Rebel 31

Chapter 31 Father and Son 

“I don’t know her,” Charles said calmly. 

“You didn’t know her five years ago either, so how could the kid be yours?” 

Jane didn’t expect what he said next. “I don’t know her, but I did sleep with her.” 

His honesty made Jane slightly uncomfortable. “You and her?” 

Though surprised, she quickly collected herself. “Charles, don’t make up stories for her…” 

“I’m not making anything up. You’ll believe it when you see it.” Charles turned to Flint. 

Flint gave a small nod and passed a document to Jane. 

She hesitated before taking it. It was a paternity test, confirming that Charles was Arthur’s biological father. 

Jane’s eyes grew wide as she read it, her head shaking in denial. “No… this can’t be real …” 

“Now you see the truth, Jane. I hope you’ll stop bothering them. They’re mine now.” 

Charles’s words carried a quiet warning. Without saying more, he signaled for Flint to retrieve the report, then turned and walked away. 

Jane stood frozen, unable to believe what she’d just heard. That child-Charles’? Had he slept with Jessica? 

Was he really going to take them in? Was he planning to marry her? 

Jane’s hands curled into tight fists, fury burning inside her. 

After picking Arthur up from the private hospital, Charles called Jessica to let her know the child had been found. He told her he was bringing Arthur home and asked her to return too. 

During the drive, the two of them sat quietly in the back seat. Arthur kicked his legs a little and glanced at the serious-looking man beside him. “Charles, how’s that mean old lady doing?” he asked. 

Charles lifted an eyebrow and gave Arthur a sideways look. “I told her I’m your father. She won’t give you trouble again.” 

Arthur straightened up. “That’s it?” 

Charles gave a small nod. “That’s right.” 

Arthur still looked unsure. “You’re really that powerful? She’s scared of you?” 

Charles looked calm and full of pride, not the least bit modest. “Obviously. If anyone tries to take you again, just say I’m your dad-no one will dare mess with you.” 

Arthur tilted his head, curious. “Charles, are you … like the leader of a gang or something? Why else would everyone be scared when they hear your name?” 

Charles gave a small smirk. “And if I was, would you be scared of me too?” 

Arthur shook his head enthusiastically. “No way! I’m your kid-if people are scared of you, they’ll be scared of me too, right?” 

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Charles gave him an amused look, eyes narrowing slightly as if lost in thought. “Do you want me to be your dad?” 

Arthur’s grin faded slightly. Resting his chin on his hand, he gave Charles a thoughtful look, like a grown- up. “Even if you check all the boxes for what I want in a dad … you’re still not my real one.” 

Seeing Arthur’s disappointed expression, Charles almost felt the urge to tell him the truth-that he was his biological father. 

But he held back, worried it might be too much for the boy to understand. He worried Arthur wouldn’t be able to handle it just yet, especially not understanding why they had been without a stable home for the past five years. 

Maybe it would be better if Jessica told him herself. 

Jessica rushed home as soon as she received Charles’s call. 

When she got home and saw her son, a wave of emotion hit her. She rushed toward him, arms outstretched. “Arthur… ” 

But as she got closer, she realized she was soaked and covered in dirt. 

She stopped herself, crouched down, and held Arthur by the shoulders, scanning him carefully. “Where did you go? Do you have any idea how scared I was?” 

Seeing how messy and worried his mother looked, Arthur felt somewhat guilty. He reached up and gently brushed the damp strands of hair from her face. “Mommy, don’t worry, I’m okay. That mean lady from last time tried to take me again, but Charles showed up and saved me just in time.” 

Jessica’s brow tightened. That mean lady -Jane? 

“What did she want from you?” Her voice was filled with worry now. 

Arthur shook his head. “I’m not sure. She took me to some hospital and said she was trying to find my dad.” 

Jessica froze, stunned. Did Jane really believe Arthur was Hugh’s son? 

Now that her son was safe, Jessica finally felt at ease. She turned to the man seated on the sofa. 

“Mr. Hensley, thank you for everything today.” 

Charles glanced at her, taking in her rain-soaked, muddy appearance. He recalled how she had fallen while searching for Arthur. 

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“There’s no need to thank me-it was my duty, too. Go get cleaned up and change out of those wet clothes.” 

Jessica looked slightly confused. His duty? 

She didn’t fully grasp what he meant but didn’t press the issue. Catching sight of how messy she looked, she gave a small, embarrassed smile. “I’ll go clean up. Make yourself comfortable.” 

Then she turned to her son. “Arthur, why don’t you keep Charles accompanied first?” 

“No problem,” Arthur replied quickly, pulling out the chessboard they hadn’t finished before. “Charles, 

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want to pick up where we left off?” 

“Of course,” Charles said, joining him immediately. 

As Jessica watched the two of them together, a strange feeling washed over her. They looked so natural- like a real father and son.