Ch. 451..460

Chapter 451 The Kid Got Away Again

“All right… We’ll wait for him, then.”

Benjamin’s heart was racing as he stared at the door.

My son is right behind that door! All I have to do is open it, and I’ll be able to see him!

Both Mary and the doctor assumed Ethen had come for a consultation, but Tim didn’t think so.

His face went pale the moment he saw the familiar-looking bodyguards when Ethen stepped out just now.

The fact that Ethen stared right at him upon entering the room wasn’t helping either.

The bad guys have found us here? This is bad… I have to get us out of here!

Oblivious to the nervous look on his face, the doctor continued going through Mary’s diagnosis.

After racking his brain for a bit, Tim came up with a brilliant idea. “Grandma, my tummy hurts!” he shouted while clutching at his stomach.

“What’s wrong?” Mary asked anxiously.

“I… I need to use the bathroom…” Tim mumbled with his face all red.

He even let out a fart just to make it look even more convincing.

“There’s a restroom in the back. Go on in, hurry!” the doctor urged him.

“Sorry, doctor. I’ll take him to the restroom right away!”

Feeling worried about the boy’s well-being, Mary decided to accompany him to the restroom.

“The bad guys are here, Grandma! We should hide and wait till they’re gone before returning to the doctor,” Tim whispered into her ear the moment they went to the back.

“Huh? They’re here? How do you know that?” Mary grew anxious as well.

“The man that came in earlier is one of the bad guys! He’s here to capture us!” Tim explained.

“Oh, my… T-Then, we should… Um…”

Mary was panicking so much that she didn’t know where to go.

“Don’t worry, Grandma! I’ll get us out of here! Let’s exit from this side!”

Tim then observed their surroundings and led Mary out of there without being seen by Benjamin’s men.

Unfortunately for them, he had no idea that the surveillance cameras caught them both on tape.

After waiting for a while, Benjamin motioned at Ethen to check on them again.

“The doctor is probably still going through the old lady’s medical report, Mr. Graham.”

Still feeling uneasy, Benjamin ordered, “Get in there and keep watch over him.”

They must’ve noticed us if they managed to slip out of town undetected. It’s possible for them to go into hiding again now that they know we’ve found them.

Ethen did as told and entered the consultation room, only to panic when he saw no sign of Mary and Tim.

“Doctor, where did the old lady and child go?” he asked anxiously.

The doctor paused for a moment before pointing behind him as he replied, “The boy had a stomachache, so I let them use the restroom in the back.”

The look on Ethen’s face changed instantly upon hearing that.

Oh, no… Please don’t tell me they’ve escaped again!

Benjamin came rushing into the consultation room the moment he heard Ethen yell in surprise.

What? Did that boy get away again? He thought to himself with a frown when he saw Ethen running toward the other side.

“Are you here for a consultation, sir?” the doctor asked when he saw Benjamin barging in.

Benjamin glanced at the doctor in response, and his gaze fell upon the medical report on the desk.

“What disease does the old lady have?” he asked solemnly.

“How are you related to the old lady?” the doctor asked as he couldn’t afford to reveal his patient’s private information.

“That boy is my son!” Benjamin replied impatiently.

The doctor froze briefly in shock upon hearing that. However, upon taking a closer look at Benjamin’s face, he realized how similar the two of them looked.

Thinking that the old woman was Benjamin’s mother, the doctor felt angry when he recalled how pitiful Mary and Tim were.

Oh, I’ve seen way too many people like him… They only focus on their career and end up neglecting their family!

“Your mother’s condition is rather complicated and serious. I’m afraid she won’t be getting better any time soon.”

Benjamin furrowed his brows. “What’s her condition?”

The doctor tapped on the table and motioned for Benjamin to sit down.

Benjamin hesitated for a moment, but pulled up a chair and sat down anyway.

The doctor then handed him the medical report and said, “Take a look at it yourself!”

Benjamin picked up the medical report and looked straight at the last section.

 

Chapter 452 We Are Not Bad Guys

Benjamin furrowed his brows upon hearing that.

“Give all of her medical reports to me!”

The doctor was taken aback. After coming to his sense, he said, “Here’s her medical report for today. Anyway, it’s her first time seeing me. As for detailed diagnosis, I have to run other tests-”

Much to the doctor’s surprise, Benjamin grabbed the medical report before he could finish his words.

“Hey, what’s going on? Why are you leaving? I haven’t finished! Do you want to get her treated?”

“I’ll transfer her to another hospital!”

With that, Benjamin left to look for his son.

He quickly called Ethen to ask about his son’s whereabouts.

“Have you found him?” Benjamin grew increasingly restless.

How did he run away when we almost found him?

“Not yet… We found him! He is in the restroom on the east side of the fourth floor.

Ethen reported to Benjamin once he located Tim and Mary.

As such, Benjamin ran upstairs once he heard it.

When the bodyguards rushed into the restroom, Tim thought they wanted to capture Mary and him.

As such, Tim stood in front of Mary to ward them off.

“Don’t come any closer, or else I’ll have the police arrest you all!” Tim glared at the bodyguards, exuding a strong aura.

