Chapter 257
Kingsley’s gaze lingered on the tiny figure playing soccer with Molly in the distance. He had barely taken a step when Thurston reached out and stopped him.
“What’s the rush? You’re not worse than Jules; he’s just spent more time with the kid. Let them play for a bit. If you go over there now, Seven still won’t play with you p>
A wave of disappointment instantly washed over Kingsley. He let out a soft sigh. “The mother won’t give me a chance, and neither will the son p>
“Come on, let them have their fun,” Thurston said, patting his shoulder consolingly. “I know you’re trying to use Seven to bridge the gap, but I don’t think that route is going to work p>
Just as the two men were about to turn away, Shane hurried over, clutching a document folder. “Mr. Sherwood, the stock documents!” Kingsley took it from him and said evenly, “Thanks for your hard work.” Shane replied with a quick “No problem,” before turning and walking briskly away.
Thurston glanced at the folder in Kingsley’s hand, his curiosity piqued. “Shares for Lucy? How much did you actually give her?” Kingsley shot him a cool glance. “None of your business. Stop prying.” “Fine, I won’t ask p>
Thurston shrugged, changing the subject. “Are you planning to live in Switzerland long-term this year? Am I going to have to fly all the way there just to grab a drink with you?” “You’re more than welcome to move your whole family there p>
Kingsley’s lips curled into a smirk before he added, as if suddenly remembering something, “Oh, right, I forgot. Your father-in-law can’t leave the country.” Thurston shot back, “My entire family is rooted here. What are we going to do over there, starve p>
The two men arrived at the seating area to find Lucy and Jane huddled together over a phone, laughing brightly. But the moment Lucy looked up and saw Kingsley, the smile on her face abruptly faded until it vanished entirely.
Jane glanced up, flashing Thurston a tight, entirely insincere smile. Thurston caught the hint, chuckling as he reached out to pull her up, and she rose smoothly to her feet. Her eyes sweeping over the folder in Kingsley’s hand, Jane tactfully followed Thurston out of the seating area.
Lucy put her phone away and looked up at him, her tone freezing. “What now?” Kingsley held the folder out to her. “See if this is what you want.” Lucy took the folder and opened it.
Inside was the agreement for the acquisition of The Lynwood Group shares. She flipped through it page by page, then raised her eyes to meet his gaze directly.
“Spit it out. How much? These are useless in your hands anyway.” “They’re not for sale. They’re a gift,” Kingsley replied calmly. Lucy immediately shoved the documents back into the folder and pushed it back toward him.
“I can’t accept this.” Kingsley locked his dark, intense gaze on her.
“Take it. I acquired these shares specifically for you. They’re useless to me. With these and what you already have, it’s enough to secure your seat on The Lynwood Group Board.” He paused before adding, “Irma has some decent business sense. Do whatever you want to do. I will support you unconditionally p>
Lucy’s expression remained entirely impassive as she set the folder on the table. “If you’re not going to sell them, then keep them yourself p>
Kingsley let out a frustrated, helpless laugh. “I won’t sell them; I’m giving them to you! Consider it compensation. Will that make it easier for you to accept?” “Compensation?” Lucy leaned back in her chair, then stood up to leave.
“You disappearing from my sight forever would be the best compensation.” “I can’t
do that,” Kingsley said, reaching out to grab her wrist. Lucy violently shook his hand
off.
He retracted his hand and spoke
earnestly, “I’ve already swept up all the loose shares on the market; you’ll barely be able to buy any more. The shares are a gift with absolutely no strings attached. If you really feel that bad about it, just send me a few bucks and call it a purchase.” Lucy parted her lips, her voice sharp and uncompromising. “Name your price p>
Kingsley casually tossed out a number, “A thousand dollars p>
Lucy shot him a look like he was out of his mind. “Fine. Have your people draft a formal contract.” “Alright,” Kingsley agreed. “Accept my friend request on messaging, and I’ll send you the itemized medical bill p>
“Email it to me,” Lucy replied flatly. “I don’t have your email address,” Kingsley said softly. “A man with Mr. Sherwood’s vast capabilities can surely figure it out,” Lucy mocked. “Digging into people’s private lives is what you do best p>
With that, she spun on her heel and strode off toward Seven and the others. Just as
she spoke, the two little ones came running over, one after the other.
Molly was in the lead, her sweet
voice ringing out clearly. “Aunt Lucy, where are my mom and dad?” Seeing the light sheen of sweat on her forehead, Lucy answered gently, “They’re inside.” Behind her, Seven’s little face was flushed, drops of sweat clinging to his forehead, be threw himself at Lucy, wrapping his arms around her legs as he whined sweetly, “Mommy, I’m so tired.” Lucy bent down and scooped him into her arms. “Let’s take a break for a little while, then p>
Molly clambered onto a nearby chair by herself. Lucy pulled out a tissue and handed
it to her, gesturing for her to wipe her sweat. Molly took the tissue, then turned to Kingsley and said with utmost seriousness, “Mr. Kingsley, you seem like you have way too much free time lately p>
“I’ve been on vacation recently, but I’ll be busy soon,” Kingsley replied warmly, watching her sit there like a little adult. Molly picked up a glass of juice from the table, took a sip, and nodded. “I’m on vacation too. I have to go back to school in a little while p>
At that moment, Seven slid out of Lucy’s arms and tried to climb onto a chair himself. Kingsley reached
out, supporting the boy’s small.
frame and lifting him secure net
onto
the seat glanced up at him
and muttered casually, “Thank you!” Kingsley reached out to faffle his hair, but the little guy nimbly dodged his hand. Molly watched Seven drink his juice, her curiosity piqued. “Seven, do you have to go to class too? Are you going to be really busy soon p>
Seven understood the first part of her question, and his eyes lit up. “Class! I get to play with a lot of friends.” Molly immediately lifted her chin, holding out her small hands as she started counting on her fingers. “You definitely don’t have as many friends as I do! Look, I have p>