Ch. 591..600
Chapter 591 Arissa Secretly Investigates Raphael
“Ms. York, you should go get some rest too. Mr. Frank said that you haven’t had any rest since morning!” Tim proposed.
Deep down, he was worried that Arissa would continue to dwell on the previous topic.
“Issa, is that true? In that case, you should get some rest. Don’t wear yourself out!” Mary looked at Arissa with concern.
“Since it’s already past afternoon, I don’t feel tired now. Grandaunt, do you want to try some bananas?”
With that, Arissa peeled a banana for Mary.
“Sure!”
Mary took it but immediately handed it over to Tim.
Meanwhile, Tim kept shifting his gaze from Mary to Arissa.
Seconds later, he couldn’t help but ask, “Ms. York, why did you call her Grandaunt?”
Arissa caressed Tim’s hair upon hearing it. “Well, she is my grandaunt now.”
While Tim looked at Mary shockingly, Mary nodded and said with a grin, “That’s true.”
The next moment, Tim’s eyes glinted with delight.
“Who is your grandaunt?” Just then, Jasper’s voice sounded.
At the same time, Gavin, Zachary, Oliver, and Jesse also heard it and looked at them curiously.
“Ms. York calls Grandma Grandaunt!” Tim exclaimed while Arissa and Mary smiled.
Arissa waved at the kids and said, “Sweethearts, come here and greet your Great-grandaunt!”
“Hi, Great-grandaunt!” Gavin said in a sweet voice.
The next moment, Zachary, Oliver, Jasper, and Jesse followed suit.
“Hi, Great-grandaunt!”
“Hi all!” Mary was touched.
Gavin turned to Tim and said, “Tim, you should address Mary as Great-grandaunt like us!”
Tim looked at Gavin for a while before turning his gaze to Mary.
Mary smiled at Tim in response.
Deep down, Mary didn’t mind if Tim addressed her as his great-grandaunt like other kids.
Arissa caressed Tim’s head and said, “Well, you can still address Mary as Grandma if you like.”
After gazing at Tim for a while, Tim suddenly said, “Great-grandaunt!”
“Good boy!”
Feeling overjoyed, Mary looked at the six kids lovingly.
“Try some bananas!”
“Thank you, Great-grandaunt!” The kids replied and grabbed the fruits on the plate.
Arissa peeled another banana for Mary and said, “Grandaunt, you should eat more bananas. They are good for your health and rich in fiber.”
“Sure.”
Perhaps because Mary was delighted, she had a good appetite and enjoyed the fruits with the six kids.
As Mary began telling stories to the kids, Arissa silently left the room.
“Bradley, please investigate Mary’s son. Also, find out what the villagers think about him. Be careful not to expose your identity.”
“Sure. I’ll do it right now!”
With that, Bradley turned around to work on it.
Later, Arissa wanted to see Benjamin but didn’t enter the room because he was in the middle of a meeting.
When Shaun and a few doctors headed toward Mary’s ward, Arissa decided to join them.
The doctors checked Mary over and injected an IV drip on her arm.
Noticing that Arissa seemed worried, Shaun came up to her to explain Mary’s condition.
“We inject an IV drip for Mdm. Mary to control her blood sugar level. The result is not bad and better than yesterday.”
Arissa heaved a sigh of relief upon hearing it. “Thank you so much!”
“Don’t mention it, Arissa. We’re indebted to Mdm. Mary for raising Tim. Hence, we should help cure her illness.”
Mary could hear their conversation. After a while, she gazed at them and said, “Thank you so much. I know you haven’t gotten enough rest because of treating my illness.”
“No worries. We’re used to working for several days without much rest. Sometimes, we even have to perform surgery for patients for dozens of hours straight! Our exhaustion means nothing as long as we can cure your illness!” Shaun consoled Mary in a friendly tone.
In the meantime, Mary felt touched because they didn’t disdain her for being a country bumpkin.
Before this, Mary had never encountered anyone who was kind-hearted enough to treat her like a family member.
Chapter 592 Robs The Cradle And Have Six Kids
“Dr. Bailey, your medical skills are impeccable even though you’re young. I’m sure you must be a top student in your class!”
Shaun beamed with delight upon hearing Mary’s compliment.
“Mdm. Mary, I’m not that young anymore, for I’m almost thirty.”
“Oh? I thought you are in your early twenties and have just graduated!”
Mary looked at Shaun with surprise, for she couldn’t tell he was almost thirty.
Meanwhile, Shaun was overjoyed after receiving Mary’s compliment.
Just as Kingsley came in, Shaun said smugly, “Mdm. Mary has said I’m in my early twenties and have just graduated!”
As his lips twitched, Kingsley said to Mary, “Mdm. Mary, don’t be fooled by his look. He’s already thirty this year and will be thirty-one after celebrating his birthday!”
With a smile, Mary said, “Is that so? I can hardly believe it. Besides, all of you look young!”
Kingsley couldn’t help but feel joyful. “Am I young too?”
Mary nodded without hesitation. “Definitely! You’re as young as Mr. Graham!”
Kingsley grinned and asked, “Mdm. Mary, do you know how old Benjamin is?”
Shaking her head, Mary said, “Isn’t he roughly the same age as you?”
