Chapter 519 Why Should He Care
Agnes's innocent words made Harper's expression freeze. She hesitated and said, "I don't know yet."
Agnes looked puzzled, "Then why don't you tell the babies' dad? What if he likes the babies as much as I do?"
"Actually, I'm having some disagreements with him right now. I really like the twins, but I'm a bit unsure."
"Twins? Two babies together are 'twins'?" Agnes asked excitedly, "Are they like the twins in my class who look exactly the same?"
Harper nodded, "That's what the doctor said."
"Mommy, you're amazing!" Agnes shouted.
After a moment of excitement, Agnes's little face scrunched up, "Mommy, do you not want the babies?"
Harper didn't exactly not want them; she was just a bit anxious about the current situation. Agnes's attachment and longing for the father figure made her very worried that the babies would face the same issue. Harper didn't want her children to grow up without a father's involvement again.
"Mommy, can I make a small suggestion?" Agnes asked softly.
"Of course, sweetheart, go ahead."
"Even if the babies' dad doesn't like them as much as we do, it's okay." Agnes said sweetly, "We have you, Jasper, Grandpa, Zoey, Jessica..."
Agnes raised her little fingers, counting one by one until she ran out of fingers. She held up both her little hands and showed them to Harper, saying, "Mommy, look, so many people love me and the babies. You don't need to worry at all."
Harper couldn't help but laugh, her heart instantly softening. She was most worried that the babies would be like Agnes, but now looking at Agnes, it didn't seem so bad. Agnes had been growing up healthy and strong, with so many people caring for her. Timely guidance and an open-minded education had made Agnes a very loving girl.
Harper bent down, gently hugged Agnes, and said tenderly, "Agnes, thank you. Let's work hard together."
Agnes blinked her big round eyes and said, "Mommy, let's do our best together."
Harper held Agnes in her arms, and after a while, she heard Agnes's small voice say, "Mommy, I wonder how Abigail is doing?"
Agnes had been thinking about Abigail for a long time, but unfortunately, she hadn't been able to see her that day.
Harper comforted her, "Don't worry, Agnes. I've inquired, and Abigail is doing quite well. When she gets healthier, we'll definitely be able to see her."
Agnes said, "Mommy, it was all my fault. I shouldn't have pulled Zoey over to help that man selling candy when he fell."
"Agnes, I told you last time, you did a good deed. No one will blame you." Harper gently patted Agnes's back and comforted her, "Agnes, remember, we should never blame ourselves for someone else's mistakes. Whether it's me, Jasper, or your grandpa, we all think you did the right thing by trying to help. The wrongdoer was that bad man who took advantage of your kindness."
Then, Harper looked down at Agnes gently, "Agnes, remember, you did nothing wrong."
Agnes nodded, feeling much better, and said softly, "Mommy, I'll keep doing good deeds, but I'll protect myself and make sure it's safe first."
Harper was pleased that Agnes understood and praised her, "Agnes, you're great!"
After Agnes fell asleep, Harper gently closed the door and came out, her expression turning serious. That day, after school, Agnes had been captivated by the man selling fancy candies just outside the gate. The candies were intricately made, in various shapes like dolls and animals. Although Agnes liked them very much, she was obedient and never ran off after school.
Just as she was about to go with Zoey to the driver, the candy seller was suddenly hit by a motorcycle. There were cars passing by, but no one helped him, so Agnes pulled Zoey over. Agnes wanted to check on him and have Zoey call for help. Unexpectedly, as soon as they got close and showed concern, they were overcome by a dizzying scent, and a car came to abduct them.
Even now, thinking about it sent chills down Harper's spine. How could someone be so malicious, using others' kindness to achieve their evil goals!
Later, the police found the kidnappers' bodies in the river, along with their car. Harper knew the kidnappers were likely silenced. But Harper didn't pity them at all. They deserved their fate for harming others!
Although the bodies of the kidnappers were found, Harper sensed a familiar method behind the scenes—clean and ruthless, leaving no survivors, very much like the Hernandez family's style!
On the surface, it seemed like they had moved on, but privately, they never stopped gathering evidence. Many things Harper couldn't do herself were handled secretly by Jasper. They would never let go of the person behind Agnes's kidnapping! No matter how long it took, they would catch the real culprit!
The next day, after finishing her work, Harper arranged to have dinner with Alvin Jordan, a friend of Clayton's who had helped secure a significant business deal.
Harper arrived at the restaurant early to wait for Alvin. Soon, a very distinguished middle-aged man walked in and immediately spotted Harper at the table. Alvin waved, "Harper."
Harper quickly stood up and respectfully said, "Alvin."
After Alvin sat down, they chatted about work while eating. After the meal, Alvin said, "Harper, do you know any good places around here to meet and relax? I have two friends coming over to chat."
"I do. I know the manager over there. I'll make a reservation for you and take you there."
"Wouldn't that be too much trouble for you?"
"Not at all. It's not easy for you to come back to Northfield. I'll make sure everything is well arranged for you tonight."
"Alright then. My two friends are somewhat related to your business. You should meet them."
"No problem, Alvin."
If it were anyone else, Harper wouldn't go. But Alvin had known Clayton for many years and always treated her like a daughter. He would never harm her.
They soon arrived at a nearby club, just ten minutes away. The club was upscale, a place to drink and chat without being too noisy. The main thing was that it was a members-only club, requiring a certain status and assets to join, which helped avoid a mixed crowd.
