That Can Be Arranged

Chapter 20 Temptation

“Good morning, Daddy!” Gregory headed downstairs and politely greeted his father.

Nicholas nodded in response and greeted the boy back. “Good morning. Come and have your breakfast.”

Tessa was about to make a move, but Gregory wouldn’t let go of her hand. Unable to walk away, she helplessly stayed behind and kept him company for breakfast.

In the meantime, Andrew’s eyes lit up with warmth when he witnessed the interaction among the trio, which he found surprisingly harmonious because they looked just like a family.

Nonetheless, his feelings were not mutual as Tessa didn’t feel the same way because she hurriedly tried to leave right after breakfast.

Nonetheless, Gregory seized the lady’s hand with a heavy heart and asked, “Miss Pretty Lady, can I pay you a visit when I miss you?”

Tessa curled her lips upward when she heard the boy’s question. “Of course, provided that I have an off day and you’re allowed to visit me. However, I have a brother whom I need to look after at home, so I can’t be away overnight like I did last night, even if I’m with you.”

“Alright, understood.” Gregory nodded his head, clearly telling the lady he understood with his gesture.

“I knew you’re the most obedient and lovely kid ever.” Tessa smiled, gently pinching the boy’s rounded cheek lovingly.

While Tessa’s compliment put a smile on Gregory’s face, Nicholas suddenly realized something at the sight of their interaction. No, I mustn’t let her just leave like that. After a few seconds of contemplation, he calmly said, “Wait, Miss Reinhart.”

Tessa paused upon hearing the man’s voice as she subconsciously kept her distance from him and asked, “W-What’s the matter, President Sawyer?”

Nicholas raised his eyebrows in slight astonishment.

Hmm. She was calling me by my first name last night, but now she is addressing me as President Sawyer.

Soon, he pursed his lips and said, “I have something I’d like to tell you, Miss Reinhart. I’m sorry if my action startled you last night, and I hope you didn’t take that to heart. After all, I just… The mark on your shoulder simply looks familiar to me, so I wasn’t trying to do you any harm or hurt you.”

Tessa didn’t expect Nicholas to apologize to her, feeling stunned, but after a short while, she calmly answered, “Don’t worry, I didn’t take it to heart at all.” Despite her reassurance, she continued to deliberately keep her distance from the man.

Although Nicholas could sense her wariness, he wasn’t bothered by that as he changed the subject and asked, “By the way, would you be interested in teaching Gregory the violin, Miss Reinhart?”

Tessa was stunned into a trance.

Wait, what? Am I being offered to be Greg’s teacher?

“Would you, Miss Pretty Lady?” Gregory excitedly looked at Tessa.

“Well…” Tessa knitted her eyebrows hesitantly as she was about to turn the man down. However, before she could do so, she was interrupted by Nicholas’ timely reply.

“Of course, I’ll make sure your classes with Greg won’t clash with your orchestra’s schedule. All you have to do is just teach Greg when you’re not busy preparing for your performance. In return, I’ll pay you an hourly rate of two thousand. What do you think?”

An hourly rate of two thousand?! Tessa was dumbfounded and surprised upon hearing how much she was offered. In spite of her initial intention to stay away from Nicholas after what happened the night before, she was somehow tempted to take him up on it.

After all, she would be able to live a better life with her brother if she could have an extra source of income. Besides, her brother wouldn’t have to work so hard as a home tutor either for meager earnings that barely helped them make ends meet.

Nevertheless, Tessa didn’t accept her offer right away despite her temptation. “President Sawyer, you had previously tried to keep me away from Greg, hadn’t you? I can tell that you didn’t really like me.”

So, the question is—why did you change your mind now?

Nicholas was surprised by her blunt question, but after he paused shortly, he directly answered, “Honestly, I did a little digging about you. Although I know this might have been a violation of your privacy, I didn’t have much choice in order to ensure Greg’s safety. Anyway, as far as my investigation results suggest, your resume seems clean, Miss Reinhart. The reason I want to make you stay is that I think you’re reliable, but of course, the most important thing is…”