“You’re right. Benjamin is thirty-two years old and two years older than us.”
Immediately, Arissa turned to Kingsley in disbelief. Is Benjamin really thirty-two years old?
“Daddy is thirty-two years old! Mommy, how old are you?” Gavin asked curiously.
Arissa responded with a smile, “I’m twenty-six this year!”
Instantly, Gavin’s mouth widened. “Daddy is six years older than Mommy!
“He’s a little old!” Zachary chimed in and nodded.
“He’s so old!” Jasper followed suit.
“He will be almost forty when Mommy is thirty years old!” Oliver added in exaggeration while pushing his glasses.
Meanwhile, Kingsley and Shaun were amused when they heard the kids commenting about Benjamin’s age.
As Arissa smiled at the kids, Mary casually asked, “Issa, did you have your first baby when you were twenty?”
After giving it some thought, Arissa nodded and replied, “Yes, you’re right!”
Upon hearing it, Kingsley and Shaun exchanged glances and thought to themselves.
At that time, Benjamin was twenty-seven, while Arissa was only twenty. My goodness! He was robbing the cradle!
The next moment, Benjamin and Shaun were even more shocked after looking at the six kids.
Benjamin is impressive. Not only that he has robbed the cradle, but he even has six kids! I’m so jealous!
Arissa was amused when she noticed the change in their expressions.
“What are you thinking of?”
Squinting his eyes, Kingsley asked curiously, “Arissa, were you still studying at the university back then?”
Arissa nodded. “Yeah! Why?”
“It’s nothing!”
Kingsley flashed Arissa a smile but silently teased Benjamin for laying a finger on Arissa when she was so young.
Kingsley was interested to know how Benjamin and Arissa got together. However, he bit his tongue after recalling how Danna schemed against Arissa in the past.
Later, Kingsley couldn’t help but ask another question with a grin. “Arissa, is Benjamin dating you now?”
Feeling slightly curious, Arissa looked at Kingsley for a while and responded, “No.”
As expected, Kingsley couldn’t believe his ears.
“He has said that he doesn’t like me. In that case, why would he date me?” Arissa explained while pursing her lips.
Arissa vividly remembered Benjamin’s arrogant face when he warned her against having feelings for her.
Kingsley’s lips twitched when he heard it. “Well, men seldom reveal their inner thoughts!”
Arissa flashed Kingsley a smile and argued, “As far as I know, men always claim that women never say what they feel.”
Kingsley chuckled at it and said, “Arrisa, Benjamin might be handsome, but he’s a boring person. If he doesn’t like you, he wouldn’t have let you come close to him within half a meter. All the more so, he even—”
As Kingsley was speaking, he made a gesture to insinuate their intimacy.
Arissa’s face reddened almost instantly.
“You got it wrong. We didn’t do anything!” Gritting her teeth, Arissa lowered her voice to deny the claim.
Chapter 593 He Is An Iceberg
Kingsley was observant. He noticed her blush and smiled. “He didn’t kiss you?”
Arissa did not know what to say.
This jerk. No wonder Benjamin told me to ignore him.
She walked away from him and went to accompany Mary.
Kingsley chuckled quietly.
Shaun patted Kingsley’s shoulder and whispered in warning, “Be careful. Benjamin might come after you!”
Kingsley shrugged and replied, “I didn’t do anything!”
Shaun scoffed.
“If I’m not mistaken, they were cuddling on the couch…” Kingsley whispered to Shaun.
“Who were cuddling?” Jesse looked up at Kingsley and Shaun curiously.
Kingsley looked at Jesse’s curious gaze and smiled. He held Shaun closer and said, “We were cuddling.”
Jesse looked disgusted and ran to Jasper.
“Mr. Watts, I never knew you were someone like that!” Jasper said disdainfully.
Oliver looked disgusted too.
Zachary and Gavin also looked aghast upon hearing Kingsley. “What a sissy. How embarrassing!”
Shaun quickly pushed Kingsley away and stood by the side, not wanting the children to think he was a sissy.
On the other hand, Kingsley’s expression darkened, and he argued, “How is that sissy?”
“Everyone can see that is sissy! Hmph!” Gavin looked disgusted.
His reply prompted Kingsley to tear up in exasperation.
Arissa let out an amused chuckle.
“Mr. Watts, you won’t be able to find a wife if you behave like this!” Jesse took a good look at Kingsley and reminded him solemnly.
Shaun and the others could not help but laugh upon hearing that.
“Haha!” Even Mary could not help laughing. “Kingsley is elegant and good-looking. However, a man should be more manly.”
Initially, Kingsley felt comforted by Mary’s words but hearing the second half of her sentence made him dejected again.
“Mdm. Mary, I’m not usually like this. I was only joking, so please don’t misunderstand!” Kingsley explained.
Mary chuckled.
However, Gavin continued to roast him and said, “You are usually like this!”
Kingsley glared at Gavin. “Gavin, you are rude today. How can you say that? Am I usually like that?”
“Yes, you are extremely sissy compared to Daddy!” Gavin replied.
“Haha!” Arissa did not stop herself from laughing.
Kingsley flushed with fury. “Your father is a poker-faced iceberg. Don’t you know that is abnormal?”
Suddenly, the air turned tense and shrouded with a sense of threat.
