Ch. 521..530
Chapter 521 Benjamin Refuses To Send The Location
Shaun cleared his throat. “Nothing.”
Benjamin glanced around, and finally, his eyes rested on Arissa.
“What is the joke?”
“We are not telling you!”
Arissa gave him a glare.
Benjamin narrowed his almond-shaped eyes and they glinted sharply.
The lovely children sniggered.
“Hehe. It’s a secret!”
Jasper gloated.
Benjamin grunted in reply.
When the waiter came, Arissa quickly ordered cheesecake for them.
“Is there anything else that you kids wish to have?”
“Mommy, cheesecake is good enough!” Zachary replied.
Arissa looked at them and asked Tim, “Tim, is there any dessert you want to have? I’ll order it for you!”
“Anything is fine for me!”
Tim looked at the sumptuous spread on the table which was way better than even the Christmas dinners he had before. What more could he wish for?
Arissa nodded and turned towards the waiter, saying, “Just cheesecake, one slice for each of us!”
“Yes, ma’am!” The waiter bowed politely and turned around to make arrangements for the order.
Benjamin’s mobile phone vibrated and rang. It was a call from Darius, his dad.
“You have found the child. Why are you not back yet?”
Benjamin glanced over at Tim. “Not so soon!”
“Where are you guys now? I’m coming over, too!”
Darius just could not wait to meet this grandson whom they had just found after a long and difficult search.
Benjamin turned him down right away. “Please do not come and add to the confusion. We don’t have time to take care of you!”
On the other end of the line, Darius was infuriated. “I am as fit as you are. I don’t need anyone to take care of me. All I want is to see my precious grandson. Send me the location quickly!”
With that, the grand Old Mr. Graham hung up the phone as a testimony of his strong character.
Benjamin put down his phone without sending the location to Darius.
Arissa who was seated next to him overheard Darius’ yelling, so she looked at the calm Benjamin.
“Aren’t you sending it to him?”
Benjamin placed his arm on the back of her chair, leaning his lengthy body against it. His domineering personality was revealed as he glanced at her.
Calmly, he asked, “Send what to him?”
Arissa was speechless.
Benjamin’s eyes swept around, then he warned Ethen and Shaun. “You guys don’t tell my dad where we are. I don’t need him to come here and be a nuisance!”
“You children, too!” Benjamin warned the kids, as well.
Gavin pursed his lips. “I’ll tell Grandpa you say he’s a nuisance!”
Benjamin was not intimidated. “If you dare tell him, I’ll send you home!”
Gavin sighed.
Personally, Arissa did not approve of Benjamin’s way of interacting with children. He was threatening them too often.
“Sweetheart, I’m here. I’ll stop him if he tries to send you back.”
Gavin gave her such a big smile that his eyes became narrow slits.
“Mommy, you’re the best!”
“Isn’t he going to school?”
Benjamin snorted. He had to remind his wife who was constantly going against him.
Arissa started. That’s right. The children must go back to school.
“Why not take Mdm. Mary to Dellmoor for treatment?”
She proposed, looking at Benjamin for his reaction.
That way, the kids would be able to stay with her.
Gavin and the other kids would have to return to school in Dellmoor. Then, they would be separated from Tim.
If Mary was being treated in Northstream, Tim would not go to Dellmoor.
Thus, the best solution was to bring Mary to Dellmoor for treatment.
Benjamin did not agree immediately. “We’ll discuss this after our meal!”
Shaun was stunned by Benjamin’s response. That was the side of his old friend that he had never seen before.
Secretly, he took a photo of Benjamin being affectionate with Arissa and sent it to Kingsley.
Kingsley was being very strict in the conference room and all his subordinates were subdued.
Out of the blue, he saw the picture Shaun sent to him and he laughed out loud.
“That’s so flirtatious!”
Instantly, everyone in the conference looked at the boss in amazement.
Has he lost his mind due to stress?
Kingsley realized that he was in the middle of a conference, so he glared at all the pairs of eyes that were looking at him curiously. “What? Haven’t you guys seen me before?”
Everyone was stupefied.
Chapter 522 You Have Spoilt My Appetite
“The meeting is over! Why is there even a meeting so early in the morning?”
After his outburst, Kingsley got up and left the conference room. Then, he turned around and instructed his assistant.
“Something has come up so I have to be away for a while. Don’t contact me unless it’s something urgent!”
His assistant replied, with his head held low. “Yes, sir!”
Kingsley hurried up the elevator, whilst asking Shaun for the location.
He wanted to see his little sweetheart, Jesse and play with her.
Then, he saw Shaun’s reply in the messages, “If you are smart enough, find it yourself!”
Kingsley retorted with a curse.
Shaun laughed aloud.
Benjamin glanced over at him.
The six kids looked at Shaun, and Oliver asked, curiously, “Mr. Bailey, why are you laughing?”
