Chapter 610 Innocent Children, Revealing the Truth
Bruce held a unique position in Aqua Vista City, often conducting his dealings with wealthy businessmen in private, rarely making public appearances.
It made sense, though. Miguel's residence was so secluded, perfect for secret meetings between officials and businessmen.
Brooklyn nodded subtly at Sebastian, and the two exchanged a discreet glance, adopting a wait-and-see attitude towards Bruce's presence.
Brooklyn raised her glass but didn't drink, instead lowering her voice behind the cover of her lips, "I heard you used your charm to get her to help you obtain the construction permit. Now her father is coming. How do you plan to handle this?"
She bit lightly on the word "charm," teasingly, with a hint of jealousy.
Sebastian also raised his glass, not drinking, and said through the rim, "You did great earlier, darling. Let's put on a show together for the next act."
Brooklyn tapped her glass with her ringed finger, playfully asking, "What's in it for me? Are you going to take me to the revolving restaurant for dinner?"
Alright, Brooklyn was jealous, and it showed in her words.
Sebastian's large hand covered her fingers, gently clasping them, "No, the reward isn't dinner. You can have... me."
He mischievously lifted one corner of his mouth, creating a captivating, seductive smile that was irresistibly charming.
Brooklyn scoffed lightly, setting down her glass, "No." Her clever, sly gaze matched his subtle wickedness perfectly.
While everyone else was still discussing Bruce, the two of them had already discreetly showcased their affection.
When Catherine heard her father was coming, her delicate pink face broke into a relaxed smile, "Mrs. Jordan invited my dad too? He rarely attends gatherings. Mr. Jordan, you must have some pull."
Miguel laughed heartily, "It's not about my pull. It's about the respect he has for our friendship."
"Mr. Jordan, you are a major entrepreneur in Aqua Vista City, contributing to the community with his businesses, unlike those unscrupulous real estate developers who exploit the common people!" Catherine's words were sharp and clear, her sarcasm evident. Among the guests were several real estate tycoons, but it was clear she was targeting Sebastian.
It seemed Sebastian's actions tonight had offended Catherine.
Miguel chuckled, "You can't say that. You're insulting Lowell Warren, one of Aqua Vista City's biggest real estate moguls!"
"I wouldn't say that about Mr. Warren. He builds affordable housing, unlike some other developers."
Her teeth clenched tightly, wishing she could swallow Sebastian whole, chew him up, and tear him apart!
He had used her, manipulated her from start to finish!
She had foolishly let him control her, completely losing her advantage!
Miguel and the others glanced at Sebastian, each secretly smirking.
Brooklyn grabbed Sebastian's hand in frustration. He didn't even bother to explain or defend himself?
Sebastian gently pressed down, suppressing Brooklyn's impulsiveness, signaling her to stay calm for now. Brooklyn guessed he wouldn't take this lying down, so she held back, waiting to see what would happen.
Susie scoffed, "Sebastian, I heard you're planning to build the tallest skyscraper in Aqua Vista City. That's quite impressive. I doubt it's just a regular residential building, right?"
Sebastian chuckled lightly, "Of course not."
"Then, Sebastian, Catherine's comment about unscrupulous developers probably includes you." Susie sneered, her tongue pushing against her cheek in a crude, disrespectful gesture.
Brooklyn quickly grabbed Sebastian's arm, speaking up, "Susie, Ms. Cooper was just joking. Why take it seriously? Don't forget, Ms. Cooper worked hard to help Sebastian get the permit. She deserves our gratitude, not criticism!"
Hearing that, Catherine gritted her teeth.
Susie's tongue froze, her face stiffening as she angrily stabbed her steak, nearly making it jump off the plate. "That's not what I meant!"
Sebastian smiled silently, enjoying playing with Brooklyn's well-maintained hand, the hands of a surgeon, cleaner than most.
Each nail was trimmed into a neat semicircle, the base of the nails translucent, her fingers soft in his palm.
"No need for thanks! When my dad arrives, you should thank him properly!"
"Of course!"
Just as the atmosphere seemed tense, the servants came down from the second floor with two children, both around two years old.
Stretching their little arms and legs, babbling.
Hearing the children's voices, Brooklyn's heart softened, and even her fingers in Sebastian's grasp relaxed.
"Flynn Jordan, come to mommy." Dione reached out, hugging one of the boys in a gray plaid suit.
Susie proudly took the other child into her arms, "Erik Jordan, come to mommy."
With the children joining, the party atmosphere changed, and guests began praising the adorable, smart babies.
