Ch. 581..590

Chapter 581 Has He Fallen For Her

Once Arissa and the kids were done eating breakfast, she turned and saw Benjamin sitting there. She had no idea what was on his mind. After glancing at him several times, she asked, “Are you going to the hospital today?”

His eyes flashed as he jolted to his senses. “Are all of you ready to leave?”

She nodded. In her hand was a packed breakfast.

Then, she said to him, “You don’t have to go if you’re busy. We can accompany Mdm. Mary by ourselves.”

Since he had been in Northstream for a few days already, she guessed he must have a lot of work piling up in the office.

“Let’s go.”

Benjamin rose to his feet to take them to the hospital.

She glanced at him, then motioned for the children to follow. They had been eagerly waiting to leave.

Hence, the entire family rushed straight to the hospital.

They alighted from their car in front of the inpatient building. And at the exact same time, Regan was helping Finley out of the car in front of the outpatient building’s entrance.

Regan happened to catch a glimpse of Arissa’s figure, and his eyes widened.

“Mom, wait for me here. I need to go somewhere for a while.”

A frown furrowed Finley’s brows, and she asked anxiously, “Where are you going?”

“I think I saw Issa!”

Regan kept looking toward where he thought he had seen Arissa. However, he did not see her there anymore and was desperate to go over and look.

“Huh? That little b*tch is here? Where?”

Finley stopped complaining about her aches and pains and started looking around instead.

“Mom, wait for me inside. I’ll go take a look and see if it’s her.”

With that, Regan dashed off at once. But by the time he got to the inpatient building, there was no sign of Arissa.

He glanced at the elevator. Seeing that it had stopped at one of the floors, he hurried upstairs at once.

But when he got to the floor and failed to find Arissa after circling the area once, he became puzzled.

Since he had been some distance away, he started to become uncertain of what he had seen. Could I have made a mistake? That lady even had a few kids with her.

He glanced into each of the wards. However, he was stopped by the bodyguards when he got nearer to Mary’s ward.

“Who are you?” one of the bodyguards demanded in a low voice.

Regan smiled and replied, “I’m looking for someone.”

He looked around before turning away, thinking that there was no way Arissa would be there.

After searching the other wards but to no avail, he left reluctantly.

When he had walked quite far away, the bodyguards exchanged glances. “We have to report this to Mr. Graham.”

One of them left to report to Benjamin immediately. “Mr. Graham, Regan York was here looking for someone just now. He was probably looking for Ms. York.”

Benjamin narrowed his eyes, wondering why Regan had suddenly showed up there.

“Is he still here?”

“He left already,” the bodyguard replied.

“Follow him.”

“Yes, Sir!”

When Regan returned to the outpatient building, Finley asked hurriedly, “Was it that little b*tch?”

“I couldn’t find her. Maybe I made a mistake,” Regan replied uncertainly, frowning.

“If you see her, be sure to teach her a lesson!” Finley spat furiously. The motion tugged at the muscles in her face, and her face twisted in pain.

Regan was overwhelmed with worry when he saw the expression on her face and quickly said reassuringly, “Calm down, Mom. I’ll think of a way to find her and make her beg for your forgiveness. Come on. Let’s go and get you registered.”

“She’s a heartless woman. Once we find her, I’ll make her kneel for a good few days. Have you ever heard of a granddaughter hitting her elder? She’s as heartless as her mother and is always so mean to me!” Finley muttered, reviling Arissa.

Regan continued to placate her as he led her to get registered.

Meanwhile, the two bodyguards trailing them had heard every word.

“Are these two people really Ms. York’s biological father and grandmother?”

The remarks they had heard were so nasty that they could not bear to hear another word of it.

“It’s rather unfortunate for Ms. York to have relatives like these. If they hadn’t sold her off, she wouldn’t have fallen into Danna’s trap.”

“You’re right. However, it’s fortunate she met Mr. Graham. He cares for her so much now!”

“Do you think Mr. Graham has fallen for Ms. York?”

“Without a shadow of a doubt.”

Feeling bored, the two bodyguards began gossiping in hushed voices to pass the time.

Over at Mary’s ward, Arissa was oblivious to everything that had happened. She brought Mary to get some tests done after feeding the latter breakfast, and the bodyguards stayed close to them the entire time.

 

Chapter 582 Badmouthing Arissa

Arissa didn’t understand. Even though she let them stay at the ward, they still wouldn’t budge.

After Mary’s examination was over, Arissa pushed her back.

Regan shouted when he heard a familiar voice upon exiting the restroom.

Arissa seemed to hear someone shouting her name, but when she saw no one outside of the elevator, she went up.

Just as she returned Mary to the ward, Benjamin came by. He glanced at her a few times silently.

She was speechless.

Regan tried looking around, but since he couldn’t find her, he decided to head back.

“I’ll send you to Uncle’s place, Mom!”

“Okay!”

Finley applied the medicine silently.

The injuries were still swelling and hurting a lot.

“Go to the police station and ask them why they haven’t found the culprit yet, Regan.”

“I will!”

Regan sent his mother back to her home first before going to the police station. Just as he was about to leave, he met Kenneth.

