Chapter 536 Troublemaker
Diana's mind went blank, like a frog swimming in warm water, unaware that it was too late to escape once the water started boiling.
She pulled her hand back and buried herself under the covers.
"Just sleep. If I fall asleep, I won't be scared."
A low chuckle reached her ears, like someone tickling her heart with a feather, making it itch.
Charles was tugging at her blanket.
"Don't sleep like this, you'll suffocate."
Just as Diana was about to flee, there was a knock at the door.
The knocking was urgent, coming in rapid succession.
Finally, Diana had an excuse. She sprang out of bed.
"I'll get the door."
When she opened it, Benjamin stood there clutching a pillow, his eyes already red. The moment he saw Diana, he burst into tears, his voice full of distress.
"It's thundering, I'm so scared."
As if on cue, another loud thunderclap echoed through the sky.
Benjamin immediately dove into Diana's arms, seeking comfort.
Diana was much gentler with Benjamin than she was with Charles. She scooped him up and turned on the light, walking back to the bed while softly reassuring him.
"Don't be scared, I'm here."
When Charles saw who it was, he frowned.
"What's he doing here?"
"He's scared of the thunder."
Diana gave him a quick glance and sat on the edge of the bed. Benjamin clung to her like a koala, refusing to let go.
"It's just a normal weather change..."
Charles muttered through gritted teeth, but recalling his own reaction earlier, he felt like he was mocking himself.
"What did you say?" Diana asked, not having heard him clearly.
"Nothing."
His tone was stiff as he adjusted the blanket, avoiding looking at them.
Diana raised an eyebrow at his sudden awkwardness but didn't dwell on it. Calming her son was more important.
The familiar scent seemed to soothe Benjamin. He looked up, his eyes like a wet puppy's.
"Can I sleep with you guys tonight?"
"Of course."
Diana agreed almost immediately, without much hesitation.
The tension between her and Charles was too strange for her to handle. Having Benjamin sleep in the middle seemed like the best solution.
Charles, who had his eyes closed, suddenly felt the bed dip beside him. He opened his eyes and found himself staring directly at Benjamin.
Benjamin grinned and greeted him warmly.
"Good evening, Mr. Percy."
Charles felt a headache coming on and didn't respond, firmly closing his eyes again.
Diana's voice came from the other side.
"Benjamin, Charles is also scared of the thunder. You two can keep each other company."
Benjamin looked puzzled, thinking, 'When did Mr. Percy start being afraid of thunder? Maybe it's because of his memory loss?'
But finding out they were both scared of the same thing made Benjamin feel a sense of camaraderie. He wriggled closer to Charles, saying,
"Mr. Percy, don't be afraid. I'm here with you."
Charles stiffened. He didn't mind being close to Diana, but this kid was a different story. Why should Zachary's child disrupt their life?
Diana watched them with amusement but then heard Charles speak.
"Benjamin, do you miss your dad? I can take you back to him."
He was referring to Zachary, of course.
Benjamin's heart skipped a beat, and his grip on Charles tightened. He shook his head vigorously.
"No way, he ditched me and Mommy. I don't wanna be with him."
If he was sent back, it would be a disaster. Benjamin's identity couldn't withstand scrutiny.
Charles fell silent. Benjamin's background was eerily similar to his own. But he couldn't let this child ruin their life.
"I'll send him to his mom soon," Diana said, trying to keep her tone calm. Charles seemed to relax a bit and responded with a faint acknowledgment.
Crisis averted, Diana quickly turned off the light and got into bed. The darkness brought silence, and Charles didn't speak again.
Benjamin initially wanted to cuddle with him, but sensing his rejection, he turned and snuggled into Diana's arms instead.
That night, only Diana and Benjamin slept well.
When Diana woke up, Benjamin was the only one beside her. He was sprawled out, his shirt riding up to reveal his round belly.
Diana pulled his shirt down and covered him with the blanket, kissing his cheek before heading downstairs.
To her surprise, she found Charles in the kitchen, busy with breakfast. He leaned on a crutch, using his free hand to fry eggs.
Oil splattered on his arm, and Jacob quickly wiped it off.
"Mr. Percy, let me handle this. You're not in good shape."
"No need. I'm not useless. I can manage this. Diana works hard at the company. I can't help her there, but I can do this."
Charles refused Jacob's help, placing the fried eggs on a plate.
He turned and saw Diana standing at the door, his face lighting up with a smile.
"Good morning. Breakfast is ready."
He picked up the plate and headed out. Diana took it from him, along with the one Jacob was holding.
The three of them left the kitchen, with Jacob stepping aside to give them space.
Charles' breakfast was simple: toast, milk, a fried egg, and a sausage. Given his condition, it was the best he could do.
Remembering last night's dinner, Diana asked,
"Did you make dinner last night too?"
"No, the servants did most of it. Benjamin and I just helped a bit."
Charles replied honestly, picking up his utensils with a smile.
"Breakfast is simpler. I can handle it."
Diana wanted to tell him he didn't have to, but that might undermine his sense of worth.
Besides, with Jacob around, he wouldn't get hurt. She decided to let it go.
"Thank you. I appreciate it."
"My pleasure."
After breakfast, Diana prepared to leave for work. Charles stood at the door, watching her until she got into the car.
Nolan, the driver, glanced at Charles in the rearview mirror and couldn't help but ask,
"Ms. Spencer, how's Mr. Percy's recovery? Can he return to the company?"
Diana, resting in the back seat with her eyes closed, replied,
"He's recovering well, but his memory hasn't returned. I'm gradually involving him in company matters. I know you're anxious, but rushing won't help."
"No, no, I was just asking. The company has a lot going on, and I hope you can take it easy, Ms. Spencer."
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