Chapter 329 Found a Backer
"Dad, I don't like that lady," Hayden grumbled, scrunching up his face.
Seb chuckled, ruffling Hayden's hair. "Guess what, buddy? I don't like her either."
"Her perfume stinks, Dad. Does it make you wanna puke when you smell it?" Hayden asked, dead serious.
Seb shot a quick look at Susan, who was hanging by the table, and for a second, he was speechless.
"Uh, I've only met her a few times, but yeah, her perfume is pretty nasty," Seb said, awkwardly scratching his nose.
"Dad, why are you always touching your nose today?" Hayden asked, frowning.
"Am I?" Seb raised an eyebrow.
Hayden burst out laughing. "Dad, you always touch your nose when you're nervous. You do it every time you see Mom!"
Susan, holding a bowl, froze.
Seb was taken aback. They both looked up, their eyes locking.
Seb's eyes were a mix of awkwardness and undeniable love for Susan.
Susan quickly looked away, screwing the lid back on the thermos, feeling all flustered.
Seb grinned. "Didn't expect my kid would know me so well!"
Susan ignored him, placing a bowl of soup in front of him. "Drink it while it's hot," she said softly.
Seb took the bowl, smiling. "Thanks."
After a few sips, Seb nodded. "This is really good. Must've been cooking for a while, huh?"
Before Susan could reply, Hayden piped up, "Mom got up super early to make it. Spring woke up and cried 'cause she couldn't find Mom. But I didn't cry 'cause I'm a man!"
Hayden finished with a proud grin.
Susan blushed. She had indeed gotten up early to make the soup, worried she wouldn't have time to bring Hayden and Spring to see Seb. This was normal, but Hayden's words made her feel a bit embarrassed.
Seb looked touched. He gazed at Susan. "Why the rush? You look exhausted."
Seb stared at her dark circles, almost reaching out to touch her face.
Susan quickly stepped back, picking up Spring. "I just left it to simmer and went back to sleep for a bit."
In reality, she had stayed by the pot the whole time, but she wasn't about to tell Seb that.
Seb could see her stubbornness, so he didn't push it. Instead, he focused on enjoying the soup.
Right then, Hayden tugged on Susan's sleeve and looked up, all curious. "Mom, why's Dad drinking ox hoof soup?"
Susan glanced at Seb and then answered straight up, "Your dad hurt his leg, so he's eating ox hoof to help it heal!"
Seb, mid-bite, almost choked and had to grab a napkin to wipe his mouth.
Seeing Seb's awkwardness, Susan laughed. She had rummaged through the fridge that morning and only found two ox hooves. It was too early to go shopping, and she had to look after Hayden and Spring, so ox hoof soup it was.
Hayden, taking it seriously, asked, "So if Dad hurts his head, will you make him ox head soup?"
Susan doubled over, laughing so hard her stomach hurt. Hayden grinned, showing off his baby teeth.
Seb, super embarrassed, scolded Hayden, "If you keep talking nonsense, I'll pull out your teeth!"
Hayden hid behind Susan, peeking out and challenging Seb. "You dare?"
"Think I won't?" Seb pretended to get out of bed.
Hayden clung to Susan's waist, taunting, "With Mom here, you won't dare!"
"You found a protector, huh?" Seb's face darkened.
Watching them bicker, Susan tugged at her lips and said to Hayden, "Hey, don't be rude to your dad!"
"Okay," Hayden mumbled, lowering his head.
Seb grumbled, clearly annoyed.
After a bit, Susan felt awkward. She and Seb didn't have much to say; it was Hayden and Spring keeping things lively.
Susan stood up. "It's getting late. I'll take them back now. We'll come see you again tomorrow."
Seb looked reluctant but didn't push it. "Alright. It's tough for you to handle both of them alone. I'll have Leon pick them up later and let Mary take care of them."
"Tomorrow's Sunday, so I have time. Let Mr. Johnson pick them up Monday morning," Susan suggested.
"Alright," Seb nodded, then suddenly said, "If you're not happy at Pioneer Accounting Firm, I can find you a better job."
Susan frowned, thinking, 'What's Seb getting at? Is he worried Linda will give me trouble?'
She asked, "Is this because Linda's my boss? If so, I don't mind. Linda does misunderstand our relationship, but once she gets it, I think she won't care."
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