Ch. 691..700
Chapter 691 Deliberately Not Answering Her Call
After walking out of Mary’s ward, Arissa dialed Bradley’s number but could not get through to him. She then tried again, but there was still no response.
What’s going on? A bad feeling rose within the woman as she furrowed her brows. He’s not deliberately ignoring my calls, is he?
Soon, Tim trotted over with Gavin right behind him.
“Mommy! Tim has some food for you,” the latter exclaimed.
Arissa was astonished. “Is this for me, Sweetheart?” she asked with a loving smile.
A blush crept up Tim’s cheeks.
“Yeah. These are for you.”
Arissa was thrilled. After receiving the snacks and fruits with both hands, she kissed the little boy on the cheek. “Thank you, Sweetheart!”
“You’re welcome,” the child replied in a soft voice. “Mr. Bailey bought them.”
The woman nodded with a smile.
“Go on and have fun, Sweethearts.”
Tim glanced at her before running to the door, pushing it open, and taking a peek inside.
Gavin leaned over too. “Great-grandaunt hasn’t woken up yet,” he whispered.
Arissa chuckled at the sight of the two boys. “She’s receiving an IV treatment, so she won’t wake up so soon.”
“I’ll get you more when you’ve finished your food, Mommy.”
Gavin stared straight at her without batting his eyelids.
The woman gave his cheek a light pinch. “There’s also some food inside your great-grandaunt’s ward. I just had breakfast not long ago, so I’m not hungry yet. By the way, this is spicy, so don’t eat too much of it, okay?”
Gavin nodded happily. “There are non-spicy snacks too, Mommy. Zachary said you like spicy food, so Tim brought you two of them.”
“Mr. Whitley said you can’t eat too much spicy food, so I only brought you two of these,” Tim chimed in after closing the door to the ward.
Wrapping her arms around the two boys, she sat with them on the bench out in the hallway.
“Are these yummy?” she asked, glancing at the snacks.
I’ve never seen these before.
“They are!” Tim nodded.
Gavin eyed him briefly before nodding with a smile as well.
“They’re yummy, but Daddy doesn’t let me eat too much of them,” he added with a smile.
Arissa gazed at the children again.
“Do you want these?”
They shook their heads.
“You can have them, Mommy. I already ate lots of them at Mr. Bailey’s office,” Gavin answered, beaming.
Tim responded similarly.
“I had quite a lot too.”
The woman stroked both their heads and turned to the younger boy among the two.
“Did you have fun at Mr. Bailey’s office, Tim?”
“Yeah! We had toys to play with!” And food.
Tim’s eyes lit up.
Arissa was surprised. “Toys? Why are there toys?”
“Mr. Bailey bought them for me when I used to visit all the time. I forgot to take them home,” Gavin explained.
Arissa nodded in understanding before opening up one of the snacks.
It was delicious.
“This is yummy!”
The boy’s eyes twinkled as they watched her enjoy what they had brought her.
The food smelled so good that the bodyguards glanced over.
“There’s more where that came from, Mommy. I’ll let you try the non-spicy one too!” Gavin exclaimed.
Arissa smiled at them. “I think I’d prefer the spicy one. This is delicious!”
Tim’s eyes sparkled with joy.
“Tim prefers the spicy one too,” Gavin commented.
“Did you drink any water after eating the spicy one, Tim?” she asked while giving the younger boy a pat on the head.
Tim shook his head.
With that, Arissa put the bag of snacks on the bench, rose to her feet, and walked into the ward to pour him a glass of water.
“I’ll get you some water then.”
She poured two glasses—one for Tim and the other for Gavin—before walking back out.
The two children sat on the bench, their legs swinging back and forth in the air.
The bodyguards’ stern faces softened. They loved watching the kids.
“Here you go, Sweethearts. Always remember to hydrate after eating snacks!” Arissa exhorted while handing Gavin and Tim a glass of water each.
The boys took the glasses from her and drank up as she continued eating her snacks.
Gavin tilted his head to face her and asked, “Don’t you want water too, Mommy?”
“I’ll pour myself a glass later. Be sure to finish yours,” she urged.
The boys nodded in response.
Chapter 692 Eat Whatever Mommy Gives
Arissa’s gaze fell on the bodyguards. “Do you guys want some snacks, too?” she offered. “We’re good, Ms. York. Thank you!” they replied modestly.
The woman merely smiled and shared her snacks with them. “Eat up. You don’t have to be so cautious when Benjamin isn’t around. There’s also no need to keep standing up, you know? You can always take a seat.”
“Thank you, Ms. York.”
The men were stunned to be treated kindly, but they still dared not sit down.
Punishment would be inevitable if Benjamin came over and saw them slacking off.
“You’re welcome! You guys are always working so hard,” Arissa remarked. “It’s fine to take it a little easier when Benjamin isn’t around.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
The guards nodded, then glanced at Gavin instinctively.
The boy looked at them. “You have to eat whatever my mommy gives you.”
There was a hint of dominance in his voice.
Arissa was tickled to hear that. “There’s no need to hold back. Eat up!”
