Ch. 211..220
Chapter 211 You Can Come To Me
“That woman wants to kill the children and me. She’ll never let us go. What else could we do other than hide?”
Arissa was filled with indignation at the mention of Danna. She did not care what Benjamin thought about that woman.
“You can come to me!” He gritted his teeth.
Why did she run away instead of asking me for help when something goes wrong?
In response, Arissa smiled bitterly. “You care about Danna so much. Would you have cared about our lives?”
His expression darkened. Am I not worth her trust?
She did not know why he was suddenly angry. However, she backed down when she saw his grim expression. “Benjamin, it’s my fault for taking the children away, but I don’t want to lose them. Besides, I don’t know you well enough to trust you. After all, you and Danna have a very close relationship. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have been tricked by her. Believe it or not, she separated me from Gavin five years ago. And all of us almost died in her hands.”
Arissa’s eyes reddened as she recalled the past. Those days were like a nightmare to her.
All she felt was anxiety, helplessness, and despair. Someone snatched her child away from her, and she was incapable of protecting him.
She absolutely did not want to experience it for a second time.
Benjamin felt a tug in his heart at the sight of the powerless resentment in her eyes.
“I’ve told you before, but you didn’t believe me. I simply can’t take the risk. It’s too dangerous for Gavin to stay with you.” Arissa was on the verge of tears.
“Why do you think she’s important to me?” His voice was imperceptibly softer than before.
However, he was inexplicably annoyed by her lack of trust.
“Isn’t she?” Arissa lifted her head to meet his gaze, and tears trickled down her face.
Benjamin’s brows drew close to a frown as he wiped away the tears from her face. The warm droplets were scorching his heart.
He furrowed his brows tighter, for he did not like to see her crying. “So, you took the liberty of taking the kids away?”
He stared at her intently. Her nose was red, making her look pitiful.
Her forlorn expression made his annoyance dissipate.
Arissa blinked her eyes in confusion.
Is he saying that Danna isn’t important to him anymore?
“Gavin said-”
“Mommy!” Right then, they heard the boy’s voice at the door.
She promptly pushed Benjamin away and asked her son gently, “Sweetheart, are you done packing?”
Her swift reaction rendered the man speechless.
“All done! Mommy, did you cry?”
Gavin ran into the room and saw her reddened eyes. Immediately, he turned his head and glared at his father. “Did you bully Mommy?”
Facing his son’s accusation, Benjamin only looked at Gavin in silence.
“What a jerk!” the boy scolded.
The next moment, Benjamin grabbed Gavin’s back collar and lifted him off the floor.
The infuriated boy started to struggle in mid-air. “Let go of me!”
“Little brat, is this how you talk to your father?”
Arissa was worried that Benjamin would drop their son, so she quickly took Gavin away from him. “How could you grab him like this? What if you drop him?”
After saying that, she hugged Gavin and patted his back.
Benjamin knitted his brows and stared at her in disbelief.
How dare she reprimand me?
Gavin’s eyes seemed to exude derision as he piped up tearfully, “Mommy, he always grabs me like this.”
Discontented, Arissa shot Benjamin an icy glare as she patted her son’s head.
The father shot daggers at his pretentious son. Then he ordered in his deep voice, “Hurry up and pack your things, Arissa. I’ll give you ten minutes!”
Having said that, he walked to the bedside, sat down, and stared at her.
Arissa was rendered speechless.
If he wanted me to be fast, he shouldn’t have interrogated me just now.
“Mommy, I’ll help you!”
“Okay!”
Arissa put Gavin down and resumed her packing.
Since she was not sure when they would be back, she packed everything while the boy helped to fold the clothes.
Chapter 212 Back To Dellmoor
Zachary, Oliver, Jasper, and Jesse finished packing their belongings and came into Arissa’s room.
“Mommy, we’re done. How about you?”
“Not yet.” She flashed the children a warm smile.
At the side, Benjamin stared at her face and pursed his lips, feeling displeased at her gentle demeanor toward the children.
When they realized he was also in the room, they swiftly ran to their mother.
Arissa noticed Jesse was a little afraid of Benjamin, so she caressed her daughter’s head and suggested, “Help Mommy pack up?”
“Okay!” Jesse agreed immediately.
A peculiar feeling arose within Benjamin and warmed him as he watched their five children gather around her.
“Why did you come here?” he suddenly asked.
After a while, Arissa realized his question was meant for her.
“The scenery here is great.”
Once they opened the windows, vast greenery greeted them. It felt as though they were living in a paradise, isolated from the world.
Benjamin agreed with her. He stood up and walked to the balcony.