When he saw Kenneth’s injured hand, he asked, “What happened to your hand, Ken?”

Kenneth glared at Regan. “It’s all thanks to your daughter. She called someone to stab my hand! If I can’t use my hand any longer, I’m going to make sure your family cares for me until the day I die!”

Regan’s expression changed. It was the first time he was threatened by someone younger than him.

He was surprised Kenneth had the guts to disrespect him, considering that he was the reason Kenneth could live his carefree life.

“Is this how you speak to your uncle, Ken?” Adrian Durden, Finley’s older brother, scolded him when he heard that.

“His daughter hurt my hand so badly that there are holes in it. Why should I keep talking to him in a respectful way? My hand wouldn’t have been hurt if his daughter didn’t show up!” Kenneth roared.

“Where did you see her?” Regan’s face darkened.

He had heard Arissa hurt someone multiple times, and most of the time from them. It made him feel pretty pissed off and ashamed.

“I was eating supper at the food street last night. When I greeted her, I was stabbed.”

Upon hearing the commotion outside, Finley and Morgan walked out. When they saw Kenneth’s injured hand, their hearts ached.

“Who’s cruel enough to hurt Ken’s hand? We’re going to make that person pay!” Finley exclaimed.

Kenneth scooched over to Finley. “You have to seek justice for me, Grandma. I was beaten by Arissa.”

“What? That b*tch was the one who hurt you?” Finley’s expression darkened. I’m going to skin that b*tch alive!

“Yeah, it’s her. Technically, she wasn’t the one who hit me. It’s the man next to her. She just watched me get beaten up by him!”

Finley wasn’t going to let the matter go, since she was scolded by Arissa while Kenneth got beaten blue and black.

“Let’s go and report this to the police! That b*tch is getting out of control! I shouldn’t have let her be born back then. Now, she’s bullying every one of our family members! I should’ve just kill her when she was a child. It was a bad idea to leave that minx alive and let her walk all over us!” Finley exclaimed.

“Don’t get too riled up, Grandma. My injuries aren’t that serious. They’ll recover in just a few days. Why is your face swollen too?” Kenneth pretended to ask caringly.

“I was also hit by her. Yesterday, when I went shopping to buy clothes for your Grandpa with my younger sister, I came across her. She just ordered someone to beat me up! Is the person who hit you a tall, strong man?”

“That’s right! I was also…”

Both of them kept on cursing Arissa.

For some reason, even though Regan didn’t feel anything when his daughter was called names before, it started to sting his ears at that moment.

“What did you say to her that time?” he asked.

Kenneth paused and scolded loudly, “When I greeted her, they just beat me up! What, do you think I’m smearing her name? Don’t you know what kind of person Arissa is?”

 

 

Chapter 583 Blacklist

“Regan, Ken’s a good kid. I bet that b*tch is just being petty. She probably remembers that Ken snatched her food away one time when they were little and decided to seek revenge by beating him up. If she dared to hit me, what else won’t she do?” Finley scolded.

“That’s right! That b*tch is outrageous! Yesterday, when we were at the mall, she took the clothes in my hand away and even got someone to beat us up!” Morgan added.

“I’m going to the police station.” Regan stared at them before leaving.

It didn’t bother him when he showed disdain for his daughter and scolded her.

However, when his relatives were doing the scolding, he still felt bad.

So, he decided to leave and not let himself be bothered by them anymore.

On his way to the police station, he thought about the situation for a bit before deciding to camp out at the hospital instead.

He had a gut feeling that the figure he saw was Arissa and that she was still there.

“Regan and his mother had left, Mr. Graham. He brought her to the hospital to treat her wound.” Ethen entered the temporary office and informed.

“Tell the hospital to put that d*mn old woman’s name on the blacklist!” Benjamin ordered.

Ethen was shocked. It was the first time he heard Benjamin curse someone. “Roger!”

“Also!” Benjamin raised his head and stared at him coldly. “Tell the hospital at Dellmoor to not accept her as a patient.”

Ethen nodded and left to make the arrangements. She just had to offend Mr. Graham.

During noon, Benjamin wanted to bring Arissa and the children out for lunch.

Arissa decided to have lunch at the hospital cafeteria instead because it was hot outside.

When she saw him nitpicking, she giggled. “If you don’t like it, you can just go back to the hotel and eat there. You don’t need to stay with us.”

She managed to convince him. Mary still couldn’t be transferred, at least until tomorrow. Mary almost caught a cold last night.

“Don’t talk when you’re eating!” Benjamin exclaimed.

He couldn’t get used to eating hospital food because it tasted disgusting to him.

Arissa chuckled as she watched him swallow the food as though he was swallowing a bitter pill.

She turned to her children and saw them eating without complaining.

That was how people should be eating.

“You know, people struggle to find food to eat in poor places. Stop complaining about the taste when you’re blessed enough to have food to eat!” she comforted.

Sure, the food was plain, and the taste wasn’t as great as the food found in the hotel, but it was healthy.

Benjamin stared at her and the children before eating a little.

Tim glanced at Benjamin when he saw Benjamin stop eating, even though there was food left on the plate.

