Entering the living room, Charlotte Thompson watched as Justin Battleson was practically inseparable from Grace Thompson, and could not help but say in exasperation, "It’s getting late, aren’t you going to head back home?"
Hearing this, he lifted his gaze to her, a flicker of surprise flashing in his eyes: "Did Adam leave already?"
Charlotte nodded noncommittally in response.
However, Justin did not ponder on it for long. Lifting a single brow indifferently, he said, "I’m not leaving. Grace wants me to tell her stories."
Hearing this, Grace who was cradled in his arms, looked at him with a clueless expression. Just as she was about to say something, she caught her father shoot her a covert wink.
Grace glanced at Charlotte then at Justin, her intelligent little mind finally catching on. She laughed, patting Justin’s arm heartily as she told Charlotte, "Yeah, Mommy, I still want to hear so many more stories."
A hint of a smile tugged at Charlotte’s lips. Unable to bear exposing their charade, she proceeded straight to the kitchen instead.
The pot still held the soup she had painstakingly prepared as well as the individually packed dishes. Even though Henry Hudson’s injury was slowly healing, his nutrition naturally needed to keep pace. Find the newest release on novęlfire.net
Serving the soup and packing it away, she gathered the meal boxes into a bag. Once she had made certain there would be no spills, she picked up the bag ready to head out.
With sharp eyes, Justin observed her actions and asked, "Where are you going?"
Upon hearing this, Charlotte paused, "To the hospital."
"Is it for Annie Anne’s visit?" Standing up, Justin quickly walked over to Charlotte, effortlessly taking the bag from her hands, "I’ll drive you."
Charlotte sighed, resigned to her fate and calmly clarified, "I’m going to see Henry."
At her words, Justin visibly froze. Yet, he quickly smothered the momentary discomfort flicking through his eyes. Swallowing down whatever misgivings he had, he carried the bag and stubbornly opened the door, "Let’s go."
Charlotte eyed Justin step out first. She gave instructions to the children and then followed him out.
Justin had already reached the bottom of the stairs. Seeing Charlotte slowly descending, he pulled open the passenger door for her considerately. However, Charlotte frowned and laughed, "Mr. Battleson, it’s inappropriate for me to sit in the front, isn’t it?"
Hearing her words, he retorted with a playful smile, "How is it inappropriate? Sooner or later, you’re bound to sit here."
The mention of ’future’ left Charlotte with a complex surge of emotions. She gave Justin a deep look and finally boarded the passenger seat without further fuss.
They embarked in silence. As if remembering something, Justin suddenly asked, "What did you say to Adam?"
Hearing him, Charlotte leaned lazily against the car window and replied, "It’s none of your business."
Justin didn’t seem annoyed. A mysterious light flickered in his eyes and then he dropped a bombshell with, "Did you reject him?"
His lips turned up slightly, a hint of playfulness teasing his smile, he continued softly, "I’m a few years older than Adam, and I’ve watched him grow up. Therefore, I know, he is not the type to accept defeat willingly."
Otherwise, how did Adam Ross get to where he was today?
Only because he refused to back down, never giving up, even if he became the target of many, he always managed to survive within those cracks.
Hearing this, Charlotte glanced at him, slightly taken aback. Realizing she couldn’t keep it from him, she cleared her throat and confessed what she had just spoken about with Adam.
Her frank and honest words raised no suspicions in Justin, who simply nodded thoughtfully and said no more.
Enjoying the peace, Charlotte closed her eyes, pretending to rest.
Out of her sight, a faint smile curled on the lips of the man behind the wheel.
Another one dealt with.