Deep down, Tim knew that he couldn’t call the police because he didn’t have a cell phone.

“Who are you?”

Mary nervously put her hand on Tim’s shoulder. She was worried that they would take Tim away to settle the debt.

“Don’t be afraid. We’re not bad guys!” one of the bodyguards quickly explained to allay their fears.

However, Tim frowned and continued to stare at them doubtfully.

“Do you think you can con us into going with you?”

As the bodyguards were lost for words, they heard swift footsteps approaching from behind.

Benjamin and Ethen arrived at the same time.

When Benjamin entered the ladies’ room and saw Tim, his heart pounded.

Thinking that the two men were the bodyguards’ bosses, Tim and Mary felt even more terrified.

“Since Raphael owes you the money, please look for him. We don’t have any money. It has nothing to do with us. Moreover, you’ll be committing a crime if you capture us!” Tim kept an uptight expression as he shouted.

Once Ethen saw Tim, he got emotional, and his eyes turned bloodshot.

“Sir, please don’t misunderstand us. We are not bad guys… He is your…”

However, Benjamin gestured for Ethen to keep it a secret right before Ethen wanted to reveal to Tim that Benjamin was his father.

As Benjamin got closer to Tim slowly, Tim’s expression turned pale. Tim and Mary took a few steps back until they backed themselves into the wall.

“Don’t come any closer! Also, don’t you think about capturing him! Just come at me!”

Mary pulled Tim back to protect him.

Benjamin’s eyes flickered when he glanced at Mary, who was protecting Tim.

“Ahem… ahem…” Mary suddenly began to cough intensely. It was as if she was going to cough her lungs out.

“Grandma, are you all right?”

Tim supported Mary while gently patting her back. At that moment, worries were written all over his face.

After scanning Tim, Benjamin realized that he looked skinny and dark. Nonetheless, Benjamin felt relieved because he seemed to be healthy.

In addition, Tim’s beautiful facial features were similar to Benjamin’s.

Since Mary couldn’t stop coughing, Benjamin instructed Ethen, “Go and get some water!”

“Yes, sir!”

Soon, Ethen came back with a bottle of water.

Benjamin quickly opened the bottle and handed it over to Mary. “Please drink some water!”

However, Tim was still keeping his guard up. He slapped away the bottle in Benjamin’s hand and said defiantly, “There’s no need to fake kindness!”

With that, Tim shot a nasty glare at Benjamin. Humph! I won’t be afraid even though you’ve outnumbered us.

Then, Tim took out an empty bottle from his bag and filled it up with tap water for Mary.

In the meantime, Benjamin’s face fell when he saw that Tim didn’t trust him.

Ethen’s eyes darted from Benjamin and the bodyguards behind him.

After gesturing at the bodyguards to take off their shades, Ethen came up to Benjamin and whispered, “Mr. Graham, I think you should take off your shades.”

Benjamin came to his senses and wanted to take off his shades. Suddenly, Mary coughed up a mouthful of blood.

 

Chapter 453 Come Home With Me

“Grandma…” Tim wailed.

As Mary went weak at the knees, Tim wasn’t strong enough to support her.

Right before Mary fell onto the floor, Benjamin rushed forward to help her up.

“Mr. Graham, allow me!”

When Ethen wanted to help Benjamin, Tim warned, “Don’t you touch my grandma!”

Tim got nervous, for he thought they wanted to take Mary away.

“Sir, we only wish to lend you a hand. We’re not bad guys!” Ethen explained.

Since Mary’s health condition got worse, Ethen immediately carried her out of the restroom to the emergency room.

“Grandma!”

The misty-eyed Tim chased after Ethen and begged, “My grandma is sick. Please don’t capture her! You can take me instead!”

“No one wants to capture any of you!”

Benjamin chased after Tim and carried him. Then, he left the restroom with Ethen.

Worrying about Mary, Tim struggled violently and resisted by kicking.

Since Tim was strong, Benjamin almost couldn’t carry him steadily.

Hence, Benjamin had to clamp Tim’s legs to stop him from resisting.

“We’re not capturing you. Ethen is bringing your grandma to the emergency room!”

Tim was stunned for a while. His eyes darted from Benjamin to Mary, for he was worried that Mary would disappear the next moment.

“My grandma is sick…”

Sensing Tim’s worry and fear, Benjamin felt sorry and comforted, “Don’t worry. She will be all right!”

Meanwhile, Tim felt a strange peaceful sensation upon hearing Benjamin’s words.

Tim wiped the tears away from his face and glanced at Benjamin. Is it true that he’s not a bad guy?

In the end, Tim believed they didn’t want to capture Mary and him only after Mary was admitted to the emergency room.

“Sir, please wipe the tears away.”

Ethen took out a handkerchief for Tim to clean his face.

Tim was taken aback when he realized that Ethen was overly polite.

“Give it to me!”

After grabbing the handkerchief, Benjamin put Tim down and wiped his face clean.

Tim noticed that Benjamin was dressed in clean clothes while he looked disheveled. Hence, Tim quickly moved away from Benjamin.

Softly, Tim said, “Thank you!”

Then, he continued to clean his face.

Ethen felt relieved seeing that Tim was polite.