He asked in a small voice, “You’re not going to eat anymore, Mr. Graham?”

Benjamin nodded. “I’m full!”

Tim bit his lip and asked, “Can I eat it then, Mr. Graham?”

The man shook as he stared at his son’s anticipating look. It was as though his heart was being squeezed by someone. He was having difficulty breathing.

The child stared at him timidly before turning to the food on the plate again. It was clear Tim found it to be wasteful.

Arissa felt relieved and her heart aching at the same time when she saw her child’s action.

“You don’t mind eating Daddy’s leftover?” she asked warmly.

Tim shook his head. “I don’t mind!”

“Then eat it, Sweetheart.”

Arissa put all the food on Benjamin’s plate to her child’s. “Don’t waste any food!”

“Mhm!” Tim nodded in agreement.

“Good boy!” She smiled lovingly.

Tim lowered his head shyly and ate.

He was pretty happy to be able to eat extra.

It wasn’t embarrassing at all for him to eat Benjamin’s leftovers.

Benjamin felt like he had been lectured by his son.

 

Chapter 584 Bad Influence

“Bad Influence!” Zachary commented.

The edge of Benjamin’s mouth twitched.

“It’s bad to waste food!” Gavin uttered.

Oliver and Jasper stared at their father with disdain.

Even Jesse let out a “Hmph!”

Benjamin rubbed his nose. “My appetite isn’t that good today!”

No one believed him.

Arissa continued to eat speechlessly.

Kingsley and the others were eating at the table next to Benjamin, so they joked about him.

“You need to get rid of your picky habit, Benjamin. Otherwise, your children will grow up like you. You don’t want that, because wasting food is bad!”

“Shut it!” Benjamin rolled his eyes.

Kingsley zipped his mouth.

Shaun, Bradley, and Ethen exchanged a glance and stifled their laughter.

Arissa ignored them and, upon seeing her children almost finishing their meals, asked, “Are you all full, Sweethearts?”

The children nodded.

Jesse wiped the sauce on the edge of his lips away. “I’ll be full when I finished, Mommy!”

Jasper nodded. “Me too!”

Oliver pushed his glasses upward as it was getting foggy. “I’m not eating anymore!”

Zachary said, “This is enough for me, Mommy!”

Gavin uttered, “I’m full too!”

Tim swallowed his food before saying, “I’m not done eating yet, Ms. York!”

“It’s all right! Take your time.”

Arissa patted his head lovingly.

Seeing how everyone was about to finish, he increased his eating speed and chewed rapidly.

Arissa held her chin up with her arms and stared at the children with a wide smile.

When she felt a searing gaze settling on her, she turned and met Benjamin’s dark eyes.

Her heart thumped, her eyes blinked, and her line of sight shifted away. Even so, she could feel him still staring at her.

Thus, she turned back again to gaze at him. “What are you looking at me for?”

Benjamin smiled and wiped the watermelon seed on her forehead away.

Her face was instantly flushed with embarrassment. How did that watermelon seed get to my forehead? This is so embarrassing.

“Look at how you’re eating. You should be more careful!” he teased.

Arissa pouted and shot a glare at him. “It’s just one seed!”

He chuckled.

Her cheeks remained red for quite a bit.

The children stifled their laughter when they saw that.

She lowered her head awkwardly. “Drink your soup!”

The children smiled and drank their soups.

“Mommy, this soup taste like water!” Jasper complained.

“You should be glad you get to drink! Stop nitpicking,” she replied humorously.

Benjamin gazed at her. “He’s right. This soup does taste like water!”

Arissa was speechless.

After the meal was over, they returned to the ward. Mary had finished her meal with the help of the nurses.

They accompanied her for a while before she fell asleep.

Then Arissa brought the children to the lounge for them to nap.

“Ms. York!” Ethen shouted.

It prompted her to exit the room quickly and closed the door partially. “What’s wrong?”

He looked at her, unsure of what to do. “You should go to Mr. Graham. He doesn’t want to eat his medicine!”

“Eh?” She was stunned. “What medicine is he eating?”

Ethen sighed and replied, “His stomach is acting up again!”

Arissa furrowed her eyebrows and shut the door completely. “It’s probably because he didn’t finish his lunch!”

Benjamin only ate five mouthfuls of it before he gave the rest away to Tim.

She headed to his temporary office. “Buy some food for him! Something soft!”

“Okay!” Ethen happily left to buy food for his employer.

When she arrived at Benjamin’s office, she saw him reading documents while his hand rested on his stomach.

She approached him and took his documents away.

 

Chapter 585 Sweet Talking Him To Eat Medicine

Benjamin had thrown a sharp glance over, but the look in his eyes immediately softened upon realizing it was Arissa.

“Why are you here instead of going to sleep?” he uttered while attempting to grab the document back. However, Arissa avoided him.

“Mr. Frank told me you’re unwilling to take your medicine!”

A frown formed between his eyebrows. “Such a blabbermouth!”

Seeing his tensed expression and his forehead beaded with sweat, Arissa did not argue with him.

“Do you have medicine here?”