"Mr. Jordan, Flynn may be young, but his sharp eyes show he'll be great someday!"
Brooklyn smirked, feeling speechless.
"Erik inherited Mr. Jordan's intelligence; he'll be a pillar of the Jordan family."
"Ha! Both kids are rising stars, and the Jordan family's wealth will have successors!"
Though the compliments were exaggerated, Brooklyn found the babies genuinely cute. They resembled their mothers, Dione and Susie, who were both attractive, so naturally, the kids were too.
Round faces, bright eyes, curious about everything, looking at people with wide-eyed wonder, truly endearing.
Brooklyn's heart melted; she couldn't help but praise, "So cute..."
She drew out the word, unsure what else to say, just feeling warmth inside.
Susie, holding the fidgety Erik, sneered at Brooklyn, "Brooklyn, you've been married to Sebastian for years without kids. Now you can't take your eyes off them. Don't tell me you're planning to steal my kids because I took your shrimp when we were little!"
Brooklyn's newfound affection was doused by Susie's cold water, her heart sinking, "We enjoy our time together. Besides, women aren't just baby-making machines."
Brooklyn felt a pang of sadness. No matter what, children were her biggest weakness. She loved kids, really loved them. Her palm grew clammy with cold sweat, anxiety bubbling up.
Sebastian wrapped her hand, feeling her cool fingertips, frowning, "I wouldn't let Brooklyn endure the pain of childbirth. If possible, I'd never let her suffer."
Brooklyn's heart fluttered, knowing he was deflecting Susie, yet still touched, "We've been married for years, and he spoils me every day. Honestly, we haven't had time for kids."
Their display of affection made everyone envious, leaving Susie looking pitiful.
"Susie, it's tough raising kids alone without Marc. They say pregnancy makes you forgetful for three years. Take care of yourself."
"I don't need your concern!"
Catherine laughed, "Susie, let me hold Erik. It's been a while, he's gotten chubbier."
"Sure! Erik loves being held by you. Come here."
Despite Susie's words, Erik started crying as soon as Catherine held him, wailing pitifully.
"Mommy..." The sweet childlike voice whimpered, struggling to get out of her arms, making Catherine awkward.
Susie chuckled, "Catherine, you're so dressed up today, Erik doesn't recognize you!"
"Ha! That's right, Catherine looks stunning today. Even Erik doesn't recognize her! Susie, why not let Brooklyn hold Erik? She's his aunt after all!"
Susie rocked Erik, giving him toys and snacks to calm him down. "Brooklyn, don't you want to hold your nephew Erik?"
Brooklyn's lips parted. "Of course, it's my first time meeting Erik."
"Brooklyn, I brought the gift you asked for. I got so caught up talking, I forgot the gift for Erik." Sebastian reminded.
"Oh, my memory! Quick, bring the gift. I can't meet my nephew empty-handed."
Dione said, "Brooklyn is so thoughtful, even prepared a gift. Let Erik get it himself."
"Erik, come, let Aunt Brooklyn hold you." Susie reluctantly handed Erik to Brooklyn.
Surprisingly, Erik smiled and sweetly said, "Aunt Brooklyn, hello..." His drawn-out greeting was heart-melting.
Brooklyn, not very skilled, played with Erik, "So good."
Erik blinked his big eyes, his soft lips kissing Brooklyn's cheek.
"Erik is smart, kissing pretty ladies."
Unexpectedly, Erik innocently hugged Brooklyn's neck, "Daddy does that..."
Brooklyn felt uncomfortable, a bit nauseous.
A man across laughed, "Your dad kisses your mom like that?"
Erik's eyes turned, shaking his head, "No... Daddy kisses grandma like that."Hearing that, Brooklyn stifled her laughter.
Dione couldn't hold back, her face darkening, "Erik is talking nonsense, kids get confused. Don't say such things."
Erik clamped his mouth shut, really not saying anything.
Miguel's gaze was as cold as a snake, and Susie's face was very unpleasant.
"Didn't you mention a gift? Give it to the kids!" Dione quickly shifted the topic, but Miguel's expression remained tense.
"Alright, let's open the gifts." Brooklyn, in high spirits, led Erik to the gift box.
Erik hadn't inherited Miguel's cunning or Susie's foolishness; his mind was pure. Hopefully, he wouldn't be corrupted by the Jordan family.
Sebastian had prepared three gifts, each in a luxurious box; the boxes alone were valuable.
Sure enough, the first gift for Erik was a crystal sculpture, but... why was it a sculpture of Marc?