Ch. 41..50
Chapter 41 Exposed
Arissa handed the completed forms to Robert. “Mr. William, please check and see if I missed out anything.”
“Sure!” Robert handed it over and had a look. “This column here about their father…”
Gavin tugged Robert’s pants at once and said, “Mr. William, my Daddy’s status is so special that we cannot simply write his name here!”
His words had broken Arissa’s heart. “Kids, shall you all wait outside for me?”
The four kids exchanged looks as they saw that she had something to discuss with Robert.
“All right, Mommy. We shall wait for you outside!” Zachary took the lead to leave the room with Oliver and Jesse following him.
Robert realized that Gavin was glancing at him. He understood what he meant at once and waved back at him, ensuring him to leave the room with no worries.
“Mommy, we are leaving!”
“Okay!” Arissa waited for them to leave before explaining her situation to Robert. “Mr. William, I brought them up on myself. As for their father, I’m really sorry that I have to leave it blank.”
Robert nodded and said, “It’s fine. I’m just asking!”
“Thank you.” Upon seeing Robert was sensible and did not ask any further, Arissa breathed a sigh of relief.
Robert browsed through the other parts of the form. “All right, there is nothing wrong with the rest.”
“That’s good. Let me express my gratitude in advance for taking care of my four children in school.”
“It’s nothing. They may start studying tomorrow. We start our lesson at eight o’clock in the morning and dismiss at half-past three in the afternoon.”
Arissa nodded. “Shall I pay their fees now?”
“It’s up to you.” Robert smiled.
“Then, we shall make it today.”
“Sure! Let me show you the way.”
“Thanks!”
Hence, Arissa followed Robert to the finance department to pay their fees. As she saw the four of them outside, she reminded, “Stay where you are. I will be back soon!”
“Okay, Mommy. Rest assured, we will be waiting for you right here!” replied Zachary.
Robert smiled and praised, “They are all so well-behaved!”
Deep inside, Arissa felt proud of herself. “Although they seldom made me worry about them, they can be naughty sometimes. If they happen to cause any trouble in school, please do not hesitate to give them a scolding.”
“It’s a good thing kids are active and lively. Don’t worry. We will take good care of them here!” Robert preferred energetic kids over quiet ones.
Gavin seems more lively and talkative today. He seldom expresses his thoughts in school before, giving everyone the impression that he dislikes interacting with others. Maybe he is just too lonely.
“Say, did Mr. William realize it?” Oliver asked curiously.
Nodding his head, Gavin replied, “Yes, he did. But I’ve told him not to say anything to Mommy.”
“You know, that’s quite the coincidence.” Zachary was glad at the thought that Jasper was studying in the same school as them. He missed him a lot these days.
“What are you all talking about?” Jesse did not understand a word of them. She tilted her head and wore a confused look.
Oh, how cute she is!
“Nothing at all!” Zachary patted her head. “How many sweets do you have?”
“Hehe! Do you want some? I have quite a lot here. Mr. William’s candies are so delicious!” Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she mentioned them.
“Let’s save it for Mommy!”
“Okay!” Jesse scratched her head confusingly. Strange, what did I want to ask them just now?
Her confused look was so amusing that Gavin chuckled.
“Jesse looks nice in her dress!” Zachary and Oliver exchanged looks and snickered to themselves.
Gavin was puzzled at their act. What are they laughing at?
“Don’t you think so?”
“Yup, I agree with you. We really love it when Jesse wears a dress!”
“Jesse is the prettiest child in the world!” Oliver sent flying kisses to her.
Flattered, Jesse sent back her kisses to him.
Chapter 42 You Scolded Me
Meanwhile at the Graham residence, Jasper was in the living room, sitting cross-legged on the carpet.
All sorts of snacks filled the table.
Jasper was watching animations while he munched on the snacks.
The trashcan at the side was almost full of garbage.
Edwin was worried as he saw Jasper shoving down the snacks non-stop. His appetite was shocking.
Is Gavin acting strange because of Ms. Adams?
Jasper had no idea that Edwin was worried. He turned toward Edwin with sparkly eyes. “Mr. Whitley, do you have ice cream?”
Edwin blinked. He wants ice cream now?
Edwin was nonplussed. “Gavin, are you still hungry? You should eat slowly. Don’t get overly full.”
Jasper had started eating ever since he woke up from his nap but refused to eat any of Edwin’s cooking.
Jasper was acting all cute in front of Edwin requesting snacks. There was nothing Edwin could do other than ask someone to buy him snacks.