“Your Uncle Kingsley is asking where we are now.”
Shaun did not say that Kingsley had cursed him.
Ethen stretched his neck and peeped at Shaun’s phone. He grimaced when he saw the vindictive message Kingsley had sent.
It seemed strange to him that Shaun could laugh so happily after being scolded.
“Shaun, keep your mouth shut!”
Benjamin took a sip of water and warned him.
“Sure, sure. I didn’t say a word. Don’t worry!”
Shaun quickly reassured him.
Only then, did Benjamin take his fierce gaze away from him.
Feeling his intense gaze, Arissa turned her head toward Benjamin, only to meet his deep enigmatic eyes. She blinked.
“Don’t look at me. Go ahead and enjoy your meal.”
Benjamin could not help teasing her.
His warm breath brushed her ears, and her heart throbbed. Is this man flirting with me?
She turned to glare at him. “Hey, you have spoiled my appetite!”
How does he expect me to eat in peace!
His arm was on the back of her chair like he was holding her in his arms.
Benjamin’s eyes were still unfathomable as he looked at her. He noticed a drop of sweat on the tip of her nose, which made her look really cute.
He touched it.
Arissa was taken aback. In the next instant, she blushed deeply.
Embarrassed, she pushed his hand away and quickly glanced around. Everyone at the table was watching them.
She felt rather embarrassed.
“Please let me eat in peace!”
Rather angrily, she reprimanded him.
Benjamin chuckled. “I was just brushing away your sweat. Go ahead, enjoy your meal!”
Leaning back on his chair, he was the picture of an alpha male.
“Go ahead, take your food, everyone!”
Everyone was speechless.
Shaun teased him. “Benjamin, you are satiated so easily?”
Bradley and Ethen did not dare to banter with him.
Arissa was curious, too.
She glanced at his bowl in front of him. He had hardly eaten anything. Isn’t he hungry?
“Yeah!”
Benjamin nodded and glanced at the six children. Seeing that they were all staring at him, he raised his eyebrows.
“Don’t keep looking around when you are having a meal!”
The six kids were too astonished for words.
“Just eat and ignore him!”
Arissa felt that Benjamin was acting a little odd, so she coaxed the kids to continue eating.
Soon, the waiter brought the desserts and the kids were just overjoyed.
Seeing Jesse so eager to begin on her dessert, Arissa put on a strict expression and reminded her, “Finish your meal first before you eat the dessert!”
Jesse stuck out her cute little tongue and put pulled back her outstretched hand.
“Let’s finish our main meal first. Then, we can eat the desserts.”
Zachary comforted her sister.
“Hmm!” Jesse buried her face in the food again.
Benjamin’s gaze turned to her and paused on her for a while. Why is this child’s behavior so girlish now?
“Jesse!”
Hearing his voice, Jesse turned to him, looking confused. “Mr. Graham, are you talking to me?”
“Yeah!” Benjamin nodded. “When you eat, don’t bend your head over the food. Eat like your elder brothers.”
Jesse blinked, looked at Benjamin, and then at her brothers. She started eating again, taking small bites.
Arissa stroked her head. “Take your time, I’ll keep you company!”
She reminded the five other kids. “You guys must eat your fill, okay?”
“Yes, Mommy!”
Gavin, Zachary, Oliver and Jasper replied aloud.
Only Tim nodded quietly.
Chapter 523 Tim Smiles At Me
Arissa smiled and served her children more food. “Once we’re done eating, we’ll go over to the hospital!”
They had no idea if Mary had woken up yet, so they had no time to lose.
“Okay!” Tim nodded fervently.
Arissa was elated. He’s such a caring child!
She only let the children have their cheesecake after they were done eating.
When the kids were eating their cakes, Jesse asked, “Tim, is it nice?”
“Yes! This is better than popsicles!”
“Are you talking about the popsicles with beans in them?” Jasper asked.
“Yes!” Tim answered.
“I haven’t had one of those in ages!” Zachary chimed in.
“Do you like them as well?” Tim asked.
“I do!” Zachary answered.
“Tim, where can we get those nowadays?” Oliver queried.
“There’s a place in my village that sells them!” Tim uttered.
“We should go there with you to buy them!” Oliver answered.
“Sure!” Tim said.
“Tim, there’s one more. You should have it!” Gavin exclaimed.
“Why do I get two portions?” Tim asked.
Right then, the other five kids answered at once, “Because you’re the cutest!”
Tim started blushing after he heard that.
Arissa couldn’t help but smile when she saw how well all six of her kids were getting along.
While feeling blissful, she started eating her cheesecake.
“It’s delicious!” Arissa was enjoying her cheesecake with a bright smile on her face.
Benjamin’s eyes flickered when he saw that. She seems to find everything to her liking.
He then lowered his gaze to look at his cheesecake. This is quite tempting.
