engagement.”
Without the Gardner Family, the Anderson Family would be in a disaster.
Although Colton promised Queenie he would repay the Anderson Family’s debt, she had been bossing around with the Gardners’ support. If she lost the family, one could only imagine how miserable she would be.
Although the debt would be repaid, everyone would not respect Queenie without the Gardner Family. As such, the Anderson Family would not live an easy life.
Truth was, Queenie hasn’t told William and Lydia yet. She had to carry this burden by herself.
On the other hand, Lydia thought Queenie was getting tired these days because of trouble at work.
“Queenie, don’t worry. It doesn’t matter if there’s trouble at work. We have the Gardner Family’s support.”
Queenie’s lips twitched. Then, she looked at Lydia and asked softly, “Mom? Where’s Dad?”
There was no sign of William in the past few days at home.
When Lydia heard about William, her expression was filled with resentment. She clenched her hands and said, “There’s no other place he would go. He must be gambling somewhere!”
Since the Anderson Family was in debt, William was in a slump. In the eyes of outsiders, the Anderson Family was still the same as ever. Truth was, it has been at the bottom for a long time.
If it wasn’t for Queenie clinging to Colton, the Anderson Family would be long gone.
Queenie felt cold as her expression held a trace of despair. Her gaze was empty when she looked at Lydia.
Lydia was taken aback by Queenie’s expression, and she quickly asked, “Could it be that Daniella was exposed?”
Queenie shook her head as she smiled bitterly. “It’s about Colton.”
Lydia’s heart skipped a beat. She grabbed Queenie and her eyes widened as she asked nervously, “What’s wrong with President Gardner?”
“He wants to annul our engagement…”
Chapter 234 Let Him Change His Mind
Lydia felt as if she had been struck by lightning, and she sat on the sofa in a daze.
She was cold all over and her face was filled with disbelief as she stuttered, “W-Why? It’s too sudden!”
Queenie shook her head helplessly as she grabbed onto Lydia.
“Mom, I thought I could solve this, so I didn’t tell you. However, I’ve tried my best. Colton… He has made up his mind.”
“No, Queenie!” Lydia grabbed Queenie’s hand and said seriously, “Queenie, if we lose President Gardner, we are doomed!”
Queenie was aware of that. However, Colton did not listen to her despite her plea.
“Colton said he could pay off our debts and give us business.”
Lydia’s gaze darkened and she muttered, “Queenie, it isn’t enough. You need Colton Gardner. This way, your interpersonal relationship and everything will be different.”
Queenie bit her lip. She knew all of these, but Colton had made up his mind.
So, she had no choice.
As they were thinking about how to keep Colton, the phone suddenly rang.
Queenie looked down and found it was from Anna, so she collected herself and answered the call.
“Queenie, are you free?” Anna asked, to which Queenie quickly nodded.
“Yes. What is it, Mrs. Gardner?”
“Well, Wendy’s birthday party is just two days away. Please bring Mr. Carter to the Gardner Residence. I want to see how Wendy looks with the dress and jewelry together. Is that okay?” Anna asked calmly.
Upon hearing that, Queenie quickly nodded. “Of course. I’ll be right there.”
She ended the call, and there was a hint of joy on her face.
Lydia heard everything that transpired as she was sitting next to Queenie. With a smile, she grabbed onto Queenie and said, “Queenie, if you can’t change President Gardner’s mind, you must focus on Mrs. Gardner. You are cooperating with Triton Studio, right? Mrs. Gardner must like you.”
Queenie nodded along with Lydia’s words.
If Colton can’t help, I can focus on Mrs. Gardner!
“Alright, Mom. I will go to the Gardner Residence now,” Queenie said with a dark gaze.
Then, Queenie called Kevin to make him take the jewelry to Gardner Residence.
While carrying the suitcase, Kevin stated, “Miss Anderson, you must pay me as Miss Gardner’s birthday party is approaching.”
“Of course, Mr. Carter,” Queenie said respectfully. “After our trip later, I will pay you tonight.”
Hiring Kevin had cost Queenie a lot of energy and money. She couldn’t ask the Gardner Family to pay for it, so she had to pay the bill for now.