As there was no response from the man, she began rummaging around. When she spotted the contents in the rubbish bin, she bent over to pick it up and stared at him, speechless. To her, the man before her eyes seemed to be much more difficult to please than a child.

“How can you not take your medicine?” she cooed.

She then poured a glass of warm water, grabbed some pills, and passed it to him.

“Hurry and take some medicine. I’ve already sent Ethen to go get you something to eat.”

Clenching his teeth, Benjamin tried to suppress the unbearable feeling.

Noticing more sweat droplets forming on his forehead, Arissa only grew more worried. “Are you all right?”

She hurriedly passed him some tissues to wipe his sweat away while reaching her hand out to rub his back.

After a while, Benjamin finally felt much better.

“Take your medicine first!” She passed him the glass of water and handed him the pills.

“It’s acting up because you skipped your meals again. Here, eat your medicine. Otherwise, the pain will come back again.”

Her soft and patient voice was exactly like how she would coax the kids to take their medicine. And because of that, Benjamin felt slightly better that he took the pills from her and ate them.

Then, she put the glass of warm water near his mouth, and the man took a few sips.

“Drink more.”

The man took the glass from Arissa and gulped the water down.

“Go lie down for some rest. It’ll take some time for Ethan to come back.” She put the glass away and looked at him concernedly.

Leaning against his seat, Benjamin responded, “I have a meeting later.”

Arissa’s tone turned a little more aggressive as she shot him a stern glance. “Is your health more important than your work?”

He had no choice but to lie down on the couch after her reprimand. “Help me massage my head.”

Noticing how exhausted he looked, Arissa eventually walked up to him and crouched down a little to rub his temples.

“Benjamin, don’t be so picky with your food in the future. Eat when there’s something for you to eat. You have gastritis; you can’t afford to go hungry, else it’ll act up easily.”

“That’s enough.” The man sounded weak and strengthless as he interrupted her.

“Fine.” Arissa stopped talking and instead diverted her attention to rubbing his temples.

About twenty minutes later, Benjamin had already fallen asleep when Ethen returned.

“Ms. York, should I wake Mr. Graham up to have his meal?” Ethen put the food he bought down as he asked Arissa softly.

She turned to look at the man, whose brows were still tightly scrunched up despite being asleep. “Let him sleep a little while more.”

Ethen shifted his gaze to Benjamin. “It’s rare of Mr. Graham to take afternoon naps.”

Indeed, ever since he worked alongside Benjamin, the latter would only get more sleep when he was ill.

Apart from that, he would only take a few hours off for sleep daily. Sometimes, the man would even go without sleep for a few days, and thus afternoon naps were undoubtedly a luxury for him.

But he did admire how Benjamin would still manage to stay so rejuvenated even without sleep.

The only downside of a lack of sleep for the man was that his temper would become extremely bad.

Arissa looked at Ethen. “Go have some rest too. I’ll stay by him.”

Ethen, nevertheless, was a little hesitant. “There’s a meeting later at one-thirty.”

“Is it important?” Arissa asked.

She thought of pushing the meeting back to a later time since it was rare to see Benjamin sleeping so soundly.

“We can wait till Mr. Graham wakes up before commencing the meeting. I’ll inform the others first.”

Arissa nodded.

With that, Ethen strode out and closed the door behind him.

Sitting at one side, Arissa could not help but stare at Benjamin.

The arrogance and vigor of the man had toned down while he was asleep. Compared to when he was awake, he radiated an air of gentleness and warmth.

His furry straight eyebrows, high-bridged nose, and delicate and chiseled facial features were all so perfect it looked as though it was God’s most flawless work.

He looked handsome and flawless from every angle.

He’s really good looking.

Before Arissa knew it, she was entranced by the visual before her eyes.

 

 

Chapter 586 Swooning Over Him

Suddenly, Arissa saw Benjamin’s deep eyes staring straight into hers.

Only then did she return to her senses. Embarrassment rose within her as she felt like she had been caught red-handed in the act, and her face instantly flushed with a burning temperature.

She quickly averted her guilty-looking gazes to the ceiling, then shifted them to look at her surrounding before looking back at the man.

Yet, he still had his deepened eyes glued on her.

I wonder how long he has been awake. He doesn’t even look like he just woke up. I can’t believe I was swooning over him just now. And I was even caught red-handed by him!

With those thoughts in mind, Arissa was on the brink of going ballistic.

“Do I look good?” There was a tinge of pleasure and satisfaction laced in his deep voice.

Immense joy surged within Benjamin when he saw Arissa’s obsessed and lovestruck look.

She shied away initially, then looked back into his amused-filled eyes and quickly shifted her gaze to look elsewhere again.

“Not too bad!” She did not deny either.

Of course, he’s good-looking. That’s why my Sweethearts all look so great.

Arissa had to admit that the man, indeed, had good genes.

The elation gleaming in Benjamin’s eyes had become more pronounced. Reaching his arm out, he wrapped it around her waist and pulled her into his embrace.

“Oh, oh…”

Caught off guard, Arissa knocked her chin against the buttons on his shirt, leaving her with intense pain that nearly brought her to tears.