The setting sun shrouded their surroundings in a brilliant shade of orange. The view was so breathtaking that he forgot to blink.
Indeed, the village was a beautiful place.
Arissa shot him a glance and continued to pack.
“Mommy, we didn’t bring a lot when we arrived, but why is there no end to the packing?” asked Jasper when he saw her stuffed suitcase.
Arissa felt strange as well. “I don’t know.”
Just then, the sound of swatting mosquitoes came from the balcony. She looked up and saw Benjamin come in with a sullen face.
“You have two minutes!”
Upon hearing that, she pursed her lips slightly. Geez. He’s so inconsiderate. If he thought we were slow, he could’ve offered to help with the packing.
“If you’re dissatisfied, you can leave first,” stated Gavin.
Benjamin looked at his son, who was going against him. “Gavin, are you trying to get under my skin?”
Arissa glanced at them and stuffed everything into the suitcase quickly.
Then she walked around the bedroom, making sure that she had left nothing behind.
Finally, she took her handbag and pulled the handle of the suitcase while saying, “It’s done. Let’s go!”
In an instant, the quintuplets ran out one after another to get their suitcases.
Benjamin walked over and picked up her suitcase.
Even though Arissa was startled, she followed closely behind him.
Seeing how effortlessly he carried the suitcase, she beamed.
Well, he’s not that inconsiderate after all.
As soon as the quintuplets came out of the room with their suitcases, Benjamin shouted, “Ethen!”
His assistant appeared seconds later. “Mr. Graham.”
“Bring the suitcases down.”
“Yes, sir!” Ethen responded diligently and took the suitcase from his boss.
Seeing that, Arissa said, “Thank you, Mr. Frank.”
“You’re welcome.” He flashed her a smile and asked a few bodyguards to come up for the other suitcases.
“Let’s go.” Benjamin cast a brief look at Arissa and went downstairs.
The latter hurriedly followed him with the children. “Sweethearts, did you leave anything behind?”
“Mommy, we’ve checked everything. We didn’t leave anything behind,” reported Zachary.
Nodding, Arissa stared at Benjamin’s masculine back, having a delusion that he was the head of the family.
Ethen and the bodyguards had put away all the suitcases.
“Mr. Graham, we’re ready.”
Looking in Arissa’s direction, Benjamin piped up, “Get in.”
She was about to suggest that they should drive back.
However, Benjamin had carried two children in each hand and boarded the helicopter.
Only Gavin remained. Arissa quickly carried him up and got on their transport as well.
After that, Ethen and the bodyguards boarded one after another.
Some distance away, several children of different ages with painted faces looked at the helicopter in amazement.
Chapter 213 Left Something Important Behind
“What a big helicopter!”
“It must be cool to sit on it!”
The children were envious.
“What a pity. We could’ve turned them in before they left.”
Meanwhile, some children felt disappointed.
The helicopter slowly left the ground and flew away.
“Let’s go!”
A five-year-old boy, carrying more ores than he could carry, followed his companions.
From time to time, he would look in the helicopter’s direction and wonder if its passengers would be back.
In the meantime, Bradley was on his way to the village to deliver things. He frowned when he saw those children.
Isn’t life too hard for these little kids?
“Children, where are you heading? I’ll take you there.” He lowered the window and pulled up beside them.
The kids cast a vigilant look at the driver and remained silent.
Why are they looking at me as if I’m a human trafficker?
Feeling awkward, Bradley explained, “I’m not a bad person. I’m going to the village chief’s house now. Are you from this village?”
Despite his kindness, the children only looked at him. They did not dare to get in his car even though they really wanted to take up his offer. After all, he was a stranger.
Just then, he saw the youngest child and felt a pang of sadness in his heart when he met the little boy’s crystal-clear eyes.
The boy was so young, but the weight of his basket was not much lesser than his companions’.
How pitiful.
“It doesn’t matter if you don’t want to take a ride. I have some food here. You can share them.”
Bradley handed them a loaf of bread and some fruits.
Still, no one dared to accept.
Suddenly, he was at a loss.
“I live there, and I’m really on my way to the village chief’s house. Since I’m leaving the village soon, I’m giving this to you. Take it!”
Moments later, the eldest child stepped forward and took it. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome! Would you like to get in the car? I’ll give you a ride,” Bradley offered again.
Seeing that they came out to make money at such a young age, he could not stop himself from offering his help.
“No, thanks. We don’t want to dirty your car.”
“That’s all right.” Bradley got out of his car and opened the trunk.
Then he reached out to take the basket from the youngest child, who widened his eyes and kept his distance.
Scratching his head, Bradley explained, “I’m not a bad person. I only want to help you. Where are you carrying these? I’ll send you there.”
