CHAPTER 680

Unable to recall where he had heard those words before, he replied in an unconcerned tone, “All right. I’ll keep that in mind.”

With a dignified stride in his elegant black shoes, Charles departed without looking back.

Whitney’s gaze lingered on his retreating figure, her eyes filling with a hint of melancholy and a touch of disappointment.

Subsequently, Charles personally sought out the director of the oceanarium to deliver a significant announcement. “Appoint the dolphin caretaker, Whitney Mellor, as the new manager. In recognition of her exceptional contributions, she shall receive a year-end bonus, to be disbursed together with this month’s salary.”

The director of the oceanarium was astounded. “Certainly, Mr. Newton. It is truly an honor for her to receive a personal appointment from you.”

Charles did not say anything further and merely departed the oceanarium with Zendaya in his arms.

It had been days since the little girl saw her older brother.

Thus, Charles drove to the laboratory, where Gwendolyn and Cedrick were tending to Benedict as he received intravenous treatment.

Charles retrieved his tablet, opened the video interface, and handed it to Gwendolyn. “This is a video I took of Zendy while she was playing with the dolphins. Even though Benny couldn’t go, I thought he would be happy to see his oceanarium.”

She accepted the tablet and tapped the play button before gently placing the device in Benedict’s arms.

“My sweet Benny, this is a video of Zendy playing with the dolphins. Do you like it? Once you’re feeling better, I will take you to see the dolphins in person, all right?”

Benedict was not yet proficient in speaking, and his learning abilities appeared to develop at a slower pace compared to his sister. Nonetheless, as he gazed at the video capturing his sister’s delightful interaction with the dolphins, he instinctively extended his delicate hand toward the screen, a gesture of longing to experience the sensation of touching the dolphins.

The contagious joy radiating from his sister’s beaming smile reached deep within him, eliciting a faint yet heartfelt smile that graced his fragile countenance.

As Gwendolyn’s eyes brimmed with tears, a deep sense of indebtedness toward Benedict overwhelmed her.

Cedrick, sensing her self-blame, enfolded her in his embrace, his touch a soothing balm upon her troubled heart. “Our dear Benedict is only just over a year old, yet he already has an entire national- scale oceanarium to call his own. He is a truly blessed and fortunate child,” he reassured her.

Gwendolyn nodded, finding solace in the warmth of Cedrick’s embrace as she leaned against his shoulder.

Meanwhile, Charles silently stood by the door as he observed the blissful scene of the family gathered around the bed.

With a composed expression, he decided not to disturb the peaceful atmosphere and quietly exited the room, gently carrying Zendaya in his arms as they left the ward together.

Seated on a bench in the corridor, the little girl fixed her gaze upon the tightly shut door of the ward. Her tender voice filled with yearning as she called out, “D-Daddy, Mommy…”

“Benny is not feeling well right now, and Mommy and Daddy are with him, watching videos. Let’s not interrupt them. How about I take you to play on the slide, Zendy?” Charles suggested.

Despite only understanding the words “slide” and “play,” Zendaya eagerly nodded and wrapped her arms around her godfather’s neck.

Charles, content with her agreement, led her away from the laboratory and toward the dedicated children’s play area in a nearby shopping mall.

Time ticked off just like that, and four years had gracefully unfolded since.

Within the diamond suite of the five-star establishment, Hotel Bella, Charles exuded an air of regality.

His refined countenance, adorned with eyes as exquisite as sapphires, betrayed no emotions, remaining detached and tranquil.

Savoring a glass of red wine, he remained silent, lost in his own thoughts.

Within the confines of the suite, seated across the dining table, was a woman.

She was none other than Jessamyn Cloud, the heiress of the esteemed Cloudington Group and Charles’ blind date for the evening.

Jessamyn gazed upon his handsome visage, her voice filled with gentleness. “Mr. Newton, you’re even more handsome in person than in your photographs. As this is our first meeting, I’m curious to know your impression of me.”

Charles remained composed, not lifting his eyes as he responded with a nonchalant tone, “You’re all right.”

Perceiving his casual response, Jessamyn couldn’t help but feel a hint of displeasure. “There have been whispers, Mr. Newton, that you have carried feelings for someone, someone whom you have adamantly resisted pursuing a romantic relationship or contemplating marriage with over the past four years,” she started.

