Ch. 741..750

Chapter 741 Prepare Lunch For Benjamin

Arissa only sent the kids back to school after lunch. “Sweethearts, call me if there’s anything. Understand?” The six children nodded in acknowledgment.

“Don’t worry, Mommy. The bodyguards and Mr. William will protect us!” Gavin also chimed in, “I can fight, too!” Arissa bobbed her head and tidied the children’s clothes before bidding goodbye to them. “I’ll pick you guys up after school later!” “Okay. Goodbye, Mommy!”

Learning that they would be able to see Arissa again in the afternoon, the six children were over the moon. They no longer felt torturous having to endure another few hours in school.

Arissa waved at them and waited till they disappeared from her sight before she headed back to the company. Upon arrival, she went to the top floor to look for Benjamin, intending to talk to him regarding the children’s matters. However, there was no one around in the office.

Arissa was stunned for a moment. Where did he go? Ethen isn’t around too. Just as she turned and headed toward her office, she ran into Benjamin, who happened to step out of the elevator. “You’re back?”

Benjamin grunted a cursory response that had a tinge of exhaustion to it. Arissa glanced at him before sweeping her gaze toward Ethen, who was following behind.

Seeing that, Ethen immediately answered, “Ms. York, Mr. Graham hasn’t eaten lunch yet.”

Initially, Arissa wanted to ask what they had been busy with, but it did not take long for her to change her mind. “You probably haven’t eaten too, right? Let me get the cafeteria to whip something up for you guys then.”

With that, she hurried off to prepare lunch for them. Even though Ethen felt touched by Arissa’s action, he could vividly sense Benjamin’s piercing glare cast in his direction. He tactfully decided to return to his office.

“Mr. Graham, have a good meal later. I’ll get back to work first!”

Benjamin merely snorted lightly. Returning to his office, the man removed his coat and hung it on the chair before taking a shower in the lounge.

At the cafeteria, Arissa got a worker to prepare two plates of chicken alfredo pasta. She also grabbed some snacks before going up to Benjamin’s office. “Lunch is ready, Mr. Graham.”

Just as she was about to go and summon Ethen after realizing he was not around, Benjamin’s voice sounded. “Where are you going?”

Whipping her head around, she saw Benjamin looking refreshed and energized after a shower. “I’ll go and get Mr. Frank over to have lunch.”

“No need. He already had his lunch.” Benjamin strode forward and shot her a side glance when he saw she still remained in her spot, unwilling to budge. “Come over here.”

Arissa did not doubt the man and thought Ethen had indeed had his lunch. Thus, she walked over. “I’d have asked the workers at the cafeteria to prepare just one plate of pasta if I knew he had lunch already.”

The sight of pasta made Benjamin furrow his brows in disgust. When Arissa noticed that contemptuous look on his face, she could not help but chuckle.

“It’s late. I’m afraid your stomach won’t be able to take it by the time the cafeteria prepares something else, so I ordered pasta, which is easy and fast to make. Have some pasta first.”

She picked up the fork and gestured to Benjamin. Benjamin gave her an impassive look but still sat down eventually. “Hurry up and dig in. It won’t taste as good if the pasta turns soggy. We also had pasta for lunch just now!”

A glint flashed across the man’s eyes. “We?”

Arissa fixed her gaze on him. “Yes. The kids and I. I went to the school to look for them and just came back not too long ago.” Benjamin nodded. “Have they gotten used to school?”

Unwilling to discuss such a worrying issue with him during mealtime, she uttered, “Eat your pasta first. We’ll talk later!”

The man shot her a look. “Eat with me.” “But I ate a lot just now.” Arissa stared at him. Instead of replying to her, Benjamin lowered his head and began digging in.

Contrarily, Arissa glued her eyes to that plate of pasta before her, contemplating if she should eat it. I really ate a lot just now. I’ve even eaten everything those kids couldn’t finish. And it hasn’t even been thirty minutes!

However, unwilling to see the food go to waste, she eventually held her head low and started shoving it into her mouth. Benjamin lifted his head, swung his gaze to her briefly, and continued eating his pasta.

He never liked pasta, but now, he found that it was not too bad, after all. It was warm and comforting to the stomach. “Eat more of it. It’s good for your stomach,” Arissa casually remarked.

 

Chapter 742 He Does Not Mind It

“Mmm-hmm,” Benjamin hummed a reply and continued devouring the pasta. Throughout all, the man ate his pasta gracefully without making any slurping noises.

On the contrary, Arissa loved slurping her pasta as she believed it was tastier that way. She inevitably felt a little embarrassed as it seemed like she was being too noisy.

Since she was not hungry in the first place, she only ate a little chicken and barely any pasta. She was full after eating half a plate. “Don’t force yourself if you’re too full,” Benjamin advised after catching a glimpse of Arissa rubbing her belly.

“It’s a waste to throw it away.”

Arissa glanced at the pasta on her plate. It’s quite tasty. It’ll be a waste to throw such tasty food away. Right then, a hand holding a fork reached over and scooped all the pasta up.

Arissa stared at Benjamin in bewilderment. Does he not mind that I’ve eaten it? “Your eyes are about to pop out of their sockets,” Benjamin uttered without looking at her.