“That won’t be necessary, mister.”
The children did not lower their guard, no matter what Bradley said. Their parents had probably warned them not to get into a stranger’s car.
“Why don’t you put the basket in my car, and I’ll follow you while you walk?”
The kids shook their heads in response.
Since they kept refusing him, Bradley gave up and drove away.
“He doesn’t look like a bad guy.”
“Yeah, and he gave us a lot of food.”
“Previously, we even planned to go and see if they’re human traffickers. I’m glad we didn’t do it?”
“We can’t be sure if he’s a bad guy or not. Anyway, my mother said we shouldn’t follow a stranger. Or else we’ll be abducted.”
“Yes, we’re kids. It’s better to be careful.”
On his way back after the delivery to the village chief’s house, Bradley saw those children at the entrance of the village.
Hence, he greeted them before driving past them.
He could not help but glance at the rear-view mirror.
Then, he saw one child whip around to look at the car before turning back and following everyone else.
Poor children. They have to help their families at such a young age.
Shaking those thoughts off, he packed up his belongings and drove back to Dellmoor.
On the flight, Arissa felt an inexplicable emptiness, as if she had left something important behind.
However, she retraced her steps mentally and was sure that she had packed everything.
“Are you reluctant to leave?”
Chapter 214 Call Me Daddy
Benjamin took a glance at her.
Arissa met his gaze and answered, “Yes. Not only is the scenery beautiful, but the air is fresh too, giving me a feeling that I can live longer.”
He was bereft of speech.
Meanwhile, Ethen snickered and admired Arissa’s courage to talk back at Benjamin.
Infuriated, Benjamin shot him a glare.
Ethen immediately turned around and giggled secretly.
After casting a brief look at their father, the five children sat closer to Arissa.
“If you like it here, we can always come back again for a vacation.”
Hearing that, Arissa turned her head in Benjamin’s direction.
I deliberately talked back to him earlier. Isn’t he angry?
His eyes glistened, and he stared at her intently.
When she met his eyes, she hurriedly averted her gaze as her heart skipped a beat.
“Mommy, it’ll take a while to get home. You should nap for a while,” said Gavin considerately.
Arissa was delighted at his suggestion, and she caressed his head.
“Let’s nap!”
Seeing how gentle she was to the children, Benjamin frowned in jealousy.
The moment he noticed it was a challenge for her to hug five children, he stretched out his long arms and took three of them into his arms.
Zachary, Oliver, and Jasper stared at their father with bulging eyes.
Jasper had spent some time with Benjamin before, so he was used to it.
On the other hand, Zachary’s body tensed. He said sternly, “Let go of me. I can sit by myself.”
Staring at the protesting child, Benjamin piped up, “Zachary?”
The boy was surprised to hear his name because they had never introduced themselves to their father.
When Benjamin realized he had guessed correctly, the corners of his lips curved into an indiscernible arc.
Actually, Ethen had already told him the names of each child.
Judging from Zachary’s demeanor, Benjamin guessed he was the eldest among the four.
He shifted his gaze to Oliver, who was wearing glasses. The latter blushed the moment their eyes met.
It was his first time getting hugged by his father. He was excited and happy, but also uncomfortable at the same time.
“You’re Oliver?”
“Yes!” Oliver nodded.
Then Benjamin turned to Jasper. This brat pretended to be Gavin before this. What a naughty boy.
Jasper met his gaze and flinched out of guilt.
In the meantime, Arissa was shocked that Benjamin could recognize all the children.
When the children were younger, she would sometimes get them mixed up. Benjamin had never lived with them, but he could tell them apart.
It was an impressive feat.
In her arms were Gavin and Jesse.
Benjamin glanced at the little girl hiding in her arms and inquired, “Jesse?”
In response, Jesse snuggled closer to Arissa.
Did I scare him? Benjamin tried to smile, but it backfired.
Seeing that, Jesse simply buried her head deeper in her mother’s chest.
Arissa caressed her daughter’s head while Gavin glared at Benjamin. “Stop it! You’re scaring Jesse.”
The awkward smile froze on the man’s face and faltered in the next instant.
Zachary, Oliver, and Jasper chortled. However, they quickly suppressed their laughter.
“Mr. Graham, can you let us go now?” asked Zachary with a hint of command in his voice.
Benjamin hugged them tighter instead. It was the first time he embraced three children in his arms.
Back then, he only had a son. Now that he had four more children, he was delighted.
“Call me ‘Daddy’!” Benjamin corrected his eldest son.
The latter stared at him without fear and kept mum.
Meanwhile, Arissa peeked at the man cautiously, fearing he would scare the child.