Pausing briefly, Jessamyn inquired, “Is it true that you still love her?”

Charles froze for a moment, slipping into thought. With measured composure, he gently placed the glass back on the table. “Had I not relinquished my unwavering attachment to her, I would not have ventured into this very hotel to partake in a blind date with you, Ms. Cloud,” he intoned.

Four years had passed, and the bond between Cedrick and Gwendolyn remained unaffected, thriving with each passing day as if they were still in the early stages of their passionate love.

Charles knew deep down that he had no chance; not now, not ever.

This blind date was a consequence of his years of being in control of the Newton family yet never getting married or having the opportunity to start a family. The constant pressure from the elders to continue the family lineage weighed heavily on his mind, leaving him with no choice but to comply with their arrangements.

Perhaps, indeed, he should find a compatible partner, someone with whom he could spend a lifetime in mutual respect.

Charles swiftly composed his thoughts, his azure eyes revealing depths untold, as he absentmindedly toyed with the diamond-encrusted watch adorning his wrist.

As Jessamyn continued to observe him, a growing sense of dissatisfaction filled her heart.

She gathered her cascading curls and assumed a haughty posture, asserting, “Mr. Newton, you are undoubtedly handsome, and as the head of the Newton family, you possess immense wealth. However, let it be known that my family, the Cloud family, is also a distinguished and influential household within high society with an impeccable reputation.”

With a deliberate emphasis on the last few words, she continued, “Rumors have it that you had a previous altercation with Mr. Jenson, which resulted in a lengthy stay in a high-security prison. Is there any truth to this, I wonder?”

As the mention of his dark past surfaced, Charles remained composed, his deep blue eyes remaining calm and serene. “Indeed,” he replied, devoid of any unnecessary emotions.

Jessamyn lifted her chin, and her tone took on a bitter edge. “If that’s the case, it appears that you and I may not be a perfect match in terms of social standing.” This is from .

“If you believe that we’re incompatible, you’re free to leave immediately, Ms. Cloud,” Charles responded composedly, unwilling to entertain any further discourse on the matter.

The woman was taken aback, never expecting that he wouldn’t utter a single word of entreaty.

Does he think he’s too good for me? How dare a man with a tarnished past have the audacity to reject me, the beloved daughter of the Cloud family?

She pouted and spoke in a flirtatious tone. “I didn’t mean it that way. It’s just that it’s our first meeting, and I thought it would be nice to get to know each other better. But if you’re comfortable with it, could you please share with me why you ended up in prison?”

Charles nonchalantly poured himself a glass of red wine and responded, “I stole something and attempted to poison Cedrick. He caught me, gave me a good beating, and I was sent to a high-security

prison for some strict reeducation. Consequently, I also lost my position as the director of the Central Intelligence Agency.”

The recounting of those past events, spoken in such a nonchalant manner, sent a shiver down Jessamyn’s spine. At that moment, she couldn’t help but feel a certain unease, realizing the audacity and fearlessness of the man before her.

“Mr. Newton, to think that you had the audacity to go against Mr. Jenson and even attempted to poison him. If we were to be together in the future and have disagreements, would you resort to such extreme measures against me as well?”

As the man remained unresponsive, Jessamyn took some time to bolster her own mental fortitude.

With a touch of arrogance, she continued, “Considering your controversial past, it would be quite challenging for even the influential Newton family to secure a fitting match for you among the esteemed households of Salinsburgh.”

Charles maintained a placid demeanor, offering no verbal response as he attentively listened.

Concealing her hidden intentions, Jessamyn pressed on, “Nevertheless, no one is without flaws, and I am genuinely open to the idea of dating you, Mr. Newton, and perhaps even exploring the possibilities of engagement and marriage down the road.”

“However, I have one condition. If we are together, you must obey me in everything and prioritize me above all else. There shall be no room for negotiations, and everything will be decided by me. Furthermore, for our engagement, you must offer me three percent of Newton Group’s shares, and for our marriage, a minimum of five percent of the shares. Our first child must bear my surname, and if circumstances allow for a second child, only then can they bear your surname. However, if I choose not to have another child, you cannot force me,” she demanded.

With no intentions of backing down, Jessamyn continued to list her demands, saying, “When I am happy, you must be there to share my joy. When I am unhappy, you must comfort me. In short, everything must be done according to my wishes, with me being placed at the forefront of your heart.”