Chapter 301 Adults Are So Hypocritical
If only Stuart knew if Josephine loved him or not, that would make things so much easier. If she did, it'd be a happy ending for everyone. If she didn't, well, he had a tough road ahead.
He thought for a bit and said, "She used to love me."
Jeffery chimed in, "You said 'used to,' that's in the past."
"I know," Stuart replied. "I'll do my best to show her how I really feel and hope she accepts me."
"Can you accept me too?" Jeffery asked.
"Of course. You're her kid, and I'll treat you like my own," Stuart said.
"Will you hold any grudges?" Jeffery asked. "Right now, while you're trying to win my mom over, you might not say anything. But what about in the future? During fights or silent treatments, will you use me against her?"
Stuart was taken aback. He thought, 'Why is this four-year-old so sharp and mature? Or are kids these days just like this?'
Stuart didn't want to brush him off and, after hearing his words, he took him even more seriously.
He looked Jeffery in the eyes and said, "No one can guarantee the future. I can't promise we'll never argue. But I can assure you that I'll provide her with enough security. Even in times of conflict, she will have the confidence to navigate through it."
Jeffery asked, "So, how do you plan to give her that confidence and security? Just by saying it?"
"Promises can be worth a lot or nothing at all; it's true they can't be defined in advance. I've thought about it. If I end up with your mom, I'll share my personal assets with her. Does that count as giving her confidence?"
Jeffery nodded, "Even though my mom isn't after money, it's good that you think that way."
"I'm a grown-up, and I have mature thoughts. If I mess up in the future, the cost will be high. Besides moral constraints, the cost of trial and error will also hold me back. Jeffery, does that satisfy you?"
Jeffery said, "Whether I'm satisfied or not doesn't matter. The key is whether you can win my mom's heart."
"Jeffery, would you be willing to help me?"
Jeffery shook his head and said, "I'm sorry, I don't want my presence to influence my mom's judgment. I hope she chooses you because she likes you, because she's touched, because she loves you, not because of me."
"Jeffery, thank you," Stuart said sincerely. "It was only after your mom left me that I realized my feelings. Now, it seems I can't even see things as clearly as a child."
Jeffery said, "Is it possible that you're just plain dumb?"
Stuart was stunned. Jeffery suddenly laughed, "I'm just kidding. You can't be dumb if you can run such a big company."
However, Stuart felt as though Jeffery had indeed implied he was unintelligent. While adept at running a business, he acknowledged his shortcomings in matters of the heart.
Stuart couldn't argue; he wasn't very smart in matters of the heart. Otherwise, he wouldn't have taken so many years to realize his feelings.
"Let's go back!" Jeffery jumped off the chair. "Otherwise, mommy will be worried."
Before they reached the private room, Stuart held Jeffery's hand, and they encountered Josephine, who had grown concerned about their prolonged absence and ventured out to find them.
"Mommy!" Jeffery's face lit up with a smile when he saw Josephine.
Stuart thought he now looked like a normal four-year-old. Just a moment ago, Jeffery had seemed like an adult.
After finishing their meal, they went to soak in the hot springs. Steven took Laura somewhere else to soak.
Stuart, thinking about seeing Josephine in a swimsuit, couldn't help but feel excited.
But then he thought, if he could see her, so could Liam. Not just Liam, but many other men here. They could all see her!
At that moment, Stuart really wanted to chase all those people away. But he knew that was unrealistic.
He thought for a moment and could only hope that Josephine would dress conservatively.During their previous marriage, Stuart never got the chance to see Josephine in a swimsuit. Thinking about it now, he remembered her tanned skin and slender waist.
Feeling a bit flustered, he lowered his eyes and discreetly covered himself with a towel.
Before long, Josephine came over, holding Jeffery's hand.
Stuart looked up and felt both disappointed and relieved. He couldn't see what kind of swimsuit Josephine was wearing because she was wrapped in a towel.
The towel was large, covering her entire body, only revealing her long, straight legs. With her hair casually pinned atop her head, her delicate features stood out, enhancing her charming and beautiful appearance.
With her stunning looks, long neck, and straight legs, even though she was wrapped tightly, she still attracted almost everyone's attention. Not to mention, she had a cute Jeffery with her. Jeffery's purple eyes made him look as adorable as a doll.
Stuart was about to get up but then remembered his body was still a bit off, so he didn't dare move.
Liam had already walked over, "Josephine, can I take Jeffery swimming?"
Josephine put a swim cap and goggles on Jeffery, then replied, "Sure, but be careful."
"You go soak for a while, I'll come find you later," Liam said and took Jeffery away.
Jeffery, holding his hand, looked up at him. "Godfather, you don't like Stuart, why are you giving him a chance?"
Liam looked down at him, "You're too young to be overthinking and guessing so much. Where did I give him a chance?"
"You did," Jeffery shook his little head. "I know it."
Liam smiled helplessly, "You're overthinking. Besides, I don't dislike Stuart."
"Uh-uh, you do," Jeffery shook his head and sighed dramatically, "Grown-ups are like, so tricky."
Liam reached out and pinched his face, "You little rascal!"
Meanwhile, Josephine found a secluded hot spring pool and slowly got in. She was indeed tired recently, and as her body touched the warm spring water, she couldn't help but close her eyes comfortably.
She sat in a low spot, her body submerged in the water, only her head above the surface. She didn't know how long it had been, but there was always the sound of water flowing around her. People came and went. Josephine, half-asleep, seemed to have taken a nap.
She suddenly startled, losing her balance, and instinctively waved her arms. The next second, her hand was held.
She opened her eyes and found that Stuart had somehow come to her side.
"Careful," Stuart let go of her, "Were you dreaming?"
She had clearly been asleep just now, but suddenly moved as if she was scared.
Josephine, still a bit shaken, sat back against the hot spring wall and nodded. Her face was flushed from the hot water, her hair slightly damp, with a strand falling on her cheek.
Stuart couldn't help but reach out and tuck her hair behind her ear.
Josephine uncomfortably avoided his hand and moved aside, "Thank you."
She looked around and noticed that everyone else had left at some point. The hot spring pool now only had her and Stuart.
She reached for the towel beside her, not planning to stay here with him any longer. She stood up, and with a splash, the next second, she draped the towel over herself.
Stuart's eyes lit up, but before he could see what kind of swimsuit she was wearing, it was covered.
"Take your time soaking, I'm going to find Jeffery." Leaving this sentence, Josephine walked away.
She had just taken a nap, and the hot spring water was not low in temperature. Just waking up, her body was a bit weak. She didn't pay attention, took a step, and her foot slipped, causing her to fall.
She exclaimed, trying to grab something, but the wall was too slippery. She thought she would fall but instead bumped into a broad chest the next second.
"Careful!" Stuart exclaimed.
Josephine's whole body was tilted, so when she bumped into Stuart, her cheek pressed against his chest. He wasn't wearing a shirt, his skin warm and full of strength.
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