Benjamin was shocked to find himself hurting her. He lightly pinched her chin, and with a frown, he asked, “Does it hurt?”

“What do you think?” Arissa’s soft voice had a tinge of annoyance in it.

An unfathomable glint flashed across Benjamin’s eyes before he lowered his head and blew on her chin.

The proximity to the man left Arissa’s body stiffened up, and her heart began to race.

Does he know how close is he leaning to me? He’ll be able to kiss me if he lifts his head up!

“Does it still hurt?” He stared at her with a scorching gaze.

Arissa blinked her eyes, and her mind went completely blank.

A hint of delight flickered in his eyes, and without hesitation, he left a peck on her lips.

It was such a light peck, yet it felt like a tonne of weight in her chest, stirring ripples in her heart.

Benjamin gently rubbed her chin. “Why didn’t you wake me up?” He regained his elegant demeanor as he eyed her inquisitively.

“You didn’t ask me to wake you up either!” Arissa knitted her brows.

“Look at that sharp tongue you have!”

Benjamin admonished her, yet his tone was hinted with a trace of affection that even he did not realize.

Surprisingly, having detected it, Arissa’s heart began to throb violently.

“Let me get up. Don’t lean so tightly against me.”

She stole a glance at the man.

Benjamin hugged her tightly, put his chin over her shoulder, and took a deep breath.

The scent from Arissa’s body wafted into his nostrils, causing greed and craving to grow inside him.

“Wait a moment.”

The man rubbed himself against her neck. Unable to withstand the tickle, Arissa grew bright red as she shrunk back to avoid the man’s action.

Of course, Benjamin did not go overboard with more intimate behavior. All that he needed to satisfy himself was to cuddle her tightly.

“You should eat something now. Don’t you have a meeting later?” she reminded softly.

“There’s no hurry.” Benjamin let out a sigh of ineffable satisfaction. “I’m sure Ethen has already postponed the meeting!”

Arissa was rendered speechless. “But still, you have to eat. If you skip your meals, your gastritis will act up again.”

Even though she was nagging, Benjamin did not find that irritating. In contrast, he enjoyed listening to her soft and soothing voice that was full of concern.

“Ms. York, Mr. Graham…”

When Ethen walked in and saw them embracing each other, he hastily ducked outside.

Oh gosh… Oh no… Will Mr. Graham kill me?

Ethen cussed himself internally for his recklessness and clumsiness. He figured he should have knocked on the door before walking in.

“What is it?” Coincidentally, Kingsley happened to stride over. Upon seeing the look of frustration on Ethen’s face, he casually asked as he was about to head into Benjamin’s room.

Ethen hurriedly placed his arm over Kingsley’s shoulders and guided him away.

“Mr. Watts, let’s come back in a while!”

Unsure what the situation was, Kingsley threw Ethen a side glance. “Mr. Graham is mad again?”

“T-That’s a possibility!” The latter appeared uncertain.

The revelation stirred Kingsley’s curiosity. “He really got mad? What exactly happened? Perhaps I should go take a look!”

 

Chapter 587 Do Not Jeopardize Your Health

At the sight of how Kingsley was about to cause more trouble, Ethen twitched his lips.

“Mr. Watts, don’t blame me for not reminding you, but Ms. York is inside too.”

Kingsley immediately stopped in his tracks, seemingly all ready for more gossip. “Arissa is inside?”

Ethen nodded his head.

In response, Kingsley tiptoed his way over to open the door slightly and sneak a peek inside, only to meet with Benjamin’s intense gaze.

Jolting in shock, he hurriedly shut the door.

Meanwhile, back in the room, Arissa felt so embarrassed she almost wanted to bury her head. She quickly shifted to the empty spot while secretly throwing Benjamin a glare.

Noticing that he was looking over in her direction, she looked away.

The man was amused and chuckled as he saw how adorable she looked with her flushing red face.

Flustered, Arissa gave him a deadly stare as she snapped, “What’s so funny?”

After sneaking a few more glances at her, he did not stay around for longer and got up to freshen himself up.

The man’s well-built figure left Arissa’s heart beating wildly.

Shortly after, she opened the lunch box, scooped some oatmeal porridge into a small bowl, and left it aside to cool down.

She then walked over and hollered, “Benjamin! I’ll leave to visit Mary now!”

There was no response from inside.

She had took several steps forward, but worried that his gastritis would act up again, she turned and walked back. “Benjamin!”

As she did not hear any sound inside, she knocked on the door. “Are you alright?”

“Mm…” At this point, Benjamin groaned in pain.

The astounded Arissa hastily pushed the door open and headed in.

With one arm on the basin supporting himself, Benjamin had his other arm cradling his belly. The crease between his brows deepened, and his head slightly lowered as he tolerated the pain and discomfort.

“Benjamin!”

Startled, Arissa darted over and held onto him. “Are you alright?”

The man seemed a little breathless. “Head out first…”

She helped him out and put him on the couch. “Lie down and try to relax a little.”

After helping him lie down, she massaged his temples.

Soon after, she poured a glass of water and fed it to him.

“Are you feeling any better?” Arissa looked at him with concern.