Although Alvin was Harper's elder, he was only in his forties, exuded a youthful vigor both in appearance and mindset. After they sat down, Alvin's two friends arrived quickly, one of whom brought his wife.
After Alvin introduced Harper, the other three people was very respectful, exchanged business cards, and promised to contact her for future business opportunities.
Alvin's friend's wife had a pleasant conversation with Harper. Since it was still early, just past eight, Harper wasn't in a hurry to leave and continued chatting happily with the lady. Midway through, Alvin's friend and his wife had to leave for something, and before they left, the lady arranged to visit Harper's studio in a couple of days. Harper happily agreed and saw them off at the door, watching them leave.
Unexpectedly, when she returned to her seat, she saw a familiar figure sitting next to Alvin, chatting happily.
Francis had his long legs stretched out, seemingly half-leaning on the sofa, sitting very casually. His white shirt collar was open, revealing a delicate collarbone, and his sleeves were rolled up, showing his strong, long forearms with slightly bulging veins, exuding an indescribable sexiness. Even sitting in the backlight, he still attracted the frequent glances of all the girls in the room.
Although Harper hadn't been deliberately following Francis's news these past few days, she had heard some big news about the Getty Group from her colleagues. It was said that the Getty Group was undergoing major reforms, and even Ryan and his supporters had been eliminated by Francis.
Some neutral people, upon hearing the news of Francis's death, had no more reservations and immediately sided with Ryan. Fortunately, Francis's fake death this time exposed these people, allowing them to be cleaned out. Now, Ryan and Keith were isolated in the company, and removing them was just a matter of time for Francis.
No wonder Francis looked so pleased, with no trace of worry on his face.
Looking at that dazzlingly handsome face, Harper felt for a moment that perhaps her initial judgment was wrong. Francis didn't have any insurmountable difficulties. All his unusual behavior might really be, as he said, because he no longer loved her.
She paused for a few seconds before walking over.
Seeing Harper approach, Alvin happily took her hand and introduced her to Francis, "This is my friend's daughter, Harper. She has a studio in Northfield. Francis, you must look after her for me."
Francis's thin lips parted slightly, his gaze barely landing on her, "Alvin, I know Ms. Murphy."
Harper forced a smile; at least his tone was no longer sarcastic.
Alvin was surprised, then delighted, "You know each other? That's even better! Harper is both beautiful and talented."
Alvin clearly didn't know their relationship and seemed to be trying to match them up, making the atmosphere instantly awkward.
Francis nodded, perfunctorily, "Not bad."
It was obvious he didn't want to continue this topic.
Alvin, being perceptive, didn't push it further, even though he liked Francis. If Francis wasn't interested, he had no reason to push Harper.
Harper also noticed and, to avoid embarrassing Alvin, changed the subject, "Alvin, how did you come to know Mr. Getty?"
Francis's hand, holding the cup, paused slightly at the mention of this title. Harper, looking at Alvin, didn't notice.
Alvin smiled, "We met at an art exhibition. Francis and I had a great conversation and hit it off immediately."
Alvin's friend across the table also smiled, "Since we're all getting along so well, let's have a drink together."
He raised his glass, and everyone joined in.
Harper's glass contained water, but it looked like alcohol. Just as she raised it, Francis's arm suddenly bumped into her, spilling her drink.
Francis apologized expressionlessly, "Sorry."
Harper poured herself another glass of water from the special pitcher. Alvin knew she couldn't drink alcohol and didn't let her, so he knew it was water, but others didn't.
Just as Harper finished pouring and was about to put the pitcher down, Francis's elbow inconveniently bumped into her again. This time, it knocked the pitcher out of her hand, spilling water everywhere.
"Apologies," Francis said flatly, without much sincerity.
As Harper suspected his actions were intentional, Francis called a waiter, "Please bring this lady a pitcher of water."
Harper felt he was doing it on purpose. Maybe he thought she was drinking alcohol?
Once this thought arose, it was hard to suppress. Why would Francis care if she drank?
The old Francis knew how muddled Harper got with even a little alcohol, so he never let her drink it. Could he still care?
Harper stood up, excusing herself to the restroom, to splash some cold water on her face and clear her head. Looking at her pale face in the mirror, she couldn't remember the last time she had genuinely smiled.
Harper thought of Agnes's words, that Francis didn't intentionally push Agnes. And the way he cared about what she was drinking, all of these made the hope in her heart slowly reignite.
After calming herself, she walked back to her seat. On the way, she saw that Alvin and his friends were no longer at the table but dancing in the dance floor.
That left Francis alone at the table.
With this in mind, Harper quickened her pace, wanting to ask Francis a few questions. But before she could get close, she saw a stylish, sexy girl, Azalea Cane, bending over and whispering something in Francis's ear. As Harper got closer, she heard Azalea asking for Francis's contact information on behalf of a friend.
Following Azalea's pointing finger, Harper saw her friend looking at her with a defiant expression, making her very uncomfortable.
Tonight, Harper had been sitting next to Francis the whole time, so these girls probably didn't know if she was Francis's date. But they took advantage of Harper's trip to the restroom to ask Francis for his contact information and even gave her a provocative look.
Azalea, seeing Harper approaching, didn't back down. Instead, she coquettishly said, "You mean it? If I drink this glass, you'll give me your contact information?"
Azalea spoke while deliberately bending over, her chest almost in Francis's face.
Harper frowned at the sight. Francis would never like such a vulgar person.
But the next second, she was shocked.
Francis's eyes held a hint of enticing mischief as he lazily said, "Yes."
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