Chapter 14
Arissa was pleased to see her children defending her when mistreated and showering her with care at a time like this. "Okay! It's okay. I'll just look for another job!" She wore a smile to set their minds at ease. Zachary grabbed her hand. "Mommy, don't worry. We'll take care of you!" Arissa was utterly moved by Zachary's words. She gave him a warm embrace before patting his head. "There's no need for you to do that. I'll take care of you!" It's the thought that counts. Of course, I won't let them bear the burden of living. It's still too early for them to take on such a heavy responsibility at this young age. "Mommy, I can make lots of money after selling another program!" Oliver assured confidently. "Mommy!
Don't forget about me! I can earn a lot of money by modeling too!" Jesse hugged Arissa tightly. She also wished to help out. "Mommy, I have some money too. I can take care of you!" Gavin raised his thought without hesitation, hoping that Arissa could worry less about getting a job. Moved by their acts, Arissa held them closer in her arms. "Thank you for your kind thoughts. I've got this covered. So, you can keep the money for yourselves. Oliver, you should stop writing those programs." It took a lot of effort to do programming; she definitely did not want her child overworking himself. Oliver ducked his head timidly after getting warned. Letting out a chuckle, he replied, "All right. Mommy!"
"Jesse, you're not allowed to accept modeling jobs without my permission!" Arissa caressed Jesse's head. After all, it was not easy money. The children probably had to work harder than the adults, as they had to undergo training constantly. "Mommy, anything you say!" Jesse's lips curled into a bright smile. Her missing front teeth made her look rather endearing. Gavin cast his gaze upon Jesse, who looked fairer and more delicate than the rest. He has the same dimples as Mommy when he smiles. The more I look at him, the more he looks like a girl to me. How good it would be if he were a girl and were my sister. Jesse caught sight of his attentive gaze and returned with a smile. Gavin cracked a smile as he patted her head. "Jesse's so cute!" Arissa looked at Jesse, and she thought the same too. Jesse had been raised as a little boy ever since she was born. Her hair was short, and she wore the same outfit as her brothers. Hence, everyone would easily see her as a boy. Arissa took Jesse in her arms and kissed her cheek. Jesse was so happy that she could not stop giggling. "My baby is so adorable! Let me kiss you!" Arissa was laughing as she played with Jesse. "Hehe! Mommy, that tickles!" Jesse ducked her head in, and she was beaming with joy. The other three chuckled at the scene too. Meanwhile, Zachary went to sit at a corner and texted Jasper: Mommy didn't get hired by Benjamin.
Jasper could not help but scowl at the text message. Benjamin didn't hire Mommy? His anger spiked after knowing that Arissa was kicked out by Danna. "That's horrible!" Losing his rag, he threw the book in his hands. Edwin was dumbfounded by the former's action. Did someone mess with him? Edwin went over to calm him down. "Gavin, what's wrong?" Jasper glanced at Edwin and pondered for a brief moment. Only Benjamin and I are staying in this place, and Danna's not here. I'm eager to ask Edwin about Benjamin's relationship with Danna. Just then, the housekeeper walked to them. "Ms. Adams is here!" Danna was following behind the housekeeper. Apparently, she was there to look for Gavin.
Her sudden appearance did not help matters because Jasper was more enraged after seeing her. He then shot her a death stare. Danna furrowed when she met his menacing gaze, and she started cursing inwardly. What a brat! Now that he has grown older, he's getting more and more disrespectful. He's even glaring at me like this! I must teach him a lesson today! "Ms. Adams!" Edwin greeted her politely. "Edwin, go tend to your chores. I'll spend some time with Gavin!" Danna held her anger in before gesturing for Edwin to leave. Wearing a smile, she went closer to Jasper. Edwin peeked at Jasper and saw his furious expression. Despite feeling worried, he still moved aside. Danna grinned from ear to ear when she saw Jasper.
"Gavin, are you still mad at me? I'm sorry. Let me take you out for some nice food!" Edwin gave her a quick sidelong glance without saying a word. She's Gavin's Mom, and she has been bringing him out all this while. There's nothing wrong with her taking him out this time too. "I don't need you to do that! You're such a shameless person! I feel disgusted whenever I see you. Get lost!" exclaimed Jasper, seemingly not afraid to offend her feelings. Jasper could not care less about anyone when he was triggered. Edwin had never seen Gavin speak to Danna in such a harsh manner before.
Thus, he was stunned by the scene. There was a hint of viciousness that fleeted across Danna's gaze when she placed her hand on Jasper. She put on a helpless expression as though she was an unwanted mother by her son. At the same time, she was secretly exerting force and attempting to pinch Jasper's arm. However, she did not know the child in front of her was not Gavin. In fact, Jasper was not someone who would tolerate such an act. Before Danna could make her move, Jasper responded with a kick. Consumed by pain and wrath, her eyes turned red in seconds. "Gavin Graham!" Danna yelled furiously. She was caught completely off-guard by his attack. I didn't know this brat could be so strong!
Jasper met her sinister glare. He was startled for a bit before he burst into tears. Edwin rushed over and held Jasper in his arms. He dared not get angry at Danna but comforted Jasper instead, "Don't be afraid!" "Mr. Whitley, why did she do that? Why? What have I done wrong? She's not my mom... I don't want a mother like her. She even tried to pinch me..." Jasper wept in sorrow. Edwin's face turned solemn after listening to Jasper. He averted his gaze to Danna. "Ms. Adams!" Danna widened her eyes in disbelief. I didn't expect Gavin to complain about me! She caught Edwin's skeptical gaze and went into a state of panic. "I-I didn't do anything. Edwin, don't listen to him! Gavin, how could you tell lies?
What have I taught you? Why are you lying? I'm your mom!" "You're not my mom! Not only did you try to pinch me, but you've been scolding me too! Besides, you even told me to lie! You're a bad woman, so you're not my mom!" Jasper wailed while burying his head in Edwin's arms. I've never expected her to try doing that to me in front of everyone. She could've done worse when no one was around. Jasper shuddered when the scenes of Danna attempting to harm him flashed across his mind. I feel sorry for Gavin. Danna must've done the same to him before, and he surely didn't know how to retaliate. Jasper made a scene on purpose only because he felt bad for his "younger brother." "Gavin Graham!" Danna's face contorted in rage. She wished she could teach him a lesson on the spot. If I knew earlier tha Benjamin wasn't going to marry me even after I brought this brat back, I would've abandoned him back then rather than having him raise his voice at me and accuse me now!