With his hand over his stomach, he pushed himself up and leaned against the couch, looking slightly pale and sickly.

She pulled a tissue to wipe the cold sweat rolling down his face.

Observing how she kept a gentle look while doing everything, the man’s furrowed brows slowly relaxed into their original placement.

“Have some oatmeal porridge.”

Arissa sat at one side, took the bowl, and held it in her palms to check its temperature. She then stirred the bowl and blew it to cool it down.

She had wanted to pass it to Benjamin for him to feed himself.

Nonetheless, she succumbed to the sight of his weak look and eventually scooped up a spoonful and sent it near his mouth.

Benjamin opened his mouth to eat it though he was slightly frowning.

“Isn’t there something else?”

Arissa shot him a look. “No wonder you have gastritis. You’re one picky man!”

Benjamin kept quiet in response.

“Your gastritis is acting up, so you can’t eat solid foods now. Have some oatmeal porridge first.” Arissa switched to cajoling the man. She could not bear to retort him anymore since he was still looking sick.

“At least this tastes better than what you get in hospitals, right?”

Benjamin gave a slight nod. “It does taste a little better.”

“Isn’t that good enough? It’s late; hurry and have some. Otherwise, your stomach’s going to hurt again.” Arissa continued feeding him while comforting him.

Benjamin had cooperatively eaten a few mouthfuls before the door flung open again, with Kingsley walking in.

The latter grinned brightly with a mischievous look on his face. “Benjamin, you sure know how to enjoy life. You even have Arissa to feed you during meals.”

Benjamin shot daggers toward Kingsley, who was chuckling and making fun of the man after settling down opposite him.

“Don’t be so melodramatic!”

Arissa giggled at those words. However, she was still worried that Benjamin would feel provoked and hence quickly put forth an explanation.

“His gastritis is acting up.”

Kingsley heaved a sigh. “This condition has been pestering Benjamin for a long time. It’s all because of his erratic meal habits. Not only does he skip breakfast, but he also doesn’t have his lunch and dinner on time either!”

Noticing that Benjamin was glowering at Kingsley, Arissa quickly chimed in, “From now on, remember to eat your meals on time. You have to take care of yourself and not jeopardize your health. Or else you’ll be the one suffering!”

“Did you hear what she said? Don’t jeopardize your health.” Kingsley suggestively repeated those words.

Benjamin ignored him and instead cast an impassive glance at Arissa. “Hurry up.”

She was unquestionably dumbfounded at his attitude, but instead of holding a grudge, she patiently fed him the oatmeal porridge on the account that he was still a sick patient at that moment.

Sitting at one side, Kingsley grabbed an apple to munch on while staring at the pair closely. His lips could not help but curve into a playful smirk.

 

Chapter 588 Ignore That Fellow

“Arissa, don’t tell me you’ve been taking care of him for the entire afternoon?”

Arissa was taken aback. “Nope.”

“But I saw everything just now. You two… Haha… You guys should pay more attention to the location in the future. Luckily, Gavin and the others are still taking their nap. Otherwise, it won’t do them good if they see you two getting intimate. After all, they’re still young…”

Whoosh!

Just then, something flew past Kingsley’s eyes. It was so aggressive a strong gust of wind brushed across his face, instantly putting him in utter shock.

And with a loud clang, Benjamin’s lighter fell on the floor not far behind Kingsley.

“Haha! I’m just kidding, Benjamin!” The latter chickened out.

A sharp glint crept up Benjamin’s eyes as he warned, “I’ll throw you down if you spout nonsense again!”

At once, Kingsley pressed his lips and said nothing more.

Arissa could not help but peer at Benjamin, only to see a horrifyingly sullen face on him.

If not that he deliberately tries to tease me, would people run into it? Instead of reflecting on his actions, he’s blaming them now.

“Hurry up and eat!” she urged.

Benjamin brushed his gaze across Arissa’s peaceful-looking face as he tried to control his emotions. Then, he lowered his head to continue eating his oatmeal porridge.

On the other hand, Kingsley continued snacking the apple by the side quietly.

The sound of his bites was exceptionally crisp and loud in the room.

Benjamin lifted his eyes and glowered at him in dissatisfaction.

Catching sight of that, Kingsley almost choked and stood up in fright. “I’ll go and check if Sweethearts are awake.”

After leaving that sentence, he slipped out of the room. It’s better to go and look for the children to play with them.

Arissa was looking at Kingsley when she felt another pair of eyes fixated on her intently. She averted her gazes and cast him a puzzled look.

“What is it?”

“Ignore that fellow.” Benjamin pursed his lips and uttered.

Arissa laughed. “Why?”

The man’s handsome face darkened. “Is there a need to question when I merely ask you not to be bothered about someone else?”

Arissa could not find words to refute.

After she finished feeding him one bowl of oatmeal porridge, she scooped another bowl.

“I’m not eating anymore.” Benjamin furrowed his brows.

Arissa spared him an odd look. “You’ve only had one bowl. Eat another one.”

Sensing that she was slightly displeased, the man decided to compromise.

“Then just one more.”

“Okay!”

She almost wanted to burst out laughing. How can this man behave like a kid at times?