Kingsley felt his senses tingling and turned around to find himself looking straight into Benjamin’s chilling gaze. He instantly felt numb with fear, and a chill spread down his neck.
Then, his mouth twitched and formed an awkward smile. “Benjamin, it was all a joke. I wasn’t criticizing you!”
Benjamin glared at him coldly and turned to Shaun. “Can you prescribe some medicine to keep him from rambling like a lunatic?”
“I’ll prescribe some for him soon!” Shaun answered.
Kingsley’s expression darkened. However, he did not say anything when he saw Benjamin’s stern gaze.
I’m not sick. Why should I take medicine?
Meanwhile, Arissa watched their interactions and found them funny.
“Arissa, come here!” Benjamin called Arissa over.
Arissa looked at Benjamin in confusion and went to him.
Benjamin glanced at his watch and said, “I will go out for a while. You are to stay here and not go anywhere!”
Arissa looked at him strangely. “You should go ahead and deal with your matter. I will stay here to accompany Grandaunt!”
Benjamin’s gaze flickered, and he frowned. “Grandaunt?”
Arissa smiled and explained that she accepted Mary as family and decided to call her Grandaunt.
Benjamin understood and nodded. “Don’t go anywhere!”
Arissa pursed her lips. “Okay, I understand!”
Benjamin took another glance at her before leaving with Ethen.
Arissa was curious about where they were going.
Meanwhile, Kingsley saw that Benjamin was leaving and caught up with him. “Benjamin, where are you going?”
Benjamin glared at him. “Are you free?”
Kingsley blinked bewilderedly. “I’m all right!”
Benjamin glanced at Ethen, and Ethen immediately pulled Kingsley aside.
“Mr. Watts, we are in the midst of an urgent matter, so stop fooling around! Otherwise, you give us no choice but to send you to the desert area to pioneer a business!” Ethen said.
Chapter 594 Arissa Discovered What Tim Experienced
Kingsley looked at Ethen curiously. “What is it? Does Benjamin has something going on here?”
Ethen patted his shoulder. “Don’t ask. I can’t tell you!”
Why so mysterious?
Then, Ethen saw Benjamin entering an elevator and rushed to him.
Kingsley smiled as he met Benjamin’s warning gaze and waved goodbye.
Seeing him, Benjamin pursed his lips and looked away.
Then, he instructed Ethen, “Get a bodyguard to watch him.”
“Yes, Sir!” Ethen chuckled. Kingsley was a busybody, so Ethen was sure that he would follow them in secret.
After that, Benjamin came to the hospital’s ground floor and noticed the suspicious Regan from the corner of an eye.
He narrowed his eyes and instructed Ethen, “Assign Kingsley this task!”
“Yes, Sir!” Ethen answered. He also noticed Regan and quickly called Kingsley on the phone.
Meanwhile, Kingsley was being watched by two of Benjamin’s bodyguards when he received Ethen’s phone call. After answering it, he said excitedly, “Listen, your boss asked me to watch someone!”
The two bodyguards followed him.
Benjamin felt at ease that Kingsley was following Regan.
Then, Benjamin and Ethen went to Rutaceae Village.
They did not meet Raphael but went to see the superintendent.
The superintendent knew who Benjamin was, so he quickly invited Benjamin into the office and served him tea.
After half an hour, Benjamin and Ethen left and rushed to Northstream.
“Don’t let Mdm. Mary finds out that Raphael is in there,” Benjamin ordered solemnly.
“Yes, Sir!” Ethen replied and went to inform everyone to keep the matter a secret.
Meanwhile, Bradley was stunned to see Benjamin’s car.
He went in and was astounded to discover that the police had arrested Raphael after a tip from Tim.
Thus, he thought for a moment and felt he should inform Arissa.
Soon, Arissa received a call from Bradley. She quickly left the ward to answer it in a secluded spot. “Bradley, did you find anything?”
“Boss, I just discovered that the police arrested Raphael after Tim’s tip. He…” Bradley paused and was worried that Arissa could not take what he was about to say.
“What did he do?” Arissa was stunned to find out that her son had reported Raphael.
It means Raphael has done something terrible.
“He abused Mdm. Mary and had beaten up Tim!” Bradley answered furiously.
Arissa was shocked by the revelation and felt heartbroken for Tim.
Mdm. Mary is weak from illness, and Tim is only a small child. How dare he abuse them? How can Raphael bear to harm his biological mother? He is a monster!
Arissa thought about her son growing up in such a frightening environment. Her heart sank and constricted painfully.
“Did it happen frequently?” Arissa asked.
“I have asked them for more details. The police have also gathered evidence. They told me that Raphael has a gambling addiction. He would demand money from Mdm. Mary and Tim. If they could not give him money, he would beat them up. Furthermore, he owes a lot of debt. The debtors came and messed up their home to demand payment. It could be due to Mdm. Mary’s severe injury that Tim reported to the police. I also found surveillance footage of Tim!” Bradley explained.
Bradley told Arissa everything he found in his investigation. He looked at how pitiful and helpless Tim seemed in the surveillance footage and felt sad for him.
“Do you have a surveillance footage?” Arissa clenched her fist.
Bradley hesitated before saying, “Yes, would you like me to send it to you?”