“Yes! I’m still not full yet.” Jasper tapped on his belly.
“I can still eat a lot! Mr. Whitley, do you have ice cream?”
Seeing Jasper’s cute look, Edwin had no choice. He then went to the refrigerator to get him some ice cream.
Jasper was over the moon.
Benjamin came back and saw how Jasper was eating snacks non-stop in front of the television.
Jasper was fully immersed in the show while he stared at the television with the volume at high.
Seeing the mess, Benjamin furrowed his brows and asked, “Where is Edwin?”
“Mr. Whitley went to get me ice cream,” Jasper replied without realizing it was Benjamin.
He continued staring at the screen and munching on his chips as the show was reaching its climax.
After a while, Jasper felt that something was off and turned his head.
It gave him a shock to realize that Benjamin was staring back at him.
“Daddy, you’re back.”
“Edwin!” Benjamin shouted with a darkened gaze.
Jasper could see that Benjamin was furious. He looked down and stayed still in fear.
Am I not allowed to eat here?
Edwin heard Benjamin’s voice and came over immediately. His hands were still holding Jasper’s ice cream.
Benjamin saw him and frowned in anger.
“Edwin, are you feeding him all this junk food every day?”
“Mr. Graham, I…”
Cold sweat trickled down his forehead as he lowered his head and admitted, “It’s only today. Gavin felt like eating snacks, so I got someone to buy for him.”
Benjamin was stunned as he said angrily, “He felt like it, so you let him eat that much?”
The huge amount of plastic packaging was all empty. Not even an adult could finish that much food.
A child would not be able to eat dinner after all the junk food. It was too unhealthy.
Benjamin was enraged.
Jasper saw how Benjamin raised his voice at Edwin and felt bad for him.
Even though he was also afraid of Benjamin, Jasper ran over and stood in front of Edwin as if to protect him.
He lifted his head and fixed his gaze at Benjamin. His voice was shivering, but he stayed courageous and spoke for Edwin.
“Do not be angry with Mr. Whitley. I was the one who wanted to eat. I was hungry and I only wanted snacks. I’ve never had the chance to eat these snacks. Can’t I eat them once?”
So Benjamin is that strict. Gavin was never allowed to eat snacks. Poor boy.
Benjamin lifted one of his brows and eyed the boy.
With a cold tone, he said, “You felt like eating snacks, so you ate all those at one go? Do you still want dinner? These snacks are full of preservatives. It’s very bad for your health. You don’t know because you’re young. But, doesn’t he know that as an adult?”
Benjamin gave Edwin a cold glare. “Are you still going to give him that ice cream? If he’s hungry, make him a proper meal!”
“Understood, Mr. Graham.” Edwin lowered his head.
“Go stand in the study!” Benjamin stared at his son.
Jasper widened his eyes. Forget about Daddy being angry, but I’m being punished now?
“I didn’t do anything wrong! You scolded me just because I ate some snacks. You even scolded Mr. Whitley for it. And now you want to punish me. I hate you!”
Jasper’s eyes were red. Even his mother had never scolded him like that.
He gave Benjamin a glare and ran upstairs. It seemed like he felt wronged.
He wanted to go back to his mother.
Chapter 43 I Want Mommy
Edwin looked anxious as he looked toward Benjamin and the two exchanged glances.
“Mr. Graham, please don’t be so fierce toward Gavin. He might be acting this way because of Ms. Adams. That was why he wanted to eat…”
Edwin didn’t care how Benjamin scolded himself. However, seeing Jasper’s expression, he couldn’t help but feel bad for him.
Benjamin paused for a second. He then narrowed his eyes and looked upstairs.
“Mr. Graham… should I… go check on Jasper?”
He didn’t dare to leave without Benjamin’s permission.
Benjamin waved his hand. “You go check on him.”
Gavin’s temper has become worse lately.
The sound of a door slamming echoed from upstairs.
Edwin rushed up with the ice cream still in his hand. Unfortunately, he was locked out by Jasper.
“Gavin, Mr. Graham did raise his voice, but he just wanted the best for you. He didn’t scold you on purpose. The snacks were really bad for your health. Gavin, could you please open the door for me?”
“I need some time alone!” Jasper shouted before he covered his face under the blanket.
“I want Mommy! I want Mommy! I do not want Daddy! He’s so fierce!”
Edwin heard Jasper’s cries from inside the room. He thought of how Danna treated Jasper, but when he was feeling down, she was still the first person he wanted. The thought really pulled on Edwin’s heartstrings.
