Rebel 26

Jessicas eye twitched .

Selenes excuse about buying soy sauce and bumping into an old classmate was obviously a lie ! Holding her phone , Jessica turned to look at the Charles seated there .

From his demeanor , he didnt seem like he was planning to leave anytime soon .

Tentatively , she asked , Mr.

Hensley , would you like to stay for dinner tonight ? Sure .

Charles , with his usual aloof expression , answered without hesitation .

Jessica was taken aback .

She had only been being polite ; how could he agree so quickly ? Then … make yourself comfortable .

Ill get started on dinner .

Since she had extended the invitation , she had no choice but to prepare dinner .

Mommy , Ill help you , Arthur said , rushing to her side .

Jessica patted his head .

You entertain our guest .

Ill have dinner ready soon .

Just call me if you need anything .

Arthur replied in a mature tone .

Charles watched the interaction between mother and son , suddenly curious about how they had managed to get by all these years .

How much had they struggled ? It didnt take Jessica long to prepare a simple dinner three dishes and a soup .

Normally , she only cooked for herself , Arthur , and Selene , so the amount was modest .

She hadnt expected Charles to show up .

Jessica brought the food to the table and invited Charles to sit As she looked at the modest spread , she felt a bit embarrassed .

Uh … Its not much .

I hope you dont mind .

Charles said nothing and took his seat .

Arthur , however , seemed content .

Mommy , tonight we have such a big plate of roasted pork .

Its more than enough .

Charles glanced at the little boy , noting his thin arms and legs .

Had the times been so tough that he hadnt had enough to cat ? Then plate .

Thank you I eat more , Charles said , placing a generous portion of roasted pork on Arthurs should eat you , but I can serve myself .

You dont need to be so formal with me , Arthur responded , helping himself to a couple more pieces .

Hensley , please , help yourself .

Dont worry about him , Jessica said , handing him a bowl of rice .

Charles nodded slightly and began to eat .

After taking a bite of the dishes , Jessica asked cautiously , Does it taste alright ? Its edible .

Charless response was terse Jessicas eye twitched again .

What kind of answer was that ? Given that he was born with a silver spoon .

likely having gourmet meals prepared by professiona chefs , it was already a compliment that he was willing to eat her cooking .

She didnt expect him to sing praises .

After dinner , a heavy rainstorm began , complete with thunder and lightning .

It didnt seem like i would stop anytime soon .

Jessica glanced at Charles , who was playing chess with Arthur .

The rain was pouring , but she couldnt let him stay overnight .

It wouldnt be polite to chase him out in the rain , though .

As she was mulling over what to do , Charless phone rang .

He answered briefly and hung up shortly after .

He turned to her , Flint is waiting with the car downstairs .

Ill be heading off Jessica let out an inward sigh of relief .

She looked out the window , then said , Its mining pretty hard .

Let me walk you out .

She had an umbrella with her .

Charless gaze deepened slightly .

Charles , we havent finished this game , Arthur called out .

Leave it as is .

Well continue the next time I come , Charles replied .

Tll definitely win next time ! The little boy , still sore about losing earlier , declared Charless mouth curved slightly .

Ill be waiting Jessica overheard their conversation as she fetched the umbrella .

She thought to herself , is he planning on coming back ? She went down with him in the elevator .

The car was parked outside the complex .

As they stepped outside , she opened the umbrella to shield them from the rain .

Charles was so tall that she had to lift the umbrella high .

His large hand reached over and took the umbrella from her .

Ill do it .

With the umbrella , they were quite close , and Jessicas heart started to race .

She didnt dare look up at him .

Walking together into the rain , the umbrella wasnt quite big enough .

Reluctant to get too close , Jessicas shoulder started getting wet .

Noticing this , Charles frowned slightly and extended his arm , pulling her closer to him .

Jessica found herself suddenly against his chest .

He spoke in a low , smooth voice , Stay close , dont get wet .

Im not responsible if you get sick .

With that , he walked confidently , holding her close .

Jessica , in his embrace , felt stiff and only managed to move with his steps .

Against his broad chest , she could hear his steady heartbeat and smell his clean , masculine scent .

The warmth from his body enveloped her .

His hand , firm yet gentle , rested on her waist through the thin fabric , causing her skin to heat up .

The warmth spread to her cheeks , making her face feel hot .

What is happening to me ? Jessica didnt realize how they got to the car .

Flint held an umbrella by the car , opened the door .

and waited for Charles .

Jessica felt a bit annoyed .

Of course Flint would have a spare umbrella .

She didnt need to walk him down .