“Yes, send it to me!” Arissa wanted to know everything about her son.
She wanted to understand what he had gone through.
Soon, Arissa began watching the surveillance record.
Tim looked dirty and wore shabby clothes. She could not see his face clearly, but he seemed like a beggar.
Arissa felt her heart constrict. Seeing Tim like this, she finally knew he had been through a lot.
When she rushed from Dellmoor to see Tim for the first time, he had already changed his clothes.
It was probably Ethen who bought the clothes. Tim also had a bath, so he looked clean.
However, the surveillance footage showed what Tim was usually like.
Bradley called her phone again. “Boss, don’t be sad. You must take care of your health!”
“Okay!” Arissa sniffled and wiped the tears from her face.
Chapter 595 Do Not Tell Him
“Bradley, can you go to the village to find out more about Tim’s situation?” Arissa instructed Bradley.
Meanwhile, Bradley stood at the door and was about to head off. “Boss, I will go there now and call you if I find anything.”
“Sure, be careful,” Arissa reminded before hanging up the call.
She watched the surveillance footage again and sighed.
At the same time, Gavin and the other children also found out that Raphael had been arrested due to Tim. Thus, Gavin called Tim to meet in the neighboring room.
Zachary asked, “Tim, the police have arrested your Uncle Raphael. Did you report him?”
Tim looked at them for a moment before nodding.
Then, Gavin asked, “Why did you ask the police to arrest him? Did he do something wrong?”
Oliver and Jasper also looked at Tim curiously.
Tim nodded. “He hit Great-grandaunt!”
The other children exchanged glances.
Zachary asked, “Did he hit you too?”
He must have been violent that Tim reported him.
Tim looked down and shook his head. “He did not hit me!”
However, the four other children exchanged glances again and did not believe Tim.
“Tim, you have to tell us the truth. We will help you!” Jasper looked at Tim with a frown.
“Tim, you need to tell us the truth so that we can help you! We must punish bad people!” Oliver advised him.
Zachary asked, “Tim, are you sure he never hit you?”
Gavin added, “Tim, you can tell us. We promise we won’t tell Mommy!”
Tim looked at them. After some time, he finally nodded and said, “He hit me before!”
“That monster! He is evil. How can he hit a child? Furthermore, how could someone hit his mother? He is worse than a beast!” Zachary responded furiously.
“How dare he hit Tim! I will teach him a lesson when I see him!” Oliver added. The four children were all furious after hearing what Raphael had done.
Tim was touched to see them feeling indignant on their behalf.
However, he remembered how vengeful Raphael was and felt afraid. “Do you think they will release him?”
Gavin and the others comforted him. “Don’t worry. We will ask Daddy for help. He will know how to stop Raphael from leaving the prison.”
“Other than hitting you and Great-grandaunt, did he do anything else?” Gavin asked.
Tim frowned and began to inform Gavin and the others of all the bad things Raphael did. “He loves gambling and borrowed money from loan sharks!”
After Tim finished speaking, Gavin, Zachary, Oliver, and Jasper hugged him. “Tim, we will protect you from now on. We won’t allow anyone to bully you anymore!”
They all thought that Tim had suffered too much.
“Thank you!” Tim was moved by them.
“I hid from him sometimes, so he only hit me a few times. He had hit Great-grandaunt too when she was trying to protect me. In the end, she suffered a severe injury. One time, he hit her until she bled and fell to the floor…” Tim suddenly choked on his words and could not continue.
The other four children’s hearts ached. They hugged him to give him strength.
“Tim, we should tell Daddy, and he will get people to teach Raphael a lesson!” Gavin said furiously.
“No, you must not tell Mr. Graham!” Tim looked down.
“Why not?” Zachary looked at Tim in confusion. “Although the police have arrested Raphael, he would be released in a few days if we don’t ask Mr. Graham for help. While we can teach him a lesson ourselves, we are still children. It is better to lock him up. Thus, we need Mr. Graham’s help for that!”
“I… I’m afraid that Mr. Graham will worry!” Tim bit his lower lip. He did not want to tell Benjamin what had happened, fearing that he would worry.
Gavin smiled and patted Tim’s head. “Tim, even if we don’t tell Daddy, he will still find out. Perhaps, he already knows about it. How did Daddy find you?”
Tim was stunned. “He found me in the hospital!”
“I believe Mr. Graham must have found you by following the clues. He searched for you the whole night!” Jasper stroked his chin.
Meanwhile, Oliver adjusted his glasses. “I think the surveillance cameras must have recorded you when you went to make a police report. They searched the entire city for you based on this clue.”
Chapter 596 Your Son Misses You
Tim looked at them and said, “I saw Mr. Graham’s bodyguards at the hospital. However, I thought they were bad guys or Raphael’s debtors. Thus, I asked the doctors and nurses to lie that they did not see me.”
“What happened after that?” Jasper asked curiously.
Gavin and Zachary also looked at Tim with anticipation.
“When Great-grandaunt and I were in a car to head to a clinic, the bodyguards blocked the road. Still, we managed to slip past and arrive at Northstream. However, we could not escape them as they came to look for us at the clinic. They found us there. There was an advertisement on the television with a photo…” Tim explained.