However, she didn’t have the money. The deposit she gave almost used up her savings, so she could only postpone the payment. If Anna was happy about the jewelry, Queenie could still be together with Colton.
Queenie and Kevin walked into the Gardner Residence together. However, it was strange as there were a few bodyguards at the gate. However, Queenie didn’t care as she thought they were here as per Anna’s order to protect the precious jewelry.
As Queenie and Kevin reached the living room, the initially calm Kevin suddenly panicked. After a quick glance, he took the suitcase and prepared to escape.
However, he stopped by the bodyguards guarding the door.
Looking at the fleeing Kevin, Queenie was confused. “Mr. Carter, what are you—”
The bodyguards then threw Kevin over to Anna and the rest.
Queenie quickly followed them, and she saw Nicole. Upon seeing that, Queenie turned thunderous.
Is this Nicole’s doing?
Chapter 235 Fake Jewelry
As Todd looked at the man on the ground, his face turned dark and it was unlike his usual demeanor. Todd squinted and stared coldly at the man on the floor.
“Kevin Carter,” Todd coldly called out Kevin’s name.
A trace of cold sweat appeared on Kevin’s forehead, and he hurriedly begged for mercy. “Mr. Freeman, please let me go.”
Queenie suddenly felt something was wrong. She looked at Kevin on the ground with a dark expression and muttered, “Mr. Carter, what are you doing? Please get up.”
However, Kevin ignored Queenie. He could not afford to offend Triton Studio, as they worked with the foreign royal families.
After Kevin was fired by Triton Studio, he relied on Triton Studio’s name as an ex-designer to get some work. However, as time went by, he gradually lost his reputation.
Later, he created some imitations of Triton Studio’s jewelry to rent out to earn a little money. Then, he was found by Queenie. The price she gave was very high, so he agreed to it out of greed.
Triton Studio never rented jewelry in this country, so Kevin was relieved, thinking he would immediately escape after earning money to avoid getting caught.
However, Todd was now here.
Kevin knew he had been caught red-handed.
Todd looked down at the person on the ground with a dark expression, and his voice was cold as he growled, “You have been fired by Triton Studio but now, you are using the studio’s name to swindle money? You’re smearing the studio’s reputation!”
Kevin did not dare to make a sound. Although he had on a suit, he crawled on the floor and was utterly timid.
Queenie was no fool. She guessed the truth through this exchange, and her face suddenly went pale.
Kevin’s jewelry is fake!
Queenie felt her blood flowing backward, gushing up from the soles of her feet to her head.
“T-The jewelry I rented is fake?!”
Queenie looked at the man on the ground. She forcefully repressed her anger as Anna was present and stared straight at the man below.
However, Kevin couldn’t spare time to talk to Queenie as he begged Todd for mercy.
Todd turned his eyes away and said coldly, “Since you have done it, stop acting all pitiful. I will sue you in the name of Triton Studio. You are on your own now.”
Anna knew the severity of this matter. Looking at Todd’s unkind expression, she waved to signal the bodyguards to take Kevin away.
Looking at this scene, Queenie almost fell to the ground. She was stunned for a long time before she could react. When she did, she hurriedly walked up to Anna and said, “Mrs. Gardner, Wendy, I-I didn’t know that the jewelry is fake. When I rented it, I-I heard he is indeed a designer in Triton Studio. However, I didn’t expect him to be f-fired…”
Anna squinted. She knew Queenie didn’t do it on purpose. After all, if Wendy really wore the fake jewelry, Queenie wouldn’t be able to handle such a responsibility.
However, Anna was still unhappy when she thought about the consequences of Wendy wearing the necklace.
She didn’t look directly at Queenie, but she coldly said, “I know you didn’t mean it. Fortunately, Nicole brought Mr. Freeman over. Otherwise, the Gardner Family would’ve been mocked.”
Queenie was utterly pale at that point. She raised her eyes and looked at Nicole with a false smile while sitting. Then, she gritted her teeth and said to Nicole, “Of course, it’s all thanks to my dear sister. It’s my fault for not investigating clearly beforehand and almost shaming Wendy.”
Seeing Queenie’s unwillingness, Nicole sneered but did not expose her.
“You’re welcome. You don’t have to address me as your sister. I am not a part of the Anderson Family since William has disowned me.”