Embarrassed, Arissa shifted her gaze away from him to her plate of pasta. She realized there were only several strands of pasta left. She picked up the leftover strands of pasta with her fork and downed them with some sauce.

Unable to control herself, she snuck a few more glimpses at Benjamin. Barely anyone could resist Benjamin’s handsome appearance. He was as pretty as a picture no matter what angle it was.

It was, in fact, not appropriate to describe a man’s appearance as pretty. Yet, a term like “handsome” was not enough to express his visuals. To call him a piece of art was not an exaggeration.

“Are you satisfied after staring at me like that?” All of a sudden, Benjamin turned and gazed at Arissa deeply. She awkwardly moved her line of sight away and changed the subject. “What were you busy with?”

“There’s something wrong with a project.”

Arissa was surprised since she thought Benjamin would not tell her anything. He actually explains it to me. “Have you settled it then?”

“Yeah,” Benjamin replied with a nod.

Arissa stared at him intently and became a little hesitant. He’s so busy with work that he can’t even have his meals on time. I better not tell him about the kids’ matter, lest he gets worried.

“What is it that you wanted to tell me?” Benjamin put down the plate, wiped his mouth, and leaned back on his seat lazily.

His relaxed appearance made Arissa shake her head in dismissal. “It’s nothing. I’m just curious what were you busy with.”

Noticing Benjamin’s firm stare, Arissa hastily averted her gaze and looked elsewhere.

“Let me clean up!” Having said that, she hastily got up and began clearing the plates.

“Is everything fine with Grandaunt?” Benjamin asked suddenly.

“Hmm… Quite well, actually. I called Dr. Bailey, and he told me Grandaunt is feeling great.” Arissa then took the plates out to the cafeteria.

Benjamin’s gaze followed her closely.

Is she no longer angry with me? She even cares whether I’ve eaten or not. I guess she’s not angry anymore.

The corners of Benjamin’s lips gradually quirked upward as those thoughts ran in his mind.

On the other hand, Arissa returned to her office straight after sending the plates to the cafeteria.

She tried calling Bradley but still could not get in touch with him. Without any other choice, she continued with her work and checked the media from time to time.

Nevertheless, there was still no news regarding the school’s scandal when work ended.

Arissa scrunched her brows. Could it be that those parents have stopped stirring problems?

She packed her stuff and prepared to fetch the children from school.

However, she had just stepped out of her office when she spotted Benjamin approaching her.

“Is anything the matter, Mr. Graham?”

“It’s nothing.” Benjamin cast her a quick look and leaned over to grab her bag from her. “Let’s leave together.”

With that said, he turned and strode out.

Though slightly taken aback, Arissa quickly trailed behind the man, ignoring the curious glances of the colleagues.

After the two left, the crowd began whispering among themselves.

“Is Mr. Graham and Ms. York in a relationship?”

“They look like they are! Mr. Graham even helped Ms. York carry her bag!”

“How romantic! They even got off work together!”

“I can’t believe Mr. Graham has such a gentle and caring side to him!”

“If they’re really together, I think they make a good pair!”

“What you think isn’t important. What’s important is that Mr. Graham and his family have to think that way.”

 

 

Chapter 743 Worried It Will Affect Your Mood

“Are you done with work?” Arissa caught up to Benjamin and locked her eyes on his handsome side profile. “Nope,” the man muttered as he entered the elevator.

Without hesitation, Arissa followed in. He swept his gaze over her. “Do you know that the kids were bullied by several parents in school?”

Immense shock surged within Arissa. “H-How did you find out about it?” The man arched an eyebrow and stared at her fixedly. “So you knew too? Why didn’t you tell me?”

Arissa blinked and answered softly, “You look so busy, so I didn’t have the chance to tell you.” Benjamin snorted lightly. “Why didn’t you tell me during lunch?”

“I was worried it’ll affect your mood.” Arissa eyed him briefly before looking away. The man’s gaze darkened. “There’s no need to hide the children’s matters from me.”

“How did you learn about it?” She was full of curiosity. “Mr. William told me.”

Benjamin held her hand and brought her out of the elevator. Arissa came to an immediate revelation and gave a slight nod. “But Mr. William didn’t tell me about it.”

“Then how did you know?” He turned to look at her. “I noticed that Tim was acting strangely and found out after questioning the other kids,” uttered Arissa as she gave the man a look.

A glint flashed across his eyes. “I’m sure the kids didn’t want to worry you.”

Arissa nodded. “Those children have been expelled from school. I bet their parents wouldn’t just let things slide. I wonder if they’ll talk bad about our kids.”

“Mr. William said he’ll watch closely and handle the problem well,” Benjamin comforted. Arissa responded with a nod and followed him into the car.

Upon getting inside the car, Benjamin leaned back on his seat and shut his eyes. Taking note of his fatigue look, Arissa inched closer and helped massage his temples.

At that, Benjamin opened his eyes and locked his deep gaze on the woman’s calm expression. His unusually intense gaze made her heart skip a beat.