After that, he took a spoonful and tasted it. This is just average. It’s just too soft for my liking.
Benjamin wasn’t fond of the cheesecake.
Benjamin put his spoon aside and shouted, “Gavin, you can have this!”
“I don’t want your leftover!” Gavin rejected him unhesitatingly.
Benjamin raised his brows and said, “I’ve only had a mouthful! Besides, my spoon is clean!”
Gavin merely scoffed in response. Back then, he used to snatch Benjamin’s food whenever he saw him eating something he liked.
“I’ll have it!” Arissa immediately took the cheesecake.
Benjamin frowned and uttered, “You shouldn’t have too much of it!”
That was why Benjamin asked Gavin to have it instead. Gavin is very fond of desserts, no? He has even snuck out to the airport to buy some for himself. That was what led to the blunder last time around. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have found these kids if he didn’t do that.
With those thoughts in his mind, Benjamin’s expression instantly relaxed.
“This isn’t even that much! I used to have more than this!” Arissa ignored him and proceeded to have both portions to herself.
“Mommy, can I have some?” While having her own portion, Jesse was salivating when she saw the two portions of cheesecake in front of Arissa.
Arissa smiled at Jesse before feeding her a spoonful.
Jesse was overwhelmed with delight. She ate the spoonful of cheesecake and said, “Mommy, it’s delicious!”
Arissa chuckled softly. “Aren’t we having the same cheesecake? How does mine taste better?”
“Hehe!” Jesse giggled.
“Jesse, you can have mine!” Tim pushed one of his portions to Jesse.
Jesse immediately shook her head and pushed it back toward Tim. “No! It’s okay. You should go ahead, Tim! I was just messing with Mommy!”
She had no heart to take Tim’s portion.
Tim glanced at Jesse and asked, “How about this? I’ll share half of it with you.”
Jesse looked at Tim and said softly, “You can have it, Tim. I’ll just have mine!”
Tim noticed she was embarrassed, so he took her spoon and gave her some of his cheesecake.
Jesse smiled brightly and uttered, “Thank you, Tim!”
“You’re welcome!” Tim smiled back at her.
Surprised, Jesse exclaimed, “Mommy, Tim smiled at me!”
Chapter 524 Are You Worried About Me
Arissa was amused. “I saw!”
She had been paying attention to how the kids interacted with each other, and she was glad to see Tim giving food to Jesse willingly. Tim knows how to treat Jesse nicely!
“I can get some more if you guys like them so much!” Arissa said to the kids.
“Mommy, we should just pack them up and eat in the afternoon. I’m full now,” Zachary uttered.
“All right. We’ll pack them up. We can even get a slice of it for Grandma!” Oliver chimed in.
“Grandma can’t have this!” Shaun reminded.
Arissa glanced at Shaun upon hearing that.
“Grandma has diabetes, so she should be careful with her sugar intake,” Shaun explained.
Arissa furrowed her brows and asked, “Are the test results out?”
“Her test for blood sugar level came out rather quickly. However, we’re still waiting for the other test results,” Shaun answered.
Arissa nodded. “I’ll be more mindful after this!”
Tim frowned and said, “Grandma used to make desserts quite frequently. Could that have contributed to her condition?”
Arissa patted his head. “We’ll just be careful from now on. Has Mdm. Mary ever done a health checkup?”
Tim lowered his head and uttered softly, “We’re poor, so Grandma would usually just toughen up whenever she fell sick.”
Everyone felt sad upon hearing that.
Indeed, Tim’s life had been tough.
Arissa pinched Tim’s shoulder lovingly and said, “Don’t worry. That won’t happen again. I have money to treat Mdm. Mary’s sickness.”
Tim glanced at her and said softly, “We can’t spend your money, Ms. York. I have money!”
Arissa was puzzled as to where his money came from. “You do?”
Tim nodded.
Benjamin was worried that Arissa would get sad again upon hearing Tim’s answer, so he interrupted, “Are you all done eating? We should get back now. Mdm. Mary might be awake already.”
“Yes. Mdm. Mary must be famished. Sweethearts, are you all done eating?” Arissa didn’t question Tim further, because it was more important to check on Mary.
“I’m done, Mommy!” Gavin answered.
“I’m done as well, Mommy!” Zachary answered.
“I’m done, Mommy!” Oliver answered.
“Me too, Mommy!” Jasper answered.
“I’m full, Mommy!” Jesse answered.
Tim quickly chimed in, “I’m done, Ms. York!”
Arissa flashed a smile before wiping the kids’ mouths with a napkin. “Go wash your hands before we leave!”
Upon hearing that, all six of the kids got up and went to wash their hands.
Arissa then looked at Shaun and the others and asked, “Are you guys done?”
Shaun smiled and answered, “Yes!”