Then, he looked at the four children and said, “I think it was a photo of one of you!”
Gavin nodded. “They might have used one of our photos. Daddy and Mommy had been searching for you. Since they found out about you, they began searching everywhere for you.”
“How did Mr. Graham find out where I was?” Tim was curious about this. After all, Dellmoor was quite far from Northstream.
Gavin exchanged glances with the others before saying, “You have to ask Daddy about this!”
“Don’t worry. Daddy is brilliant. He knew that Raphael bullied you and Great-grandaunt, so he will teach Raphael a lesson for you,” Gavin added firmly and was confident that Benjamin could do it.
“Okay!” Tim nodded in agreement. After all, he did not want Raphael to be free again.
He knew Raphael would not spare him and Mary if he found them again.
“I think Mr. Graham went out. Mr. Watts seemed to have left with them too, but I don’t know what they are doing.” Oliver glanced at them.
“There’s no hurry. We can wait until Mr. Graham is back before telling him. Other than that, we can call him on the phone too!” Zachary said.
“I’ll call Daddy!” Gavin glanced at them to see if they object to him asking Benjamin where he was.
Zachary and the others did not object.
Thus, Gavin called Benjamin on the phone.
“What is the matter?” Benjamin’s voice soon came from the phone. The children exchanged glances.
Gavin sounded solemn. “Where are you? We would like to talk to you about something!”
“I’ll be back soon. What is it? You can tell me now!” Benjamin thought it was something urgent and gave his son permission to speak.
“It’s okay. I will tell you once you’re back!” Gavin replied and hung up.
Benjamin frowned when he heard a beeping noise from the other end. “This brat!”
Ethen glanced at him. “Mr. Graham, I think Gavin misses you!”
Benjamin snorted and glanced back at Ethen. “Did he behave like this because he misses me?”
Ethen had a strong desire to live, so he nodded fervently. “Yes, Gavin was too shy to admit it, so he called you with the excuse of wanting to tell you something!”
“Why am I not aware of that?” Benjamin scoffed. Previously, Gavin would not speak when he called or would straightaway tell him to come home.
He would never find an excuse. Furthermore, he is now with his mother. There is also Zachary and the other children. Thus, he would not miss me.
Benjamin grumbled quietly in his mind.
Arissa returned to Mary’s room and saw only Jesse there. His five brothers were missing. “Jesse, where are your brothers?”
“They are probably next door!” Then, Jesse rushed to her and said, “Mommy, I will check on them for you!”
Arissa smiled and patted Jesse’s head.
Then, Jesse ran out of the room. He came back in a while and said, “Mommy, Gavin and the others are all there!”
“What are they doing there?” Arissa was curious.
Jesse scratched his head and answered adorably, “I think they are calling Mr. Graham!”
Arissa was stunned upon hearing Jesse’s answer. Could they be missing Benjamin?
She was curious and decided to check on them.
After all, they did not seem to care about Benjamin when he was around. It felt far-fetched that they missed him.
It might be believable if Gavin missed Benjamin, but that did not seem possible for the other four children.
The children had finished the call when Arissa came to the room.
They sounded guilty when they saw her. “Mommy!”
Arissa noticed the children exchanging glances. “Why do you all look guilty?”
The five children immediately shook their heads.
Chapter 597 Mommy Will Protect You
“Mommy, don’t overthink and make wild guesses!” Zachary refuted loudly.
Arissa could not resist chuckling as she gazed at them. Next, she approached Tim and wrapped her arms around him affectionately.
The latter remained still in her arms and could not fathom why she suddenly embraced him again.
Catching sight of the sorrow on Arissa’s face, Gavin and the others could not help but feel down in the dumps.
Did Mommy find out what happened? Ah! It seems Mr. Hinton is not around too! At the thought, Zachary was momentarily stunned before scrutinizing Arissa discreetly.
Tamping down the surging distress from within her, Arissa kissed the boy in her arms and cast a look in the direction of the other kids. “Go over to accompany Great-grandaunt first, okay? I need to have a chat with Tim for a while.”
Gavin, Zachary, Oliver and Jasper seemed to sense something amiss. Nevertheless, they only nodded obediently. “Okay!”
After the foursome stepped out, Arissa embraced Tim again. Her heart wrenched at what he had gone through.
Sensing the change in her emotion, Tim lifted his hand to pat her back. “Ms. York, what’s wrong?”
Arissa tightened her arms around her son and kissed him again before letting go of him.
“Tim, how did Great-grandaunt’s son treat you all the while?” Arissa cut the crap.
Tim’s eyes widened in astonishment. He could sense something was bothering her. Casting his head down, he mumbled, “Ms. York, did Great-grandaunt tell you anything?”
Arissa looked at him for a while and stroked his head gently.
“No, she didn’t say anything. Thus, I hope you can pour out everything to me!” she coaxed him.
Tim bit his lip and stole a glance at her without uttering any words. But why did she suddenly ask about that jerk? Could it be she has discovered anything?
“Ms. York, he loves gambling. Apart from that, he is seldom home and doesn’t care about Great-grandaunt and me,” Tim replied honestly. Nonetheless, he chose to keep mum from her Raphael had been beating them up.
Even so, Arissa stroked his head gently and cut to the chase. “He always beat you and Great-grandaunt, didn’t he?”