“Don’t eat too full for now since your stomach hasn’t completely recovered yet. Finish these two bowls for now, and eat again if you’re hungry later.”

Watching her small mouth occasionally parting as she spoke, the man directed his blazing gaze longingly at her.

Moreover, the scent from Arissa’s body was igniting the desires within him from time to time.

Benjamin’s Adam’s apple uncontrollably bobbed up and down. It was an indescribably tantalizing and enthralling sight.

When Arissa took notice of that, she stole a few extra glances at it. He looks so good.

Right then, Benjamin’s gaze deepened. Does this woman know her bright eyes are especially enchanting?

He reached out his chiseled and slender fingers to touch her soft and supple cheeks.

Arissa felt her heart skip a beat. Her cheeks turned crimson red as she met the man’s passionate gaze.

She avoided his stare and compelled, “Finish it. I still have to head over to check on Mary to see if she’s awake.”

Benjamin’s voice was a little raspy, and it sounded rather alluring.

“The caretaker is around. Why are you in such a hurry?”

Arissa instinctively sat further away. “The caretaker might be good at taking care of her, but how can she compare to me?”

Essentially, a caretaker was hired to do their job. Arissa reckoned there was no way they would be as thoughtful and careful as compared to her.

“If that’s so, I’ll get Ethen to find another one!”

Arissa stood in stunned silence. “But I didn’t say the current one isn’t good!”

“I’ll find a new one!” Benjamin was firm with his decision and called out to Ethen.

The latter hurried in with his head lowered, not daring to look at Benjamin in his eyes as he was still awkward about how he had interrupted them earlier.

“Mr. Graham!”

Benjamin cast a placid glance at him. “Find a new caretaker who can take better care of people.”

Ethen was baffled for a second but quickly obliged. “Got it!”

Did the current caretaker not do a good job right now?

“Find someone from Dellmoor,” added Benjamin.

He believed there would be easier to find a larger pool of professional talents in a smaller location.

“I’ll notify them right away!”

Since Benjamin had no other instructions for him, Ethen headed out to make the necessary arrangements.

There were private hospitals in Dellmoor, and getting the director to look for a good caretaker would not be too much of an issue.

 

Chapter 589 Accept Mary As Her Aunt

As Arissa cleaned the table, Benjamin started working right after he finished having the oatmeal porridge.

“Do you need to get some rest?”

Benjamin met her caring gaze and explained, “The meeting has been postponed for a long time. Anyway, please check on the kids on my behalf!”

As Benjamin continued with his work, Arissa didn’t disturb him. After washing the dishes, she headed to Mary’s room.

Meanwhile, Mary cleaned her face while the care worker stood beside her.

Upon seeing it, Arissa hastily walked toward Mary and asked, “Mary, allow me. Did you just wake up?”

With that, Arissa gently wiped Mary’s face with a towel.

“Yes, I just woke up!” Mary was still a little tired.

After wiping Mary’s face, Arissa passed the towel to the care taker and asked her to continue with other work.

Then, Arissa poured a glass of warm water for Mary to rinse her mouth and reminded her to drink more water.

After a while, Mary was visibly energized.

Arissa took a plate of breakfast platter and fruits for Mary and said, “Mary, have something to eat!”

“Come and join me!” Mary took the plate from Arrisa with a grin.

“The meat floss bread is delicious!”

“Let me try some!”

Arissa grabbed a piece of meat floss bread and enjoyed it with Mary. “Hmm, it’s delicious! Mary, you should have more.”

“I can’t eat so much. Keep some for Tim and other kids!”

“I’ve kept some food for them. Since the breakfast platter is to your liking, feel free to have more,” Arissa gently persuaded Mary.

After a while, Arissa proposed to Mary, “Mary, we plan to bring you back to Dellmoor for future treatment after your condition has stabilized.”

Mary was taken aback for a while and frowned. “To Dellmoor? It’s too far!”

“Dellmoor has the best medical facilities. We can put our minds at ease if you receive treatment there. Besides, since we’re working there, it will be easier for us to take care of you. Even though the environment changes, your doctor would still be Dr. Bailey.”

Arissa paused for a while and added, “Anyway, don’t worry about the medical bill because we’ll transfer you to Benjamin’s hospital. We’ll handle everything if there are any charges.”

“Well…” Mary hesitated.

Deep down, Mary was slightly reluctant to leave her home and head toward Dellmoor.

All the more so, she didn’t want to trouble Benjamin, Arissa, and the others.

“Do you miss your home?”

Gazing at Arissa, Mary replied slowly, “I’ve never been to a place so far from my home. I’m worried that I won’t get used to it! Well, I think I can get some simple treatment here. Just go back to Dellmoor if you guys are busy. Don’t worry about me because I can take care of myself.”

“How can we stop worrying about you? You’ll be alone if we go back. Besides, Tim is still a child and can hardly take care of you here.”

After a while, Arissa continued to persuade Mary. “If you miss your home, you can return once you’ve recovered. What do you think?”

Arissa kept trying to persuade Mary to go to Dellmoor with them, for the medical facilities there were way better.

