Chapter: 828

An unspoken pact seemed to envelop them, draping the vehicle in a cloak of silence.

Nola, unable to resist her curiosity, poked Jonathan and whispered, "I don't want the money. Can you take me to buy candy?"

Without a second thought, Jonathan replied, "Of course."

Chuckling, Nikolas added, "Your father can buy you all candy in the world!"

"Really?" Nola's eyes sparkled with innocent wonder.

Aimee countered, "Nikolas, stop filling her head with nonsense! Nola's teeth are a disaster. Every trip to the dentist ends in tears!"

She was acting like Nola's mother.

Nikolas dared not speak further. Clearly, Aimee was contradicting him on purpose. Why hadn't she spoken up when Jonathan promised candy?

Bethany smoothed things over. “Let's make an exception today. A little candy won't hurt."

“Yay! I'm so happy! Can you buy some for Rowan too?" Nola‘s finger pointed to her brother.

Rowan, ever practical, stated, "I want a new laptop."

He didn't like candy; he wanted something with heft.

"Okay, I'll get it for you." Jonathan agreed to their requests without hesitation.

Bethany sighed, a touch of exasperation in her voice. "You shouldn't spoil them too much.”

"My son and daughter can have anything they want."

Nikolas, with a sidelong glance at Jonathan, remarked with a sneer, "I want a son and a daughter too."

He cast a meaningful look at Aimee through the rearview mirror.

Sadly, Aimee's attention was riveted on the children, oblivious to Nikolas’ pointed gaze.

The MPV rolled to a stop at the restaurant. Bethany stepped out, her phone vibrating in her palm.

Unconsciously, she cast a fleeting glance at Jonathan, who was cradling Nola in his arms. Then, with a sigh, she focused on her phone screen and saw Jayson's message. “Have you landed?"

Bethany pressed her Lips together and replied, "Yes. We're taking the kids out for a meal. Aimee's with us too."

Jayson's concern was palpable. "The kids aren't coming back tonight, right? Do they have everything they need? Nola loves her bedtime storybook and her stuffed toy. I noticed they were left behind. Should I get someone to bring them over?"

He offered to send someone, and refrained from volunteering himself.

Jayson had no desire to witness the cozy family scene, feeling Like an outsider.