Tim was stupefied. Seconds later, he asked warily, “Ms. York, have you found out about everything?”
“Yeah! I’ve just known about it.” Arissa nodded. No words could describe the anguish enveloping her at the moment.
Realization suddenly dawned on Tim why she seemed to be behaving weirdly. He tried to comfort her, “Ms. York, you don’t have to be worried about me. Whenever he wanted to beat me, Great-grandaunt always stood in his way. Hence, I was seldom beaten, but she ended up sustaining more serious injuries than me!”
Arissa wrapped her arms around him, choking up. “Sweetheart, I’m sorry! It’s my fault! I couldn’t protect you during those moments!”
“I never blame you!” Tim emphasized as he gripped the hem of her top. Tears started to well up in his eyes.
Shortly after, Arissa’s tears finally flowed down her cheeks and dripped onto his shoulders.
He lifted his head from her arms, only to find that she had burst into tears.
“Don’t cry!” he yelled out apprehensively and wiped off the tears on her face with his hands.
“Okay!” Arissa sniffled and flashed him a smile, but tears flowed down her cheeks even more.
“Sweetheart, thank you!” She tried to get a grip of herself and wiped off her tears. Her heart wrenched even more as he was mature for his age.
Tim tried to coax her, “Don’t cry anymore. Otherwise, your eyes will be swollen!”
Somehow, Arissa’s heart leaped with joy when her son knitted his brows and was obviously worried about her.
“Sweetheart, how nice of you!” She embraced him and planted another kiss on his cheek again.
Tim’s ears were red as he replied softly, “You’re a nice person too!”
Arissa stoked his head and asked softly, “Sweetheart, are you hurt after being beaten by Raphael? Let me have a look.”
She was about to pull Tim’s top, but he dodged so she could not see the scars on his body. Perplexed, she asked suspiciously, “Are there any wounds on your body?”
Tim shook his head at once. “No!”
Arissa’s heart thumped. Is he afraid of letting me see his wounds?
“All right, forget about it. Come, let me give you a hug!” She waved at him with a smile.
As Tim gazed at her hesitantly, she waited patiently and coaxed him, “Sweetheart, come over!”
The latter bit his lip and moved to her side slowly.
She wrapped her arms around him jubilantly, sniffing the soothing, refreshing smell of his body and reminded him, “Sweetheart, remember to tell me at once if anyone bullies you again!”
The boy nodded.
Chapter 598 You Have Done Well
Utterly pleased, Arissa kissed him again.
In the meantime, Gavin and the others were eavesdropping on their conversation outside the door.
Meanwhile, Jesse tiptoed toward her brothers, scratching her head at what they were up to. She poked Jasper and Oliver’s shoulders with her finger.
“Stop disturbing me!” Jasper moved to shrug her finger off in frustration.
When Oliver turned and saw Jesse, he gestured at her to be quiet.
“What are you doing?” She lowered her voice and pressed her ears onto the door inquisitively.
“Mommy is having a chat with Tim inside!” Zachary explained to her before letting out a sigh. Our instinct is proven right. Mommy knows everything! Mr. Hinton must have investigated the matter for her!
“How did Mommy manage to find out? Did she investigate it?” Gavin walked aside; his forehead creased into a frown.
Zachary threw a glance at him and responded resignedly, “Mr. Hinton helped her dig into the matter.”
Right that instant, the door opened abruptly. Arissa emerged with Tim in her arms and was astounded when the other five kids came into sight.
She scanned them and questioned, “Are you guys eavesdropping on our conversation?”
The others’ hearts skipped a beat. Jasper explained earnestly, “Mommy, we’re worried stiff about you and Tim!”
Arissa let out a chuckle and bent down to put Tim down. “How much have you heard?”
Jesse retorted, “Mommy, I didn’t hear anything as I’ve just come over. Great-grandaunt is asleep!”
Arissa did not doubt her words.
Gavin asked, “Mommy, how did you find out Tim was beaten?”
Arissa gazed at them and explained, “I had a bad feeling after your great-grandaunt talked about him. That’s why I requested Mr. Hinton investigate him.”
All the six kids finally had a grasp of the situation.
Jasper piped up, “Mommy, he has been arrested…”
“Shh!” Arissa motioned to him to lower his voice.
Oliver knocked his head hastily. “Lower your voice! Don’t let Great-grandaunt hear that!”
Jasper stuck his tongue out and smiled sheepishly before asking softly, “Hasn’t Great-grandaunt known about it?”
Tim chimed in, “I’d told Great-grandaunt earlier about it. However, she was receiving her treatment when I lodged the police report. Hence, she doesn’t know what happened.”
Arissa felt a stabbing pain in her heart at the sight of the fury on Tim’s face when he mentioned Raphael.
According to Bradley’s finding, the cold-blooded Raphael even had the heart to beat his mother up. D*mn it! He’s even worse than a beast!
Nevertheless, she was well aware that Tim did not pour everything out to her. She had a hunch Raphael was worse than what Tim had described earlier. As a result, her son could not take it any longer and lodged a police report.
She presumed things must have worsened to such an extent that Tim had to bring Mary to see the doctor in the middle of the night.