However, Queenie had to suck up to Nicole as the latter had helped solve Queenie’s blundeer.
And so, Queenie forced out a laugh and said, “Father was a fool to do that. No matter what, you’re my sister.”
Chapter 236 Stay
Nicole frowned unpleasantly when she heard what Queenie said.
Anna had heard a little about the Anderson Family’s affair. Moreover, she could feel Nicole’s displeasure.
As Nicole had hired someone from Triton Studio and designed a beautiful evening gown for Wendy, Anna naturally favored Nicole.
Presently, Anna waved her hand. “Queenie, you can leave now. Although you didn’t mean it, you wouldn’t be able to bear the consequences if Wendy really wore the fake jewelry.”
Queenie was quite pale then. She opened her mouth and tried to explain, but her throat felt so hoarse that she couldn’t speak.
She was finished. Initially, she wanted to gain favor from Anna. However, Queenie had now messed up. Anna might have no goodwill toward Queenie after this incident.
Looking at the pale Queenie, Nicole grinned and said sarcastically, “Why, are you reluctant to leave? How about you stay here and explain to Mr. Freeman on how you found that imposter?”
As Queenie heard Nicole’s voice, her thoughts returned to her. She turned her head to look at everyone. Now, she looked like a clown in a circus.
I will end up further shaming myself if I stay here.
Queenie bit her lip. She had no choice but to leave now.
After Queenie left, Anna’s expression became slightly better. She looked at Nicole with apprehension as she murmured, “Nicole, it is thanks to you and Mr. Freeman that we didn’t mess up.”
Wendy stayed by the side and didn’t speak until Queenie left.
“Kevin Carter is too evil! How dare he rent us a counterfeit product? If I really wear it, I will be a laughingstock for the rest of my life!”
When Wendy spoke, tears welled in her eyes and she looked rather pitiful.
Anna took Wendy’s hand. Patting it, she comforted her daughter, “It won’t happen anymore. Besides, Mr. Freeman now brought us the genuine jewelry from Triton Studio.”
Looking at Wendy’s red eyes, Nicole knew the girl was angry, so she calmly comforted, “Wendy, it’s over. Mr. Freeman won’t make any mistakes; you can rest assured.”
Todd nodded along. “Yes, Miss Gardner. The jewelry from Triton Studio is with me. Your eighteenth birthday party will definitely be lively.”
With Nicole’s words, Wendy finally breathed a sigh of relief.
She sniffed and nodded.
Todd and Anna then discussed some jewelry-related matters. After the discussion, it was almost 12.00PM. Todd politely declined Anna’s invitation to have lunch and left with the suitcase.
When Edith was coming down to cook, she took Hayden along too as she saw most people had left.
When Anna saw Hayden, the expression on her face subsided and changed into a smile.
“Grandma, I missed you so much!”
Hayden threw himself into Anna’s arms, a smile appearing on his tender cheeks as he hugged and greeted her.
Anna’s heart softened as she heard Hayden’s call. After she responded, she pulled Hayden into her embrace.
“Hayden, it’s been such a long time! I miss you too.”
Although Hayden and Colton did not conduct a DNA paternity test yet, Anna had already determined that Hayden was Colton’s son.
They can’t look this similar if they’re not related!
Anna and Hayden looked happy together.
In the end, Anna asked Nicole to stay for lunch.
“You and Hayden should have a meal with us. Richard will arrive in the afternoon. Then, he can help Hayden and Colton.”
As Hayden was here, Anna didn’t make it too clear.
However, Nicole nodded understandingly. This was the purpose of her coming here.
Chapter 237 Lunch
Colton also came for lunch. He was not surprised to see Nicole and Hayden.
There was a slight smile on his face.
Hayden was delighted when he saw Colton coming over. In a flash, he rushed out of Anna’s arms and ran over to Colton.
“Mr. Handsome!” Hayden rushed into Colton’s arms.
Colton liked Hayden, so he picked up the child and let Hayden sit in his arms. “Hayden, long time no see.”
Hayden grabbed Colton and sadly said, “Mom is a bad guy. She won’t let me play with you!”
After speaking, he pouted in dissatisfaction.