There’s no child who doesn’t want their mother, but how can Ms. Adams be so heartless?
“Gavin, I’ll call Ms. Adams and have her come over,” Edwin said.
“Who said I wanted her to come! She’s a bad person. I never want to see her ever again!” Jasper shouted furiously.
Jasper wanted his Mommy, not that evil woman.
He wanted to change with Gavin and be back in his own home.
As the thought came into Jasper’s head, he picked up his phone and called Gavin. No one picked up the call.
Not being able to find Gavin, Jasper felt even worse. He then started crying loudly.
Edwin tried to calm him down, but it made him cry even louder. Feeling helpless, Edwin went to see Benjamin.
“Mr. Graham, Gavin is crying in his room. He won’t open the door no matter what I do.”
Benjamin looked up. Jasper’s cries could be heard even from below.
I never knew Gavin is such a crybaby.
Edwin observed his expressions and decided to tell him. “Mr. Graham, Gavin was asking for his mother, but he didn’t want to see Ms. Adams.”
The craving for motherly love, but tying in with a feeling of fear. It was terribly sad.
Benjamin’s eyes flickered. He took the ice cream from Edwin’s hand.
“You can get back to your work. Don’t let him eat that many snacks next time.”
“Understood.”
Edwin felt relieved as he saw Benjamin heading upstairs.
It’s best for Mr. Graham to go talk to Gavin.
Benjamin went in front of Jasper’s room.
He heard Jasper’s sobs and complaints. “So fierce! I don’t like him! I want to run away from here. I don’t want to stay at this stupid place. I want to go find Mommy.”
Benjamin furrowed his brow and said, “Gavin, open the door.”
Suddenly, the room became quiet.
There was not even a tiny bit of crying heard.
Jasper looked at the door in horror, thinking if Benjamin had heard everything he said.
He quickly hid under the blanket and acted like he was asleep.
Benjamin waited for a while. Seeing that his son didn’t open the door, he knocked on the door.
“I know you’re in there. Open the door. Let us have a chat.”
Jasper replied, “I have nothing to talk to you. You’re so fierce. I don’t want to see you now.”
Benjamin sighed. “Do you still feel like eating ice cream?”
The ice cream was slowly melting in his hand.
Jasper blinked his eyes and groaned. He then pulled his blanket to cover his whole head.
Seeing that being soft was not working, Benjamin did it the hard way. “I said open the door!”
But Jasper didn’t give any reaction.
As he didn’t hear anything from Jasper, Benjamin was confused. He was worried that his son might have passed out from crying too hard. He squeezed on the doorknob.
Chapter 44 Leaving This House After Eating
With a crisp crack, the lock instantly dropped.
At that, Jasper was utterly stunned, hiding under the blanket.
He could not help but wonder what made that sound.
The next second, he heard the door opening, followed by footsteps approaching.
Jasper twitched his lips. Did Benjamin break the door?
Looking at Jasper, who was under the blanket, Benjamin went to sit beside his bed.
As he pulled the blanket away, he saw Jasper freezing upon seeing him. Benjamin almost lost himself seeing his cute expression.
Jasper became aware of Benjamin’s gaze and quickly pulled up the blanket.
He turned over and scoffed aloud.
Seeing that, Benjamin raised his eyebrows and gently patted the blanket.
“You don’t feel like eating ice cream anymore?” asked Benjamin.
Upon listening to that, Jasper did not utter a single word.
As Benjamin looked at Jasper, he felt bad out of a sudden.
“Do you miss your mommy?” he asked gently.
Still, Jasper stayed silent.
“All right, I will bring her here right now.”
“No! I don’t want to see her!” Jasper covered himself with the blanket and shouted at Benjamin as soon as he heard the latter mentioning Danna.
“Why?” asked Benjamin confusedly.
He was puzzled as Gavin had never thrown a tantrum like this, even when he disliked Danna previously.
Is it really like what Edwin said? Was this kid triggered?
Jasper rolled his eyes at Benjamin, who clearly did not get his clue. He then wrapped himself with the blanket again out of annoyance.
“Are you trying to get her here to punish me?”
What a vicious woman! She has already punished Gavin many times before this.
“Don’t worry. She won’t dare to do that now. I’m here to protect you,” Benjamin said grimly. “Come out of the blanket! I will never ask her to come if you don’t want to see her. If you ever want to see her, you can always ask Edwin to phone her anytime!”
Hearing that, Jasper let out a light snort. Clearly, he was satisfied with such an ending.
However, he was still hiding under the blanket.
