The silence in the office grew palpable following Ms.
Pearls comments , particularly affecting Charles and Arthur .
Jessica felt a flutter in her chest upon hearing her .
Ever since her first encounter with Charles , she could not shake the feeling that he and her son bore a striking resemblance .
She harbored suspicions but hesitated to explore them further .
With a gentle smile , she eased the tension , saying , Ms.
Pearl , perhaps this was just a simple misunderstanding between classmates .
Lets not escalate it further.
Pearl , familiar with the whims of children , reassured , I just wanted the parents to be aware and to help resolve things smoothly .
She then addressed Liam firmly , Now that Arthurs father is here , you shouldnt say he has no dad , got it ? Liam reluctantly agreed , his voice low , I understand .
Apologize to each other and try to be good classmates from now on , Ms.
Pearl instructed .
However , Arthur unexpectedly retorted , I cant forgive what he said , and I wont accept his apology .
But since I also hit him , so lets call it even .
Essentially , he was neither willing to apologize nor forgive .
Liam , clearly upset , scoffed , So what if you have a dad ? Everyone has one.
He then defiantly turned away .
Arthur mirrored his action with a heavy snort , both boys stubbornly avoiding eye contact .
The adults watched the boys standoff , shook their heads and smiled at their antics .
Jessica then led her son home with Charles accompanying them .
At their building , she courteously invited him to come up for some water .
Surprisingly , he accepted and followed them inside .
With her injured foot making mobility difficult , Charles and her son supported her from each side , eliciting a peculiar emotion in Jessica , Once inside , the space , normally comfortable , seemed smaller with Charles imposing figure .
Feeling slightly embarrassed about inviting such a distinguished CEO into her simple home , Jessica nervously offered , Mr.
Hensley , please have a seat , directing him to the sofa .
Turning to her son , Jessica said , Pour a glass of water for Charles .
Previously .
Arthur had not been too fond of Charles , but after witnessing his sunnart today he +8 Pearis Mommy , sit down , Ill get you some water too , he offered , always considerate towards his mother .
Jessica was relieved to see Charles sitting comfortably without showing any signs of disdain .
Quickly , the little guy returned with two glasses of water , handing one to Charles with a statement , You seemed pretty arrogant before , but thanks for helping me out today .
Lets be friends from now on .
He then seriously patted Charles on the shoulder , mimicking the manner of an adult .
Jessica almost choked on her water hearing her sons candid remark .
Charles looked at him amusedly and teased , So , being friends with you comes with conditions ? Of course , its a privilege not everyone gets .
Do you feel honored ? The boys pride was evident as he tilted his chin up .
Charles smile grew broader , his interest clearly piqued .
Indeed , Im very honored .
He was curious how Jessica had raised such a spirited son .
Feeling a bit flustered , Jessica quickly pulled her son closer .
Let me check if youre hurt anywhere .
No worries , Mommy , Liams no match for me .
But what about this bruise here ? And your shirt is ripped , Jessica pointed out , growing impatient .
The boy grinned and shrugged off her concern .
It was just an accident during the scuffle .
You cant resort to fighting with classmates in the future .
Remember , violence doesnt solve anything , Jessica advised gently yet firmly .
It depends on the situation .
Sometimes , force is necessary .
Jessica sighed in resignation .
Dont argue with me now .
Go wash up and change your clothes .
Yes , Your Majesty ! he replied cheekily , heading off to the bathroom .
Left alone in the living room , Jessica turned to find Charles watching her .
Meeting his deep black gaze , she realized he had been observing her all along .
Um … thank you for today , Jessica murmured , breaking the quiet tension .
Youre welcome .
You got hurt because of me too , right ? Charles replied softly .
Jessica glanced down , her thoughts racing .
He was sitting there , sipping water shouldnt he be leaving soon ? Caught off guard , Jessicas grip tightened on the edge of the sofa .
She was at a loss for words .
I saw in your resume that youre unmarried .
So , are you saying you got married out of wedlock ? arles eyes narrowed as he looked at her .
Taking a deep breath , Jessica responded slowly , Yes , I did .
My child doesnt have a father .
Charles continued to look at her intently , his voice steady yet imposing , How can you get a child without the father ? He paused , his gaze piercing as he added , Isnt it Hugh ? Jessicas reaction was swift , her eyebrows knitting together as she quickly refuted , Of course not ! Their eyes met , and in his gaze , Jessica saw suspicion did he really think Arthur was Hughs child ?
Florence is a passionate reader who finds joy in long drives on rainy days. She’s also a fan of Italian makeup tutorials, blending beauty and elegance into her everyday life.