Colton laughed and squinted as he looked at Hayden’s cute face that was so similar to his. He couldn’t help it when his heart softened.
Hayden leaned on Colton and talked for a while before returning to Anna.
When Wendy saw Colton returning, she rushed to him and talked about the morning’s event with resentment.
“Colton, did you know that the jewelry from Triton Studio that Queenie rented is fake? If it wasn’t for Miss Nicole, I would be shamed!”
As Colton heard Queenie’s name, he frowned. He looked up and his voice became deeper as he asked, “Really?”
Wendy thought Colton was going to favor Queenie, so she was dissatisfied. Then, she pursed her lips and said, “Of course it’s true! How could I lie to you?”
Colton smiled softly. Seeing that Wendy was getting angry, he comforted, “Of course not. This is ridiculous; how dare she lie to our princess?”
When Wendy heard Colton’s words, the dissatisfaction on her face finally dissipated. Then, she said with a cold snort, “She tried too hard to keep up her appearances. Not even Mom could rent the jewelry, so obviously Queenie couldn’t too!”
The incident made Wendy’s prejudice against Queenie get deeper.
After a few words of comfort, Colton suddenly smiled at Nicole.
Nicole was taken aback by such a glance. Looking at his handsome face with a half-smile, she turned her head away in embarrassment.
Looking at Nicole’s shy demeanor, Colton smiled even brighter.
After Edith had served the food, Benjamin finally went downstairs.
Wendy hugged Benjamin and told him the whole fiasco again. She complained all about Queenie, who rented a fake.
Although Benjamin was strict, he was fond of his children, especially his daughter. Hence, he kept comforting Wendy.
After that, he looked up at Nicole.
Although Benjamin was old, he still had discerning eyes and looked like a shrewd businessman.
He looked at Nicole and said deeply, “Thank you for solving this matter, Miss Anderson. Otherwise, the consequences would be unimaginable.”
Nicole didn’t dare to take the credit for herself, so she shook her head and said, “No. Kevin Carter was a designer from Triton Studio. The jewelry created by him is similar to a genuine product. If it weren’t for Mr. Freeman, I wouldn’t have been able to distinguish between the real thing and the fake.”
What Nicole said also gave Anna enough respect.
Sure enough, Anna immediately supported Nicole.
“That’s right. One would not know he was fired from Triton Studio long ago. We should thank Nicole; otherwise, we would be a joke.”
Nicole pursed her lips and smiled but did not say anything further.
Everyone silently enjoyed the meal at the table and didn’t say much.
After the meal, Benjamin didn’t stay any longer. He held his forehead and said, “I’m getting old, so I feel sleepy after a certain time. All of you should wait here for Richard. If he comes, just go on without me.”
Wendy accompanied Benjamin upstairs, leaving Anna, Colton, Nicole, and Hayden downstairs.
Chapter 238 Richard Jenkins
The four of them sat on the sofa. As Hayden was present, the atmosphere was not awkward, as the kid could talk non-stop. With his sweet words, he made Anna smile the whole time.
As they were happily interacting, Colton and Nicole were silent.
After a while, Colton took the initiative to say, “Thank you for resolving Wendy’s matter.”
Nicole shook her head. “I am a friend of Triton, so it isn’t hard for me to rent a piece of jewelry.”
Knowing Triton, one couldn’t force him to rent out the jewelry even with violence, unless one was his friend.
Seeing Nicole had no signs of taking credit and was humble, Colton grinned and laughed.
“You did the Gardner Family a huge favor. Do you want any reward? I will accept any request.”
Nicole turned to look at Colton. She squinted and asked with playfulness, “Are you sure?”
There was a hint of joy in Colton’s eyes. He lowered his voice, and a deep voice entered Nicole’s ears, as if it was only for her and her alone.
“Of course, even if you want me, I will agree too.”
The flirtatious tone made Nicole’s ears turn red. She did not expect the serious-looking Colton to be so shameless.
“You are overthinking things!” As Nicole said that, she squirmed a little to the side to keep a distance from Colton.
Colton raised his eyes. Looking at Nicole’s reaction, he didn’t say much.
Although Anna was focusing on Hayden, she was not blind. With a glance, she could see Colton and Nicole were whispering to each other over there.