She then had Gavin bring more snacks from Shaun’s office. “Get some fruits too.”
“Okay!” The boy nodded and began to run back to Shaun’s office.
“I’ll go with you!” Tim chirped.
Gavin waited for him to make his way over. When the latter did, he held his hand and trotted away together.
At that sight, Arissa’s lips quirked.
Suddenly, she heard a commotion from inside the ward, so she rushed inside.
There were glass shards on the floor. At that moment, Mary was sitting on the edge of the bed.
“Don’t come down, Grandaunt! Wait right there.”
Arissa hastily grabbed a broom and began to sweep up the broken glass pieces.
“I knocked into the glass by accident. Be careful, Issa. Don’t hurt yourself!”
The elderly woman looked extremely apologetic.
“It’s no problem at all. Everything will be okay after I’m done cleaning up. Don’t come down yet,” Arissa reassured.
After cleaning the large shards, she wet a towel and wiped the floor with it, one small area at a time.
Then, she exited the ward and asked a bodyguard to buy some clear duct tape.
At the same time, Gavin, Tim, and Zachary came over with food and were about to head into the ward upon seeing that Mary had woken up.
“Don’t come in, Sweethearts! Wait outside for now. A glass got broken just now, and I’m still cleaning it up,” Arissa said to them.
“Okay, Mommy!” Zachary replied while turning to his two older brothers.
“Let’s wait out here.”
“You have to be careful as well, Mommy,” Gavin urged.
“I will.”
Arissa walked back into the ward and asked, “What were you planning to do, Grandaunt?”
Leaning against the door, Tim peeked into the room.
The boy was feeling a lot happier after seeing Mary.
“I wanted to go to the restroom,” the elderly woman answered.
“Come down from the other side. There are still some glass shards over here,” Arissa instructed while pushing a wheelchair over.
After Mary turned the other way, she helped her down.
“Be careful.”
“Okay, I’m ready,” said Mary upon taking a seat on the wheelchair.
Arissa took her to the restroom while holding on to the latter’s IV bag.
The three children remained waiting at the door.
By the time Mary came out of the restroom, the bodyguard had returned with a roll of duct tape.
“Give it to me.”
Arissa took the duct tape and stuck it to the floor, using it to pick up the remaining glass shards.
Seeing that, the bodyguard ran up to help. “Let me do it, Ms. York. Have a seat over there.”
“Be careful,” the woman urged when she saw him squat on the floor to pick up the glass shards.
“Yes, ma’am.”
After sticking every inch of the floor with duct tape and ascertaining there were no more glass pieces, he cleaned the entire area with a vacuum.
Meanwhile, Arissa tended to the elderly woman on the bed. “Give your face a wipe, Grandaunt.”
“Okay.”
Mary took the towel from her and wiped her face with it, feeling more refreshed instantly.
“When did you come over, Issa?”
“About half an hour after you fell asleep, according to the kids. Are you feeling better today?”
Mary smiled and nodded. “I am.”
“Did you sleep well last night?” Arissa asked in concern.
Chapter 693 We Are A Family
“Yes. I slept much more comfortably after getting my mattress changed.” Arissa grinned. “I wasn’t used to soft mattresses either back then. I wanted to come here with you this morning, but I overslept, and the kids didn’t wake me up either!”
Mary did not mind it.
“You’ve been working so hard these days, so you should get more rest. Don’t push yourself. Everything’s just as fine if it’s Benjamin and the others bringing me here. They’ve taken care of everything,” she reassured after hearing Arissa’s explanation.
The younger woman nodded in response.
“Can we come in now, Ms. York?” asked Tim.
He wanted to speak to Mary.
“Come on in, but be careful.”
The woman walked over and let the three children in. “Are Oliver and the others at Mr. Bailey’s office?”
“Yeah. Oliver, Jasper, and Jesse are there. Mr. Whitley is with them too,” Zachary reported.
Arissa nodded. She did not have to worry as long as the other kids were there.
Then, she poured Mary a glass of water and placed a straw inside the glass so that the latter could drink it with ease.
“Does your hand hurt, Great-grandaunt?” Tim asked worriedly, frowning as he leaned against the side of the bed.
“Not at all,” Mary replied with a smile.
Tim gazed at her. In the end, he still lowered his head to blow on her hand.
The elderly woman chuckled in response to his heartwarming gesture.
“Have some water, Grandaunt.”
Arissa held the glass in before Mary’s lips, and the latter lowered her head to drink water from it.
“I’ve had enough, Issa. Take a seat!”
“Okay.” Arissa put the glass down and sat at the edge of the bed while pulling the covers up to Mary’s chest.
“By the way, Issa, now that I’m staying here, you don’t have to spend all day tending to me. Just do whatever that you need to do, okay? The doctors and nurses here are really caring, so don’t worry about me,” Mary remarked before glancing at Tim.
“Tim and the other kids need to go to school too. Don’t let them come over too often. It isn’t good for children to be at hospitals.”
