Chapter 95 Putting on a Show for Whom?
Jasper's grasp on Lauren's arm stiffened.
Adeline was stunned into complete silence.
Even the kindergarten teacher behind them, who had been trying to offer an explanation, was at a loss for words.
Who could have predicted such a turn of events?
Adeline massaged her temples, wondering what kind of mischief her children were getting into.
Hadn't she told them time and time again to not eat junk food all the time?
"Daddy, it's all my fault."
The little one, cradled in Jasper's arms, pursed her lips in a pout, "I thought the lessons were boring and the lunch at kindergarten was yucky..."
"One of the kids mentioned eating fried chicken with their mom and dad, and I wanted that too."
"But..."
There was a veil of disappointment in the young girl's eyes, "But I know I’m not well, and you wouldn't allow me to eat such things."
"So, I asked Bennett..."
The furrows of irritation in Jasper's brow gradually softened.
After a moment, he let out a heavy sigh, his gaze fixing tenderly on the little girl in his arms as his voice became much gentler, "You little rascal."
"Mr. Foster, this is all a misunderstanding..."
Behind him, the kindergarten teacher tentatively looked at Jasper, "You... you won't really shut down our school, will you?"
The school was nervous today, with the arrival of Jasper's daughter; all the teachers were anxious about not making any mistakes.
And it was because of this nervousness that the children handled the teacher so easily.
"That won't happen."
Seeing Jasper holding Lauren and remaining silent, Adeline took a deep breath and offered the teacher a reassuring smile, "Thank you for your hard work."
"Everything is fine here; you can go off duty now."
The teacher cast a timid glance at Jasper.
But probably deciding that since Adeline came with Jasper, her word must count for something. She quickly said her goodbyes and left.
"Bennett."
After the teacher was gone, Adeline couldn't hold back any longer, her brow furrowed fiercely as she shot Bennett a cold stare, "What are you up to?"
Bennett deflated, his lips pouting in self-pity, "Lauren wanted fried chicken..."
After speaking, the little boy's head drooped in dejection, "I kind of wanted some, too..."
"I'll treat you guys," she offered.
As Bennett finished speaking, a man's deep voice gently filled the air.
Jasper turned his head, his gaze shifting from Adeline to Bennett. “Fried chicken and such isn't something kids should eat casually. It's high in calories, and besides, the hygiene out there can be questionable.”
“But if you really have a craving, how about I have our cook whip some up for you kids at home?"
The man had barely finished speaking when Lauren's eyes lit up with excitement.
"Yeah!"
"Daddy, can I... can I invite Bennett and Auntie to join us?"
Jasper's brows furrowed indifferently as he glanced at Adeline, his lips curling with a hint of cool amusement, “Of course, you can."
With that, he extended his hand to Bennett, "Let's go."
Throughout, Jasper showed no interest in engaging with Adeline.
Bennett frowned as he glanced at Jasper's outstretched hand and head, which he held high with a mix of pride and petulance.
He still hadn't forgiven Jasper for losing the evidence that showed Molly was framing Lauren!
The little guy didn't take Jasper's hand; instead, he turned and firmly grasped Adeline's, "We're only going because of Lauren, you know!"
Adeline knitted her brows.
She hadn't even agreed to go yet.
But then she remembered the analysis about Molly that Blake had given her that day...
With a heavy sigh, Adeline took Bennett's hand.
Might as well go.
As the four of them left the daycare, the other parents had already dispersed.
Ryan stood by the car door with respectful vigilance.
The sight of Jasper and Adeline walking out together with the two kids left him momentarily stunned.
Hadn't they parted on bad terms just last night and had an argument this morning?
He remembered Jasper's darkly clouded expression when he returned to the hospital room that morning...
And now, in just half a day, they were getting along again?
Jasper settled into the back seat of the car with Lauren in his arms.
Bennett, not wanting to cozy up to Jasper, climbed into the passenger seat without a word.
Adeline hesitated outside the car for a moment before resigning herself and slipping into the back seat.
Jasper on one side, she on the other, and Lauren between them.
"Daddy, you're the best!"
Lauren, thrilled at the prospect of fried chicken, looked at Jasper with adoration, "If I knew you'd let me have fried chicken, I wouldn't have lied!"
Jasper's eyes narrowed as he placed Lauren's small hand gently in his own, "From now on, whatever you want to do, discuss it with Daddy first. No more fibbing, okay?"
Lauren bashfully lowered her head, murmuring, "Oh..."
"Especially about getting hurt, you can't just toss that around, you understand?"
"What if I really am hurt?"
The man glanced at Lauren's little finger, painted with bright red polish, "Daddy would be heartbroken."
"And he'd make sure to teach a lesson to anyone who hurts you."
His words carried a soft but firm tone.
Lauren bit her lip, glancing unconsciously towards Adeline, "Auntie, you see..."
"My daddy's really great."
Adeline narrowed her eyes slightly but remained silent.
Now, Jasper was putting on his doting father act, but for whose benefit?
If he truly cared for Lauren and was as protective as he claimed to be; if he were really ready to punish anyone who caused her harm...
Then what about Molly?
Since Lauren's birth, Adeline was the first and only person to ruthlessly attempt to seal Lauren's fate.
Yet, here was Jasper, projecting the image of a nurturing father while only confining her, taking no further action.
Thinking of Molly... Adeline sighed and gave Jasper another searching look.
She still couldn't figure out what his plans for Molly were.
...
Soon enough, the car arrived at Blue Bay.
"Sir, Lauren!"
As soon as the car stopped, Alice greeted them cheerfully, "How was preschool today?"
The car door swung open.
Adeline stepped out first.
Alice's smile briefly faltered, "Miss Wilson, what brings you here?"
"Daddy invited Bennett and Auntie for some fried chicken!"
Lauren emerged from the car with a beaming smile, "Alice, can you cook fried chicken?"
Alice scooped her up, laughing, "Of course, I can."
She then shot a stealthy glance at Jasper and Adeline, "Sir, are you sure... you want to have guests over for fried chicken tonight?"
Jasper stepped out elegantly from the car, calmly adjusting his cufflinks, "What's the issue?"
Alice took a deep breath, "There's already a guest at home."
"Your father has been waiting in the living room for over an hour."
"He mentioned..."
Alice cast a discreet look at Adeline, "He said he'd like a word with you, about some issues concerning Miss Adeline."
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