Meanwhile, Benjamin was a little heartbroken when he saw that Tim was skinny. He couldn’t help but caress his head.

This kid must have suffered a lot.

Behind the shades, Benjamin’s eyes became misty.

While Tim was worried about Mary, Benjamin gazed and comforted him, “Don’t worry!”

As Tim turned around to look at Benjamin, Benjamin could feel a sense of sadness on his face, which a young kid wasn’t supposed to have.

Later, Benjamin instructed Ethen, “Ask Shaun to come here right now!”

“Yes, sir!” Immediately, Ethen walked to a corner to make the call.

Once Shaun answered his call, Ethen could hear that it was bustling over the phone.

“Mrs. Graham!”

Shaun said hurriedly, “Ethen, Mrs. Graham has just passed out. I have to admit her to the hospital. I’ll call you back!”

Shaun was terrified because Arissa collapsed onto the floor as soon as they went out of the law firm.

Shaun hastily kept his phone and carried Arissa into his car to drive her to the hospital.

With a look of surprise on his face, Ethen came back to report to Benjamin.

“Mr. Graham, Ms. York has just fainted.

Benjamin’s expression changed upon hearing it.

“How did it happen?”

Shaking his head, Ethen answered, “I’m not sure. Mr. Bailey is with her and driving her to the hospital. He has no time to talk over the phone now.”

Feeling worried, Benjamin couldn’t help but frown.

The doctor has told Arissa that she has to refrain from getting too emotional. Did she faint because of the kid?

As Benjamin was deep in thought, he glanced at Tim.

Then, he squatted before Tim and took off his shades.

“Come home with me!”

Tim shifted his gaze from the emergency room to Benjamin. When their eyes met, Tim was startled. He looks somewhat familiar!

Since Benjamin didn’t have much time to explain everything, he said straightforwardly, “I’m your daddy. Your mommy is sick and has fainted because of you. Come with me!”

Feeling astounded, Tim put up his guard and stared at Benjamin.

Deep down, Tim realized that Benjamin looked like him.

Despite that, Tim wasn’t excited but felt fumed instead.

“I don’t have Daddy and Mommy!”

 

 

Chapter 454 I Do Not Have Mommy And Daddy

As Tim pursed his lips, anger was written all over his face.

He didn’t think he ever had parents because he was an abandoned child.

Benjamin froze in shock and felt a pang of guilt when he sensed Tim’s sorrow and anger.

More surprisingly, Tim seemed to know that he wasn’t blood-related to Mary.

“Mr. Graham!”

In the meantime, Ethen was worried about Benjamin because he hadn’t gotten any sleep as he had been out looking for Tim the whole night.

Furthermore, Ethen understood that Benjamin would be hurt after hearing such a comment from his biological son.

Since Tim was resistant to him, Benjamin knew that he couldn’t take him home.

After all, there was no way for Benjamin to communicate with Tim in the future if Benjamin forcefully take him now.

“Don’t you wish to see your mommy? She’s so worried about you!” Benjamin asked Tim again.

However, Tim turned around and continued staring at the emergency room.

“Grandma is my only kin!”

Since they had abandoned me, why do they want to look for me now?

If it’s true that they are worried about me, they wouldn’t have deserted me in the first place.

Benjamin pursed his lips as soon as Tim answered coldly.

Ethen looked at them and he could tell that Tim was also heartbroken and upset.

“Mr. Graham, I think he doesn’t know the reason. Please take it easy and explain what happened.”

Ethen believed there was some misunderstanding that made Tim refuse to accept Benjamin.

However, as the clock was ticking, Benjamin stood up and said to Ethen, “Please stay here to take care of him. I’ve to go back now!”

Benjamin thought he had to go back to explain to Arissa because she had misunderstood something.

“Sure. Mr. Graham, are you going back now?” Ethen asked.

“Yes!”

“I’ll prep the plane now!” With that, Ethen instructed his subordinates to make arrangements.

Benjamin left after taking a glance at Tim. After that, he asked his bodyguards to stay there to protect Tim.

Although Tim was staring at the emergency room, he could hear their conversation.

Is he rushing back to visit his wife? Are they really my daddy and mommy?

Since the man looks like me, I suppose he is! Besides, he said my mommy has fallen sick because of me. Is her condition serious?

“Sir, please drink some water.” Ethan handed over a glass of water to Tim.

Suddenly, Tim turned around to glare at Ethen and said, “Please don’t call me that!”

Ethen hastily nodded and explained gently, “Well, I called you that because I don’t know your name.”

Knowing that Tim was still keeping his guard up, Ethen thought he had to be gentle to Tim.

Tim pursed his lips, feeling reluctant to tell him.

Nonetheless, Tim recalled that Ethen was the one who carried his grandma to the emergency room. In the end, he replied, “Grandma calls me Tim.”

Feeling curious, Ethen continued to ask, “Do you know why you’re called Tim?”

Tim frowned and responded, “I don’t know!”

Ethen touched his nose when he said, “Tim, don’t worry. Your grandma will be all right. Your daddy will get the best doctor to treat her.”

Tim’s eyes flickered once Ethen finished. Will he do that?