Bradley and Ethen nodded as well when Arissa looked at them. “We’re done too!”
Both of them then got up and went to the restroom to accompany those six little ones.
Benjamin glanced at Shaun and asked, “Will you get them to hurry and pack up the food?”
“Sure!” Shaun got up and urged the servers to pick up their pace because they were about to leave.
“Have some water!” Benjamin poured a glass of water for Arissa.
Arissa shot him a look and asked, “What’s the hurry?”
She knew Benjamin wasn’t just worried about Mary.
“I have something to deal with,” Benjamin answered flatly.
Arissa recalled how busy he was. “If you’re busy, you don’t have to be at the hospital. Perhaps, you should just head back to the hotel and work.”
Benjamin’s eyes glinted, and he leaned toward her. “Are you worried about me?”
Arissa froze momentarily before she smiled and answered, “If that’s what you want to believe, go ahead!”
Benjamin played with her hair and asked, “Will you follow me back to the hotel?”
Arissa’s heart skipped a beat. Is it just my imagination playing tricks on me, or does he actually sound a bit ambiguous?
Chapter 525 Benjamin Is Worried
“I still have to take care of Mdm. Mary, no? How can I just go back to the hotel?” Arissa shifted her gaze and looked elsewhere.
Benjamin’s expression became stern when he stared at her and said, “Bring the kids back for a rest. After that, go over. You can’t possibly stay at the hospital the whole time, can you? You might end up tiring yourself out instead of taking care of Mdm. Mary!”
Arissa shot Benjamin a look in response. Is he just asking me to go there and rest?
Arissa was stumped when she realized she had misunderstood him.
“There’s a lounge at the hospital. If I’m tired, I’ll just go there and have a shut-eye. Otherwise, I would have to keep going back and forth between the hospital and the hotel!”
Benjamin frowned and retorted, “The bed at the hospital is small, so it’s better to rest at the hotel. Even if you don’t want to have a good rest, the kids need it too!”
“You should bring the kids back with you, then. I’ll stay at the hospital.” Arissa didn’t want to go back to the hotel because she knew Tim would want to stay at the hospital to keep Mary company.
Benjamin was annoyed. Why is this woman so stubborn?
After that, he pinched Arissa’s cheek.
In pain, Arissa glared at Benjamin in disbelief. “What did you pinch me for?”
Benjamin’s face fell. “Arissa, why must you go against everything I say? Why don’t you just go back and rest?”
Arissa was rendered speechless when she saw how angry he had gotten.
Meeting his stern gaze, she smiled and said, “I’m just worried about Mdm. Mary and the kids, okay?”
Her voice was soft and melodious. It was as if she was acting coquettishly.
Benjamin’s mood lightened up instantly. “It’s good that you’re worried about them. However, you ought to take care of yourself so that you won’t faint again. The kids are worried about you!”
For some reason, Arissa felt blissful when she saw how serious Benjamin looked. With a hint of slyness in her eyes, she asked in a low voice, “Benjamin, are you worried about me?”
“I find you annoying!” Benjamin scoffed proudly.
Hearing that, Arissa sat up straight and answered, “Fine!”
Benjamin raised his brows when he noticed her disappointment. “Do you want me to worry about you?”
Why is he asking if I want that? Arissa shot him a look and asked, “Graham, does it matter if I want that or not? If I want you to fall in love with me, will you do as I wish?”
Benjamin stared at her intently and asked in a deep and alluring voice, “Do you want me to fall in love with you?”
Arissa blinked a few times and uttered, “I wonder if that’s even a good idea!”
Benjamin’s face fell at her answer.
Shaun overheard their conversation the moment he walked into the private room. Pfft! This is interesting! Arissa is the only person who dares to speak to Benjamin this way!
Indeed, not only did Benjamin not get angry, but he had also gone along with her in the conversation.
“Benjamin, is it that hard to just confess your feelings?” Shaun asked.
Hearing that, Benjamin shot him an icy glare.
Shaun merely rubbed his nose and smiled in response.
Arissa was slightly embarrassed. I wonder how much he heard!
She then said sarcastically, “Dr. Bailey, Benjamin had made it clear to me he would never fall for me, so you ought to stop teasing him. I don’t know what kind of woman he likes, but that woman is definitely not going to be me!”
Benjamin scowled in response.
Shaun, on the other hand, was amused.
At the same time, Ethen, Bradley, and the kids had returned, and they overheard the conversation.
At that moment, they didn’t know if it was a good idea to run back toward the restroom or walk straight into the private room.
“Mommy, we like you!” Gavin ran toward Arissa and hugged her before looking at her affectionately.
Arissa was touched. She then picked Gavin up and kissed his cheek.
“Mommy, we like you too!” Zachary ran toward Arissa and hugged her as well.
Seeing that, Oliver and Jasper also ran toward Arissa and hugged her. “Mommy, we like you the most! Don’t be sad, okay?”