“Don’t eat too much junk food!” urged Benjamin while setting the ice cream down.
He knew the boy did not want to get out of his bed.
“Tell Edwin to cook something for you if you feel hungry. Don’t eat so many snacks. It’s not good for your health!” stated Benjamin.
He then rubbed Jasper’s head gently.
After waiting for a little while, he decided to leave the room since Jasper was still mad at him.
Let’s wait for him to cool off.
As Jasper heard the door close, he removed the blanket and took a peek at the door.
Abruptly, his eyes shone when he saw the ice cream on the bedside table.
He immediately got up and grabbed the ice cream. Sitting up on the bed, he began to enjoy his ice cream.
“Don’t think that I will forgive you for being mean! I’ll be leaving this house once I’m done eating!” he growled.
Upon listening to that, Benjamin, who was still standing at the door, let out a chuckle.
After walking downstairs, he asked the butler to guard the door and not let Jasper leave the room.
He needed to make sure that Jasper would not leave the house by all means.
As Jasper was eating the ice cream, he felt delighted.
Since he had received no news on his phone yet, he decided to make a call again.
Not only did he call Zachary, but he also called Gavin, Oliver, and Jesse.
However, no one answered.
He furrowed in response.
Why aren’t any of them picking up my call?
Meanwhile, Arissa followed Robert to the finance department and paid the enrolment fees for the kids.
She could feel her heart aching for a little since a few hundred thousand was a pretty considerable amount, and the fees needed to be paid in full at the beginning of the school year.
The fees included everything. Thus, she did not have to pay for anything else anymore.
“Let’s have a look at the classrooms!” said Robert while grinning as he walked out of the finance department.
“Sure!” Arissa nodded with a polite smile.
At that, all her children ran to her and asked, “Mommy, are you done?”
“Mr. William said he wants to take us to the classrooms. Let’s go!”
With that, she and her kids followed Robert to have a look at the classrooms.
It seemed like Robert got along pretty well with the kids. Not only did they go to the classrooms, but they also went to the function rooms and the dorms.
Just the tour alone took about an hour.
Chapter 45 Call From Jasper
“Ms. York, would you like the kids to be placed in separate classes based on their interest or to put them all together? Not only do we help the kids to develop their interests, but we also give them the chance to work on what they are lacking. So, don’t worry!” explained Robert, trying to ease Arissa’s mind.
“Then, I think it’s better for them all to be placed in one class. Their interests are pretty much the same!”
Arissa was worried about leaving Jesse alone without her brothers.
It occurred to her that Jesse would probably not get used to being alone in a class.
“Sure, I’ll let the teachers know that!”
After discussing the rest with Robert, Arissa bid him farewell and left.
“Then, we’ll leave now. See you, Mr. William! Come on, sweethearts, say goodbye to Mr. William!”
“Goodbye, Mr. William!”
Four of them waved goodbye to Robert.
“Goodbye, kids. I really like them!” praised Robert while smiling at Arissa.
Upon listening to that, Arissa nodded with a wide smile on her face. She then left the school together with the kids.
“Kids, how do you like your new school?” asked Arissa.
Jesse beamed. “It’s great! There are a lot of flowers!”
Hearing that, Arissa smiled and looked at the others.
Zachary, Oliver, and Gavin let out a smile. “Same here!”
Arissa checked the time. She thought it was still early since it was only five. So, she decided to go to Yaleview.
“Okay, my sweethearts, I’m going to send you guys back to the neighborhood entrance. You guys go home first. Mommy has something to do,” said Arissa to her kids.
“What happened, Mommy? Can’t you do it tomorrow? It’s getting late,” asked Zachary as he turned to look at Arissa.
“My boss wants me to set up the surveillance camera system at his house,” said Arissa.
With that, Oliver chimed in, “Mommy, I think your boss is making you work overtime!”
“Yes! Mommy, why don’t you go tomorrow? It’s already late now,” Gavin suggested.
Gavin had a feeling that there were other intentions behind Benjamin’s invite.
After what Zachary did to the surveillance cameras the day before, he thought that Benjamin might be suspecting Arissa, hence asking her to come over to his house.
Mommy is going to see Jasper if she went there!
“Mommy, can you go tomorrow?” asked Jesse while raising her head to look at Arissa.
Arissa looked at them and smiled. “But I need to go today. I need to keep my promise, but I’ll be back in no time. There’s some bread if you guys are hungry. I’ll cook for you guys after I’m back, okay?”
In fact, she did not want to delay any longer but to find out what was going on there.