She would not believe it if one said there wasn’t a thing going on between them.
In the past, Colton would be disgusted at any woman who tried to get close to him. He couldn’t even accept Queenie either.
Look at him now—he can’t wait to pounce on Nicole!
Anna knew her son, and she was sure that he had taken a liking to Nicole.
Richard Jenkins arrived at 1.00PM. He was wearing a beige coat and had slightly curly and fluffy hair. As soon as he entered the living room, he raised his voice.
“There you are, Aunt! And Colton too.”
Richard smiled. With his exposed white teeth, he looked a little silly.
Anna was very fond of Richard, as he was the only heir of the Jenkins Family. Looking at him carefully, she stood up and said, “We haven’t seen each other for almost two years! You have grown taller and are much better-looking.”
Richard didn’t hesitate and sat next to Anna. After sitting down, he could see Hayden clearly. A trace of surprise flashed in Richard’s eyes, and he turned to look at Colton and asked, “Colton, since when did you have a child? You never mentioned him to me!”
As Richard was impolite, Colton frowned and said in a low tone, “Don’t be rude. Address me as Mr. Gardner!”
Richard directly fell backward, and his face was full of indifference.
“I’m only one day younger than you, so why should I address you respectfully? We grew up wearing the same pair of trousers! We should be on a first-name basis.”
Colton raised his eyebrows and said, “You must still respect me even if I’m an hour older than you!”
“Let’s put that matter aside. Tell me where this child came from? How dare you not tell me about him after so many phone calls these years!”
Hearing Richard’s words, Anna hugged Hayden joyfully, and her tone was much more relaxed.
“Right? I knew this child was Colton’s!”
Richard nodded and said, “In terms of genetics, this child is definitely Colton’s. Just look at his face—it’s as stupid as Colton’s!”
Chapter 239 Another Report
As an only child of the Gardner Family, Colton didn’t have any playmates. Then, Richard came along, and the two young children finally had playmates of the same age. They were born from wealthy families, so they did not have to compliment or be fake.
Hence, they clicked right away.
One would think they were friends more than brothers. When they met each other, they would be unforgiving to each other.
Colton coughed lightly and gestured at Nicole with his gaze. He wanted Richard to pay attention to his words.
As they hadn’t seen each other for many years, the tacit understanding between them was not high. Richard was stunned for a moment, then looked at Nicole and said dumbly, “Oh—so you’re Colton’s wife. Although I won’t address Colton politely, I can address you as Mrs. Gardner.”
As Richard said that, he saw Colton’s dark expression. At this moment, Colton wanted to fight Richard just like a child. Richard was being too rude.
“Richard, I asked you to come back because I have a request for you.”
When Anna felt the two were about to fight, she quickly talked about a serious matter.
She called Edith to take away Hayden since it wasn’t appropriate to talk about this matter in front of a child.
As Richard saw the seriousness on Anna’s face, he finally felt the severity of the matter. He was a doctor, so it must be bad news.
“What happened? Aunt, are you not feeling well?”
Anna shook her head and continued, “You saw the child. I want you to do a paternity test on that child and Colton.”
Richard was stunned, then frowned again. He said in disbelief, “One can tell that child is Colton’s at first glance. Why do you need the test?”
After being silent for a long time, Nicole finally spoke. “Mr. Jenkins, I am his mother. However, he is not President Gardner’s biological child. He has done a paternity test with my son, and the result is negative.”
Richard didn’t believe it. “They look so similar. Genetically speaking, they must be related.”
Nicole smiled helplessly. She raised her head to look at Richard and said thoughtfully, “However, they are not biologically related, so I would like to ask you to do a test on them and see if they are. It is to prove President Gardner’s innocence too.”
Richard finally understood why Anna refused to state why she asked him back when they spoke on the phone. This was the reason why Anna wanted to talk about it in person.
One should be cautious regarding a child of the Gardners.
When Richard glanced at Anna, she nodded along too.
At this moment, his face became serious, and his lighthearted smile when he first came in disappeared.
“I didn’t bring the equipment for this. If you’re in a hurry, you can give me some hair from the child and Colton. I will try to get a report before Wendy’s birthday party.”