Her heart sank again at the thought. She placed her hands on Tim’s shoulders and pinched them subconsciously. “Sweetheart, you’ve done the right thing. There’s nothing wrong with lodging a police report to protect yourself!”
No doubt, it was impossible for Tim and Mary to hide from Raphael forever if they continued staying in the village. Now that Tim was sound and safe with them, Arissa vowed that she would not let the heartless man lay a finger on him and Mary again. Deep down, she felt the best way to do that was to take them back to Dellmoor.
“Mommy, we must find ways so that man will rot in jail! He’ll surely bully Great-grandaunt and Tim again after he’s released!” Zachary reminded her. Tim will be fine because all of us will protect him well. But how about Great-grandaunt? Hmph! That man will surely beat her up again if she goes back!
After pondering for a while, Arissa was still indecisive. After all, Raphael was still Mary’s flesh and blood. Hence, she feared that the latter might not be able to take it if her son ended up rotting in jail.
“I’ll discuss this with your daddy first!” she replied tactfully as she threw a glance at them, unable to make a decision on the spot.
To hold Raphael captive, she believed Benjamin would have more methods in mind. Did he go to the police station for this purpose too?
“Mommy, I’ve just given Daddy a call. He told me he’ll be home soon!” Gavin informed her eagerly.
Chapter 599 She Is Waiting For Him
Arissa was stunned. Huh? That’s really fast!
She nodded and reassured the kids, “I’ll discuss about it with him later.”
They nodded solemnly. “Okay! Coincidentally, we’re thinking of asking for Daddy’s help too!”
Seeing that the kids shared the same sentiments with her, Arissa crouched in front of them and advised, “Keep it mum from Great-grandaunt first so she won’t be upset, okay?”
“Okay!” All the kids nodded in unison.
Arissa stroked their heads lovingly as she sank into contemplation. She had no choice but to keep things under wrap from Mary temporarily. We’d better find an ideal time before telling her the truth. Now that her condition is still unstable, we mustn’t take the risk of triggering her emotion.
Moments later, Benjamin was back.
He narrowed his eyes when he caught sight of Regan outside the hospital. Paying no heed to the man, he stepped into the building directly, with Ethen trailing behind him.
They were both wearing sunglasses, and Regan did not recognize them. Ethen could not help snorting inwardly. Hmph! What a lowly small fry!
Kingsley quickened his pace to catch them up. “Ah! Benjamin, you’re back! Do I still have to keep an eye on that man?”
“Carry on with that!” Benjamin only replied briefly before stepping into the elevator.
“Where did you go?” Kingsley asked inquisitively. He stopped the door from closing with half of his body inside the elevator.
“To the town!” Benjamin shot him a glance.
Kingsley’s curiosity was piqued, and he was about to ask further, but Ethen shoved him out. “Mr. Watts, continue to keep an eye on him!”
Low in spirits, the former could only continue to stand guard as instructed.
Seconds later, something came to his mind. Since Arissa is upstairs all the time, I guess there won’t be any issue if I’m not here!
“Continue to keep an eye on him! I’ll go up a while,” he instructed a few bodyguards before entering the elevator.
Moments later, Benjamin arched his brows when he noticed Arissa sitting alone on the bench. None of the six kids was by her side at the moment.
“Why are you sitting alone here?” he asked right away.
Arissa’s eyes lit up upon hearing his voice. “Ah! You’re back!”
She got to her feet and kept her eyes glued to his face.
Mary was still asleep, and the kids were in the lounge. Hence, she stepped out to sit on the bench while waiting for him.
Looking intently into her glittering eyes, there was a flicker of inexplicit emotion in Benjamin’s eyes.
“Are you waiting for me here?” he mumbled.
Arissa chuckled. “Yeah! I’ve something to discuss with you.”
Benjamin took off his sunglasses and sat next to her. “What is it?”
Arissa looked at him and questioned, “Did you go to Rutaceae Village?”
“How did you know that?” A hint of surprise flashed across Benjamin’s eyes. Other than Ethen and a few bodyguards who went along with him, nobody else was supposed to know about that.
“Bradley was there too. He saw you stepping out of the police station.” Arissa did not beat around the bush.
Leaning against the bench with his long legs crossed, Benjamin exuded a vibe of idleness. “You assigned him to investigate Raphael, didn’t you?”
“Yeah!” Dumbfounded, Arissa gave a thumbs-up inwardly at Benjamin’s perfect guess. Good gracious! What a smart man!
“Do you know why he’s arrested?” Benjamin flashed her a subtle glance; his frown deepened into a scowl. He tried to keep it from her, but it never occurred to him that she would assign Bradley to investigate the matter.
Arissa nodded with a hint of misery amid annoyance on her face.
Apart from feeling distressed for what Tim and Mary had been through, she felt a rush of boiling rage at Raphael’s ruthlessness.
Benjamin stroked her hair and consoled her, “Don’t worry. I’ve settled it.”
Huh? Arissa glanced at him in disbelief. I haven’t told him anything yet!
“Do you mean to say that you have settled everything?” she asked quizzically.
Benjamin nodded slightly with a flicker of ferocity on his face. “I bet the b*stard will be sentenced to imprisonment of at least ten years!”
