Chapter 602 I Have a Child Named Jesse
Amara stood by a black van, with Landon lounging inside with one leg hanging out, alongside another person.
A girl's voice, sharp and angry, came from inside, arguing with Landon. "You old man! I'm almost 20 years younger than you, and I sleep with you, yet you still have a lover outside. You want to seduce other women! I'll break your manhood and see if you can still sleep with other women."
Landon tried to calm her down. He was a bit impatient but willing to tolerate her outbursts.
Kingsley thought the voice sounded familiar but dismissed it, turning his attention to Amara, who also noticed him.
She smiled slightly, adjusted her coat, bent down, and said a few words to Landon. His face was already scratched by the woman, who was still not appeased, crying out, "Amara, you're still helping him!"
That girl was Caitlyn.
After meeting at the airport two years ago, Landon and Caitlyn had gotten together.
But Landon was too much of a flirt, and Caitlyn couldn't capture his heart. They had been dating for two years, with some sweet moments, but mostly fights.
Amara had worked with Landon for a long time and had never seen anyone throw a tantrum like Caitlyn. This was probably the confidence that came from her family background.
Now Caitlyn was accusing her, but Amara just smiled.
Amara was Landon's secretary, and Landon would somewhat protect Amara. He pressed Caitlyn's head and said unhappily, "I just gave a dress to a young model, and Amara was following my orders. Why are you blaming her?"
Caitlyn was furious. "She's helping you seduce women."
She was clear that among all the women coming and going around Landon, none were as important as Amara. Over two years, Amara had become more and more like Charlotte.
She didn't believe that Landon had no feelings for Amara. But Caitlyn didn't dare to say it out loud. If she did, she probably wouldn't be able to stay by Landon's side anymore.
Just thinking about it made Caitlyn feel really aggrieved. She just sat there sulking. Seeing her calm down, Landon was willing to coax Caitlyn, so he looked up and said gently to Amara, "I'll take her home. You take a cab back."
After saying that, Landon suddenly saw Kingsley.
Landon stepped out of the car with his long legs. "Kingsley!"
Caitlyn hid in the car, not wanting to come out. She had chased after Kingsley back then but ended up dating Landon instead, which was truly embarrassing.
Landon walked up to Kingsley.
This time, Landon was quite polite. "Kingsley, I'm taking my girlfriend home. How about you help me take Amara? Oh, I forgot you also brought your girlfriend, so it's inconvenient."
Landon looked very troubled. "Then Amara will have to take a cab. It's just a bit cold at night."
Amara didn't expect him to bring this up. She immediately smiled lightly and said, "No need, I can..."
But before she could finish, Kingsley spoke, "Get in the car."
His tone was very calm, but there was an undeniable authority that left no room for refusal.
Amara was slightly stunned.
When she was Kingsley's secretary, she had seen this side of him, but privately, Kingsley wasn't like this.
Just as she was feeling a bit emotional, Hannah had already linked arms with her, smiling sweetly. "It's an honor for us to help Mr. Carter."
Landon smiled charmingly. "It's not a good habit to make decisions for him before you're married!"
Hannah blushed and sneaked a glance at Kingsley. He remained expressionless.
In the end, Amara got into Kingsley's car. But she didn't expect Jared to be driving.
Seeing Amara get in, Jared gasped. Kingsley followed her into the car. It was a long black Lincoln, grand and spacious. Kingsley took a bottle of red wine and two glasses from a small fridge, poured half a glass, and handed it to Amara. He said to Jared, "Amara is Mr. Carter's secretary."
Jared gasped again and agreed. "I got it."
Jared sneaked a glance at Amara.
Amara didn't take the glass of red wine. With three people in the car, what would it look like if she drank wine with Kingsley?
As if knowing her thoughts, Kingsley smiled faintly. "Hannah doesn't drink red wine."
There was a hint of intimacy in his words.
Hannah blushed and retorted softly, "Who says I don't?"
She then took the glass from his hand and sipped a little, looking almost defiant. Kingsley just quietly let her be, looking very patient.
Amara knew he was doing it on purpose, but she didn't mind. She held the wine glass and took a small sip.
Kingsley stared at Amara. "I thought after all these years, your drinking capacity would have improved. Why only one sip? Or are you worried that if you get drunk, you'll be taken advantage of?"
Amara turned slightly, gently stroking the glass. She smiled lightly. "How could that be? You must be joking."
Kingsley didn't say anything more.
Hannah vaguely sensed that something was off between them. Could it be that they didn't get along well at work? Why was the atmosphere always tense whenever they met? But from what she knew about Kingsley, he wasn't someone who would force himself. If he really disliked Amara, why would he agree to take her home? Kingsley must be doing it for Landon's sake.
The atmosphere in the car was extremely awkward, with no one speaking. Fortunately, they soon arrived at the place Amara mentioned.
Amara got out of the car gracefully. Then she held the car door and smiled. "Thank you, Mr. Hawkins."
Kingsley looked up at Amara, his eyes filled with an intense emotion. He glanced around and sneered, "You really know how to pick a place! The transportation here is convenient for catching a cab."