Arissa nodded. “I’ll only be here today since I have to go to work tomorrow, and the kids will be going to school too. So after today, we’ll only be able to drop by and see you during our free time,” she explained as her lips curved.
Mary beamed at her. “It’s okay even if you don’t drop by. I can take care of myself.”
“You might say that, but I’d be worried if I don’t come over. I’ll drop by with the kids after work. When we’re not around, you can watch some TV if you ever get bored. There’s one in every room.”
“Okay, I understand,” the elderly woman replied.
“Listen to whatever the doctor says, okay, Great-grandaunt? You have to let Mr. Bailey know if you ever feel sick. He’ll be sure to treat you!” Gavin chimed in.
“Okay, I will.”
Suddenly, Arissa let out a gasp as she remembered something. The soup!
“I almost forgot! Benjamin got Edwin to make you some soup, Grandaunt. Have some. It’s also almost time for you to have your meal.”
While speaking, she grabbed the container containing the soup, placed it on top of the bedside table, and served Mary a bowl.
“Oh, but you really didn’t have to!”
Mary was beyond touched.
Arissa grinned at her. “What are you being so courteous for? We’re a family, aren’t we?”
“I’m so lucky, indeed.”
The elderly woman had never expected herself to be cared for like this.
“Here. Be careful! It’s hot.”
Arissa fed Mary a spoonful of soup.
“This is good for your body. You’ll be coming here often for treatment, so it’s important that you keep yourself well-nourished. Be sure to drink some before every meal.”
“Okay.” Mary nodded.
“It smells so good!” Zachary took a big whiff.
Gavin nodded with a smile. The soup did smell amazing.
Tim secretly gulped.
“Are you boys hungry?”
Arissa gazed at them in amusement.
Mary could not help but chuckle too.
“They can drink this too, right? Give them some. I can’t finish everything on my own.”
She wanted to share the soup with them.
Chapter 694 You Can Have Mine
“Sure, but finish yours first.” After feeding Mary a bowl of soup, Arissa glanced into the container to check out the remaining portion.
Since the children were craving the soup, she served them a bowl for the three of them to share. “Here. You’ll be sharing the soup, Sweethearts. If you like it, I’ll get Mr. Whitley to make more next time. But for now, this is all you can have. Leave the rest for Great-grandaunt, okay?”
The three boys nodded fervently, thrilled to be able to drink the soup.
“I’ll go and get Jesse and the rest, Mommy!”
After taking a few sips, Zachary turned and left.
Arissa smiled as she continued feeding Gavin and Tim the soup.
“Slowly, now. It’s hot.”
“I’ll wait for Zachary and the others to return first!”
Tim stepped aside, refusing to have any more of the soup.
Arissa smiled at him. “It’s okay. You two can have this. I’ll serve them another bowl.”
Only then did the boy take a few sips.
Seeing how much the boys enjoyed the soup, Mary said to Arissa, “Let them have the rest. I’m okay with not drinking it!”
The latter turned to face her and replied, “No, Grandaunt. You’re the one who needs it more than they do! It’s fine if they don’t get to drink it.”
The elderly woman chuckled.
“Since they like it, let them have more!”
“Okay, I’ll do that,” Arissa responded before scooping another bowl of soup and letting Timmy drink it on his own.
She then grabbed a different bowl and gave Gavin a serving of the soup.
That bowl was smaller, so there was enough soup to fill another four bowls of the same type.
“Sit there and drink your soup.”
“Mommy, will Great-grandaunt have enough if you serve us a bowl each?”
Gavin eyed his mother, worried that there would not be enough for Mary.
“Yes,” Arissa answered while stroking his head.
At that moment, Zachary returned with Oliver, Jasper, and Jesse.
“Hi, Mommy! Is there something tasty here?”
Leaning over, Jasper began to salivate when he smelled a rich aroma.
Oliver grinned from ear to ear. “It looks like there’s more good food!”
Jesse giggled upon noticing Gavin and Tim drinking soup while sitting at the side. “Did Mr. Whitley bring this over?”
“Yes, he did. Go sit where Gavin is, all of you. I’ll bring you your soup.”
Arissa did not want them to walk around in case they stepped on some broken glass shards that were not cleaned earlier.
“I’ll help you, Mommy.”
Zachary carried two bowls.
“Be careful,” Arissa exhorted.
She then brought the remaining two bowls to the coffee table.
“Wait for it to cool, okay?”
However, the children could not wait any longer. Oliver and Jasper sat on the floor, and with their elbows pressed against the coffee table, they began to drink their soup.
“Mmm! It’s yummy!”
Seeing her brothers sit on the floor, Jesse did the same.
Zachary took a seat next to her.
Tim was sitting on the couch with Gavin, but after seeing everyone else sitting on the floor, he followed suit and sat next to Zachary.
Eventually, Gavin felt it was pointless sitting on the couch by himself, so he moved to the carpet too.
The six children looked adorable sitting around the coffee table and drinking their soup.
The sounds they made gave the impression that they were having the best meal in the world.
Arissa’s lips curved at that sight.
She then moved all the other things on top of the coffee table elsewhere to give the children more room.