“You look so tired. Let me give you a massage,” Arissa softly explained. Benjamin closed his eyes again, hiding his sharp gaze. She felt more at ease and continued with the massage.

Arissa only sat back to her seat when the car arrived at the school. Thinking that Benjamin had fallen asleep since his eyes remained shut, she turned and opened the car door to get out. Little did she expect the man to follow her out as well.

“Hmm?” Arissa cast him a confused expression. Benjamin turned to her and uttered, “Let’s go pick the children up.”

Suppressing the sudden surge of shock within her, she quickly followed behind to fetch the kids from school. At the school’s entrance, many kids were standing in one line with their bags, eagerly waiting for their parents to pick them up.

Arissa craned her neck, attempting to search for the six children among the crowd. When she spotted the six of them strolling out while carrying their bags, she quirked her lips into a smile and raised her hand to gesture to them.

“Sweethearts!” Everyone at the venue, including all the children and the parents, directed their gazes toward Arissa at once.

Benjamin, who was putting on his sunglasses, stretched his hand and gave her forehead a light flick. “Why did you hit me?” Arissa glared at him, yelping in pain.

The man raised a brow at her slightly annoyed expression. “Keep it down.”

Only then did Arissa realize that everyone’s attention was on her. Embarrassed, she flashed a sheepish smile. Just then, the six children ran out. “Mommy! Daddy!” Gavin yelled.

“Mommy!” Zachary and the others also greeted Arissa sweetly as they ran toward her. Elated, she hugged them. “Slow down! Be careful!”

Watching the kids and Arissa hugging each other so tightly as though it was a long-awaited reunion, Benjamin was incredibly envious.

Verily, Robert approached them. “Mr. Graham and Ms. York!” he greeted politely. “It’s my fault that the kids got bullied in school today.”

“We can’t blame you for that, Mr. William. The kids told us that you’ve protected them.” Arissa did not find fault with Robert. It’s beyond our control what those people want to say or do.

“Pay more attention to the children in the future,” Benjamin reminded in a deep voice. “Yes, I will, Mr. Graham.” Robert quickly nodded in acknowledgment while looking apologetic.

 

Chapter 744 Not Supposed To Eat Snacks In Class

After a short chat with Robert, Arissa led the children and left with Benjamin to visit Mary at the hospital. “Sweethearts, how was school today?” Arissa hugged the six kids tightly and gazed at them tenderly as she concernedly asked.

“Yes, Mommy. We have been paying attention in class the whole afternoon!” Zachary reported. “Tim was especially serious!” Gavin chuckled.

Going to school was a first for Tim, and despite being clueless about almost everything, he was the most serious among the six of them.

“So, what did you learn in school, Tim?” Arissa smiled at the boy. “We had a math class today. The teacher taught us about numbers,” Tim answered in a small voice.

“Mommy, Tim is very clever. He understands everything the teacher taught us!” Jasper chirped. “I can recognize a few of them before this!”

Tim had learned how to calculate money when he went to work with the other kids in the village. Hence, it was little wonder he could pick up numbers easily.

“You can do it, Tim! I’m sure you’ll be more impressive than us in the future!” Oliver clenched his fists and encouraged his brother. Tim bobbed his head.

“You’ll surely be amazing, Tim. Read the numbers aloud to me when we get home!” Arissa adoringly caressed the boy’s head. “Okay!” Tim agreed and gradually broke the ice with Arissa after some interactions.

The woman bent over and gave the boy a peck on his head. Suddenly, Jesse let out a sigh. “I’m the stupidest among all!”

“No, you aren’t. I can teach you if there’s anything you don’t know.” Gavin hugged Jesse as he reassured her. A smile crept up on Arissa’s face as she watched their interaction.

“You’re just lazy!” She pinched Jesse’s nose. The young girl was indeed not as clever as her brothers, but her intelligence was comparable to other children her age.

“She even sneakily tried to eat something in class!” Zachary giggled. Arissa was surprised to hear that. “Jesse, you shouldn’t do that. Your actions will affect other kids in class.”

“I didn’t let the other kids see me doing that, Mommy.” Jesse let out a mischievous laugh. “If you want to eat something, you can only do that during breaks. You aren’t supposed to eat any snacks other than water in class,” Benjamin reminded.

Upon seeing her father’s stern expression, Jesse murmured, “I only ate a bun. A bun isn’t a snack!”

While Benjamin was at a loss for words because of the young girl’s response, Arissa was already chuckling away.

“That’s indeed not a snack. But eating during classes is not the right thing to do. Even though the teacher didn’t point it out, that doesn’t mean you can do that. You have to change that habit,” she explained to Jesse.

The young girl glanced at Arissa, then shifted her gaze to Benjamin, who was wearing a solemn expression.

Seeing that, Jesse bit her lips and nodded. “Mommy, I got it.” “Good girl!” Arissa patted Jesse’s head. “Mommy, they gave me yummy snacks too!” The young girl clung to Arissa’s arm as she shared her joy with her mother.

“Did you share with them then?” Arissa tenderly queried. Jesse’s hair bounced about as she bobbed her head, rendering her absolutely adorable.

“Yes!” the young girl shouted. Arissa smiled and caressed Jesse’s soft and tiny face.

