Chapter 17 A Child’s Innocence
Chapter 17 A Child’s Innocence
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“Yeah.” Audrey replied with a smile. “I was just about to tell you after work today. You should dress up- there’s even a lucky draw at the event.”
She paused for a moment, then leaned in mysteriously.
“Let me tell you a little secret. The grand prize is a dance with the boss. Every year, the female employees go all out to win it, but somehow, the top prize often ends up unclaimed.”
Hannah was speechless. I don’t need to know that…
Hudson’s assistant, Lowen, and a few others soon arrived. Once they confirmed that the injury wasn’t a big deal, they prepared to return to the company.
Hudson, being a considerate boss, turned to Lowen. “It’s already after hours. You’ll come back with me, but the rest of you can head straight home.”
Lowen nodded and immediately went to get the car.
Hannah and the others felt like they’d been granted amnesty and practically skipped out the door in joy.
But as soon as she stepped outside, Hannah froze. Everyone else had a ride, but she needed to pick up Ethan from school, and their routes didn’t match.
She wanted to call a cab, but there wasn’t a single one available.
Just as she was getting anxious, a sleek car pulled up in front of her.
The window rolled down, and Lowen leaned out. “Ms. Stone, are you having trouble getting a ride?”
Hannah was frantic. “Yeah, I need to pick up my kid–I—”
“Get in.”
Hudson’s deep voice drifted out from the backseat.
Without hesitation, Hannah reached for the passenger door–only to find it occupied by sports gear. No room to sit.
She had no choice but to slip into the backseat.
Thankfully, there was a small bar in the middle, creating just enough space between her and Hudson to avoid awkwardness.
“Mr. Whitmore, thanks.”
Hudson was reviewing documents and didn’t even look up. “You’ve said ‘thank you‘ a lot today. No need. Just focus on doing your job well in the future.”
“Don’t worry, I definitely will!”
She exhaled in relief, her impression of Hudson improving even more,
With such a great boss, she had to establish herself firmly in this company. Since Hudson was busy, she didn’t dare disturb him, so the ride was silent.
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Chapter 17 A Child’s Innocence
When they reached the kindergarten area, the road was too crowded for the car to pass through.
“I’ll get out here to pick up my son. Lowen, you can just turn around and head back.”
Hannah opened the door, but Hudson spoke up.
“I happen to be meeting Freya inside. Let’s go together.”
Lowen quickly pulled over.
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Ethan and Chester were in the same class, and the teacher was bringing the kids out while parents lined up to pick them up.
Hannah hadn’t expected Christian to lower himself to personally pick up his son.
The woman beside him was heavily disguised–it had to be Rebecca.
“Mommy!”
Ethan ran toward her.
Hannah patted his head. “Did you have a good-”
“Ethan, my mom would never join your parent–child event!”
Chester had also run over and stuck out his tongue at them. Ethan’s eyes instantly turned red, he was about to pounce.
But he remembered Hannah’s teachings—he didn’t fight back, didn’t even retort.
Chester, seeing that Ethan wasn’t crying in frustration, was unsatisfied.
“My mom will be back soon, and you’ll be sent to an orphanage! A kid like you is just a leftover scrap- tossed away once there’s no use for you.”
He made another face, and though some nearby children didn’t understand what was happening, they still laughed at his antics.
Hannah instantly forgot about Hudson and strode over. Just as Ethan was about to lose his temper, she reached out and held his tiny hand.
“Ethan, I’m here to pick you up.”
The redness in Ethan’s eyes slowly faded. When he looked up again, his face was full of grievance.
“Mommy.”
Hannah’s heart melted.
“It’s okay now. Just remember, you don’t have to endure everything in silence when someone bullies you.”
A hint of distress flickered across Ethan’s small face–an expression far too mature for a child his age.
“But he’s also Mom’s child. I’m even older than him by a month.”
The unspoken meaning–he was the older brother,
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Chapter 17 A Child’s Innocence
If his younger brother was mischievous and spoiled, he shouldn’t retaliate.
Hannah crouched down, gently pinching his cheek.
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“But you’re a child too. This is your first time being a person, so why should you be the one to always endure things just because you’re older?”
Ethan’s eyes brightened, and he clung tightly to Hannah’s hand.
Then, he turned to Chester, standing his ground.
“My mom will definitely come to the event!”
He even mimicked Chester, sticking out his tongue and making a big silly face.
Then, he clung to Hannah’s arm and pouted.
“Mommy, I want fried chicken tenders today.”
Hannah smiled, leaning down to stroke his hair. “Alright, I’ll make some at home.”
Chester was on the verge of tears.
Fried chicken tenders!
The ones from restaurants always had a strange taste he didn’t like.
Hannah’s homemade tenders were crispy, fragrant, and delicious. He hadn’t had them in so long.
“You can’t just make them for him! I want some too! You have to make them for me when we get home!”
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