“Will Grandma recover?”

Tim’s mind was a mess when he pursed his lips and rubbed his hands.

Sensing Tim’s helplessness, Ethen hugged him and promised, “It’s true. I’m not lying to you. Your daddy and mommy won’t let anything happen to her!”

Given that Tim was indebted to Mary, they would certainly rescue her at all costs.

Although Tim wasn’t sure if Ethen was telling the truth, he hoped to see his grandma safe.

Since Tim didn’t give him a response, Ethen heaved a sigh and tried to console him. “Please drink some water and don’t get overly stressed. If you’re sick, your grandma will be worried about you instead when she comes out. Am I right?”

After a while, Tim finally grabbed the glass of water and gulped it down.

“Do you want some more?”

Tim looked at him and asked, “Mister, may I know your name?”

Ethen flashed him a smile and answered emotionally, “I’m Ethen Frank, your daddy’s assistant!”

Feeling curious about the role of an assistant, Tim continued, “What does an assistant do?”

 

Chapter 455 Benjamin Leaves His Son To See Her

“Well… I’m your daddy’s employee and work for him.”

Meanwhile, Ethen’s heart ached as he looked at Tim, who seemed rather simple and pure.

As if Tim finally got it, he exclaimed, “Are you really not Raphael’s debtor?”

Knowing that Tim remained cautious, Ethen smiled and reassured him. “We’re not!”

Then, Ethen handed over his business card to Tim.

On the business card, Tim saw Ethen’s name and his title—CEO’s Special Assistant.

Also, Graham Group was written on the other side of the card.

Nonetheless, the company name and Ethen’s position didn’t matter much to Tim, for he knew nothing about them.

As such, Ethen thought he could give Tim some basic introduction. “Graham Group is your daddy’s company. Hence, a CEO’s assistant is your daddy’s assistant. I have to attend to all matters he orders.”

“Mr. Frank, you must be very busy!” Danny interrupted.

Ethen grinned and replied, “Yes, you’re right.”

When Ethen caressed Tim’s hair, he recalled Benjamin’s dejected expression before he left.

Therefore, Ethen thought he had to explain the situation to Tim. “By the way, your daddy and mommy never knew your existence until a few days ago!”

As expected, Tim was stunned.

What does he mean by they never knew my existence?

Just then, the door of the emergency room opened.

Tim hastily rushed forward and asked, “Is my grandma all right?”

The doctor took down his mask and asked, “Who is her family member?”

Ethen came up to the doctor and said, “The kid is her family member. Please tell us how she is now.”

The doctor glanced at Tim and said, “She’s safe now.”

Tim heaved a sigh of relief and wanted to go into the emergency room to see his grandma.

Ethen grabbed Tim’s hand and advised him, “Tim, your grandma will come out soon!”

However, Tim still impatiently craned his neck to peep at the emergency room.

“Is my grandma all right?”

“Yes! She’s all right now,” Ethen responded.

When the doctor asked Ethen to go to his office to discuss Marry’s condition, Ethen nodded and told the doctor that he would be there later.

After a while, the nurses pushed Mary out of the emergency room on a hospital bed.

Tim quickly went up to Mary and held her hand.

However, Mary hadn’t woken up and was lying still on the bed with an IV drip attached to her hand.

“Grandma!” As Tim choked on his words, everyone couldn’t help but sniffle.

Ethen patted Tim’s shoulder gently and said, “Let them transfer her to the ward.”

Tim followed the nurses and didn’t want to let go of Mary’s hand.

Feeling moved by Tim’s sincerity, Ethen quickly caught up with them.

Mary was transferred to the best ward in the hospital. When Tim sat beside the bed, Ethen went to the doctor’s office to discuss Mary’s condition.

“The lady has a lot of other illnesses. After she wakes up, we have to give her a full checkup. Most importantly, she has to avoid getting emotional.”

“Thank you, doctor!” Ethen remembered it.

Standing outside the ward, Ethen heaved a sigh when he looked at Tim and Mary.

Ethen thought of buying some clothes for Tim. However, Ethen was worried that Tim would run away when he wasn’t around.

As such, Ethen asked one of the bodyguards to buy some clothes and food, for he decided to stay beside Tim at all times.

When Benjamin arrived at Dellmoor, Arissa hadn’t woken up yet.

He rushed into the ward and saw Arissa. With her hand attached to an IV drip, she furrowed her brows and looked pale.

“How is she?”

Shaun was surprised to see Benjamin.

Well, Benjamin has completely fallen for Arissa.

“Arissa’s anemia acted up because she stayed up all night yesterday. She fainted in the morning after hearing the kid’s news but woke up soon.”

Shaun paused for a while and added, “I thought Arissa was all right, so I promised Gavin to accompany her to Jonathan’s law firm. However, she fainted as soon as she left the law firm. Anyway, don’t worry too much because her condition has stabilized.”

“Why did you bring her to see Jonathan?”

Sitting beside the bed, Benjamin cautiously held Arissa’s hand and gently caressed the back of her hand.

Why did she stay up all night?

After fixating his gaze upon them for a while, Shaun explained, “Arissa hopes to get Danna sentenced to death to avenge her child!”