“Good job. Remember, always share your food. So, do you have any more food left?”

Jesse stared at her mother and beamed. “No more, Mommy! We finished everything!”

“We still have some cookies left just now, Mommy. But we finished them. Are you hungry?” Gavin fixed his gaze on Arissa.

She curled her lips. Well, she was honestly a little hungry.

“I’m fine.”

“But Mommy, I’m hungry!” Jasper touched his belly.

Arissa affectionately stroked his nose. “We’ll see if there’s any kiosk nearby when we arrive at the hospital. I’ll get some buns for you all.”

“Awesome!” The children were ecstatic.

“I wonder if Great-grandaunt misses us? We should buy more and share some with her!”

“Sure!” Arissa replied gently.

That made the six children squeal in excitement.

It was then Arissa realized that Benjamin had been quiet throughout. Directing her gaze at the man, she saw him holding onto a tablet in his hand, busy dealing with work matters.

At once, she turned back to the children and signaled them to lower their voices.

 

Chapter 745 Work Overtime With Me Tonight

The six little ones turned to look at Benjamin and saw that their father was busy. They stuck out their tongues cheekily and kept quiet after that.

Seeing how well-behaved the kids were, a satisfied smile appeared on Arissa’s face as she passed them a water bottle for them to drink some water. “Mommy, you should drink some too!” Gavin gazed at his mother and said.

Arissa nodded. Tim took out his textbook and started reading with a serious expression on his face. “You shouldn’t be reading in the car!” Oliver adjusted his glasses while reminding his brother.

Arissa noticed it as well and quickly stopped Tim from doing that. She kept the boy’s book and said, “Sweetheart, don’t read when the car is moving. It would hurt your eyes. Read when we get home!”

“Okay!” Tim answered as his face blushed. Arissa pinched the boy’s cheek affectionately while Zachary, Jasper, and Jesse looked at them smilingly.

For the rest of the journey, Arissa and the kids kept their voices low when they spoke. Although Benjamin was working, his ears were pricked up, listening to the conversation that was going on in the car at the same time.

When they arrived at the hospital, Benjamin kept his tablet and got out of the car before carrying the kids out. Arissa looked at the man and teased, “I thought you wouldn’t notice that we’ve reached!”

Benjamin cast a glance at her and replied, “I always stay alert to my surroundings even when I’m concentrating on my work!”

Arissa was surprised that Benjamin could hear them even though they were speaking so softly.

Benjamin turned to instruct his bodyguard to buy some buns before entering the hospital with his family.

“Mr. Graham, so sorry to have disturbed you while you were working!”

Benjamin turned his head slightly and said to the woman who looked completely unapologetic, “Work overtime with me tonight!”

“Work overtime?” Arissa froze for a moment.

What does he mean by that?

Benjamin took them to see Mary without replying.

After that, he went to look for Shaun to understand the situation while Arissa and the kids stayed with Mary.

“Great-grandaunt!” the six little ones crowded around the bed and greeted Mary sweetly.

With a benevolent expression on her face, Mary patted the kids’ heads lovingly.

“Is school over?”

“Yup, Great-grandaunt. We came to visit you right after school. Are you happy?” Jasper replied.

“Of course I’m happy!”

“Great-grandaunt, we missed you so much when we were in school. Did you miss us?” Jesse asked.

“Yup, I missed you guys so much!”

“Great-grandaunt, are you hungry? Daddy’s bodyguard went to get some buns. He’ll be back soon!” Oliver said.

“I’m not hungry. Mr. Bailey bought me some food just now.”

“Great-grandaunt, are you feeling better today?” Zachary asked.

“Yup, I’m feeling great today. Don’t worry!”

“Great-grandaunt, Tim worried about you the most. He wanted to call you but was afraid that he would disturb your rest!” Gavin said.

Mary was touched by the kids’ concern for her. She looked at the little ones before landing her gaze on Tim, who had not spoken at all.

“Tim, you have to concentrate when you’re in class, yeah? I’m well taken care of in the hospital so you don’t have to worry about me. Just focus on your studies!”

“Yup, Great-grandaunt. I will do that!” Tim nodded obediently while stroking the back of Mary’s hand, which had a needle stuck in it, and said, “Great-grandaunt, your hand is swollen!”

“Don’t worry. It’s not painful at all!” Mary replied with a smile.

Noticing the bruise on the back of Mary’s hand where the needle was, Tim frowned and started blowing on the bruise.

Arissa, who was sitting at one side, saw the children’s concern for Mary and felt a sense of gratification.

Mary was delighted to have the company of the kids.

The hospital ward was much livelier with the six little ones around, and laughter could be heard constantly.

Just then, Benjamin and Shaun walked into the room, and Shaun added another dosage of solution to Mary’s IV drip.

“This IV session would only finish in the evening,” he said.

Mary smiled and replied, “That’s all right. I’m not in a rush.”

Shaun nodded and said, “Mdm. Mary, take a nap if you’re tired!”

The old lady nodded.

“Just focus on resting and don’t worry about anything else. Let Shaun know if you’re feeling uncomfortable,” Benjamin reminded Mary.