Chapter 526 Admit Your Feelings
Jesse also lunged toward her and said, “Mommy, you’re our favorite!”
Arissa was over the moon with five of the kids all hugging her.
“I like you guys as well!” She patted all their heads affectionately before looking at Tim with anticipation.
Tim bit his lip and was filled with envy when he saw them hugging each other.
Gavin noticed that, so he wiggled out of Arissa’s embrace and went to Tim before dragging him over.
“Mommy, do you like Tim?” Gavin asked.
“I do!” Arissa smiled with her reddened eyes.
She took the initiative and asked, “Tim, do you like me?” At that moment, she was overwhelmed with nervousness and anticipation.
Tim glanced at her and nodded. He could feel the love Arissa had for him after spending some time with her.
Arissa was stunned. Did Tim just admit to liking me?
She was at a loss because his reaction had definitely caught her off-guard.
“Mommy, wake up! Tim said he likes you!” Zachary poked Arissa’s face amusingly.
Arissa regained her composure and quickly hugged Tim before kissing his cheek.
“I like you so much, Sweetheart! Thank you for liking me! I’m so glad!” Arissa was so happy that she couldn’t stop kissing Tim.
If not for Tim’s tanned skin, everyone there would’ve seen him bushing uncontrollably.
Shaun and the others were amused by their sweet interaction.
Benjamin, on the other hand, furrowed his brows because he felt neglected. “All right! That’s enough lovey-dovey for a day. Let’s go!”
Benjamin couldn’t help but say something to break them up. God knows how long they’re going to keep this up!
Arissa shot Benjamin a look and hugged the kids for a while more before bringing them out of the private room. “Let’s go to the hospital to check on Mdm. Mary, Sweethearts!”
“Okay! Let’s go, Mommy!” The six kids held her hands and got out of there while Benjamin trailed behind them.
Shaun then approached Benjamin from behind and teased, “Benjamin, Mrs. Graham doesn’t lack suitors, you know?”
Benjamin glared at him and asked in a deep voice, “What? You like her, too?”
“Of course!” Shaun answered swiftly, but he immediately felt that he could’ve said something wrong. “I like Mrs. Graham, but it’s not like what you think. It’s purely platonic!” he quickly explained.
Benjamin glared at him in response before shifting his gaze back toward the person in front of him.
“Benjamin, perhaps you should mind your tone when you speak to women. Also, since you care so much about Mrs. Graham, you should just confess your feelings to her. There’s nothing to be ashamed of! If you keep this up, Mrs. Graham might end up thinking that you despise her,” Shaun urged.
“As if you’re so experienced in this area!” Benjamin retorted.
Shaun then scowled at Benjamin and grumbled, “No wonder Mrs. Graham doesn’t like you!”
Benjamin frowned and glared at him. “What did you say?”
Shaun immediately walked away and avoided irritating him further.
Benjamin then turned around and glanced at Ethen. In response, Ethen quickly lowered his gaze and pretended like he didn’t see Benjamin looking at him. Don’t ask me! I don’t know anything!
Bradley could feel Benjamin’s frightening aura, so he avoided him right away and went after Shaun. “Dr. Bailey, is Mdm. Mary’s condition serious?”
“The test results aren’t ready yet, but everything seems okay for now!” Shaun then glanced at him and asked, “How long have you known Mrs. Graham?”
Hearing that, Bradley chuckled and answered, “I’ve known her for a long time. Boss is really impressive, and she’s practically my idol!”
“Why do you say so?” Shaun asked curiously.
“Umm…” Bradley hesitated because he didn’t dare to expose Arissa’s identity. “I don’t know how to describe it, but she’s just impressive! Besides, it’s Boss’ secret, so I can’t reveal more!”
“You’re quite tight-lipped, aren’t you?” Shaun answered.
Chapter 527 Arissa And Her Secrets
Since Benjamin was just behind them, he overheard the whole conversation. What secrets does Arissa have?
Benjamin turned around and asked Ethen softly, “Did you find out everything about her?”
Ethen shook his head. “There are still things we couldn’t find.”
Prior to that, all they could find was Arissa’s lifestyle. The rest of the information about her seemed to have been concealed by someone.
Hence, there were still a lot of things they didn’t know about Arissa.
Benjamin’s gaze darkened when he shifted his gaze toward her. “Continue to look into her!”
“Yes!” Ethen nodded. At the same time, he also found the kids a bit mysterious, so he looked at Benjamin and asked, “Mr. Graham, should I look into the kids as well?”
Benjamin’s eyes flickered, and he said, “Yes, but do it behind their backs!”
Benjamin was surprised because the kids managed to find Tim before he did. These kids are brilliant. I bet they’re more capable than we first thought.
Arissa didn’t know what Benjamin and Ethen were talking about. After getting out of the restaurant, she brought the kids into the car.