“Aren’t you drinking any, Mommy?”
Oliver lifted his head to look at her.
His mother shook her head. “I’m good. You guys can go ahead. Remember, just one bowl. The rest is for Great-grandaunt, okay?”
The children nodded in unison.
“Has Great-grandaunt had any?”
Jasper darted a glance in Mary’s direction.
“She just had a bowl. I’ll serve her another one later,” Arissa answered, smiling.
“I’ve already had some just now, so you can have the rest of mine, Ms. York,” offered Tim as he gazed up at her.
He wanted her to have some.
“Thank you, Tim!” she replied, pinching his little face. “But it’s okay. I’ll be eating soon, and I’m not hungry yet.”
“Have some fruit then, Mommy,” Gavin called out to her before shifting his attention back to his soup.
Edwin arrived at that moment, and a doting smile formed on his lips as he saw the children enjoying their soup together.
“Did you have some too, Mdm. Mary?”
“I had a bowl just now.” Mary was all smiles.
Chapter 695 We Still Want To Keep You Company
Edwin nodded as he observed Mary. She looks well. “Mr. Graham told me to make this soup as a tonic for you. Drink more of it. In fact, drink it whenever you feel hungry, even if it’s not time for your meals. It helps to energize your body.”
“I will. Sorry for the trouble!” Mary responded politely. “Not at all. I make this all the time. It doesn’t take much effort.” Edwin smiled.
“Please make more the next time so that they can have some too, Edwin,” Arissa requested.
“Sure. I’ll make a bigger batch tomorrow. This soup is good for children too since they’re growing.”
The butler chuckled as he gazed at the children lovingly.
“You can have some too, Mrs. Graham.”
Arissa beamed in response. “It’s okay. I’m not hungry.”
Then, Edwin glanced at the time. It was past eleven, which meant it would be lunchtime soon.
“Will you be having lunch at home or outside, Mrs. Graham?”
“I’ll just eat here at the hospital.”
“Very well. I’ll go to the kitchen and have the staff prepare the meal. What do you feel like having?”
Arissa was tickled. “Just get me anything since we’re eating outside of the house, Edwin. You can put more care into my meals when we’re at home. Right now, just do whatever that’s convenient!”
“That can’t do. You should be eating whatever you feel like eating!” the man insisted light-heartedly.
He then asked Mary what she wanted to eat.
The elderly woman told him she would have anything he got her.
“You can order food at the hospital, Mr. Whitley?”
Jesse gazed up at him, full of curiosity.
“Certainly!” answered Edwin as he turned to the six children. “What do you all feel like having?”
Zachary grinned. “How about we come with you?”
There’s also food at the hospital cafeteria.
“Sure! I’ll wait for you.”
Edwin then sat in a corner and waited for the children to finish their soup.
Seeing that, the children finished it as quickly as possible.
“Hurry up, Tim! We’ll be following Mr. Whitley!”
Jasper was exhilarated, although the food was not what he looked forward to most. He just wanted to take a stroll.
“I’ll just have whatever Mr. Whitley gets me. I don’t have to go,” Tim commented sheepishly.
“Don’t say that, Tim! We’ll be taking a stroll while checking out the food!”
Jasper beamed at him.
“Let’s go together,” Zachary chimed in.
“Let’s head out together. We won’t be out too long,” Gavin added.
“Run along now,” Arissa urged with a smile.
Then, she washed some fruits for Mary.
“Why all the trouble? I’ll just have a quick hospital meal set. The rest of you should eat somewhere else, then go home and rest,” Mary proposed.
“But we still want to keep you company,” Arissa responded cheerfully. “In fact, I would’ve prepared you a meal before coming over if I hadn’t overslept.”
“That’s too troublesome.” Mary shook her head.
Arissa merely smiled and placed the clean fruits on the bedside table.
After the children finished their soup, Edwin cleaned up and took them to the hospital cafeteria.
Meanwhile, Arissa continued to chat with Mary.
During that time, Shaun dropped by to examine the elderly woman before heading out for lunch as well.
“Aren’t you eating with us, Mr. Bailey? Edwin’s gone to get some food.”
“I can’t. I’m going to the cafeteria for lunch now. I have a meeting at one,” he replied with a smile.
If not for the meeting, he would have taken her up on her offer.
Arissa nodded in understanding. “Okay, go on then. We’ll be having our lunch later than you.”
As soon as Shaun left, Edwin returned with the children—all of whom had a sausage in their hands.
They had gotten Arissa one too.
“This is for you, Ms. York!”
The children had Tim give it to her, and she took it merrily.
“Thank you, Sweetheart!”
“Mr. Whitley bought these for us,” Tim explained, glancing at Edwin.
Arissa turned to him too. “I’ll get Benjamin to give you a pay raise tonight, Edwin,” she quipped.
Edwin let out a chuckle.
“That would be nice, although treating the children to some snacks isn’t going to burn a hole in my wallet!”