“I will!” Mary nodded and replied with a smile on her face before continuing, “You guys must be tired after a whole day of work. You should go back and rest. I’m fine!”

 

Chapter 746 A Bun For Benjamin

“Grandaunt, we’ve only just arrived and haven’t even warmed our seats yet. Why are you chasing us away so soon?” Arissa said jokingly before she stood up to fetch a basin of warm water to wipe Mary’s hand and face.

“Just look at me, I’m really fine! The kids must be tired after having classes the entire day as well. You should bring them back to rest!” “Grandaunt, don’t worry. I’ll bring them back in a while!” Arissa replied quickly.

Benjamin and Shaun were sitting on the couch. Seeing that Benjamin was replying to some emails, Shaun called the kids over. “Gavin, come here with your siblings. Come and give me a hug! I missed all of you so much today!”

Gavin glanced at the man and replied, “I’m not hugging you!” Shaun could not help but feel amused at the boy’s response. Since he was ignored by the boys, Shaun looked toward Jesse and said, “Jesse, come here!

However, Jesse did not move as well, seeing that her brothers had all stayed put. Shaun did not know whether to laugh or cry. “Why are you guys not coming here? Is it so interesting to watch Great-grandaunt bathe? Shame, shame!”

When the little ones heard that, all of them blushed with embarrassment. However, instead of going over to Shaun, they merely turned around and stared at the man with their backs facing the bed.

Shaun was speechless. When Arissa saw that, she exchanged smiling glances with Mary. “Sweethearts, go play with Mr. Bailey!” Arissa said. The kids merely acknowledged their mother’s words without moving.

Shaun looked toward Benjamin and asked, “What’s going on with your kids? Why is it so difficult to get them to come over?” “You’re harboring impure motives!” Benjamin replied without looking up.

The corners of Shaun’s lips twitched before he answered, “I just wanted a hug from them! How is that impure?” After saying that, Shaun turned to the kids again and tried to tempt them over with fruits, but that didn’t work as well.

Just then, the bodyguard arrived with the buns he bought, and the little ones dashed toward him at once. “Tim, give two buns to Great-grandaunt first!” Gavin said to his brother after seeing that there were extra buns.

“Okay!” Tim brought two buns over to Mary and said, “Great-grandaunt, these are for you!” Mary took over one bun and said with a smile, “Just one is enough. I’m going to have my meal in a while.”

Tim nodded and gave the other bun to Arissa. “Thanks, Sweetheart. You should go have one yourself too.”

Arissa took the bun from her son and started eating. “It’s piping hot! It’s so yummy! Grandaunt, you should eat it now!” Arissa beamed as she said to Mary.

Mary nodded and took a bite before saying, “This is better than the ones I make!”

“Great-grandaunt’s buns are the best!” Tim looked at Mary and said.

When Mary heard that, she replied with a chuckle, “How do you know that when you haven’t even tasted this bun yet?”

“I’m sure that Great-grandaunt makes the best buns!” Tim said as he recalled the taste of those buns fondly.

“I’ll make you more buns next time!” Mary said affectionately. “Okay!”

Just then, Tim heard Gavin calling him over, and he quickly joined his siblings as they ate their buns together.

Arissa finished hers in no time and asked, “Grandaunt, you make your own buns?”

“Yup! I make raviolis as well!” Mary replied with a smile.

“Let’s make some together when you get better!”

Arissa was rather keen on tasting Mary’s cooking.

“Sure!” Mary nodded.

Arissa brought the basin to the restroom while the six little ones ate their buns with Shaun.

The atmosphere in the room was extremely lively.

“This is the best bun I’ve ever had!” Shaun said jokingly.

“My mommy makes better buns than these!” Zachary announced proudly.

“My great-grandaunt makes really yummy buns too!” Tim glanced at Shaun and said softly.

“Mommy’s buns are better than those made by Mr. Whitley. Let’s ask Mommy to make some for us when she’s free!” Gavin chimed in.

Jasper and Oliver nodded in agreement.

“The buns are all so yummy!” Jesse said with a grin on her face.

Her five brothers could not help but feel amused at the little girl’s words.

“Jesse, anything edible is yummy to you, right?” Shaun teased.

Jesse glanced at the man before she nodded and replied, “Well, this is indeed yummy!”

Shaun laughed heartily when he heard the girl’s reply.

“Mr. Graham, have a bun too!”

Noticing that Benjamin had not eaten yet, Tim handed a bun to his father.

 

Chapter 747 Did Daddy Discover Something

Benjamin stroked the boy’s head gently, pleased by his offer. “You can have it. I don’t eat buns.” Gavin glanced at Benjamin before turning to Tim. “Daddy doesn’t like to eat this!”

Tim froze for a moment. Why not? Buns are delicious! Upon noticing the confused look on his face, Shaun chuckled. “Your Daddy is a picky eater. He doesn’t know how to appreciate delicious food.”

Zachary, Oliver, Jasper, and Jesse could not help but giggle. Arissa walked toward them and glanced at Benjamin before turning her attention to the children. “You kids should eat more. We’re still hours away from dinner.”