After sending the kids to the neighborhood entrance and seeing them go into the house, Arissa took a taxi to Yaleview.
The driver took a meaningful glance at the rearview mirror after he heard that Arissa wanted to head to the Graham residence.
Meanwhile, the kids obediently went back home.
As soon as they reached home, Oliver pulled out his phone and saw that Jasper had called moments ago.
“Jasper called me!” he shouted.
At that, Zachary and Gavin looked at him.
Jesse asked puzzledly, “Isn’t Jasper here with us? Why did he call you?”
Oliver looked at her confused look and patted her head gently. “I was just joking. Go watch TV!”
Despite feeling that something was up, Jesse did not think too much and went to the couch to watch TV.
At this moment, Gavin and Zachary also noticed that Jasper had just called them.
“Is he in trouble?” Oliver asked.
It was then that Jesse realized Jasper called her too. She swiveled around and leaned against the couch.
“Jasper, why did you call me too?” she asked.
All the other three looked at each other in blank dismay.
Gavin explained hurriedly, “I must have accidentally pressed the call button.”
Jesse did not suspect anything but turned around to continue watching the cartoon on TV.
The other three exchanged looks with each other and walked toward the room.
Chapter 46 Mommy Is Coming
As they entered the room, they made up their minds to make Zachary call Jasper.
On the other side, Jasper immediately answered the call from Zachary.
“What took you so long to call me back?” Jasper questioned anxiously.
Zachary raised his eyebrow when he heard the anxiousness in his voice.
“Mommy took us to a school to register us today. All of us had put our phones in silent mode. Why did you call us?” he explained.
Jasper sighed. “I don’t want to stay here any longer. I miss Mommy! I want to go back!”
Zachary looked at both Gavin and Oliver. He quickly comforted Jasper, “Mommy is going to your place now.”
“Really? Is she coming here to pick me up now?” asked Jasper excitedly.
“No, she is going to fix the surveillance camera system for Benjamin. Remember not to let it slip when you see her. Don’t let Benjamin find out!” reminded Zachary.
“Okay, got it,” answered Jasper.
He was overjoyed knowing that Arissa was coming.
“I’m going to take a shower now!”
Upon listening to that, Zachary’s mouth twitched. “What? Why!”
“Because I just cried. Benjamin doesn’t even allow me to have snacks! He’s so mean! I can’t take it anymore!” Jasper complained.
When Gavin heard him, his eyes glinted. “Yes, Daddy doesn’t let me eat junk food. It’s not good for health.”
Jasper let out a light snort.
“I don’t want to stay here. I want to go home! I want to switch back,” said Jasper.
However, just like Jasper, Gavin was reluctant to go back to that house too.
Zachary frowned deeply and said with a solemn look on his face, “We can’t do that now. Just stay where you are. I think it’s better for you to not see Mommy later! Don’t let Benjamin find out about this. Don’t forget that we still need to find out what happened back then!”
Gavin also scowled. He knew Jasper must have had a tough time staying with Benjamin.
He then said, “Jasper, just stand it for another day. I’ll swap back with you tomorrow when we’re at school!”
Jasper was dumbfounded to hear that. “What school?”
“Yaleview School! Just ask the butler to send you there!”
Jasper furrowed.
At this moment, he was desperate to see Arissa as he missed her a lot.
“I’ll think about it! I miss Mommy so much! You guys have no idea how scary Benjamin is!” Jasper complained.
He let out a deep sigh, expressing his frustrations.
“Just stay there for one night! Gavin will swap with you tomorrow!” Oliver chuckled.
“I’m going to take a shower now!” said Jasper.
He then hung up the call instantly.
Meanwhile, Arissa reached the Graham residence.
She was completely overwhelmed by how magnificent and palace-like the mansion was.
Although she had always known that Benjamin was wealthy, she was still blown away.
There were twenty guards at the entrance. She walked up to them and said, “Hi, I’m Arissa York. Benjamin asked me to come set up the surveillance camera system.”
All the guards were looking at her with curious looks on their faces. The head of the guards nodded and responded, “Please wait here.”
He then informed Edwin. Soon, Edwin went to the study to tell Benjamin.
“Mr. Graham, someone named Arissa York is here. She said you told her to come set up the surveillance camera system.”
Benjamin raised his eyebrows and took a glance at Edwin.
“Yes, I told her to come. Bring her to set up the cameras,” replied Benjamin.
“Of course.”
Edwin then asked the guards to let Arissa in.
“Ms. York, this way, please,” said the head politely.
At that, Arissa nodded.
