Chapter 70 Feeling Provoked by Alex
Nora intended to call the preschool to check on her three kids.
However, upon noticing a missed call from Aaron on her phone, she hurried to call back, recalling Aaron's promise to pick up the kids after school. The call connected quickly, and Nora asked, "Thomas, did you pick up Alex and the others from preschool?"
On the other end, Aaron and the kids had just entered the front yard. He gestured to Noe to stop pushing the wheelchair and said with a hint of coolness, "Nora, you finally remembered the kids? What could make a mom forget to pick up her children?"
His tone made Nora feel inexplicably guilty. She scratched her forehead, her voice softening, "Sorry, I had surgery this afternoon and just got out of the OR. You picked up the kids, right?"
Realizing she had been in surgery, Aaron's expression softened a bit. "The kids are already home."
"Thank you," Nora said, expressing her sincere gratitude.
"Are you still at the hospital? Coming home soon?" Aaron inquired.
"Right away," Nora replied.
After they hung up, Aaron looked at his phone screen, his expression gentler. Alex, walking ahead, looked back at him and came over.
"Mr. Gordon, is Mom still at the hospital?" Alex asked.
Aaron nodded. "She just finished surgery and will be back soon."
Alex hummed in acknowledgment, then glanced up at him again.
Aaron raised an eyebrow, and asked, "Something on your mind?"
Alex asked with concern evident in his voice, "Mr. Gordon, you seemed upset in the car earlier; why?"
The kid was quite wise.
Aaron's lips curled slightly. "I thought your mom was so wrapped up in her date that she forgot about picking you guys up from school."
Alex's dark eyes fixed on him, and the child blurted out, "Mr. Gordon, are you jealous?"
Aaron remained silent.
"I think Jack is nice. If he's going to be our dad in the future, we wouldn't mind," Alex added before moving away. Aaron watched Alex's retreating figure, deep in thought.
Noe, standing by, couldn't help but chuckle at Alex's earnestness.
Aaron glanced at him. "What's so funny?"
Noe quickly sobered up, "Nothing."
"Come on, spill it." Aaron's handsome features turned serious.
Noe glanced at him and said, "Mr. Gordon, it feels like Alex is purposely teasing you. But of course, I could be wrong."
The boss hadn't indicated any hidden intentions regarding Nora; surely, he was overthinking it.
Aaron's eyes narrowed, remaining silent.
Alex felt defeated. Did he make Jack their potential dad?
With his brothers and sister in tow, Alex led them inside to wash up.
He had warned Mr. Gordon not to pursue their mom if he wasn't serious about it. Despite his caution, Alex secretly shared the same wish for Mr. Gordon to make a move.
What did Mr. Gordon think of his earlier words?
"Wow, something smells delicious! Did Mom come back to cook?" Samantha sniffed the air curiously.
"It's not Mom," Alex replied.
Since Mr. Gordon said Mom was still at the hospital, it couldn't be her.
"Then who could it be?" Billy wondered aloud, his curiosity leading him into the kitchen first.
Ember had just finished preparing a dish when the three kids showed up. Her eyes twinkled as she smiled. "Are the little ones back?"
"Who are you?" Billy asked, eyeing her cautiously.
"She's Ember; I asked her to come over and help with cooking," Aaron said as he wheeled into the room.
Noe added, "Yeah, Mr. Gordon arranged for some help since Nora juggles work and cooking. He didn't want her to be overworked."
Relieved by the explanation, the trio greeted Ember with a collective, "Hi, Ember."
"Such sweethearts," Ember said, moving closer to the triplets, "You three remind me of my grandson, who's about your age too." She gently straightened Samantha's hair. "Your hair's a bit messy, dear. Let me fix that for you."
Samantha blinked and nodded politely.
Seeing Ember's kindness, Alex and Billy didn't object.
"Mr. Gordon, we're gonna go out and practice some archery. Let's wait for Mom to return before we eat, okay?" Billy called out.
"Sure," Aaron agreed as Noe pushed his wheelchair outside.
Seeing everyone leaving, Samantha hurried Ember, "Please hurry, I want to go play too!"
"Just a moment," Ember whispered, swiftly plucking two of Samantha's hairs while Aaron and the others exited.
Samantha felt a twinge of pain on her scalp, frowned, and scratched her head but brushed it off.
"All set, off you go," Ember said, secreting away the pilfered hairs with a smile.
"Thanks, Ember," Samantha said gratefully, darting outside.
At Central Hospital, Jack caught Nora's sigh of relief, and his eyes clouded with remorse.
"Sorry, Nora. I should've arranged for someone to pick up Alex after school."
Nora chuckled lightly. "No worries, Thomas got them."
"Thomas?" Jack was momentarily puzzled.
"Aaron's nickname is Thomas; I'm just used to calling him that," Nora clarified.
Jack glanced at Nora without saying anything.
They looked quite familiar with each other.
Together, they returned to the research office.
Jack greeted Howard.
"My apologies, Dr. Hamilton. There was an emergency patient, so I asked Nora to assist me."
With that explanation, he couldn't blame Nora, even if Howard was somewhat displeased.
"It's okay; compassion is part of the job."
Jack’s expression was warm and gracious as he watched Nora pack up her belongings.
Dr. Luna had her gaze fixed on him the moment he entered.
She straightened her attire, put on what she believed to be her most charming smile, and then stood up to greet him.
"Dr. Parker, remember me? I'm Dr. Luna; we've met before."
Jack glanced at her, recalling their encounter at an academic conference.
Dr. Luna had accidentally spilled tea on him and later went out of her way to replace his shirt.
"Ah, Dr. Luna." Jack acknowledged her with a brief nod, his demeanor remaining cool.
"Dr. Parker, why haven’t you been directly involved in this research project? I joined this team because of your reputation," Dr. Luna said coyly.
Jack smiled gently. "It's all the same. My protégé is even more skilled than I am."
His gaze towards Nora was soft and tender, which stirred a tinge of jealousy in Dr. Luna.
"Dr. Parker, are you free later? Let me take you out for a meal; I'd love to discuss some academic issues with you."
Jack glanced at her. "Sorry, I'm a bit tied up in the lab today."
"How about I visit you in the lab tomorrow?" Dr. Luna pressed eagerly.
"Sorry, I can't guarantee I'll be there tomorrow."
Jack maintained a polite distance in his responses.
His eyes softened only when he looked at Nora.
As Dr. Luna faced public rejection, her discomfort was evident.
Nora finished packing her things, gave Dr. Luna a look, and left the office with Jack.
"Jack, seems like Dr. Luna's got a crush on you, huh?"
Jack responded nonchalantly, "I guess so, but she's not my type."
Nora chuckled and said, "Jack, aren't you ready to start dating? What kind of girl will catch your eye?"
Jack glanced at her, his expression unreadable.
Before he could respond, a man's voice called from behind them.
"Nora, wait a minute; I need to talk to you."
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