Anna knew Richard had hurried back and was not prepared, so she knew he needed more time to do it.
She instructed, “Richard, this matter concerns the reputation of the Gardner Family. I hope you can keep this a secret.”
Richard knew what was at stake and he nodded. “Please be rest assured. I understand, so I won’t tell a soul about this.”
With Richard’s assurance, Anna was satisfied. She nodded and took a few strands of hair from her hand. She had secretly taken this when she was with Hayden earlier. She didn’t want the child to find out.
Colton also knowingly combed through his hair and handed some to Richard.
“Richard, tell me the result as soon as it comes out,” Anna said joyfully. She was sure Hayden was Colton’s child.
Richard nodded and replied, “Of course. Don’t worry, Aunt.”
Chapter 240 The Role of a Father
After obtaining Colton’s and Hayden’s hairs, Richard stayed for a few pleasantries and left.
Nicole, too, had no intention of remaining at the Gardner Residence after everything had been completed. Though Anna was friendly to her, Nicole still felt uneasy staying there.
Hence, she left with Hayden in her arms after bidding goodbye to Anna and Colton.
After Nicole left their sight, Anna retracted her gaze. But when she noticed her son staring at Nicole’s departing figure, she couldn’t help but laugh. “Why? You’re now interested in her?”
When he heard that, Colton retracted his gaze as well and nodded without denying it. “Yes.”
That took Anna by surprise. He had been uninterested in women for many years. He had previously rejected every woman Anna had introduced to him, causing her to believe he actually adored men.
“Do you really like Nicole?” she asked again.
This time, he did not answer. Looking at Anna’s smile, he nonchalantly pursed his lips and said, “Mom, stop thinking about it. Just wait for the DNA paternity test result. I have something on in the company, so I’m leaving now.”
“Stop right there! Every time I mention your relationship, you use the same excuse. Are there really that many coincidences?”
Previously, Colton agreed for Queenie to be his fiancée in order to repay her for saving him five years ago, and also to avoid Anna’s constant asking and recommendation of women.
“Mom, Richard has asked me for dinner tonight. It’s getting late and I need to go now.” Seeing that his previous excuse had failed, Colton quickly devised another and left without waiting for Anna’s response.
…
Just as Nicole was bringing Hayden back home, Julia called her halfway.
“Nicole, I’m back in the country. Do you want to have dinner together today?” she asked enthusiastically.
Nicole was fine with that. Hence, she nodded and responded, “Sure. You decide on the location. I’ll be there once I send Hayden home.”
“Deal. I’ll take you to a fun place after dinner. Don’t forget to dress up!” Julia spoke with zeal.
She sensed that the place Julia was referring to was unlikely to be decent, but she agreed nonetheless. “Okay.”
After Nicole hung up the phone, Hayden exclaimed, “You’re no longer bringing me out to play, Mom!”
Nicole laughed at that. She tilted her head to look at him, saying, “I’ll bring you out another day. Just not today.”
Hayden did not pursue this further as he sat on the seat. With his head bowed, he fiddled with his fingers and swung his short legs before saying after a while, “Mom, I am the son of Mr. Handsome and you. We don’t need the DNA paternity test.”
When Nicole heard that, her heart sank. It turned out that Hayden knew everything.
He noticed the change in Nicole’s expression and went on, “I do resemble Mr. Handsome. Though I prefer Mr. Yates, if you cannot accept him, Mr. Handsome is also acceptable.”
According to the child’s observations these few days, Colton would assist Nicole in a lot of things and was a reliable man despite being a little standoffish.
Hayden did not want his mother to suffer alone anymore. Many things would be made easier for her if he had a reliable father.
But of course, Nicole was unaware of Hayden’s thoughts. She simply assumed her son liked Colton, and she smiled as she said, “Hayden, if Colton is really your father, I won’t stop you from acknowledging him. But everything has to be proven first.”
If Hayden’s father was Joseph, the playboy, she was reluctant for Hayden to acknowledge him. However, if Colton was Hayden’s father, she would not prevent them from doing so.
Though Colton was sometimes arrogant, his personality was acceptable, and he was more than qualified to be Hayden’s father.
Of course, it had to be proven first that the duo was related by blood.