Benjamin lowered his gaze and looked at Arissa, who was in a deep slumber.

Arissa has become skinnier and looks really pale. Why didn’t she heed my advice?

“The child isn’t dead!”

Initially, Shaun didn’t get him, but then he stared at Benjamin in shock after a while.

 

Chapter 456 Hurtful Comments

“What did you say, Benjamin?”

Benjamin turned around and shot him a glare. “Can you not be so loud? You’re a doctor, for Christ’s sake!”

Hearing his complaint, Shaun’s lips twitched as he replied, “Well, I got all excited! Did you say the child is fine?”

“Yes. He’s alive and good! If it wasn’t for this incident, I wouldn’t be back so soon!” Benjamin furrowed his brows when he turned and looked at the woman in bed. I’ve found the kid, all right. However, it seems like bringing him home isn’t as easy as I first thought. Since the kid is holding grudges against us, she’s going to be sad if she hears the words he told me earlier.

“Benjamin, why don’t you get some rest? Mrs. Graham is going to be fine,” Shaun advised when he saw how tired Benjamin looked when he was staring at Arissa.

Benjamin stayed by Arissa’s side a little longer before gesturing for Shaun to head outside with him.

“Are you sure her condition has stabilized?” Benjamin asked.

Shaun noticed how worried Benjamin look, so he nodded. “Yes, as long as she doesn’t get triggered again. I’ve already given Mrs. Graham some sleeping pills, so she’ll be asleep for quite a while.”

Benjamin nodded. “Please look through this medical report and come up with a detailed treatment plan!” Benjamin handed Mary’s medical reports over to Shaun.

Puzzled, Shaun took the reports and asked, “Who’s reports is this?”

“An old lady!”

Shaun stared at Benjamin in bewilderment. “An old lady?”

Benjamin lit a cigarette before quickly stubbing it out when he realized he was in a hospital. “She’s my son’s savior!”

Shaun understood right away and answered, “Okay. I’ll take a look!”

The more Shaun saw in the reports, the deeper his frown was. Ultimately, he gave Benjamin his opinion. “Things aren’t looking good!”

Benjamin’s eyes glinted, and he replied, “Do you think you can treat her?”

Since Shaun didn’t have her full health reports, he wasn’t sure. “I’m not sure. I’d have to see her in person and get her full health reports.”

“When I was there, she vomited blood. Can you go over now?” Benjamin asked. Huh, if something bad happens to Mdm. Mary, Tim is going to be devastated.

Shaun looked at him and asked, “Where is she?”

“Northstream!”

“That’s far from here!” Shaun then remembered how bad the medical facilities over there were, so he asked, “Is it possible to transfer her here?”

“You can go over and see what’s best. When I left, she was still in the emergency room.”

Right then, Benjamin was just about to call Ethen to find out what was going on over there. However, Ethen rang him first, and he said, “Mr. Graham, Mdm. Mary had just been brought out. Although the doctors said she’d be okay now, they suggested for her to do a thorough medical checkup.”

“Okay. Proceed with the arrangements and make sure she gets the best treatment. I’ll get Shaun to go over!” Benjamin said before asking, “How is Tim?”

“Tim has been staying by Mdm. Mary’s side, and he refuses to rest!” Ethen sighed.

Hearing that, Benjamin’s gaze darkened, and he instructed, “Take good care of him. I won’t be able to go over so soon, call me if there’s anything.”

“Yes!”

Benjamin hung up the phone and kept the phone in his pocket. He then said to Shaun, “Bring a few more doctors with you.”

Shaun nodded. “I’ll get the other doctors to keep an eye on Mrs. Graham. She should be fine as long as she doesn’t suffer from severe shocks,” he uttered after glancing at Arissa’s ward.

Benjamin nodded in response. I’ll tell her the good news when she wakes up.

Shaun turned around to leave, but he suddenly remembered something. “Gavin and the others were the ones who found out about what happened to Tim. You ought to update them as well! The same goes for Old Mr. Graham.”

Benjamin was stunned for a second upon hearing that. Gavin and the others were the ones who found out about Tim’s whereabouts? I thought it was Arissa!

“Do they know Arissa is in the hospital?” Benjamin asked.

“I haven’t informed them yet!” Shaun answered before hurrying over to the other doctors to keep them updated on Arissa’s condition.

On the other hand, Benjamin was trying to get hold of Gavin.

When Gavin saw him calling, he declined the call angrily.

Seeing that Gavin had declined his call, Benjamin furrowed his brows. This little fellow is getting very bold nowadays.

He then called Gavin again.

 

Chapter 457 A Piece Of Good News

Again, Gavin just let the phone ring without answering it.

Zachary then glanced at him and asked, “Who’s calling?”

“That jerk!” Gavin scoffed.

Jasper and Oliver leaned over and stuck out their tongues in disdain when they saw Benjamin calling.

“Are you not going to answer it, Gavin?” Jesse gazed at Gavin.

When Gavin peeped at the phone, it’d stopped ringing.

However, it started ringing again within the next second. It seemed like the caller was rather persistent.

Gavin snorted and eventually picked up the phone.