Chapter 696 Inviting Her To Lunch
“I’ll find some time to talk to Benjamin about him deducting your one-month pay,” Arissa offered. Edwin grinned. “I shall await your good news, Mrs. Graham. If it’s you doing the talking, I’m sure you’ll succeed.”
His comment had her smiling diffidently. “I’ll try my best. But if it doesn’t work out, let me compensate you. It’s just that I don’t know how much he pays you.”
He merely smiled instead of answering her question. In truth, losing a month’s pay did not bother him. Benjamin always gave them lots of incentives and other benefits at the end of each year, after all.
“Please don’t, Mrs. Graham. If anything, it should be Mr. Graham who pays me.”
Suddenly, Arissa’s phone rang.
Seeing that the call was from Darius, she hastily picked it up.
“Issa! I heard from Benjamin that you didn’t come to the hospital because you were in bed. Are you not feeling well?”
The woman’s heart felt warm and fuzzy as she heard how concerned Darius sounded.
“I’m fine, Old Mr. Graham,” she replied kindly. “I just overslept a little this morning. I’m not unwell.”
“Seriously, that boy, Benjamin! He never tells me anything, even when I ask him. Anyway, I’m about to head over to Yaleview. Are you home now, or are you outside?”
“I’m at the hospital with my grandaunt right now. Is something the matter, Old Mr. Graham?” she asked gently.
“I had William prepare you some food. I’ll send it over to you.”
Arissa was deeply moved. “You can get someone else to do it, Old Mr. Graham. We’ll be having lunch here. You don’t have to go through the trouble to come over here yourself.”
“It’s not like I have much else to do anyway. I’m heading over now. It’s also a good opportunity to pay your grandaunt a visit.”
Darius hung up right after saying that.
Arissa was at a loss for words.
“Is Old Mr. Graham coming over?” Edwin asked, smiling from ear to ear.
The woman nodded. “He said he’s prepared us some food.”
He laughed. “He really adores you.”
Arissa felt touched too. Despite all the rumors about his character, the elderly man had never been difficult toward her.
He’s always been so nice to me and the children.
“I’d say it’s because of the children,” she mentioned casually.
“Not at all. He really is fond of you. It has nothing to do with the children.” Edwin turned to her. “Old Mr. Graham is always especially forbidding toward everyone else. You’ll realize that as you get to know him better. He’s also quite stern toward Mr. Graham, even though it’s not too obvious.”
Arissa smiled in response. It’s more like Benjamin keeps getting on Old Mr. Graham’s nerves. If the children weren’t around, I would have asked Benjamin why he has such an awkward relationship with his father. I can tell that Old Mr. Graham does care about Benjamin a lot, but for some reason, Benjamin seems to have some sort of grudge against him.
Just as she pondered over that matter, her phone rang again.
Noticing Benjamin’s name on the screen, she stilled briefly before answering the call.
“Hello?”
“Have you eaten?”
“Not yet.”
She walked out of the ward.
“Give me ten minutes,” the man said to her.
Arissa’s heart skipped a beat as she heard that.
Is he inviting me to lunch?
“Are you coming over?”
“Wait for me downstairs. Don’t bring Gavin and the others with you,” Benjamin instructed.
Arissa froze. He’s taking me out to lunch without the kids?
“But we’ve already ordered our food at the hospital.”
The children would be so heartbroken if I were to leave them behind to enjoy a good meal.
“Get ready. I have a lunch appointment at twelve.”
Benjamin hung up right after clarifying the situation.
A lunch appointment?
Arissa looked at the time and realized that it was almost half-past eleven.
Then, she glanced down at her outfit and concluded that it was presentable for a lunch appointment.
After returning to the ward, she stood at the entrance and beckoned Edwin over. “I’ll be attending a lunch appointment with Benjamin. Could you please watch over the kids and take them home after lunch?”
“Of course, Mrs. Graham. Don’t worry. Enjoy your date with Mr. Graham! I’ll take good care of the children,” he responded cheerily.
Arissa was taken aback. “It’s not a date! It’s a lunch appointment with someone else!”
Edwin merely smiled. It’s definitely a date.
“Could you also let Old Mr. Graham know when he gets here?” she asked, rubbing her forehead slightly.
The butler nodded. “Certainly.”
Chapter 697 Benjamin Picked Her Up
“Let Grandaunt know too, okay? I’ll be heading down now.” Arissa glanced into the ward one last time and left quietly, afraid that the children would follow her.
“All right, Mrs. Graham!” Edwin snickered discreetly as he watched her leave. Lunch appointment? Mr. Graham never attends any of these!
When it came to business-related social events, it was usually Ethen who went on his boss’ behalf.
After arriving downstairs, Arissa figured she should give Darius a call to let him know where she was headed.
The phone rang shortly before the line was picked up.
“Issa!”
The elderly man’s voice came through.
“Hello, Old Mr. Graham. I just got a call from Benjamin. He wants me to attend a lunch appointment with him, so you don’t have to come to the hospital since I won’t be around. Well, if you do come, Gavin and the other kids will still be here,” the woman explained apologetically.
“I’m already on my way,” Darius replied. “What lunch appointment is it?”