To him, it was merely a waste of time settling the score with such a lowly gambler. He headed to the police station mainly to cover up the trace of Tim lodging a police report in order to protect the latter.
Arissa did not question further as she was convinced that he must have settled everything perfectly. In fact, Benjamin’s efficiency was undoubtedly impressive.
Benjamin tilted his head and glanced at her. “What do you want to discuss with me?”
Arissa looked up at him. “That was what I wanted to discuss with you.”
“I see. Where are the kids?” he asked doubtfully while looking around.
Surprisingly, the kids who were usually clingy to her were nowhere to be seen.
Chapter 600 Daddy Is Amazing
“They’re teaching Tim how to use the phone in the lounge,” Arissa responded casually.
The next second, she looked at him again as something came to her. “Since you’re here, help me to keep an eye on them. I’ll go to the mall to buy a phone for Tim.”
Hearing that, Benjamin furrowed his brows. “We can buy one when we go out for dinner.”
Arissa felt that it sounded fine and nodded in acknowledgment.
“Hey! What are you both talking about?” Kingsley advanced toward the duo suddenly, scanning them from head to toe ambiguously.
Arissa turned to look at him instinctively.
On the other hand, Benjamin cast a look of warning in his direction.
Grinning gleefully, Kingsley asked deliberately, “Benjamin, why did you go to the town?”
“Didn’t you go together with him?” Arissa was in bafflement.
“No, I was downstairs…” Before he could finish his words, Benjamin interjected, “Kingsley Watts, move aside!”
Kingsley put on an innocent look. Benjamin rose and shot him a glance, hinting him to move aside. The latter was quick-witted and followed behind him.
When they were quite a distance away from Arissa, Benjamin lowered his voice to warn him, “Don’t let her find out Regan York is downstairs!”
Kingsley promised him, “Okay! I got it.”
Arissa twitched her lips as she turned to look in their direction, racking her brain on what they could be talking about.
Shortly after, she stood up and headed toward the lounge to check on the kids.
“Mommy, Tim knows how to use the phone now!” Jasper told her excitedly.
“Oh, is it? I’ll buy him a phone tonight.” She stroked Tim’s head affectionately.
“I don’t need a phone. Ms. York, you don’t have to waste money to buy me one.” Tim tried to turn her down nicely. To him, the phone was too costly.
“Everyone else has one each, so you should have one too. That way, you can get in touch with them!” Arissa tried to talk him into accepting it.
“Tim, phones are a lot cheaper now. I can buy one for you. Mommy doesn’t need to buy it!” Zachary winked at him.
“You have money?” Tim stared at him.
Zachary grinned ear to ear triumphantly. “Of course!”
“If you feel bad that Mommy has to spend for you, I can buy you one!” Zachary gladly offered him.
“It’s all right. I don’t really need one!” Tim murmured.
“Tim, it’s more convenient if you have a phone. By then, you’ll be able to call anyone as you like. Besides, we can give you a call at any time too!” Gavin reassured him.
“Okay! We must get you one for convenience’s sake!” Arissa made up her mind and stroked Tim’s head. “Oh yeah! Your daddy is back!”
“Mommy, have you mentioned it to him?” Oliver lifted his head and stared at her.
“Yeah! I’ve told him.” Arissa nodded with a smile.
“What did he say?” Gavin asked apprehensively.
Meanwhile, Zachary and the others’ eyes were on her as well.
She smiled at them. “Your daddy has already settled it. Tim, Raphael will be in prison for at least ten years.”
Tim was flabbergasted. Ten years? Is that possible? He was usually held captive for not more than half a month in prison after he was arrested!
“Could it take so long?” he asked with sheer disbelief.
“Of course! Your daddy could do it!” Arissa explained briefly to him.
“Daddy is incredibly amazing!” Gavin smiled triumphantly. Evidently, he was in awe of Benjamin.
At that very moment, Arissa could not resist feeling amused when she caught a glimpse of Benjamin emerging behind Gavin.
All of a sudden, a figure flashed across the door.
She turned slightly and saw Benjamin standing there, looking relatively pleased. “Did you hear that? Gavin complimented you for being amazing!” she teased him with a mischievous smile.
“Yeah!” Gavin’s face flushed when he noticed Benjamin.
Benjamin glanced at Gavin, who blushed crimson. “Gavin, what do you intend to tell me?”
“Didn’t Mommy tell you just now? So is it true that the man will be in jail for at least ten years?” Gavin pursed his lips and asked solemnly. Even so, he looked exceptionally adorable as his face flushed red.
“Yeah! The attorney has handed the evidence over to the police. It’s more than enough for him to be convicted and sentenced to imprisonment for up to ten years.” Benjamin nodded nonchalantly. Pfft! That rogue never turns a new leaf after being arrested numerous times. It’s time for him to be enlightened via long-term imprisonment!
“Mr. Graham, thank you!” Tim thanked him sincerely.
There was a sparkle in Benjamin’s eyes before he fastened his gaze on Tim’s skinny body. He stated resolutely, “Tim, don’t worry. Even if he’s released, I won’t let him bully you again!”
“Mr. Graham, thank you!” Tim nodded, utterly thankful to Benjamin. If not for Daddy, it won’t be long before that man is released again!
Benjamin stroked his head gently.