The guard brought her to the house through the courtyard by car.
Along the way, Arissa observed the environment.
There was a well-trimmed interior garden with many valuable species of trees.
Arissa was taken aback when she saw the vintage-looking building from afar.
It was undeniable that Benjamin indeed had good taste.
Chapter 47 Is He Testing Her
“Ms. York, we’ve arrived!” the guard announced as he turned his head.
“Thank you!” said Arissa and got out of the car.
Edwin, who was standing at the door, welcomed her with a big grin on his face.
“Hello, Ms. York. I’m the butler of the Graham family. You can call me Edwin. Mr. Graham is busy now, so he asked me to bring you to the control room,” stated Edwin.
“Hello, Edwin. Sorry to trouble you!” said Arissa with a smile.
“Ms. York, please follow me!”
While leading Arissa to the control room, Edwin could not help but size her up.
He thought to himself that Arissa was indeed beautiful yet down to earth.
Somehow, he noticed that her side profile resembled Gavin’s. And thus, she gave off an aura of likeability.
At the same time, Arissa was observing the building too.
The building had a combination of modern yet classic design, making people feel comfortable.
As Arissa turned her head back, she noticed that Edwin was looking at her. She smiled faintly in response.
“Ms. York, do you know Mr. Graham?”
It was beyond Edwin’s expectation to see a woman coming to fix the surveillance camera system. He thought it would be a guy instead.
Arissa answered with a smile, “Not really. I just passed my job interview and joined the Graham Group today. He’s my boss!”
“Oh, I see.” Edwin nodded and smiled as they entered the room. “Please take your time. I’ll be going now.”
After looking at the setup for the surveillance cameras in the mansion, she then reset the defense system.
She observed every monitor, hoping to see the kid she was looking for.
At that, Edwin then brought her some fruits and a cup of tea. “Ms. York, please have some tea!”
“Thank you,” Arissa answered.
“Does Mr. Graham live here alone?” she asked.
She was trying to see if she could get any information.
“No, Gavin lives here too,” answered Edwin without hesitation.
Arissa acknowledged his response while she worked.
After some while, Edwin left the room, leaving her alone in the room.
Arissa quickly checked the surveillance cameras.
At that, she could feel her heart racing as she saw a kid running upstairs.
She zoomed in on the camera so she could look at the child’s face.
Out of the blue, she heard someone saying, “Are you done with the setup?”
Arissa nearly jumped out of her skin. She quickly opened up another browser and turned around.
It was Benjamin who was standing close behind her.
She could even smell a hint of mint coming off of him.
She swallowed instinctively and stepped back.
As she looked into his dark, brooding eyes, she became nervous. Regardless, she tried her best to stay calm.
“I’m checking for vulnerabilities in the system!”
Benjamin stared straight at her and said, “Are you done checking then?”
Luckily, she had just checked them before looking at the recordings.
Hence, she calmly answered, “The study, dining area, and the main door are the weak points.”
Benjamin stared at her and asked, “Can you get this done in ten minutes?”
Arissa froze at that. Is he testing me?
“Three minutes is enough,” she answered.
Programming was a piece of cake for her.
Arissa then turned around and faced the computer. Her fingers hovered over the keyboard as she typed quickly.
There were lines of codes that appeared on the screen.
Benjamin was smitten, looking at Arissa, who was attentively working.
She’s got some real skills.
She looks too calm. Either she is well prepared, or she was not the one who did it.
“This system is almost flawless. But there are still some vulnerabilities. Who designed it previously?” asked Arissa.
Chapter 48 Can You Be My Mommy
“That would be me!” Benjamin said while looking at her.
Arissa looked at him in surprise as she heard that. When Benjamin’s eyes met with hers, she quickly turned her head back to the program and said, “I didn’t know that you are skilled in programming too, Mr. Graham!”
“Is that a compliment or a criticism?” Benjamin asked.
Ignoring his question, Arissa smiled and continued writing the program.
After staring at Arissa for some time, Benjamin took a look at the code on the screen. He noticed that she had rewritten the code to a much better version than the previous one.
At the doorway, Jasper probed his head into the room and watched them.
When Benjamin turned his head toward him, he quickly ran out.
Man, why is Daddy here? I wanted to say hello to Mommy!
Benjamin stepped out of the room toward Jasper, who was in a dinosaur costume with his head out, and patted his head. “Are you wondering who that lady is?”
Nope! I know that’s Mommy!
Jasper glanced at Benjamin and quickly lowered his head without saying a word.
