Chapter 6：Child Abuse in Early Summer？
1179 Words
"I'm good, got that sweet employee housing allowance. Rent won't even make a dent," Stephen stopped the banter.
Hayley relaxed hearing his words.
"Your company's perks are amazing," Hayley commented.
Just then, Stephen's phone rang.
It was his assistant on the line.
After the call, Stephen reminded him of an important dinner he needed to attend.
Retrieving a card from his wallet, he handed it to her, saying, "Here's the fifty grand I promised. Got some company business to attend to, gotta run."
Accepting the card, Hayley felt a bit awkward. He'd given her the money, yet she had nothing to offer in return, a pang of guilt hitting her. But right now, she had no other options.
Perhaps she should wait until she had saved up some money before deciding what to do.
"Save my number, call me if you need anything," Stephen offered, giving his phone number.
Hayley quickly stored it in her phone and dialed it to make sure it was correct.
"Here's my cell," she informed him.
Stephen glanced at it, nodded faintly, then turned and strode away.
With the door closing behind him, Hayley surveyed the unfamiliar environment, her lips pressed into a thin line.
Was this the place where her new life began? Her feelings were complicated. Pushing down her emotions, she turned towards the master bedroom.
It was a suite, decorated in shades of black, white, and gray, mirroring its owner's demeanor, radiating a touch of coolness.
Pausing briefly, she hesitated to move her luggage in and instead wheeled it into the adjacent guest room.
"Mommy, this room feels small."
"Mommy, where are we going to stay?"
The three kids finished exploring the room and came running to her.
They used to live in a big mansion.
Hayley spoke gently, "We'll stay just like before. Willis gets one room, Linda and Lucy share another."
"Oh, so Mommy will share a room with Uncle Zero?" Facing her daughter's innocent gaze, Hayley felt a twinge of discomfort.
She changed the subject, "Mommy will buy you a big house when she earns enough money."
"But earning money is a man's job," Willis grumbled.
He regretted a bit for letting Mommy marry Uncle Zero, since Uncle Zero seemed to lack the means to support Mommy!
Looks like he'll have to step up and earn money to take care of Mommy in the future!
"Equality between men and women, no room for male dominance," Hayley tousled the little one's hair, a smile playing on her lips.
"Mommy, Lucy's hungry."
"Mommy, Linda's tummy is rumbling."
The two daughters held their stomachs, complaining of hunger.
Hayley's smile faltered for a moment before she spoke, "Let Mommy check if there's anything in the fridge to cook you something yummy."
The two little girls immediately looked at Willis, vigorously shaking their heads.
Linda, usually expressionless, seemed a bit tense.
"Mommy, how about we get takeout?"
Mommy's cooking... not exactly appetizing!
They didn't want to risk her questionable dishes!
"Takeout is expensive, you know? Mommy needs to save money for your schooling."
The three kids: "..."
They weren't interested in school!
They just wanted takeout!
...
A Michelin 5-star restaurant.
Stephen was in a private room chatting with some clients when his phone rang.
Picking it up, he asked, "Who's calling?"
"Wuwu, Uncle Zero, it's me, Lucy."
Through the phone, Lucy's sobbing voice could be heard.
Stephen's brows furrowed involuntarily as he stood up and walked out of the private room.
"Lucy, why are you crying? Tell Uncle, who upset you?"
"Wuwu, it's Mommy, she..."
Hayley?
Stephen was somewhat taken aback, "Your mommy hit you?"
"Wuwu, Lucy's too scared to say."
Too scared to say?
Looking at the gentle and charming Hayley, was she secretly mistreating her children?
Stephen's expression darkened slightly, "Lucy, don't worry, tell Uncle what happened. Uncle's got your back."
"Wuwu, Uncle Zero, Mommy's trying to poison us! Ugh!"
What!
Stephen's expression turned icy, "Your mommy's trying to poison you?"
"Wuwu, Mommy won't order takeout, and her cooking tastes like poison!"
Stephen: "..."
Jiangjing Garden.
Kitchen.
Hayley was oblivious to the fact that she had been reported by the kids.
As she surveyed the mess on the glass table, a headache crept in.
She'd been coddled by her parents all her life, never having stepped foot in a kitchen.
A bona fide princess who'd never touched a spatula.
But since her parents' accident, she'd made a few attempts at cooking.
Turns out, she was a bit of a disaster at it.
Despite diligently following online cooking tutorials, the results were nothing short of disastrous.
With a sigh, Hayley tossed a plate of darkened beef ribs into the trash.
She'd aimed for tender perfection, but somehow ended up with tough, inedible meat.
And that tomato-Italian omelet? Salty enough to make one's mouth pucker.
Even the simplest stir-fry ended up with unwashed mud clinging to the leaves!
She was a menace in the kitchen!
Furrowing her brow, Hayley swallowed her frustration and promptly dumped all the failed dishes.
With the kids still hungry, takeout seemed to be the only solution.
Just then, the doorbell rang.
As she cleaned up, Hayley called out, "Willis, see who's there?"
In the living room, the three kids were eagerly awaiting.
"It's probably Uncle Zero's treat!" they exclaimed.
Willis, recognizing Barlow from earlier, opened the door.
"Hello, Uncle."
"Hello, Uncle."
Seeing the kids again, Barlow, Howard's assistant, felt a mix of emotions.
Who would've thought his boss would suddenly marry a stranger?
And not just any stranger, but a single mom with three kids!
But they were undeniably adorable, enough to melt even his hardened heart.
"So you're Willis, and you two are Linda and Lucy, right?"
Barlow greeted them warmly.
"Yeah, Uncle, we're 1, 2, 3 in music."
Lucy pointed from her brother to herself.
Ah, so their names had a musical significance!
The one who named them must have put in some thought.
Barlow smiled gently. "I'm Barlow, a friend of Uncle Zero's. He's busy with our boss, so he sent me with some treats."
Their boss had arranged a few dishes from a Michelin-starred restaurant, along with some snacks the kids liked.
And he'd made it clear to keep his identity discreet and refer to him as a friend.
Barlow didn't know what game the boss was playing, but he played along.
"Wow, so much good food!"
The kids' eyes sparkled at the sight.
"Please, come in."
With a protective air, Willis invited Barlow inside.
"Willis, who's at the door?"
From the kitchen, Hayley emerged.
"Mummy, it's Uncle Zero's friend with food," Willis informed her.
Hayley dried her hands quickly and stepped forward.
"Hello, I'm Hayley."
At first glance, Barlow couldn't help but notice her beauty.
Had their boss fallen for her charms at first sight?
"Hello, I'm Barlow. Mr. Howard is busy, so he asked me to bring you some food."
The mention of Mr. Howard piqued Hayley's curiosity.
"Mr. Howard?"
Was he referring to the head of Howard Group?
And did the food indeed come from the Mr. Howard he mentioned?
- Writer