“What’s with you, Gavin? Why are you not answering your phone?” Benjamin asked.

Gavin remained silent despite hearing Benjamin’s question.

Without getting a response, Benjamin sighed silently and uttered, “Gavin, I have a piece of good news!”

Gavin just frowned and kept mum because he didn’t know what Benjamin was going to say next.

Benjamin didn’t bother to check if Gavin was listening or not, and he said right away, “Your brother is not dead. He’s still alive!”

Gavin was shocked. “Our brother is alive?”

“What?” Zachary voiced in surprise.

“Our brother is alive?” Jasper asked in shock.

The both of them were staring at Gavin blankly.

When Benjamin finally heard a response from Gavin and the others, a smile appeared on his face. “He’s still alive!”

Gavin was elated, and he told Zachary and the others, “Daddy said our brother is still alive!”

Hearing that, Zachary, Oliver, Jasper, and Jesse cheered excitedly.

“Really? Where is he?”

“He’s in the village that you guys visited the last time!” Benjamin answered.

Since Gavin had already placed the call in speaker mode, the rest of them were over the moon when they heard that.

“Mr. Graham, have you seen him?” Jesse leaned over and asked.

“Yes, I have!” Benjamin answered firmly.

Finally, the five young ones had gotten the confirmation of their brother still being alive.

“That’s awesome! Mommy is going to be so happy when she finds out that he’s still alive!” Jasper exclaimed.

Zachary added, “Definitely! Mommy is going to be overjoyed! It’s all our fault that we’ve told her about the bad news without getting the correct information.”

“I’ll call Mommy now!” Oliver chimed in.

Worried that the kids might disrupt Arissa’s sleep, Benjamin quickly said, “Don’t call your mommy now. I’m with her!”

“You’re with Mommy? Aren’t you supposed to be on a business trip?” Oliver asked.

“I’ve returned!” Benjamin replied gently.

Gavin’s eyes flickered and thought of something. “You didn’t go on a business trip last night, did you? You’ve gone to look for our brother instead, right?”

“Yes,” Benjamin answered.

“Mr. Graham, did you bring our brother back? Where are you guys now?” Jesse was eager to see her brother.

“I didn’t get to bring him back! When I go over the next time, I’ll surely bring him back with me!” Benjamin said.

Hearing that, the five little ones exchanged glances with one another.

Gavin frowned and asked, “He didn’t want to acknowledge you, right?”

Benjamin was at a loss for words. Must he be so blunt?

“It must be because you were too stern! I bet you’ve scared him!” Jasper chimed in.

“Mr. Graham, our brother is in that village, right? What’s his name?” Zachary asked.

“Yes, he is. I think it’s Tim!” Benjamin had already heard a thing or two from the village chief and found out that was how they addressed him.

“We’ll go there and see him, then!” Zachary suggested and looked at his siblings.

Gavin nodded. “We’ll go and look for him!”

Zachary nodded firmly in response.

Right then, Jesse and Jasper also said, “Count me in!”

Benjamin wanted to stop them, but he hesitated. Perhaps it’s a good idea to let the siblings meet each other.

“Sure! You guys can follow Mr. Bailey if you want to go over. Once you guys have arrived, look for Ethen if you need anything. He’s with him. When you guys see Tim, mind your words, okay? Don’t get him agitated. In fact, just play with him and don’t talk too much!” Benjamin urged.

“Why is Mr. Bailey going there?” Gavin was puzzled. Isn’t he a doctor? Why does he need to go there?

 

Chapter 458 I Will Get Changed

“Your brother’s savior has fallen sick, so I’ve gotten him to go over and take a look!” Benjamin told them the truth.

“What?”

The kids gasped and got worried. “Is the sickness serious?”

“It seems quite serious. You guys go over and keep Tim company, okay?” Benjamin knitted his brows after he said that. I’ve got to give that kid a new name. The name he has now doesn’t suit him at all.

“Got it! We’ll do what you’ve failed to do!” Zachary patted his own chest and promised.

At the same time, the other kids all nodded in agreement. We’ll bring our brother back!

“Be careful!” Benjamin urged before hanging up the phone. He then went to look for Shaun, who was updating his colleagues on Arissa’s condition.

“What is it?” Shaun uttered.

“Gavin and the others are going with you. Please bring them along before you head over!” Benjamin then gave some instructions to Shaun.

“Sure! I’ll look after them. You just stay here and take care of Mrs. Graham!” After Shaun was done telling his colleagues what to do, he rushed to Yaleview to fetch the kids before heading toward Northstream.

While Benjamin was keeping Arissa company at the hospital, he was still paying attention to what was going on with Tim.

Meanwhile, Ethen had gotten words from Benjamin saying that Shaun would be arriving alongside Gavin and the others.

Initially, he wanted to tell Tim about it, but he changed his mind when he saw how concerned Tim was with Mary. Maybe I should only introduce Gavin and the others to him when they arrive. There’s a possibility whereby an introduction isn’t necessary. I think he’ll know who the kids are when he sees them.

Moments later, the bodyguard returned with new clothes and food.

Ethen brought the stuff into the ward and said, “Tim, go take a shower and eat something, okay?”