“She’s Arissa York. She’s here to install the surveillance cameras’ system,” Benjamin told Jasper.
As Arissa was waiting for the program that she finished writing to run, she overheard Benjamin’s talking voice and turned her head to see who he was talking to.
Suddenly, she heard a familiar voice from the doorway. “Will she stay for dinner?”
The voice surprised her, and her heart skipped a beat.
At the same time, Benjamin turned toward her, so she quickly turned her head back toward the program, feeling puzzled.
Why does the voice sound like Jasper’s? But he should be at home, not here! Is that my son? Their voices are so similar to each other!
“Well, it’s up to her whether she wants to stay or not!” Benjamin said while squeezing Jasper’s face gently.
Jasper blinked his eyes and glanced at Benjamin.
When Benjamin gestured to Jasper to go inside the room, Jasper curled his lips and asked, “What?”
“You can ask her to stay for dinner if you want!” Benjamin looked at Jasper and said.
Jasper glanced at Benjamin and ran into the room and asked Arissa, “Ms. York, Daddy is asking you to have dinner at our house!”
Arissa looked at the cute little figure in front of her.
Although most of his face was covered by the costume, his eyes and nose looked familiar.
Arissa held back the urge to hug him as Benjamin was still there, and she was afraid that she would frighten the child too.
“Ms. York?” Jasper stared at Arissa while laughing inside.
Haha! I surprised Mommy!
“Ms. York, you look like my Mommy!” Jasper said that as he jumped into Arissa’s arm.
Jasper missed his mom so much as he had not seen her for days, and he let out a broad smile as he inhaled Arissa’s scent.
Arissa’s heart was pounding as she held Jasper up.
She dared not talk as she was afraid that she would expose herself.
He is really my son! And he is with Benjamin!
Benjamin’s eyes darkened as he saw that his son claimed that Arissa was his mom. “Sorry about that. My son had mistaken you as his mom!”
As Benjamin was about to grab Jasper, Jasper broke away from him and said, “I’m not mistaken! She’s Mommy!”
Daddy is annoying! I’m not done with hugging Mommy yet!
“Ms. York, can you be my Mommy?”
Arissa was left speechless.
After that, she cleared her mind and asked him gently, “Don’t you already have a Mommy?”
Danna must have become his mom. Otherwise, why would she go through all the troubles to take my son away from me? I wondered why Benjamin didn’t take her as his wife.
Chapter 49 Her Child
“That’s not my Mommy. You are!” Jasper looked at her and said with a serious tone.
Arissa thought of Jasper when she looked at the child in front of her.
Their eyes, their nose, how similar they are!
“I’m glad that you like me!” She stroked his cheek gently and said with a smile.
Will he still treat me the same if he knew that I’m his biological mother?
On the other hand, Benjamin squinted his eyes as he saw the look on Arissa’s face.
Why does it look like she’s his mother? Is it because she already has her own children? Or is it…
When Arissa felt Benjamin’s gaze was fixing on her, her heart was beating fast, and she dared not look at the child in front of her for too long.
“So, are you coming to have dinner with us?” Jasper stopped calling her mommy when he noticed her agitated expression.
Arissa looked at Jasper, and then turned to look at Benjamin awkwardly.
She wanted to stay with the child longer, but she was afraid that Benjamin would think that she had something else in her mind.
Finally, Benjamin said in a calm manner, “I see that Gavin likes you very much. Why don’t you stay and have dinner with us?”
“Oh, sure!” Arissa accepted his invitation.
Benjamin looked at her and then the surveillance cameras before asking, “Are you done with the system?”
“Oh, yes, it’s done. Have a look, Mr. Graham!” Arissa moved her seat away while holding Jasper in her arms.
“Wow, you’re amazing, Ms. York!”
Arissa patted Jasper in the head lightly as she said, “You’re cute, aren’t you?”
“Hehe!” Jasper laughed.
Benjamin had never seen his son this happy before, and he was surprised that Gavin would be fond of Arissa, even though this was the first time they met with each other.
Is there a connection or something in between them? Benjamin frowned as the thought swept across his mind.
“Gavin!”
Jasper ignored Benjamin’s calling, and he continued hugging Arissa.
When Benjamin tried to pull him away, he clung to Arissa’s arm and said, “Don’t pull me!”
“It’s fine, Mr. Graham. Just let him stay here. I’ll play with him for a while. I like him too!” Arissa said as she looked at Benjamin.
Benjamin stared at her for a while before he said, “Behave yourself, Gavin!”
