Chapter 192
For the month following his return, Kingsley’s schedule was packed tight.
He deliberately numbed himself with endless work. occasionally, he would check for news of Lucy, but he maintained strict control, refraining from disturbing her.
He didn’t even attend the gatherings organized by Ethan and the others. Before, he almost never missed a call to drink, but now his replies were a sparse: [Busy p>
One day, a knock sounded on his office door. Ethan poked his head in, his eyes landing on Kingsley buried in documents. “Mr. Sherwood, you’ve been so busy lately. Did you land another massive project p>
Kingsley didn’t even look up. “Do you need something p>
Ethan walked to the desk, his eyes scanning Kingsley’s face before intentionally raising his voice. “Thurston had a son. Did you know? Now he has a daughter and a son-the perfect pair. A true winner in life p>
“He deserves it.” Kingsley’s voice was soft, carrying a genuine acknowledgment of Thurston’s happiness, wrapped in a barely perceptible thread of envy.
Ethan immediately reached out to touch Kingsley’s forehead, looking incredulous. “No fever… Kingsley, have you been replaced by a pod person p>
“If you’re done, get out. I’m working.” Kingsley issued the eviction order, his pen never stopping.
“What’s the rush? I haven’t finished asking.” Ethan frowned. “How much are you planning to give Thurston for the baby gift p>
“I’ll give what you can’t afford. Is there a point to this question?” Kingsley quickly signed a document, snapped the folder shut, and pushed it aside.
Ethan stroked his chin, calculating-he was indeed broke, but not out of options. He grinned cheekily. “Just for reference! If worst comes to worst, I’ll ‘sell my body’ to him for a few extra years. Free family doctor, how about that p>
“A plot of land in the new suburban development.” Kingsley tossed out the answer.
Ethan gasped, elicking his tongue repeatedly. “Rich people really are generous Then he leaned closer, smiling
eroushantically p>
When
Jget
get
married and have kids, you don’t need to give land. Just cash it out
forme p>
“I’ll deduct it from the money you owe me.” Kingsley didn’t look up.
“Then I’ll strive to have more kids!” Ethan played the rogue. “If I have twins right off the bat, you still have to pay up p>
Kingsley finally looked up, glancing at him. “Twins are enough to offset your debt? Maybe try for quintuplets p>
Ethan laughed even harder. “If you help me raise them, I’ll consider it p>
“Get out.” Kingsley’s voice cooled, though there was no real anger in it.
Ethan dropped the joke, his tone softening. “Seeing you’re still functioning, I’m relieved. I’m off p>
He closed the door gently, leaving the room’s silence and busyness to Kingsley.
Once the door clicked shut, Kingsley slowly set down his pen.
His thumb rubbed against the pen barrel for two seconds before he reached for his phone. He scrolled to the photo Thurston had just sent a wrinkled, newborn face. He stared at it quietly for a long time before typing a single word:
the group chat stopping n
[Congratulations p>
The message barely sent when Thurston’s reply popped up: [That’s all p>
Kingsley curved his lip, typing quickly: [Land. I’ll have Shane send the paperwork tomorrow p>
The reply was instantaneous, filled with praise: [Mr. Sherwood, you’re generous! If you ever need your bro, just say the word!] ‘s