“Mr. Graham, the children aren’t used to your presence yet. Don’t scare them.”
He turned to look at her with an indescribable expression.
Feeling self-conscience, she avoided eye contact with him.
“They’ll get used to it after a few more times. Are you unwilling to let them acknowledge me as their father?”
Arissa could sense the oppressive aura from him, so she tried to smooth things out with an awkward smile. “How is that possible? I’ve never stopped them from acknowledging you. I just didn’t realize earlier that you’re their father.”
Previously, the children had also asked her about their biological father. Since she did not know the answer, she always prevaricated the question.
Chapter 215 You Do Not Know Why
Benjamin narrowed his eyes at Arissa. His expression darkened as he saw the awkward smile on her face.
“Then why are you hiding them from me?”
Facing another one of his intense interrogations, she felt a pang of guilt.
Immediately, she flashed him a bright and innocent smile.
“Mr. Graham, there must be some misunderstanding. We’re hiding from the bad guys.”
Looking at how her eyebrows arched with her grin, he could not bring himself to vent his frustration on her.
Benjamin snorted coldly.
Is she implying that I’m also a bad guy?
In the meantime, Ethen was listening closely to their conversation. When he noticed that Benjamin did not lose his temper, his admiration for Arissa grew.
It seems like Mr. Graham seldom loses his temper when Ms. York is around. Furthermore, he seems to be in a good mood and becomes more talkative than usual. Could it be that he had fallen in love with her?
The thought thrilled the assistant, and he decided to treat Arissa with respect in the future.
“Don’t scold my mommy. What’s wrong with hiding from you? It was our idea. We don’t want to acknowledge you!” Zachary responded defiantly.
Benjamin’s gaze fell on the three angry children in his arms.
“Why?”
“Don’t you know why?” questioned Zachary.
Pfft!
Ethen burst out in laughter. The moment he sensed a warning glance from his back, he covered his mouth to avoid laughing out loud again.
At the same time, Arissa also chuckled while she marveled at her son’s audacity.
Benjamin stared at the little boy, who was not afraid of him in relief, as expected of his son.
Nevertheless, he still wore a solemn expression on his face. “Tell me about it.”
Pouting, Zachary glared at him.
“You’re one of those bad guys. Why should we acknowledge you?” Oliver chimed in on behalf of his brother.
Although I don’t like Benjamin and Danna together, he’s still our father, no matter what. It’s better to get closer to him. What if he helps that wicked woman to bully Mommy?
Benjamin’s eyes flickered as he peered at Oliver. “What do you mean?”
“That wicked woman, Danna Adams!” added Jasper angrily.
Taken aback, Benjamin shifted his gaze to Gavin. The latter turned his face away arrogantly, ignoring his father.
After letting out a sigh, Benjamin explained, “I’ve already sent someone to arrest her.”
There was a mild surprise in the children’s eyes. It was a reaction that he expected.
When Benjamin thought of the hardships that his children had to suffer because of Danna, his expression turned grimmer.
“In the future, I’ll protect you. I won’t let anyone bully you again.”
He swore to take revenge on anyone who bullied his children and woman.
Hearing that, the three boys in his embrace stole glances at him. They felt happy that he was not only comforting them.
“We can protect ourselves without you,” declared Zachary.
All of a sudden, Benjamin complimented, “And you guys did a great job on your own.”
Zachary was astonished, for he did not expect to hear that.
He thought Benjamin would say they were just children who could not protect themselves.
Beside him, Jasper giggled and asked, “How long will that wicked woman be imprisoned?”
In an instant, Benjamin’s gaze darkened. “The law will decide that.”
How dare she try to kill my children? I’ll make her stay in prison for the rest of her life.
Jasper smacked his lips. What kind of answer is this?
At the same time, Arissa felt somewhat disappointed. He’s being merciful to Danna. Does he still care about her after she has tried to kill us several times? When I’m back, I must find a lawyer and make sure she stays locked up for the rest of her life.
“In the end, she’s still very important to you, isn’t she?” Gavin asked with a hint of grievance in his voice.
Arissa felt a tug in her heart and hugged him tightly.
Although he grew up in the Graham family, he was not happy.
The trauma from Danna was etched in his mind forever.
Chapter 216 Cares About You
Arissa bent over and kissed Gavin’s head. “You’re my sweetheart!”
She was filled with guilt.
Benjamin was stunned. Looking at the sad mother-son duo, he knitted his brows. “Gavin, what are you on about? What did I tell you before this?”
“Benjamin!” Arissa glared at him with teary eyes, and her voice was cold. “You hurt Gavin because of that woman, and yet you have the audacity to question him. How could you do this to him?”