“There’s still a lot of buns left, Mommy. Join us!” The little ones invited Arissa over. “All right!”

Since Mary was still eating, Arissa walked toward Benjamin and sat next to him. The man tilted his head, looked at her, and ordered, “Here. Eat mine!”

Arissa turned around and gave him a side-eye. “Finish it yourself! I’ll eat mine.” Benjamin knitted his brows. She took a bun and stuffed it in his hand. “What are you waiting for? Eat it!” Shaun found their interaction amusing.

The six little ones all fixed their gazes on Benjamin as well. The man scanned the children and saw them munching on the buns like wide-eyed chipmunks. The expression on his face softened. “Focus on enjoying your buns. They wouldn’t taste as good when they get cold!”

The children chuckled before lowering their heads and continued savoring the buns. After finishing the bun in her hand, Arissa reached for another one. Benjamin then gave her his bun. “Take this!”

“That’s your bun. You eat it!” Arissa got a little annoyed. Benjamin arched his brows and smirked. “I’m only giving it to you because you seem hungry!” Arissa instantly blushed when she heard those words. “I’m not hungry!”

“Why would you gobble up the bun if you’re not hungry?” Benjamin stared at her from the corner of his eyes. The corners of Arissa’s mouth twitched. Benjamin fed the bun to her. “I don’t want it. You eat it!”

Arissa snatched it from the man and munched on it. Edwin, who came to deliver food, greeted everyone with respect. “Hello, Mr. Graham, Mrs. Graham, Mr. Bailey. Hi, kids!”

“Edwin?” Arissa stood up and retrieved the food container from him. “Go and grab yourself a bun, Edwin.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Graham!” Edwin responded with a smile and listed out the ingredients in the container to Arissa. The woman bobbed her head in acknowledgment before bringing the container to Mary’s bed.

Edwin helped set up the dining table before going over to the kids. Arissa then took the food out of the container and started feeding Mary dinner. Benjamin asked Edwin, “Is dinner ready at home yet?”

“I’ve ordered the housekeepers to prepare the ingredients before leaving. I’ll cook dinner once I get home!” Edwin informed him. Benjamin nodded and glanced at the six children. “We’ll have an early dinner this evening. They’re famished.”

“All right, Mr. Graham. I’ll see to it right now!” Edwin, who had just taken a seat, stood up, bade Mary and Arissa farewell, and went home to prepare dinner.

Jesse grabbed a bun and passed it to Edwin. “Here’s a bun for you, Mr. Whitley.”

That put a smile on Edwin’s face. He stroked the little girl’s head and said, “Thank you, em…Jesse!”

Edwin swallowed his words and almost bit his tongue when he noticed Benjamin was standing next to him.

Shaun chuckled and asked, “Do you want to go home with Mr. Whitley?”

Jesse shook her head and ran to her brothers. “We’ll go home with Mommy later!”

Edwin looked at the six children one last time before leaving.

Benjamin narrowed his eyes. Why did he hesitate when he called Jesse’s name?

“Come here, Jesse!” he called the girl over.

Jesse lifted her head and gave Benjamin a sheepish look. “Yes, Mr. Graham? How can I help you?”

Zachary, too, put his guard up and looked at the man. So did Oliver and Jasper. Did Daddy notice something is amiss?

 

Chapter 748 Look At Your Mommy

Gavin started panicking, but at the same time, he was a little excited to see what might happen next. The way Benjamin called Jesse had also aroused Tim’s curiosity.

“Come here!” Benjamin gestured at Jesse. The little girl blinked and reacted like how Arissa would when the latter was anxious. A glint flashed across Benjamin’s eyes. He turned his attention to Arissa and saw the woman patiently feeding Mary while wearing a tender expression.

Her side profile was so gorgeous that he could not take his eyes off her. Jesse does look a lot like her. Even the five boys don’t bear as much a resemblance to Arissa as Jesse.

Benjamin had a puzzled look on his face. The six little ones giggled when they saw how he gazed at Arissa without blinking.

Shaun, too, could not hold his laughter. He wished he could snap a photo of Benjamin while the latter was staring at Arissa, but he did not dare to do so.

It was Oliver who fished out his phone from his pocket and discreetly snapped a photo of the man. A suspicious look fleeted across Benjamin’s eyes when he looked over.

The little boy nearly dropped his phone in panic. Benjamin raised his brows and asked Oliver, “Did you take a photo with your phone? What did you take?”

Oliver steadied himself and answered, “You!”

Shaun laughed and tousled the boy’s hair. “I wanted to snap a photo of your daddy too but didn’t have the courage to do so.”

Oliver turned around, looked at Shaun, and asked, “Will he be mad at me?”

Shaun pinched his cheek. “I’m sure he won’t be mad at you.”

Oliver heaved a sigh of relief.

Zachary and Jasper also snuck a glance at Benjamin. When they noticed he did not throw a fit, they mustered up the courage and said what they had in mind.

Jasper exclaimed, “You looked so focused when you were staring at Mommy!”

Embarrassment was written all over Benjamin’s face. He responded with a low voice, “Can’t I look at your mommy?”

Gavin chuckled. “Of course you can, Daddy. You think Mommy is pretty, right?”