Amara understood his implication. She blinked lightly. "Mr. Hawkins, you're too kind! I won't disturb your time with Ms. Cook any longer."
Kingsley wanted to say something, but Amara had already closed the car door.
As soon as she turned around after closing the door, Amara felt all her strength drain away, her heart aching. She knew that in Syeattel, they were bound to meet. She had already known about his girlfriend, but she was still exhausted from dealing with him.
Three years, she had learned to let go of that relationship. But clearly, Kingsley hadn't. She could feel his hostility and resentment.
Under the neon lights, Amara blinked lightly. The emotions between them were too complex.
Her phone rang in her handbag, and Amara answered it. A childish voice came through. "Mom, when are you coming back? Hailey and I have been waiting for a long time! The cake is about to melt."
Amara's lips curled into a gentle smile. "I'll be back soon!"
She hung up the phone and hailed a cab. Kingsley was right; it was easy to catch a cab here.
It was already late when she got home. Amara opened the door to find Jesse sitting at the dining table, nodding off, and Hailey wasn't much better off.
Amara put down her handbag and quietly changed her shoes. She had bought this apartment at the beginning of the year, an 850-square-foot place with a $240,000 down payment and a $360,000 mortgage. Life wasn't very affluent, but it was decent.
She quietly walked over and covered Jesse's eyes. "Guess who's back?"
Jesse woke up immediately, holding Amara's hands with his small ones, and called out softly, "Mom," his voice still tinged with sleepiness.
Amara kissed him tenderly. "I'll come back earlier from now on."
At this moment, Hailey woke up. "You came back so late! It's cold outside, and you're dressed so lightly." Hailey, always concerned for her, got up. "Luckily, it's not past midnight yet. I'll heat up the food, and you and Jesse can light the candles together. Jesse has been waiting for you for half the night."
Amara nodded. She sat down and held Jesse on her lap. Hailey, concerned about the dress, said, "Amara, change out of that dress before holding him."
"It's fine! The company has a clothing allowance."
Hailey smiled. "Mr. Carter is really good to you! The salary for your position is quite generous."
Hailey was efficient and quickly heated up the food. Amara held Jesse and blew out the candles. Jesse, being very thoughtful, gave Amara a paper airplane he had folded. "Happy birthday, Mom."
Amara kissed him. Jesse blushed a little and nestled into Amara's arms.
Hailey served the food and specially gave Amara a bowl of chicken soup, saying, "Drink something hot to warm up. It's freezing outside."
Amara cut a small piece of cake for Jesse on a little plate and let him go play on the side.
After Jesse left, Hailey sighed. "Time flies. Next fall, Jesse will be able to go to kindergarten. Amara, I'm thinking of starting a mobile breakfast business. It might not earn much, but it offers flexible hours. Jesse still needs someone to look after him."
Amara took a sip of the chicken soup and looked up. She gazed at Hailey for a while before softly saying, "You're already taking care of Jesse and running a small business; it's too much work! Let's wait a couple more years. When Jesse starts elementary school, I'll have saved enough money to help you open a better shop."
Hailey wasn't afraid of hard work, but Amara couldn't bear to see her overworked. Hailey had come from Stellaria City to be with her, and she had truly been a great help. Amara felt she should let Hailey enjoy life more.
Amara insisted, so Hailey had to drop the subject for now. Amara quietly finished her meal and then went to soothe Jesse, giving him a bath and putting him to sleep.
The night was hazy. Hailey carried Jesse to her own bedroom and laid him down. Amara spoke softly from behind, "I ran into him today."
Hailey paused. After a moment, she tucked Jesse in and then nodded towards the door, indicating they should talk outside. Hailey got Amara a glass of milk, which warmed her up as she drank it.
Hailey couldn't help but ask, "What happened?"
Amara recounted the events of the day. Hailey listened in silence for a while, then reached out to hold Amara's hand. She treated Amara with a motherly affection. "What are you thinking? You have Jesse to consider. If Mr. Hawkins has feelings for you, you could reunite."
"No," Amara spoke lightly and calmly. "We are not a good match. His girlfriend seems to come from a good family, and their parents probably approve. Besides, he doesn't know about Jesse. Since I didn't tell him before, there's no need to tell him now. I can raise Jesse well without him."
Hailey couldn't help but nod. She supported Amara. "As long as you've thought it through! Then we raised Jesse on our own."
Amara said softly, "Thank you, Hailey."
Hailey patted her head. "It's not a big deal! Finish this and get some sleep. You have work tomorrow!"
Mentioning work, Amara couldn't help but complain, "Caitlyn had another fight with Landon today."
Hailey feigned surprise. "Really? Then Landon's face must be scratched up again."
Amara smiled and said no more. But Hailey was thoughtful. She had seen Landon many times. He often brought Amara home after social events, and once he even came inside for a cup of coffee.
The way Landon looked at Amara was unusual. It wasn't the way a man looks at a woman. Hailey felt it was more like he was looking at someone else through Amara.