They wouldn’t make such a decision if the medical facilities here were on par with those in Dellmoor.

Looking at Arissa, Mary said, “I think it’s enough for you to bring Tim back to Dellmoor. Isn’t that too much of a hassle if I come with you?”

“Not at all!”

Arissa immediately held onto Mary’s arm and said, “Mary, I’ll be upset if you think like that. By the way, would you like it if I accept you as my grandaunt?”

Mary met Arissa’s gaze and felt touched. “You silly goose, others keep their distance from me after knowing my health condition. Why do you want to accept me as family? I’m worried that I’ll be a burden to you instead.”

Arissa said, “Well, I meant it from the bottom of my heart. Mary, I’m grateful to you for raising Tim for us. Hence, we’re indebted to your family and must treat you well.”

Arissa paused for a while and added, “Please don’t think that you might be a burden to us, for Tim will be upset. Also, Tim, Gavin, and the other kids will return to school in Dellmoor. They will be happy if you can go to the city with us for treatment.”

After Arissa brought up Tim, Mary gave it some thought and eventually believed that she ought to go to Dellmoor.

After all, Tim had to go home with his dad and mom.

Moreover, Tim hadn’t gone to school all the while because Mary couldn’t afford it.

Mary knew that if she insisted on staying here, Tim wouldn’t leave her alone.

 

Chapter 590 Tim Is Visibly Nervous

“I didn’t have the money to support his studies. Besides, he saved all money that he earned for my treatment instead of going to school…”

Feeling heartbroken, Mary lowered her head and wiped her tears away.

“Tim has suffered a lot with us. Hence, I think it’s best to let him go to school. If he delays his studies any longer, I’m worried he can’t catch up with others. Okay, I’ll go to Dellmoor with you…”

Arissa was delighted upon hearing it. “Well, we’ll tie you up to bring you back even if you refuse. I let you know earlier on so that you could be mentally prepared!”

Mary almost burst into laughter. “You silly goose!”

“I’ll treat you as my family member and you’ll be my grandaunt from now on!”

Feeling touched by Arissa’s sincerity, Mary nodded non-stop. “Sure, I’m glad you’re willing to accept me.”

“Well, it’s our good fortune to meet a kind-hearted woman like you!”

Wrapping her arm around Mary’s, Arissa continued to coax Mary to put her mind at ease.

“Grandaunt, you can stay with us after you’ve recovered. Besides, we’re always busy working and don’t have enough time to take care of the kids. Hence, we’ll be glad if you can help us. If you can’t get used to living in Dellmoor, feel free to come home for some time before returning to the city.”

After a while, Arissa added, “We can bring our kids here during the holidays. By the way, I’ve bought the house but rarely stay here. If you don’t mind, can you occasionally clean the house for us when you’re here?”

“Sure!” Mary nodded with a beam.

“Grandaunt, Tim learned a lot by working on the farm with you. He is lucky to have met you. I can’t imagine what will happen to him if he is sold by a human trafficker and tortured by others in another country. Hence, I’m grateful that he’s in good shape.”

Arissa added, “Besides, Tim has lived a better life than that of other kids from poor villages. I grew up in a village when I was young. Despite being poor, Tim has learned to be more understanding than other kids. Am I right?”

“Yes, Tim is a considerate child. After James passed away, I fell sick and couldn’t work much. Since then, Tim has helped me with nearly everything. My useless son never cared about us. All the more so, he even asked for money and snatched Tim’s hard-earned money…”

Mary was irritated and heartbroken when she recalled how Raphael treated them as though they were his enemies.

Arissa was shocked upon realizing that Raphael wasn’t as good as Tim described.

Tim used to tell me that Raphael is in the police station… It can’t be that…

At that moment, Arissa felt like asking Mary why Raphael would be in the police station.

Nonetheless, Arissa eventually bit her tongue when she noticed that Mary was emotional. Moreover, she wasn’t sure if Mary knew about it.

Then, Arissa patted Mary’s back and consoled her. “Grandaunt, please don’t get worked up over this. We won’t let you live a life like that anymore.”

“Thank you! Thank you!” Mary was beyond grateful.

“My son is useless. Please don’t get in touch with him, for he might disturb you from time to time. Also, don’t give him money for Tim’s sake…”

“Grandma!”

Just then, Tim came in. He was seemingly a little nervous after overhearing their conversation about Raphael.

“What are you guys talking about?”

Caressing Tim’s head, Mary replied, “We’re talking about you!”

Tim anxiously glanced at Arissa. Is Mommy aware that I have been toiling on the farm and beaten by Raphael?

Noticing that Tim fidgeted, Arissa squatted down and held his shoulder.

“Do you have any secret that you can’t tell me?”

Biting his lips, Tim gazed at Arissa silently for a while.

Seconds later, Tim turned to Mary and said, “Grandma, please don’t talk too much because you have to rest more!”

While Tim shot her a worried look, Mary replied with a smile, “I didn’t talk much!”

With that, Mary kept silent.

Arissa was aware that she didn’t know a lot of things about Tim. Therefore, she didn’t dwell on Raphael but decided to take some time to find out what Tim had gone through.