Arissa was a little upset when she saw that Benjamin was so tense and cold toward his son.
“Don’t worry, Mr. Graham. You can tend to your thing if you’re busy. I’ll look after him!”
Benjamin glanced toward them before leaving the room after hearing that, and Arissa was relieved.
Jasper was also delighted when he saw that Benjamin finally went out.
“Let’s play in my room, Ms. York!”
Arissa caressed his face and said, “I’ll play with you once I’m done with my work, okay?”
“Okay!” Jasper replied as he snuggled toward her.
Arissa was taken aback by it. Why does he have the same habit as Jasper?
After a while, the system was done running with success, and Arissa followed Jasper upstairs.
“How do you like my room, Ms. York?”
“I think it’s pretty!” Arissa said gently as she fixed his eyes on Jasper.
“Hehe, I think it’s pretty too!”
After the door was closed behind her, Arissa hastily pulled off Jasper’s hat and looked at his face carefully.
As she expected, his face was exactly the same as her four children’s.
He’s my child!
“Sweetheart! I’m sorry!” She hugged him tightly, and her eyes were reddened.
It’s my fault for losing you. I’m sorry that I can’t protect you!
“Mommy!” Jasper knew that Arissa had mistaken him with Gavin, so he patted her on the shoulder.
Chapter 50 Evil Woman
When Arissa heard Jasper call her Mommy, she trembled and almost cried.
She kissed him on the cheek, as she knew that he called her Mommy because he longed for a mother’s love.
“What’s your name, sweetheart?” She gathered her emotion and asked as she continued to hold him in her arms.
He looks awfully similar to Jasper!
Jasper sighed when he noticed that Arissa did not recognize him.
“My name is Gavin, Mommy!” Jasper smiled and said to Arissa in order not to startle her.
“Gavin…” As she repeated his name under her breath, she felt like she had reunited with her child.
She held Jasper tightly in her arms and asked him, “Sweetheart, is Danna, your Mommy treating you well?”
Jasper was in a dilemma. If I say no, Mommy will surely be upset. But I don’t want to say yes too!
“She doesn’t like me. She is pretending to like me so that Daddy will accept her. But she’s not living with us, and Daddy didn’t marry her too. She’s not my Mommy, right? There’s no way that Daddy and Mommy live separately!”
Arissa patted his head.
Didn’t Danna say that she’s Benjamin’s fiancée? Why aren’t they married even though they had a child? Could it be that Benjamin disliked her, or something happened that made Benjamin refuse to take her as his wife?
“Do you usually live with your Daddy, sweetheart?” Arissa asked.
Jasper nodded and replied, “More or less. We are the only ones that are staying here!”
He did not see anyone else here these few days except for Danna.
“How’s your Daddy treating you? Is he always that stern?” Arissa asked curiously as she wanted to know more about him.
“Yeah, he’s pretty strict to me. He doesn’t even allow me to have snacks!” Jasper complained.
His answer humored Arissa, and she patted his head while saying, “He’s right. It would be best if you didn’t eat too many snacks because it’s bad for your health. But you can eat other foods such as fruits or bread!”
Jasper lowered his head as he heard that, and Arissa kissed his forehead, thinking that he was embarrassed.
Benjamin was deep in thought on the other side of the door when he overheard the conversation between them.
“Can you be my Mommy, Ms. York? I don’t like that woman. She’s evil!”
Arissa was taken aback, and she asked him, “What makes you think that she’s evil?”
She could not imagine a child claiming that his mother is evil unless Danna had done something unimaginable.
When the thought of Danna mistreating Gavin just because he was not her biological son came to her, Arissa was worried.
“Anyway, she’s evil. You have to be careful around her, Mommy!”
Arissa was relieved when she could tell that Gavin really disliked Danna.
Danna was undoubtedly not a good woman. Besides, Gavin has no affection for her, so she would not have to worry about anything. What happened five years ago has to come to an end!
“All right, I will. Tell me, sweetheart, did she ever mistreat you?” Arissa frowned as she asked.
Jasper took a look at her without answering her question.
When Arissa saw his expression, she immediately knew the answer, as she was already a mother of four children.
Her heart skipped a beat, and she continued to ask him, “How did she mistreat you? Are you okay?”
Jasper nodded. “I’m fine, but she pinched me yesterday!”
“Where did she pinch you? Let Mom-me see it!” Arissa was upset and furious at the same time.
How dare she do that to my sweetheart!
Jasper rolled up his sleeve and pointed. “Here.”
Arissa gasped as she saw the bruise on Jasper’s arm.