He spoke so loudly that even Arissa could hear it from a stone’s throw away.

She met Benjamin’s gaze when she tilted her head to look in his direction.

Out of embarrassment, she quickly looked away.

There was a hint of gentleness in Benjamin’s eyes.

Mary was pleased to see that they had feelings for each other. She ate more than she usually did since she was in a good mood.

“There’s still some soup left, Grandaunt. You can drink it if you feel hungry later!” Arissa reminded her.

Mary nodded. “Got it. Well, it’s time for you to go home since I’ve taken my meal. Go and spend more time with the children’s father instead of accompanying me here at the hospital. Go on a date or something!”

Arissa blushed instantly. “Oh please, Grandaunt!”

Mary lowered her voice and said, “Benjamin had that gentle look on his face when he was staring at you!”

Arissa’s heart started racing upon hearing that.

“You’ve been here for hours, and it’s getting late now. Better get going since you have to work tomorrow, and the kids have school. Go home and take a good rest. You can always come and visit me on weekends!” Mary urged them to leave the hospital.

After tucking Mary in bed, Arissa gestured for the children to come over. “Come here, Sweethearts. We’re leaving soon. Say goodbye to Great-grandaunt!”

“We’re going to leave now? So soon?” The little ones were reluctant to leave.

They rushed over, gathered around her bed, and said, “We don’t want to go home, Great-grandaunt. We’ll stay here to keep you company!”

“But we’ve just been here for a while! We don’t want to leave. We want to stay here with you! Please, Great-grandaunt. Let us stay with you!” They did not feel like leaving.

Mary chuckled while stroking their heads gently. “You’ve been here for hours, and it’s getting late. Daddy and Mommy must be exhausted since they’ve been at work the whole day. All of you still have to go to school tomorrow, so go back and rest early, okay?”

“But I haven’t told you about things that happened in school, Great-grandaunt!” Tim clung to Mary’s arm.

Mary responded with an affectionate smile. “You can tell me about it tomorrow. How about that? I’ll need to sleep soon too. All of you better get going!”

 

 

Chapter 749 Are We Really Coming Tomorrow Morning

“Let’s go back first. Your great-grandaunt won’t be able to rest easy with you all here,” Benjamin said to the children as he got to his feet.

“Let’s go home, Sweethearts. I’ll bring you all here again to visit your great-grandaunt tomorrow morning!” Arissa urged as well. Only then did the six children reluctantly bid Mary goodbye.

“Goodbye, Great-grandaunt! Rest well!” “Okay!” Mary regarded them with a smile, affection written all over her face.

“You should all go home. I’ll be at the hospital, keeping Mdm. Mary company,” Shaun reassured the family with his hands in the pockets of his white coat.

“Thank you, Mr. Bailey!” Gratitude suffused Arissa. Fortunately, we’ve got an acquaintance who works as a doctor. Otherwise, we wouldn’t be able to go home with peace of mind.

“It’s nothing. All this is my job, so I’ve long since gotten used to it,” Shaun replied, grinning from ear to ear. Benjamin swept a gaze over the man. “Keep an eye on things at night!”

“Will do!” Nodding, Shaun saw them out. “Go and rest, Mr. Bailey. There’s no need to see us out,” Arissa remarked courteously upon noticing that the man was getting into the elevator with them.

“I’m going downstairs for dinner, not seeing you all out, Arissa. We’re just going the same way,” Shaun explained smilingly. At once, embarrassment inundated Arissa.

Meanwhile, Benjamin shot Shaun a glare. Smirking, Shaun averted his gaze. Wow. He has really gotten it bad for her that he can’t bear to see her suffering the slightest discomfiture!

Arissa glanced at the two men before she looked away, lowering her head to gaze at the children. She caressed their heads. All six children lifted their heads one by one and stared at her, adorable beyond words.

Arissa beamed at them tenderly. “Do you have something to say, Mommy?” Jasper inquired.

“Nope!” Arissa answered with a smile.

“Why did you stroke my head, then?”

Giggling, Oliver eyed her.

“My sweethearts are cute, so I love petting your heads!” Arissa teased in a gentle voice.

At that, all six children giggled.

Shaun was also enchanted by the children’s adorable expressions.

He crouched and caressed their petite faces.

“How about staying tonight to keep your great-grandaunt company with me, Sweethearts?”

The children eyeballed him, truly desiring to stay.

“Mr. Bailey, I’ve finally persuaded them to go home after expending much effort, so please don’t mess things up!” Arissa quipped in amusement.

Shaun chuckled. “Benjamin won’t allow it even if I want to keep them here!”

Snorting, Benjamin prompted the six children, “Get into the car, kids. It’s time to go home.”

Gavin peeked at him.

Pouting, he called out to his siblings, “Tim, Zachary, Oliver, Jasper, Jesse, let’s get into the car!”

“Okay! Hurry up, Mommy!”

The children trotted out. At the same time, they even glanced back over their shoulders and hurried Arissa.

“We’ll be going back, Mr. Bailey. See you!”

“Have a safe drive home, Arissa!” Shaun waved at her.

Subsequently, Arissa quickly chased after the children.