“He didn’t say.” Arissa glanced over to the entrance.
The elderly man let out a huff. “What kind of lunch appointment could he possibly have anyway? He probably said that because he knows I’m planning to see you.”
Amused by his grumbling, Arissa tried to console him while wearing a smile on her face.
“It’s just a coincidence, Old Mr. Graham. Benjamin wouldn’t do such a thing to you on purpose!”
“Hmph! So, you’re finally taking his side?” Darius teased her.
Her face reddened. “I’m just stating the truth, Old Mr. Graham. He’s your son; wouldn’t you understand him better than I do?”
Hearing that, he burst into laughter. “You sure have a way with words. All right, then. Go have lunch with him. If you’re meeting someone else, you don’t have to bother talking to them. Just focus on eating!”
Arissa grinned. “Got it, Old Mr. Graham!”
After a few more exchanges, she hung up and was about to dial Bradley’s number.
However, Benjamin’s car appeared at that very moment, stopping right in front of her.
The window rolled down.
“Hop in,” he called out to her.
Arissa hurriedly opened the door to the front passenger seat and sat down.
“Who are we having lunch with?”
Benjamin shot her a glance. “A friend.”
That took her by surprise. She had thought they would be meeting a business partner.
“You’re bringing me along to have lunch with a friend?” she asked, eyeing him.
Benjamin’s expression remained cool. “He wants to see you.”
Then, he leaned over to help her put on her seatbelt.
Upon catching a whiff of his familiar scent, she felt her heart race uncontrollably.
Benjamin’s gaze darkened when he noticed her flushed cheeks.
He then leaned closer to her.
“Why is your face so red?” he asked in a deep, alluring voice.
Arissa immediately panicked and pushed him away. “Aren’t we going to meet your friend? If we’re not, I’m getting off. Old Mr. Graham’s making his way over with some good food!”
The man’s eyes narrowed. “My dad came looking for you again?”
She glanced at him in return.
“What do you mean ‘again’? He was so worried about me not feeling well that he told William to make me some food.”
Benjamin studied her before letting out a scoff. “He won you over just with some food?”
Arissa’s mouth twitched lightly. “I didn’t say anything like that. Anyway, what’s going on between you and your dad?”
The man merely leaned back into his own seat and drove away from the hospital.
Seeing him remain silent with a poker face, she pursed her lips and suppressed her curiosity.
She then tried to call Bradley again, but all she heard in response was the operator’s robotic voice.
Why isn’t he picking up?
While pondering, Arissa bit her lip subconsciously, only to aggravate her prior wound by accident.
Benjamin looked over as she hissed in pain.
“You bit the spot?”
“Mhm…”
Tears threatened to spill from the woman’s eyes. It hurts so bad.
“There’s some medicine in the car. Use it.”
Raising his chin, Benjamin signaled toward the glove compartment.
“I have some ointment in my purse. Mr. Bailey gave it to me.”
“Use it then. Do you have antiseptic? If you don’t, there’s a bottle inside there along with some cotton buds,” the man stated while focusing on the road.
Chapter 698 You Did That On Purpose
Arissa glanced at him before opening up the glove compartment in front of her. Her heart fluttered as she noticed that all the medication inside there were brand new.
He didn’t prepare all this just for me, did he? At that very moment, Benjamin’s voice rang out from beside her. “Ethen replaces them timely, just in case I ever need them.”
With that, Arissa felt all the joy inside her die out.
“Oh.” It was evident that she was not in good spirits.
Benjamin took a brief look at her, his eyes flashing when he noticed that she looked a little disappointed.
“Are you upset?”
The woman shot him a glance before turning to look out the window. Then, she grabbed the ointment from inside her purse and applied it to her wound.
Benjamin furrowed his brows. “Why didn’t you disinfect your lip?”
“It’s just a tiny wound. There’s no need for that.”
Arissa capped the tube of ointment and tossed it back into her purse.
He darted a glance at her before shifting his focus back on the road.
The two remained silent for the rest of the journey.
As soon as they arrived, Arissa alighted the vehicle on her own, not bothering to wait for Benjamin to open the door for her.
She observed her surroundings.
The man came over to hold her hand, but she avoided him instinctively.
He tried again and managed to grab her hand firmly that time around.
Then, he led her into the restaurant.
“Welcome, Mr. Graham!”
Benjamin inclined his head as a greeting before walking into the place. It seemed like he was a regular there.
Arissa eyed him briefly before checking out the surroundings again.
“Why were you upset?” the man asked suddenly.
She froze for a split second and answered with a pout, “I wasn’t.”
Benjamin tilted his head to look at her. His gaze was so sharp that it was as though he could read a person’s mind.
Then, he looked back up. “Those medications were for you,” he said softly.
Arissa turned to him, her eyes widened in astonishment.
Seeing the hint of amusement in his eyes, she looked away swiftly. “But you said it was Ethen who prepared them!”
Benjamin chuckled. “I didn’t think you’d care that much.”
The woman glared at him in embarrassment. “Then why didn’t you just tell me the truth? You did that on purpose!”