Over time, Hailey had heard the rumors in Syeattel. Landon had secretly loved Charlotte in his younger days. When Amara was at her lowest, Landon took her in, and over the next two years, Amara increasingly resembled Charlotte.
Hailey was okay, and Amara was doing better than before. These were things Hailey never mentioned to Amara, nor was it appropriate to do so.
The next day, Amara went to work at the branch office. Landon's face had a few more scratches, and there were also some bruises on his neck.
Amara thought, 'Quite intense!'
But she still wore a serene smile, holding a notebook as she reported to Landon. He leaned back in his leather chair, listening somewhat absentmindedly.
Amara repeated herself several times, realizing he wasn't paying attention. Finally, she couldn't help but ask, "Mr. Carter, do you need me to schedule a doctor's appointment for you?"
Landon immediately sat up straight. "I'm good."
Amara smiled faintly. Landon tossed a booklet to her and said indifferently, "Caitlyn wants a piece of jewelry. You pick one for her."
Amara smiled. "You should take her to choose it yourself. I think she would be happier that way."
Landon leaned back again. He glanced at Amara. "You don't understand. If I take her to buy jewelry today, she'll ask me to buy her a ring tomorrow! It's a hassle!"
Amara had some words she didn't say out loud. She picked up the booklet. "Alright! I'll handle it!"
Just as she was about to leave, Landon called her back, "Wait a moment."
He took a card out of the drawer and handed it to her. "This is a prepaid card for the city's most famous high-end restaurant, with a $20,000 balance. Consider it your birthday gift. Take Jesse and Hailey to try it out when you have time."
Amara was slightly stunned, then she smiled and accepted it. "Thank you, Mr. Carter."
Landon also smiled. "Get back to work!"
Amara returned to her office. As the chief secretary, she had a private office of 160 square feet, which was quite nice.
After sitting down, she looked at the card for a moment before putting it in the drawer.
Amara spent quite some time studying the jewelry booklet. She found a necklace she thought would suit Caitlyn well and took a photo to send to Caitlyn: [Do you like this one?]
Caitlyn was at her mansion, painting her nails. Amara's message came through.
Caitlyn stared at the message, feeling a bit dazed. In truth, Caitlyn didn't really dislike Amara, but their relationship was quite complicated. In the past, she had pursued Kingsley, who was Amara's favorite. Now she was Landon's lover, and Amara seemed to be Landon's cherished employee, though Landon never said it outright.
Caitlyn knew all of Amara's secrets, her whereabouts, and even about Amara's child, but she hadn't told Kingsley any of this in the past two years.
Caitlyn thought she was jealous of Amara. Amara seemed to have nothing, yet she had everything. If she wanted, Landon would probably marry her immediately.
Feeling upset, Caitlyn called Amara to make things difficult for her. "I don't want a necklace; I want a ring. Ask Landon if he can give me one."
If Landon didn't personally give it, he probably would agree.
Amara remained composed and asked, "What's your ring size?"
Caitlyn replied, "Size 11! Amara, can you make decisions for Landon?"
Amara responded gracefully, "Mr. Carter gives you a monthly allowance of four million dollars."
Caitlyn was infuriated. She threw her phone down in frustration. How could the once timid Amara become so formidable now?
In the afternoon, Amara went to pick up the diamond ring. She chose a 2-carat diamond ring for Caitlyn. It was very girly, and she was sure Caitlyn would like it.
Since this was a work-related task, Amara took the company car. The driver, knowing she was Landon's trusted assistant, was very polite to her. When she got out of the car, Amara handed him a famous brand cake roll. The driver, Douglas, was delighted. "My daughter loves this brand, but it's quite expensive, and I can't usually afford it! Amara, you don't have to be so nice to me."
Amara smiled lightly. "It's a company perk. I'll get you another one next time."
Douglas left happily.
After watching him leave, Amara called the brand manager, who said everything was ready.
Amara walked over in her high heels. Her well-fitted suit perfectly accentuated her figure, and with her gentle face, she exuded an exceptional aura. She often picked up jewelry here, and the manager always flattered her.
"Amara, my monthly performance depends on this order."
Amara smiled lightly. "You should thank Mr. Carter."
The manager said flatteringly, "But it's you who speaks for us in front of Mr. Carter. Your good taste makes his girlfriends happy, and that's what matters."
Amara just smiled.
At that moment, a group of people came down from the second-floor elevator, led by Kingsley. He saw Amara standing in front of a jewelry counter, with a diamond ring in front of her.
Could Amara be getting married?
Kingsley's expression darkened as Rebecca followed his gaze and froze at the sight of Amara.
Rebecca looked for a long time and couldn't help but say, "Amara has changed a lot."
Amara looked better than before, but there was also a hint of worldliness in her eyes. To Rebecca, it was very attractive, but she didn't know which type Kingsley preferred.
Kingsley didn't respond.
Rebecca, always good at reading Kingsley's mood, thought for a moment and cautiously asked, "Shall I invite Amara over to catch up with you?"
Kingsley continued to stare at the diamond ring, his face growing darker.
After a long while, he finally said softly, "No need."
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