She hugged her son tightly, feeling distressed. “You don’t feel bad for him, but I do!”
In an instant, Benjamin’s face fell.
As Jesse hugged her mother and elder brother, her eyes reddened as well. “Gavin, we don’t want him! He’s also a bad guy!”
Immediately, Zachary, Oliver, and Jasper escaped from Benjamin’s embrace and ran over to hug Gavin and Jesse.
“Gavin, Mommy, don’t be sad,” comforted Zachary.
Jasper chimed in, “We can live well even without Daddy!”
“Mommy, don’t cry. It doesn’t matter that he doesn’t like us because we don’t like him either,” uttered Oliver.
All of a sudden, Benjamin became a sinner.
He did not even feel a tinge of joy when he heard Jasper calling him Daddy.
“Why are you crying?”
The atmosphere abruptly turned heavy and tense.
How Ethen wished he was not there. Casting a brief look at Benjamin’s sullen face, he sighed inwardly.
Mr. Graham, you really don’t know how to console kids and women, do you? At times like this, you should be comforting them gently rather than questioning them in such a domineering manner.
Arissa was biting her lip while hugging her children, trying to hold back her tears. However, when she heard the man’s cold voice, she could not help feeling aggrieved. “Benjamin, I’ll never let Danna go. I will find the best lawyer to put her in jail for the rest of her life. Even so, it would not be enough to appease my anger.”
If it were not because killing that woman would dirty her own hands, she would have skinned Danna alive.
Meeting her accusing gaze, which was filled with grievances, Benjamin felt dejected, thinking that none of them trusted him.
His expression turned gloomy.
“Ms. York, our company lawyers are the best. They have never lost a lawsuit. Mr. Graham has asked them to be in charge of this kidnapping and murder case. He won’t let Ms. Adams off the hook,” Ethen quickly spoke up for Benjamin, worrying that the misunderstanding might get out of hand.
However, he did not mention that Benjamin did not plan to let the Adams family go as well. Before they departed to pick the children and Arissa up, Benjamin had given an order to deal with the Adams family.
For the time being, he had to keep that a secret.
Seeing that Benjamin did not stop him, he continued, “Mr. Graham cares about you very much. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have come to pick you up in person.”
“Shut up!” Benjamin shot him an icy stare.
Ethen zipped his mouth shut immediately and turned around, sitting up straight.
Mr. Graham, I was only trying to help you! What’s with the attitude?
Upon hearing Ethen’s words, Arissa glanced at him before shifting her gaze to the man with a sullen face.
There’s no need for Mr. Frank to lie to me, so his words must be true!
“Did you really ask the best lawyer to take over the case?”
As Benjamin took a quick look at her, he noticed that her eyes and nose were red from crying, looking as if she had been bullied by him.
Feeling wronged, he queried coldly, “Do I look like someone who doesn’t care about my children?”
After all, even a vicious tiger would never harm its cubs.
He would never allow others to lay their hands on his children, even if he did not love them.
After calming down, Arissa regained her senses and felt embarrassed.
She only questioned him earlier because she was overwhelmed by grief.
“I’m sorry for having the wrong idea about you.”
Benjamin was stunned and raised his eyebrows. Is this woman apologizing to me?
All of a sudden, he felt like teasing her. “That’s it?”
Arissa was dumbfounded and blurted out, “Otherwise?”
“Mommy, you didn’t do anything wrong. Don’t apologize to him!” Immediately, Gavin stood up for her and stared at Benjamin furiously.
Chapter 217 Carry Her Down The Steps
This brat! Benjamin cast a quick look at his son. The other children didn’t even say anything, but for some reason, this boy who grew up by my side is always against me.
Instantly, Arissa grew protective of her son and hugged him tighter. “Why are you glaring at him?”
Alas, Benjamin gritted his teeth and turned his head away.
Moments later, she discreetly looked at him and was relieved to see that he was not angry.
In fact, she knew that Benjamin still cared about the children.
Or else, he would not have come to pick them up in person.
It was just that sometimes, she felt distressed when she saw him being too strict with the children.
After gradually calming down, the children began to feel drowsy.
Hence, Arissa took a blanket and wrapped it around them.
When they arrived at Dellmoor, all five of them had fallen asleep.
Arissa had also dozed off.
Removing the blanket, Benjamin tried to carry the children.
Seeing that, Ethen swiftly stepped forward and took over two of them while the bodyguards held the other three.
Just as Benjamin bent down and was about to lift Arissa up, she woke up suddenly.
Their eyes met in an instant.
She was still in a daze, looking confused and adorable.
His eyes glistened as he straightened his back and said in a low voice, “We’re home.”