He raised an eyebrow. “Are you going to keep scowling like that? It’s going to look bad on us if someone else sees you.”
With that, she quickly looked away, smiling discreetly.
Noticing her lips curving upward, Benjamin could not help but smile too.
It took only a second for Arissa to regain her composure, and she wore a professional and courteous smile on her face.
The man frowned at that sight. “You don’t have to smile like that.”
“But I have to give whoever I’m meeting a good first impression,” she replied, giving him a sidelong glance.
Her voice sounded so sweet that he just could not find any fault with her.
“There’s no need to be nervous. You’ve already met him.”
“Who is it?” The woman grew curious.
“He’s already here.”
Benjamin followed an attendant into a private room while still holding Arissa’s hand.
Jonathan was already seated inside there, waiting for them.
Upon seeing them, he got up and nodded at Arissa.
“Hello, Ms. York.”
“Mr. Patterson?” she exclaimed.
It never crossed her mind that they would be meeting him.
Jonathan smiled faintly. “I’ve been waiting here for a while.”
Benjamin glanced at him before leading Arissa to a chair and handing her the menu.
When she was done ordering their food, Jonathan spoke to her.
“Ms. York, I need your help adding some details to Ms. Adams’ case.”
The woman nodded. “What is it?”
“Is your memory of the time she took the children away still foggy? Because if it is, we still have to be consistent. Can you be certain that she had taken two children with her—”
“I’ve regained my memories, Mr. Patterson.” Arissa cut him off.
Hearing that, Jonathan turned to Benjamin. “Why didn’t you say so earlier?”
“You didn’t ask,” the latter retorted.
Jonathan was bereft of words.
Arissa gazed at both men. “I’m so sorry, Mr. Patterson!” she apologized.
“It’s fine. It doesn’t affect anything. In fact, it’s great that you remember.”
The lawyer then cautioned her about areas to look out for, lest she fall into their opponents’ trap.
Chapter 699 The Lunch Appointment Became A Date
After explaining things to Arissa, Jonathan got up to leave. “Enjoy your meal. I have to go back to the office to sort out the details. See you.”
Arissa jumped to her feet. “Come and eat with us, Mr. Patterson! It won’t take much time.” “It’s fine. Work is more important.” The man cast a glance at Benjamin before nodding at her and walking away with his briefcase.
Arissa was bewildered. But it’s lunchtime! Doesn’t he need to eat?
“Sit down.” Benjamin’s brows puckered into a frown when he tilted his head to look at her, only to find her looking outside the window.
Meeting his dark gaze, Arissa could somewhat tell that he was not too pleased.
“Weren’t we supposed to have lunch with him? Why did he leave?”
“Didn’t you hear what he said? He’s busy,” Benjamin stated, obviously not caring whether or not Jonathan was going to eat lunch.
Soon, the dishes arrived.
“Let’s eat.”
Seeing him begin to eat, Arissa could only do the same.
It was not long until the woman’s eyes shone with delight. She looked especially pleased.
The food here is really good!
Benjamin’s eyes twinkled at the sight of how lovely the woman looked enjoying her food.
She looks so relaxed whenever she eats.
“Do you like the food?” he asked tenderly.
“Yeah!”
Arissa nodded while continuing to stuff her face, paying no attention to her aching wound.
Benjamin placed some side dishes on her plate.
The woman glanced up at him. “You should eat too.”
“I will. Slow down! Don’t hurt your lip again.”
Arissa’s face fell. She would not have noticed the pain on her lip if he had not mentioned it.
“Okay.”
Her phone suddenly rang as she continued eating. A feeling of guilt washed over her when she realized who was calling her.
“Gavin’s calling.”
Benjamin smirked upon noticing her flustered expression.
He took the woman’s phone and answered it for her.
“Hi, Mommy. Mr. Whitley said you went out for lunch with Daddy?”
Arissa grew frantic when she heard the child’s voice.
“Your mommy’s with me now. What’s the matter?” Benjamin asked solemnly.
The boy at the other end of the line fell silent for a moment before replying, “I was just asking. Since you’re taking Mommy out for lunch, you’d better take her somewhere nice.”
Benjamin arched a brow. “Your mommy’s already eating.”
Arissa’s lips twitched. Then, she glared at him and exclaimed at the phone, “I had something to discuss with Daddy, Sweetheart! That’s why we’re having lunch together!”
“What are you two discussing, Mommy?” Gavin asked earnestly.
“Stop being nosy,” Benjamin responded in a deep voice.
“Give me back my phone!”
Arissa snatched her phone back.
“I just met up with a lawyer, Sweetheart,” she explained the situation to Gavin gently.
“Was it Mr. Patterson?”
“Yes, but he left without having lunch with us. I’ll be heading back to the hospital once I’m done, okay? Has your grandpa arrived?”
“He just did. He’s walking out of the elevator now,” Gavin answered.
Coincidentally, his grandfather appeared at that very moment, so the boy informed his mother.
“Okay.” Arissa smiled, recalling that Darius had just left home when she called him prior.