Benjamin likewise lengthened his stride to keep up with them, afraid that he would be left behind.

Shaun was all smiles as he watched them.

What a harmonious sight! Benjamin’s becoming more and more like us ordinary folks!

He waited until their car had driven away before going to the cafeteria to eat.

“Why are we going home so early, Mommy? We didn’t even have enough time to play with Great-grandaunt!”

Jesse stuck out her lower lip, her eyes fixated on Tim. Tim really wanted to keep Great-grandaunt company!

“Your great-grandaunt prodded us to go home because she wanted to rest. We’ll go and visit her again tomorrow!” Arissa coaxed.

“Are we really coming tomorrow morning, Ms. York?”

Tim remembered that they went to school directly that morning without going to visit Mary. Therefore, he was worried that the same would happen tomorrow.

Stroking his head, Arissa replied gently, “Yup. I’ve already promised your great-grandaunt, even. But we’ll have to wake up earlier tomorrow morning. Otherwise, we won’t have time to do so.”

 

Chapter 750 Mommy Is Shy

“Okay! I’ll definitely wake up earlier tomorrow!” Tim nodded fervently. “Thus, we’ve got to go home earlier. By the time we’re done eating dinner and bathing, it’ll be late!”

Arissa explained things to the children. Zachary looked at her and promised, “We’ll certainly have no problems getting up early tomorrow, Mommy! If we’re still sleeping when you wake up, you can call us!”

“Sure!” Arissa nodded in agreement. Meanwhile, Benjamin watched her and the children. “There’s no need to wake up too early. Just have Edwin prepare breakfast while you guys sleep a little longer to have sufficient rest. Otherwise, you kids might be nodding off in class, and you might be tired at work.”

Since that remark was hinting at them, Jasper and Jesse hung their heads. Arissa swept a gaze over Benjamin. “Have you ever seen me dozing off at work, Mr. Graham?”

Benjamin gave her a meaningful look. “No, but your efficiency hasn’t been up to par.”

That rendered Arissa speechless. “How is that so? Didn’t I place the document on your desk?”

“Did you?” Benjamin lifted his eyes and cast a glance at her. The look in his eyes didn’t seem feigned. Arissa was wholly stumped. This isn’t right. I’ve indeed sent the document over to him.

“Could it be that you didn’t see it?”

Benjamin stared at her fixedly. “Yes, I didn’t see it, for your document wasn’t there at all.”

Arissa was confused upon hearing his reply. In order to prove that she was speaking the truth, she hacked into the company’s surveillance footage. Cutting a segment of the video, she presented it to the man.

“What’s this?”

“Surveillance footage. I’ve already delivered it to your office, and this was the document!”

Scooting over to sit beside him, Arissa zoomed in on the surveillance footage and showed it to him.

“Look at this document again. Did you really not see it?”

As Benjamin scented the fragrant aroma wafting off her, his Adam’s apple bobbed. His gaze slid over her face before falling on the surveillance footage on her phone screen. He arched a brow.

“There are too many documents of the same colors. How would I know which one it is?”

Arissa turned, only then realizing that the two of them were leaning very close together. In fact, they were just a mere centimeter from kissing each other.

She hastily sat up straight, blushing to the tips of her ears. “Have you finished going through all your documents, then?”

“Yup!” Benjamin pinned a scorching look on her blushing face, desire rising within him.

The six children goggled at them. When they glimpsed Arissa’s shyness, their eyes went even wider.

“Mommy is shy!” one of them exclaimed.

Arissa threw a quick glance at them in mortification before averting her gaze.

“I’m just a bit hot!”

All six children promptly burst into giggles.

The instant they noticed that her face had gone even redder, their laughter increased in volume.

“Mommy, I saw that you were about to kiss Mr. Graham just now!” Oliver teased.

Arissa sensed her face flaming even hotter and glowered at him. “You were mistaken! I didn’t kiss him!”

“That was why I said you were about to do so!” Oliver chortled.

The other children followed suit, tittering impishly.

Utter embarrassment swamped Arissa.

With mirth in his eyes, Benjamin stroked her head. “Are you feeling that hot?”

Hearing the teasing in his voice, Arissa snapped her head over and glared at him. Then, she stared straight ahead once more.

“Yes!”

“Lower the temperature of the air-conditioner in the car,” Benjamin ordered.

Immediately, the driver did as instructed.

A gust of cold wind blasted at her. Arissa felt much better, for it dissipated much of the heat on her face.

Reclining against the seat, she gave Ethen a call.

She simply didn’t believe that she didn’t deliver the document to Benjamin’s office.

Hence, she wanted to ascertain whether the man was lying to her.

“Are you still in the office right now, Mr. Frank?”

Benjamin turned to her, his eyes narrowing a fraction.

“Great! Do you have time to go to Mr. Graham’s office and check whether my document is on his desk now?”

Arissa sought Ethen’s help to go and check it out for her.

“I’m glad to hear that! I’ll treat you to a meal sometime!”

Arissa was beaming widely as she thanked the man.

Benjamin’s brows were knitted together, and his expression darkened.

Does she treat every Tom, Dick, and Harry to a meal?