Blinking a few times, Arissa finally came back to her senses. “Okay.”
She hurriedly stood up, but her legs gave way, causing her to fall to the ground.
Fortunately, Benjamin was quick to react and hurriedly embraced her.
“Just tell me if you want me to carry you.”
With her face buried in his chest, Arissa felt awkward after hearing his words.
“Who said I wanted you to carry me?”
Instantaneously, she pushed him away in embarrassment. The next moment, she staggered and grabbed his shirt out of instinct.
Benjamin’s lips curled into a smirk. “Look, you’ve thrown yourself into my arms several times.”
Arissa clenched her jaws, feeling frustrated. I only did that because my legs were numb.
Looking at the man who was staring at her with a mocking smile, she was so furious that she could not be bothered to explain herself.
After all, he would only think that it was an excuse to throw herself at him.
As Benjamin wrapped his arms around her waist, his gaze fell upon her blushing cheeks. At that instant, he felt that she looked particularly alluring.
His gaze darkened for a second.
Subsequently, he leaned over, and they were so close that they could hear each other’s breathing.
In an instant, Arissa’s heart pounded furiously. She pushed him away and moved aside.
However, she still staggered a bit, so she stomped her feet on the ground with all her might to ease the numbness and walked out of the cabin.
Benjamin kept his eyes trained on the woman who escaped and pressed his lips tightly.
Am I that scary?
Meanwhile, Arissa could feel the man’s gaze, and her heart was racing.
Was he planning to carry me just now?
As the thought flashed across her mind briefly, she almost tripped again.
Luckily, Benjamin followed closely behind her and grabbed her by the back collar.
“Be careful!”
Arissa was so embarrassed that she wanted to crawl into a hole.
“I know.”
After a while, Benjamin still did not let go of her collar.
She flushed with embarrassment and piped up, “Mr. Graham, you can let me go now.”
Then, she turned around to look at him.
How can I get down if you’re holding me like this?
At that moment, Arissa was standing on the first step of the stairs while Benjamin was standing at the cabin entrance.
She was already much shorter than him, but now she had to raise her head even more so that she could talk to him.
Looking up at him like that made her feel like a child.
Benjamin looked down at her with a hint of mockery in his gaze.
As he walked down the steps, she could smell the scent of his body, and her heart palpitated.
Instinctively, she wanted to dodge him. However, he grabbed her with his long arms.
“Do you want to fall down the stairs?”
Benjamin bent over, and his warm breaths danced into her ears together with his mellow voice.
All of a sudden, her body felt weak.
Listening to his mellifluous voice was such a pleasure.
Ugh! Why do I keep embarrassing myself in front of him?
Arissa was going nuts about it.
Right then, a grin flitted across Benjamin’s face. He wrapped his arm around her waist and carried her down the steps as if he was carrying a child.
Arissa was bereft of speech.
Chapter 218 Stay With Him
Only when Benjamin stepped on the ground did he let go of Arissa and walk toward the mansion.
Arissa did not dare to look at the bodyguards’ smiling faces. Lowering her head, she trotted after Benjamin.
Her entire face was flushed.
“Benjamin, are the kids and I going to stay here?”
Suddenly, he stopped dead in his tracks. Arissa, who was following behind him, did not see it and bumped into him.
“Ouch!” She covered her nose.
Whipping around, Benjamin stared at her intensely. A hint of unfathomable emotion flickered past his eyes.
“You’re just like a kid.”
Arissa was rendered speechless.
Just as she wanted to retort him, he beat her to it, “If you aren’t afraid of danger, you can leave Yaleview now!”
With that said, he turned around and entered the mansion.
Arissa pouted and hurriedly followed him inside.
How can I leave my kids here and go back with ease? No matter what, I must stay here with them.
“I think your house is safer!”
By staying there, she would not need to worry about food and accommodation. In fact, she could not think of any reason not to stay there.
Benjamin chuckled lightly at how fast she changed her mind.
Without saying anything, he went up the stairs, and she followed.
“Mr. Graham, the children have settled down.”
Behind Ethen were the bodyguards.
“Okay. Go and take a rest.” Having said that, Benjamin walked toward the children’s room.
“Goodbye, Ms. York.”
“See you,” Arissa hurriedly responded and went to the children’s room as well.
When she saw the quintuplets sleeping soundly on the bed, her heart melted into a puddle, and the corners of her lips curved into a smile.
Casting a brief look at her, Benjamin uttered, “Go and take a rest.”
“I want to stay here for a while.” Subsequently, she went to the bathroom, soaked a towel with water, and wiped the children down.
Benjamin reminded, “You’ll wake them up if you do this.”