Tim looked at him and answered, “I’m not hungry!”

“It’s already noon!” Ethen checked the time and urged him softly, “You still have to eat even though you’re not hungry. Otherwise, your grandma is going to feel sad when she wakes up to find you starving yourself!”

Tim bit his lips and decided not to eat anything. Just then, his stomach started to rumble, and his swarthy face reddened in embarrassment.

Luckily for him, it wasn’t as apparent because he was rather tanned.

Instead of making fun of him, Ethen coaxed, “There’s a restroom there. Go take a shower and get changed, okay? Once you’re done, you can have your lunch. I’ll stay here and look after your grandma. She’s going to be fine!”

Tim nodded. “All right. Thank you, Mr. Frank!”

“You’re welcome!” Ethen patted his head fondly and passed him a bag of new clothes. “You’ll find a set of clean clothes inside.”

Slightly embarrassed, Tim felt shy to take the bag of clothes.

Ethen then brought him to the restroom and taught him how to turn on the faucet. He placed the bag of clothes inside and left after saying, “Go ahead, okay? Don’t hesitate to call out for me if you need anything.”

“Okay!” Tim nodded.

Ethen shut the door after that.

Tim couldn’t help but feel a little reticent when he saw the state of the restroom. After all, he’d never seen such luxury in his life.

He was so reserved that he didn’t even dare to use the toiletries in there.

All he did was turn on the faucet the way Ethen taught him and took a shower without using the shampoo or shower gel provided.

When Tim was done showering, he took the clothes out of the bag, and he knew they were expensive just by touching them. These look expensive! Should I just wear my clothes from before? But they’re wet!

Ultimately, Tim sighed and put on the set of new clothes.

However, he only got out of the restroom after he was done washing the clothes he wore previously.

Ethen’s eyes brightened up when he saw Tim. It looks like it does matter what one wears!

Indeed, the elegance and sophistication Tim was born with became more apparent after he changed into those new clothes.

Tim wasn’t used to it because he’d only worn hand-me-down prior to that. In fact, he could only afford to buy new clothes once a year.

“Mr. Frank, I’ll return these and change into my own clothes once they’ve dried up!”

Ethen’s heart ached a little when he heard that.

 

Chapter 459 Heartaches

“That’s all right. I bought them for you!” Ethen tousled his hair.

“My grandma says we shouldn’t take things from others. I have to return them to you!” Tim was adamant.

Ethen adjusted his glasses and held Tim’s hand to bring him toward the coffee table.

“Even if you were to return them to me, I can’t possibly fit in them!” Ethen carried him and sat on the couch before unpacking the food.

“Mr. Frank, you can return them to the shop, no?”

Ethen was starting to notice how stubborn Tim could be, so he explained, “I’m afraid they won’t allow that.”

Hearing that, Tim lowered his head and bit his lips before making a tough decision. “Okay, then. How much do they cost? I’ll pay you!”

Ethen was rendered speechless. Why is this kid so stubborn?

“Just treat them as a gift from me, okay?” Ethen asked.

Tim glanced at him and shook his head in response. “I can’t accept rewards that I haven’t worked for!”

“Well, I like you because I find you cute! Why can’t I give you a gift?” Ethen tried to convince Tim.

Refusing to give in, Tim shook his head. “No! I can’t accept gifts for no reason.”

Hearing that, Ethen sighed inwardly and uttered, “Have your lunch first, will you?”

“How much do these clothes cost, Mr. Frank? I’ll pay you back!” Tim insisted.

Ethen was left feeling helpless. Those clothes aren’t cheap! In fact, they’re branded! If I tell him the prices, I’ll only burden him.

Right then, an idea popped up in Ethen’s mind, and he told him a white lie instead.

“One hundred!”

Tim frowned when he heard that. Although he felt that the price was high, he whipped out some cash to pay Ethen.

There was no way Ethen would take his money, though. “Keep it! You can buy me a meal instead!”

Tim glanced at the food Ethen had bought for him and nodded. He has a point.

“Okay, then. I’ll buy you dinner and treat you to a meal tomorrow. Mr. Frank, will you still be here tomorrow?”

“Yes. Since your daddy has instructed me to take care of you, I won’t leave till he’s here again!” Ethen ruffled his hair and added, “Dig in!”

Tim lowered his gaze and uttered softly, “You don’t have to take care of me, Mr. Frank. I’ll be fine on my own!”

“Well, it’s not like I have anything else to do! Besides, it’s my job to take care of you. If you don’t like having me around, your daddy will cut my salary!” Ethen put on a show to gain sympathy.

“He’ll cut your salary?” Tim then continued apologetically, “Then you better stay here. However, you don’t have to be at the hospital at all times, Mr. Frank! No one’s going to find out if you were to go out for a walk!”

Tim’s thoughtfulness had caught Ethen by surprise. “Don’t worry about me. Dig in, okay? The food is getting cold.”

“Will you join me, Mr. Frank?” Tim gulped when he saw the delicious dishes before his eyes.

Ethen picked up a fork and gave it to Tim before picking one up for himself.

He then took a piece of steak and fed it to Tim.

Tim only opened his mouth and took a bite after he glanced at Ethen.