Gavin held Arissa’s arm and asked, “Mommy, are you going with us in the same car?” He was afraid that she would get out of the car.
“Yes! I’ll ride with you guys!” Tim and Jesse were in her arms while another two of the kids were sitting right beside her.
Gavin smiled delightfully before ordering the chauffeur, “Drive!”
“Are we not waiting for Mr. Graham, Gavin?” the chauffeur turned back and asked.
“That’s not necessary. The car is full!” Gavin frowned and urged, “Hurry up and drive!”
The chauffeur’s mouth twitched when he glanced at the empty passenger seat next to him.
After seeing how Arissa was squeezing with the rest of the kids, he asked, “Ms. York, would you like to sit in front?”
“There’s no need for that. I’ll just sit at the back!” Arissa wanted to sit with the kids.
The chauffeur nodded in response.
When Gavin saw Benjamin walking out of the restaurant, he demanded, “If you don’t start driving, get out and get someone else to replace you!”
“I’ll drive now!” The chauffeur quickly started the car and drove away.
Gavin snorted when he saw Benjamin getting left behind. “Mr. Graham is going to be so pissed!”
Zachary giggled in response.
Oliver leaned on the car window and saw Benjamin standing outside the entrance of the restaurant. “I saw how annoyed Mr. Graham looked!”
“Hehe! He deserves it!” Jasper snorted.
Arissa was amused when she looked outside and saw Benjamin looking at their car. “All right. Behave yourselves and sit tight!”
She then shifted her gaze toward the kids and urged, “Don’t irritate your daddy on purpose, okay? Things are not easy for him as well!”
Despite what she said, she was still rather delighted when she saw Benjamin getting left behind.
“Mommy, stop standing up for him, okay? If he didn’t say those things to you, we wouldn’t have irritated him on purpose,” Zachary uttered proudly.
Arissa smiled. “He couldn’t help it. Besides, he wasn’t even speaking his mind.”
Although she could be overthinking at times, she couldn’t deny the concerns Benjamin had for her. After all, he wasn’t cold-hearted all the time.
“Why would you say so, Mommy?” Jesse looked at Arissa puzzledly.
Tim was looking at her curiously as well.
Arissa answered, “Since your daddy has been a CEO for quite a while, he has his ego. Although he was worried about me, he was too proud to say it out loud. Don’t you guys think he was hiding his true feelings?”
The kids seemed to have understood what she was saying to them.
“That does seem like it!” Jasper smiled.
“Mr. Graham had rushed toward you the moment he found out you’ve fallen sick, Ms. York. Surely he’s worried about you!” Tim uttered.
With a smile on her face, Arissa stroked Tim’s face and asked, “Your daddy was with you when that happened, right?”
Tim only nodded after a while.
Chapter 528 Your Daddy Speaks Harshly
A glint flashed across Arissa’s eyes, and she was so happy that the kids were gradually accepting Benjamin as their father. “That’s why I said your daddy’s words are always contradicting his feelings. He’s just harsh with his words!”
“Does Daddy care about you more now, Mommy?” Gavin asked.
“Did you guys notice how Mr. Graham was staring at us when we were hugging Mommy? I bet he was jealous!” Jasper let out a laugh.
Arissa pinched Jasper’s cheek gently and said, “I doubt he was jealous. However, he could be envious of how close you guys are with me.”
“If he isn’t that stern all the time, we would be close to him as well!” Oliver complained.
Jesse nodded profusely and chimed in, “Mr. Graham can look really scary sometimes!”
Arissa was amused by the kids’ complaints. I wonder how Benjamin would feel if he hears this.
No one knew how Benjamin would feel, but he wasn’t pleased when he saw Arissa and the kids leaving without him.
Shaun glanced at Benjamin’s long face and smiled. “Benjamin, since your car has left, perhaps you should just ride with me!”
“Get your car here, then!” Benjamin glared at him.
Shaun rubbed his nose before going to get his car hurriedly.
Ethen and Bradley could only ride with the bodyguards.
When Arissa and the kids arrived at the ward, Mary had just woken up.
She then helped Mary wash her face before getting her some food.
“Issa, you should bring them home and get some rest. You guys must be exhausted being here so early!” Mary was touched. Even family wouldn’t be so caring!
“Once you’re done eating, I’ll go and get some rest in the room next door, okay?” Arissa proceeded to feed Mary some food.
Gavin and the rest were keeping Tim accompanied by playing with him nearby.
When Benjamin arrived, he nodded at Mary before asking Arissa, “Are you heading back?”
Arissa looked at him and answered, “I’m not going back. You should take the kids back, though.”
Benjamin knitted his brows in response. Seeing that Arissa was staying, he called out to Gavin and the others, “The six of you, follow me back to the hotel to rest. You guys can come over again in the afternoon.”
