Michael Richard’s tone paused for a while, seeing that Justin Battleson didn’t seem to be refusing, he quickly came in with his things, put them on the table, freed a hand to wipe his sweat, and started speaking.
"Mr. Battleson, I’ll put the stuff here, and I’ll leave first."
Justin Battleson lifted his eyes to glance at him, a hint of satisfaction apparent in his gaze. His light words were as cold as ever.
"Hmm, go to the finance department to claim your reward. You did well."
A slight raise of Justin Battleson’s brow at his words had Michael Richard somewhat excited. He quickly nodded, smiled at Charlotte Thompson, and then left.
It seemed quite rare for Mr. Battleson to be this benevolent in an attempt to win a smile from a beautiful woman.
Charlotte Thompson watched the back of the enthusiastically departing Michael Richard, a slight curve forming on her lips, amused by the scene.
She raised her eyebrows at Justin Battleson and saw an unnatural look in his eyes. As their eyes met, she shook her head with a smile.
"You do know how to make good use of people."
After pouring drinks for the children, Charlotte Thompson spoke out softly.
Justin Battleson didn’t bother to explain himself. He picked up the items and placed them on the table, mindful of each child’s food preference. He then distributed the food as Charlotte poured the drinks. Their teamwork in these tasks resembled a married couple.
Every action they took was perfectly in sync.
The fragrance lured the children from the bedroom, and when they came out, they saw their mother and Justin Battleson distributing food to them.
Hank Thompson’s eyes lit up and he exclaimed excitedly with an unmistakable thrill on his face.
"Wow, mommy said that we were having noodles, but how did the noodles turn into these delicious things?"
"Eat up, your drool is about to reach the floor."
Grace Thompson playfully patted Hank Thompson’s shoulder. Her eyes curved into a delighted crescent shape.
"All you do is tease me. Weren’t you mumbling in the room just now, saying something like ’oh no, mommy is feeding us noodles again today, I wish it was Lorraine’s roast duck.’
Hank Thompson was not outdone, replying with equivalent excitement on his face.
"You two better stop arguing."
Cyrus Thompson swallowed a bite of his pie, speaking in a leisurely manner. ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ Nove1Fire.net
This cheeky pair certainly wreaked entertaining havoc day in and day out.
"Cyrus, you’ve got to help me. Hank is always picking on me. Just a little wish to eat something different, and after he gave me away, it’s like I’m tired of mom’s food."
Grace Thompson pouted, her face filled with melancholy.
Hank’s bite of meat got stuck in his throat. He widened his eyes as few of Grace’s crocodile tears fell.
"Hank, how could you make Grace cry again."
Although Charlotte Thompson knew Grace was just playing around, she still joined in their banter with a smile.
Grace secretly stuck her tongue out at Hank, who wore a sheepish grin.
"Alright, Grace, come and eat."
Seeing that it was getting late, Charlotte stopped teasing them. She gently tousled Grace’s hair, her expression warm and tender.
Standing off to one side, Justin Battleson watched this warm and joyful family scene unfold, and he couldn’t help but feel his spirits lifted.
He was usually a cold, aloof person who kept his distance from others, yet now, he found himself increasingly yearning for a family.
Or perhaps it could be said that he was increasingly yearning to be with Charlotte Thompson.
"Alright, this is what Uncle Battleson bought for you. Be sure to thank him properly after you finish eating."
Charlotte, holding Grace in her arms, sported an additional smile. She looked at Justin with twinkling eyes, her brows curved in mirth.