“They won’t wake up.” As she spoke, she took off the kids’ trousers and let them sleep in their panties.
Seeing that, he stepped forward to help but was kicked by one of the children.
Arissa felt the urge to laugh when she saw his gloomy expression.
“I’ll do it. They love to move around when they sleep.”
Benjamin stood aside and watched begrudgingly as she took care of the children.
She swiftly took off their pants and covered them with blankets. Then, she placed the towel back in the bathroom.
When she came out, she saw Benjamin standing by the bed and staring at the children while deep in thought.
“Mr. Graham, I’ll go to sleep now.”
Yawning, she turned around and left the children’s room.
Immediately, Benjamin followed her out of the room. She could feel him getting closer, but when she whipped around, she saw him go into his bedroom.
She blinked, blushing a little at her wild imagination moments ago.
After taking a shower, she lay on the bed for quite some time but could not sleep.
Initially, she thought Benjamin would interrogate her, but unexpectedly, he did not.
Also, he seemed to genuinely care about the children. When she thought of the way he gazed at them earlier, a smile crept up on her face.
Aside from his relationship with Danna, everything about him seems good. Should I ride on his coattails?
The more she thought about it, the more she could not fall asleep.
In the end, she decided to get out of bed and leave her room.
As soon as she did so, she bumped into Benjamin, who also came out of his bedroom. Instantly, she felt a little awkward.
Instinctively, she tugged at her pajamas.
The next moment, she remembered that he once said he was not interested in her, so she tidied her pajamas and smiled brightly at him.
“Mr. Graham, haven’t you slept yet?”
Benjamin’s gaze fell upon her beautiful figure. Her delicate collarbones were attractive and seductive., giving him an urge to bite them.
Seeing that he did not speak, and there was a hint of lust in his eyes, she secretly gulped.
“I’m going to get some milk. Do you want some?” She rubbed her nose and broke the awkward silence.
“Mm,” he replied before entering the room and closing the door.
Dumbstruck, Arissa stared at the closed door for a while before heading downstairs.
Wasn’t he coming out of the room just now? Why did he go in again?
Chapter 219 Do You Like What You See
Arissa went downstairs and poured two glasses of milk.
She finished a glass before going upstairs with another.
Shortly afterward, she knocked on Benjamin’s door, but there was no answer.
“Benjamin?”
Since she did not hear any response, she opened the door and looked around, but there was no one on the bed.
I thought he was asleep.
Then, she went in and placed the glass of milk on the bedside table.
Just when she whipped around to head out, she ran into someone.
“Ahh!”
She jumped in shock and almost fell to the ground.
Immediately, Benjamin wrapped his arm around her waist.
With that, Arissa fell into his embrace. Her face turned red the moment she smelled the scent of his body after taking a shower.
H-He doesn’t have any clothes on.
She was taken aback by his fit physique and blinked in a panic, not knowing where to look.
Lowering his head, he took in her shy expression.
The corner of his lips was raised slightly, forming a devilish smirk. “Do you like what you see?”
In response, Arissa widened her eyes in disbelief. How can he say something so suggestive?
“What did I see? I didn’t see anything!”
After all, he was not completely naked.
While pushing him away, she caught sight of his waist.
His abs were well-grooved and extremely sexy.
Benjamin’s gaze darkened as he leaned forward.
Surprised, Arissa stepped back, leaning against the bedside table behind her. Her heart started beating vigorously.
The next moment, he bent over, grabbed the glass of milk, and took a sip.
“It’s a little hot.”
She was so embarrassed when their eyes met because she thought he was going to kiss her earlier on.
“Mr. Graham, take your time. I’ll go out first.” Having said that, Arissa slowly moved aside, but before she could leave, he grabbed her wrist.
“What’s the hurry?” Benjamin glanced at her.
Her heart skipped a beat as she looked at him confusedly.
“Anything else?”
“What do you think?” His gaze was intense, staring into the depths of her eyes.
Sensing the change in the atmosphere, she avoided his eyes.
“Mr. Graham, please get straight to the point.”
Moments later, Benjamin let go of her hand and sat on the bed, slowly drinking the glass of milk. However, his eyes were fixated on her with unveiled desire.
In an instant, Arissa felt uncomfortable.
What is he trying to do?
When he was drinking the glass of milk, his Adam’s apple bobbed up and down, looking oddly seductive.
Mesmerized, she could not take her eyes off him.
Finally, he finished drinking the milk and put down the glass.
“You brought the children away because you were trying to hide from me?”
It took her some time to follow his train of thought.
“No. With your ability, it’s just a matter of time before you find us. I was only trying to buy time.”