“Enjoy your meal, Mommy. We’re about to have lunch too,” the boy exhorted seriously before bidding her goodbye. “Bye, Mommy!”
“Okay. Bye, Sweetheart! Muahh!”
The woman even kissed her son through the phone, and the boy returned the gesture before hanging up.
Benjamin’s expression darkened as he saw how affectionate Arissa was with the boy.
Noticing his gaze, she turned to him and put her phone down. “What’s wrong?”
“Do you always do that when you’re on the phone?”
The man was curious and despondent at the same time. She always sounds like she can’t wait to hang up whenever we talk on the phone.
“Do what?” Arissa asked as she continued eating.
“The goodbye kisses.” Benjamin’s gaze was intense.
Arissa tittered. “Yeah. Is there a problem with that?”
His eyes gleamed as he stared into her dazzling eyes.
Chapter 700 Benjamin Took The Takeout
Arissa felt uneasy from getting stared at like that, so she looked away and continued eating. Benjamin then followed suit.
For a long moment, only the sound of cutleries clinking could be heard. The man would serve her some food on her plate from time to time, and it was a heart-warming scene.
The first to finish his meal, Benjamin set his flatware down and wiped his mouth. Arissa nervously sped up as soon as she saw that he had finished.
“Slow down. There’s no need to hurry,” Benjamin said, glancing at her.
“Aren’t you in a hurry to go back?” uttered Arissa after she gave the man a look.
In response, he raised an eyebrow and inquired teasingly, “When did I say anything like that? Do you want me to go back?”
“I meant to ask if you’re supposed to be in a hurry to return to the office!” Arissa replied, her lips twitching slightly.
“I’m waiting for you to finish, so focus on chewing and be careful not to choke yourself.” Benjamin continued to pile more food on her plate.
After rolling her eyes at the man, Arissa furrowed her eyebrows at the pile of food in front of her. “I can’t finish them! There’s too much food here!”
“Take your time. Now stop talking and start chewing,” Benjamin commanded as he gave her another glance.
Unhappy with the man’s domineering behavior, Arissa pursed her lips before biting down hard on her food.
“Don’t scarf down your food like an animal. Chew it thirty times first. The children eat in the same way as you do. Swallowing food without chewing can cause indigestion!” Benjamin complained.
Overwhelmed with fury, Arissa swallowed the food in her mouth and turned to beam at the man, who could not look away at the sight of her bright smile.
“If that’s true, why do you have stomachaches, Mr. Graham? We chew less than you do, but we’re totally fine,” Arissa retorted.
There’s nothing wrong with how the kids and I eat. They certainly don’t scarf down their food like animals! With that thought in mind, she scoffed at Benjamin.
While the man was rendered speechless, she smirked in secret.
After ingesting a few more bites, she became full. There was still food left on her plate.
“You’re full?” Benjamin fixated his gaze on her.
Leaning back on the chair, Arissa glanced at the man and answered lazily, “Yes. I’m too full to take another bite, so let’s take it to go.”
“I don’t think it’s a good idea to store these leftovers for the next meal,” protested Benjamin with a frown.
“I’m taking it to the hospital for the children.” Arissa thought it would be a waste to dump the food since it did not seem cheap.
There’s no shame in taking the food to go. It’s pretty delicious!
Then, she asked the waiter to pack the food so that she could take it with her, leaving no waste behind.
“If you don’t want me to pack the leftovers, you shouldn’t have ordered so much. You’re wasting food!” Arissa could not help but grumble.
The waiter, who was packing the leftovers, was surprised to hear that someone dared speak to Benjamin in the manner. Hence, he could not resist casting a few glances in Arissa’s direction.
However, he quickly lowered his head and focused on the task at hand after meeting Benjamin’s warning gaze.
Unaware of what happened, Arissa continued to nag Benjamin. “We’re supposed to set a good example for the kids. Wasting food is what you should be ashamed about. I don’t see anything wrong with taking out leftovers since they are our uneaten food. Are you afraid this will affect your precious image? Leftovers or not, they’re still food.”
Benjamin simply stared at Arissa without making any rebuttal, letting the woman say her piece.
When Arissa noticed the man’s quietness, she felt somewhat embarrassed.
“It’s done!” informed the waiter politely.
“Thank you.”
With the takeout in hand, Arissa turned to the man on the couch. “We’re good to go.”
Benjamin then got on his feet and took the takeout from her before holding her hand and leading her out.
Arissa looked at the man’s dignified appearance and uttered in a lowered voice, “Maybe you should let me take it.”
However, he continued to walk her out without saying anything in response.
“Aren’t you going to pay the bill?” inquired Arissa when they got close to the exit.
“They’ll send the bill to the company,” Benjamin replied with his head tilted to stare at her.
The woman nodded in response before continuing with another question. “Do you come here frequently?”
“Sometimes.” Benjamin opened the car door for Arissa and thoughtfully shielded her head with his hand to prevent her from hitting the door frame.
After getting into the vehicle, she turned to Benjamin. “Give it to me.”
As requested, he gave her the takeout, which she then placed on her thighs.