“We want to stay here with Mommy to keep Grandma company!” Jasper glanced at Benjamin.
The rest of the kids shot Benjamin a look as well because none of them wanted to leave.
“Sweethearts, go back and rest, okay? I can’t look after all of you here. Go on,” Arissa said to the kids.
Gavin blinked and uttered, “Mommy, we can help you take care of Mdm. Mary. You don’t have to look after us!”
“That’s not necessary. Since you guys have gotten up so early this morning, please go back and rest, okay? When you guys wake up in the afternoon, you guys can come over to accompany Mdm. Mary!” Arissa put aside the bowl of food and went over to coax the kids.
“Go on, now. When I’m done feeding Mdm. Mary, I’ll also have a rest. You guys can’t keep staying at the hospital. Follow your daddy, okay?” Arissa added.
Although Gavin and the other four were reluctant to leave, they said, “Okay, then! We’ll go back to the hotel!”
“Tim, follow them, okay?” Arissa squatted down in front of Tim and patted his head.
Tim shook his head in response. “I’m staying!”
Arissa had seen that coming.
“Tim, go with the others to get some rest. I’ll be all right here,” Mary urged. However, Tim wouldn’t budge.
Arissa stroked Tim’s head and said to Benjamin, “Bring five of them back with you. Let Tim stay here. I’ll look after him!”
Benjamin then reminded, “Remember to rest, okay? Get the nurses to help you if you need anything.”
“Got it!” Arissa smiled. Benjamin threw her another glance before getting the kids to go with him.
“Bye, Tim! We’ll go back first. We’ll come back in the afternoon to play with you!” Jasper waved at Tim sweetly.
In response, Tim smiled and nodded. “Okay!”
Chapter 529 Taking Care Of Mary
“Tim, are you sure you don’t want to come with us?” Oliver asked.
Tim shook his head. “You guys go ahead!”
“Bye, Tim! See you in the afternoon!” Jesse smiled and said goodbye before saying to Mary, “Grandma, eat well and rest well, okay? We’ll be back to keep you company in the afternoon!”
Mary flashed a loving smile and answered, “Okay. Off you go!”
Gavin and Zachary also said in unison, “Goodbye, Grandma! Goodbye, Tim!”
“Bye!” Tim waved at them.
Benjamin bid goodbye to Mary before leaving with the kids.
“Sweetheart, go to the room next door to rest if you feel tired, okay?” Arissa urged.
Tim shook his head and answered, “I’m not tired. Ms. York, I’ll feed Grandma. You go and get some rest!”
Tim approached her and wanted to take the food off of her hand, but Arissa stopped him. “I can manage. Just relax here, okay?”
Mary looked at them blissfully and uttered, “Issa, since you’ve woken up so early, you should follow them back and get some rest instead of staying here to take care of me. I can eat on my own. Go get some rest!”
Despite hearing that, Arissa smiled and brushed her off. “I’ll have some rest after you’re done eating!”
Mary noticed her stubbornness, and she shook her head. “Since you’ve only recovered, you shouldn’t tire yourself out!”
Arissa flashed a comforting smile when she saw how much Mary cared for her. “I’m fine, Mdm. Mary. Stop talking and eat up, okay?”
“All right! All right!” Mary answered and ate obediently.
Tim was sitting nearby, and he kept taking food for Mary as well.
Tim suddenly saw the cheesecakes nearby. “Ms. York, Jesse and the others forgot to bring the cheesecakes back with them.”
Arissa turned and smiled. “It’s okay. We’ll have them in a while.”
“What?” Tim was shocked.
Arissa flicked his nose and asked, “Don’t you want to have some cakes?”
Tim wanted to eat, but he knew the cakes belonged to the others.
Arissa could tell what was on Tim’s mind, so she said, “We can’t keep the cakes for too long. Otherwise, they’ll melt! We have to eat them so that they won’t go to waste. Besides, I can always buy some more when Gavin and the others crave them!”
Tim blinked. Is that so?
“Here, Mdm. Mary. Have some soup!” Arissa blew on the soup to cool it down before feeding Mary patiently.
Arissa only cleaned up after Mary had finished the bowl of mushroom soup.
“Grandma, are you feeling better?” Tim leaned on the bed and held Mary’s hand.
Mary caressed Tim’s head lovingly and uttered, “Yes, I’m fine. Don’t worry!”
Tim then tucked Mary’s blanket.
In the meantime, Arissa was peeling some fruits for Mary, but she remembered how Mary couldn’t take much sugary food. “Mdm. Mary, from now on, you ought to keep an eye out on your sugar intake, okay?”
Mary was taken aback. “Why is that?”
Arissa realized Mary had no idea about her high blood sugar level. She sighed and advised, “You have a high blood sugar level, so you can’t eat these. From now on, you have to control your sugar intake!”