Arissa gazed at the man who had a strong aura. Even if he was sitting on the bed half-naked, she still felt intimidated.
Hearing her answer, Benjamin sneered.
Not only was she honest, but she also flattered him.
“You told Gavin to ask for the money?” he queried with an expressionless face.
She took a brief look at him and answered cautiously, “It was me. What’s wrong?”
Gavin had asked me about it, so it was indeed my idea. Would Benjamin think that I’m a gold digger?
She stole glances at him, thinking that he would hate her, but his expression was inscrutable.
“Since you’ve offered a bounty of one hundred million, who knows whether you’ll increase the amount if you fail to find us? Instead of letting others report us and getting the money, why can’t I earn it myself?”
He would find them in the end anyway. It would be a waste if she did not get that money.
Staring at her, he asked, “Why didn’t you tell me yourself?”
Arissa blinked and wondered what he meant. Does it even matter whether it was the kids or me who contacted him?
“Arissa, were you planning to hide the existence of the other four children from me if I hadn’t found out?”
Abruptly, he got up and stood in front of her.
There was practically no distance between them.
Her face could vaguely feel the heat of his body.
Smiling sheepishly, she took a step back.
“Well…”
Chapter 220 A Slap In The Face
“Well?” Benjamin intentionally took a step forward, closing the gap between them.
Arissa’s heart was thumping hard out of guilt.
At that moment, she thought of an idea after racking her brain.
“Benjamin, are you trying to seduce me?”
Startled, he lowered his head and stared at the shameless woman.
Pursing his lips, he said, “You haven’t answered my question yet!”
Oops. Not working?
Since she failed to change the topic, she placed her hand on his sturdy pecs and fondled them deliberately.
“Before I find out what you think of Danna, I won’t tell you. I won’t allow you to snatch my children away from me.”
There was a sly look on her face, but she was so beautiful that Benjamin could not look away.
Her scent made him unable to control himself.
Taking a deep breath, he grabbed her soft and slender hand that was wandering on his body.
“I’ve nothing to do with her anymore. We’re over,” declared Benjamin with a hint of disgust.
Arissa was astounded and looked at him blankly.
Seeing her expression, he was dissatisfied.
“You don’t believe me?”
In an instant, she returned to her senses and blinked. “Probably. After all, you cared about her a lot previously, and men never really get over their first loves.”
Frowning, he retorted, “I’m not like other men! You know nothing about me!”
Arissa gulped nervously when she noticed that he was exasperated.
“Please calm down.”
She mustered up her courage and stroked his chest. This feels good.
Then she beamed at the man when he did not push her away.
As if she wanted to verify something, she leaned closer to him.
Their bodies pressed together heatedly as they breathing grew heavy.
“Benjamin, you don’t like me, do you?”
Immediately, Benjamin squinted his eyes, and a trace of discomfort flashed across his face as if she had seen through him.
His expression darkened as he uttered, “I don’t like you!”
Arissa was somewhat disappointed.
Hearing him saying it aloud was like a blow to her heart.
However, when she saw that he was so adamant, the rebellious side of her emerged.
Abruptly, she wrapped her arms around his neck to pull him over, stood on tiptoes, and kissed his thin lips.
Benjamin froze in shock, and his breathing became uneven.
Her unrestrained kiss lit up the desire in him, and he could barely hold himself back.
The next instant, he took control of the kiss, wrapped his arms around her waist tightly, and stole her breath away.
Arissa snickered in her heart.
If he doesn’t like me, why is he so into it? It seems that he isn’t completely uninterested in me. If I try harder and make him my man, Danna can dream about being with him.
His warm breaths landed on her neck, causing her to shudder.
Noticing that he was getting out of control, she hurriedly bit him and ended the kiss.
With his face scrunched up in pain, Benjamin glared at her as though he wanted to gobble her up.
Terrified, she questioned, “Didn’t you say that you don’t like me? Shouldn’t you push me away? Why did you kiss me?”
Suddenly, he was bereft of speech, and his expression turned gloomy.
Where was my self-control just now?
Sensing his intimidating aura, she did not dare to provoke him again.
“Benjamin, as long as you help us take revenge and make sure Danna gets imprisoned for life, I’ll let you have the four kids.”
Benjamin snorted coldly, making her feel awkward.
“Let me have the four kids?”
Without a second thought, Arissa blinked and promised, “Not only will you have Gavin, but I can give you the other four kids as well.”
Hearing that, he let out a sardonic laugh. How bold of her to say that.
“They’re my children. Why would I need you to give them to me?”
She was rendered speechless by his words. After all, that was indeed the truth.
“You can’t say that. The kids won’t necessarily want to stay with you. They only listen to me.”