As the eldest son, he always acted mature, rarely clinging to Maureen like Ethan did.

So he hardly ever asked for hugs.

He hadn’t realized hugs could feel thisforting.

Maureen wiped her tears and flicked his forehead.

“No more taking matters into your own hands, or I’ll spank your bottom.”

Spank your bottom?

?

Jacob’s little face flushed even redder, like a ripe apple.

He coughed twice and lowered his voice: “Mom, I’m not a kid anymore. Aunt Katherine is still here.”

Because of this, the atmosphere Geoffrey had ruined earlier returned to normal, suddenly bing lively.

It was Katherine’s first time seeing this little imp shy, so she teased him too.

“So someone’s had their bottom spanked before.”

Jacob: “…Never!”

Only this version of Jacob seemed like a real child.

Seeing her son’s flustered exnation, Maureen’s initial anger vanishedpletely.

Jacob and Ethan were treasures heaven had given her–she simply couldn’t stay mad at them.

Besides, she’d thought it through on the way here.

She could keep hiding from Geoffrey, but should her sons live in hiding too?

They’d done nothing wrong. Why couldn’t they go anywhere they wanted? Why couldn’t theye home?

Plus, today’s sudden situation had solidified her decision.

During dinner, Katherine suggested having someone take Jacob home, but Maureen refused.

“Katherine, I’ve thought it over. Hiding forever isn’t the solution.”

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“I’ve decided to let him stay.”

“Geoffrey has already seen Jacob and must have concluded he’s your son, so there’s nothing to worry about.”

11 288 Douchers

“I’ll talk to Zoeter and have her take care of Ethan over there, Jacob will stay with me in Karaville. Once there’s progress, we’ll go back.”

After hearing this, Katherine also expressed agreement,

“Even though Zoe has a nurse over there, it’s too much for an olddy to take care of two kids.”

“Having Jacob stay can also keep youpany.”

“Even if Geoffrey finds out, don’t be afraid. You’ve got me and Gareth, haven’t you?”

Jacob chimed in: “And me, Mommy. I’ll definitely protect you and Ethan.”

Hearing this, Maureen and Katherine exchanged a knowing smile.

“Okay.”

The meal finished.

“I’ll take Jacob with me in a bit.”

“Until you’re pregnant, Jacob will stay at my private ce. You cane see him whenever you want.”

Katherine said.

For now, that was the only way.

Maureen said to Jacob: “You must listen to Aunt Katherine and don’t run off by yourself, understand?”

Jacob, now sure he wouldn’t be sent away, nodded emphatically.

Even though he couldn’t live with Mommy, being in the same city put his mind at ease.

Katherine’s private vi.

Jacob opened the suitcase, packed not just with his clothes and toiletries but also aptop.

Katherine grew curious–how did this little guy haul such a huge suitcase onto the ne?

“Jacob, this thing weighs at least twenty pounds. How did you carry it onto the flight?

And bringing aputer? Starting gaming at your age?”

“Secret.”

He grabbed his clothes and headed to the bathroom.

Watching Jacob’s deliberately aloof act, Katherine found it hrious. She chased after him: “Little smarty, need help bathing?”

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Jacob: “”

His only miscalction was agreeing to live with Katherine,

Inside the bathroom, he locked the door using a stool, terrified she might barge in.

Katherine chuckled: “Oh please, getting bashful now? You think I haven’t seen men before? Not interested in looking

at you.”

Jacob felt his virtue was at stake after hearing her words,

After bathing and changing clothes, he immediately retreated to his room,

At the Family Estate,

Geoff received word from his bodyguard that Maureen had returned to the Governor’s Mansion after dining out.

His absentmindedness didn’t escape Andrea or his mother Heather.

“Andie, since you’ve taken the trouble to visit, why not stay overnight?”

Heather suggested. “Roger Sutton returns tomorrow–he’s eager to see you.”

Roger, a middle–aged yboy who rarely came home, had left countless romantic entanglements in his wake.

Andrea nodded shyly.

“Alright.”

Geoff remained indifferent to their conversation. Pushing his chair back after barely touching his food, he stood to

leave.

“Geoff? Where are you going?” Heather asked, puzzled.

“Home.”

Heather froze, realizing he meant Pearl-

the ce he’d shared with Maureen after their marriage. What kind of home was that?

“Stay tonight. Your father returns tomorrow,” she insisted. “We should discuss your marriage with Andie.”

Marriage?

Coldness shed in Geoff’s dark eyes. “I’m still married. What marriage are you talking about?”

Heather’s breath hitched.

Beside her, Andrea maintained herposure, but her grip tightened around the chopsticks.

Maureen’s been dead for years. Does divorce even matter?

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She followed Geoffrey out before he left.

“Geoffrey!”

Geoffrey stopped walking.

Andrea stepped forward, gazing at him with affection: “Geoffrey, have I done something wrong

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bChapter45 /b