Ethen was heartbroken, and he nearly cried when he saw how cautious and grateful Tim was. Has he not eaten meat before?

“Is it good?” Ethen asked while gazing at Tim.

Tim nodded and swallowed the food. “This is the best meat I’ve ever eaten.”

Ethen got even more emotional before putting a few more pieces of the steak on his plate. “Then you should have some more of it!”

Tim stared at Ethen gratefully and uttered, “Thank you, Mr. Frank!”

“You’re welcome! Eat up!” Ethen smiled. However, he saw Tim putting the meat aside.

Curious, Ethen queried, “Are you not going to eat?”

“I’m saving them for Grandma!” Tim then removed the meat from his plate.

Ethen was touched. What a thoughtful kid! He’d even think about his grandma when he eats!

Indeed, kids would mature younger when they’d gone through hardships in life.

Ethen put the meat back onto Tim’s plate and said, “Eat first, okay? It won’t be as nice once it gets cold. When your grandma wakes up, I’ll go and buy some more.”

 

Chapter 460 Forcing A Kiss

Tim looked at him and stopped him. “You shouldn’t spend so much money on us, Mr. Frank!”

“It’s all right. As long as you guys are happy!” Ethen had to convince Tim so that he would continue eating.

Although the dishes were all common and simple dishes, they were all delicacies in the eyes of a kid from a poor family.

When Ethen saw the shrimps, he asked, “Have you eaten shrimps before?”

Tim’s eyes lit up, and he nodded. “I have. However, the ones I’ve eaten before were way smaller than these! I usually catch them in the streams!”

“From the streams?” Ethen smiled.

Tim nodded in response.

“These are from the ocean!” Ethen peeled one and gave it to Tim. “You aren’t allergic to shrimps, are you?”

Tim looked at him and shook his head. “No!”

Ethen heaved a breath of relief and continued peeling shrimps for Tim.

Ethen only had some food and left the rest to Tim. In order to get the little one to finish the food, Ethen told him they couldn’t let the food go to waste.

Hence, Tim was filled to the brim.

Seeing that Mary hadn’t woken up yet, Tim frowned anxiously. “Mr. Frank, why is my grandma still not awake yet?”

“It’s still too soon! Do you see the IV drip there? Once the drip has finished, she’ll still need a few hours before she could regain consciousness!” Ethen said it in an explanatory tone so that Tim couldn’t get sad or worried.

“Oh, I see!” Tim sat by the side of the bed and massaged Mary on the back of her hand so that she’d feel less pain from the drip.

“Tim, would you like to take a breather?” Ethen was getting worried when he saw how frail and little Tim was.

“No. You can rest if you’re tired, Mr. Frank. I’m not tired at all!” Tim answered and continued staying by Mary’s side.

Ethen let out a sigh and cleaned up the ward before heading outside to inform Benjamin that Tim had eaten.

Upon receiving Ethen’s report, Benjamin felt relieved. At least he’s eating now.

He then glanced at the woman in bed and went out to make a phone call. He rang Edwin and told him to make some oatmeal porridge before going back into the ward.

Arissa woke up with a headache at around two in the afternoon.

“Are you awake?” Benjamin asked.

Arissa was stunned when she saw Benjamin there. “Why aren’t you on your business trip?”

“I’ve returned!” Benjamin sized her up and noticed that she was still in a daze. He frowned and asked, “Do you want to continue sleeping?”

Arissa stared at Benjamin and shook her head. She then took a glance at her surroundings and asked, “Is this the hospital?”

“Yes. You’ve fainted!” Benjamin leaned forward to straighten her bed with the bed control.

Arissa finally remembered what happened before she was sent to the hospital. I was coming out of the lawyer’s office, and everything went blank after that.

She was already not in a mood when she just woke up, but it had worsened when she thought about her kids.

Benjamin glanced at her before going to the restroom. He brought a wet towel out to help her wipe her face.

Right then, Arissa perked up and said, “I’ll do it myself!”

“Don’t move!” Benjamin ordered domineeringly before wiping her face gently.

Seeing that, Arissa was touched, but her heart sank once again. The possibility that Benjamin might’ve been protecting Danna still bothered her.

Benjamin furrowed his brows when he noticed her change of mood. “Arissa!”

Arissa raised her gaze toward him before looking away and coughed.

Benjamin then sighed and poured her a glass of water. “Drink some water!”

Arissa felt a lot better after drinking the water. She got up and wanted to go to the restroom, but Benjamin stopped her. “Where are you going? Lie down!”

“I want to go to the restroom!” Arissa answered weakly.

Seeing how frail she was, Benjamin bent down and carried her in his arms before making his way to the restroom.

Arissa was stunned by his action, but she didn’t protest because she was still feeling a little dizzy.

“Don’t worry. The kid is fine!” Benjamin threw her a glance. I’m not used to seeing her so sick.

Arissa wasn’t listening to him, and she seemed to be pondering something.

Seeing how irresponsive she was, Benjamin sounded more aggressive when he said, “Arissa!”

Arissa returned to her senses and stared blankly at him.

Benjamin then put her down and pinned her against the wall before forcing a kiss on her.