Mary sighed and nodded. “I didn’t even know because I’ve never tested myself for that.”
Usually, Mary would only check her blood pressure, and she knew she had high blood pressure.
“It’s no big deal, though. Don’t worry about it!” Arissa comforted Mary. She only told Mary about it so that she would be careful about her sugar intake in the future.
Mary nodded and asked, “Are my test results out yet?”
“Not yet!” Arissa poured Mary a glass of warm water and fed it to her.
Right then, Shaun brought some doctors and nurses into the ward. “I’m here to examine Mdm. Mary!”
Arissa nodded and brought Tim to the side.
Shaun proceeded to check on Mary. He then asked gently, “Mdm. Mary, are you feeling okay? Are you feeling any sort of discomfort?”
Chapter 530 The Boss Of Miss York
“I’m having a slight headache!” Mary answered truthfully.
“Her blood pressure is a little high,” Shaun instructed a nurse to give Mary an injection.
“Mdm. Mary, we’ll give you an injection, okay?” Shaun asked.
Mary was comfortable with Shaun’s gentleness. “Okay. Go ahead.”
“Be careful. Don’t inflict any pain on Mdm. Mary,” Shaun reminded the nurse before turning toward Arissa and Tim. “Go and get some rest, okay? I’ll look after Mdm. Mary!”
Arissa was stunned.
“Well, someone is worried that you might not be getting enough sleep. Get some rest, okay, Mrs. Graham? If you don’t, that someone is going to scold me!” Shaun teased.
Arissa was startled by his words. It seems like Benjamin has told him to do so.
She then looked at Shaun and asked courteously, “Don’t you need to rest?”
“Since Mdm. Mary is my only patient here, I’m rather free! Besides, her test results aren’t ready yet. I’ll rest after you guys have rested. Go on.” Shaun then turned toward Tim and said, “Tim, get some rest with your mommy, okay? Since I’m here, you guys have nothing to worry about, right?”
Tim merely glanced at Arissa in response.
Arissa breathed a sigh of relief when she didn’t see much of a reaction from Tim.
“We’ll get some rest after this,” Arissa answered and watched Mary getting the injection.
After that, she took a slice of cheesecake for Tim and kept another for herself. “Dr. Bailey, distribute the rest among yourselves, okay? Since Gavin and the others had already gone back, the cakes are going to melt if they are not eaten.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Graham!” Delighted, Shaun sat down and started eating.
Arissa glanced at him and said, “Dr. Bailey, you should just address me by my first name instead of Mrs. Graham.”
Shaun smiled and answered, “I’m so used to it now, Mrs. Graham!”
Arissa was rendered speechless.
Arissa and Tim kept Mary accompanied a while more before Mary got sleepy. Only then did they head toward the room next door to get some rest.
Arissa caressed Tim’s head and uttered lovingly, “Sweetheart, you like the cake, right? When I’m free, I’ll make you some. I know how to make them!”
Tim looked at her and said, “Thank you!”
“You’re welcome!” Arissa smiled.
After eating the cheesecake, she took a napkin and wiped Tim’s mouth. “You should go to the restroom before taking your nap.”
Tim hummed in acknowledgment. However, he still went to the room next door to sneak a peek at Mary.
He only went back to Arissa feeling relieved after seeing Shaun watching over Mary, who was fast asleep.
When Arissa was done making the bed, she saw Tim running to the restroom, so she sat by the bed to wait for him.
Soon after, Tim came out of the restroom. “I’m done, Ms. York!”
Arissa carried him to the bed and covered him with a blanket. “Sleep first, okay? I’ll go to the restroom first.”
Tim blushed slightly and nodded.
When Arissa saw how cute he looked, she leaned down to kiss his forehead before going to the restroom.
Tim touched his forehead in a daze and felt the warmth in his heart.
Suddenly, the phone Arissa left on the coffee table started vibrating. Tim glanced in the restroom’s direction and saw that Arissa was still in there. He then glanced at the phone, and the screen read: Boss.
Tim was stumped. Who is this? Is this Ms. York’s boss? ”Ms. York, your phone is ringing.”
“Who’s calling, Sweetheart? Could you answer it for me?” Arissa asked from inside the restroom.
Tim frowned, and he kept wiping his hands on his pants.
Tim had never used a phone before, so he had no idea how to answer a phone call. Hence, he was so nervous that his palms started sweating when he heard the phone ringing. What if Ms. York’s boss gets angry and fires her?
Right then, the phone stopped ringing. Worried sick, Tim quickly grabbed the phone and ran toward the restroom. “Ms. York, I-I don’t know how to answer it! I think you should call your boss back!”
Arissa was heartbroken because she had forgotten that Tim had never been exposed to these high-tech gadgets.
At the same time, she was puzzled when she heard the last sentence, and she quickly washed her hands and got out of the restroom.