Chapter 44

Kathie bolted out of the room, desperate to hide her flushed face from Jonathan. She rushed to the bathroom, splashing cold water on her face to regain her composure.

If Jonathan had a wife and kids. Kathie would never allow herself to ruin another family.

Until he regained his memory, she had to keep her feelings in check.

Kathie lightly slapped her cheeks. It had been too long since she had been with a man, and now she couldn't control herself around a handsome one.

Jonathan couldn't get the image of Kathie's flushed face out of his mind.

He had seen the desire in her expression. Kathie was attracted to him.

Jonathan was confident in his physique.

That night, both of them tossed and turned, unable to sleep due to their restless desires.

The next morning, a luxury car was parked outside the small courtyard.

Hearing the dog bark, Kathie thought Randy was back for another round of insults. But when she saw who it was, she quickly called the dog back.

"Bradley, what are you doing here?" she puzzled.

Bradley Brooks greeted her with a smile, "Hey Kathie, long time no see.Melinda had something come up and asked me to take the kids to school."

So Melinda's "free driver" was her own brother. She really knew how to delegate. "Give me a sec, I'll bring them out,"Kathie replied.

"No rush. we got plenty of time."

The three kids inside heard his voice and excitedly ran out to greet him.

"Hi, Uncle Bradley! Long time no see!"

"Hi, Uncle Bradley, I'm Zachary."

"Eileen's here too!"

Bradley looked at their adorable faces, feelig his heart melt.

"Hey there, my little darlings. Today, I'm taking you out for a big meal."

"Yay!"

Kathie ruffled their hair and told them to go back and get their backpacks so they wouldn't be late.

Eileen, with her backpack ready, looked at Jonathan reluctantly before running over to hug him. "Seven, we're going to school. We'll be back in the afternoon. Don't forget to miss us."

Kyle also hugged him. "Seven, be good and listen to Mommy while we're gone. We'll be back soon."

Zachary secretly handed him two candies, whispering in his ear. "Mommy doesn't let us have candy. I saved these for you, Enjoy them."

Jonathan was speechless.

He was genuinely touched, but for a moment, he couldn't tell who was the adult and who was the child.

Usually, he found the three kids noisy at home, but now that they were leaving for school, he felt an emptiness inside. "Take care of yourselves at school. If anyone bullies you, remember to fight back and tell us. By the way, protect Eileen." He still wasn't reassured. "Especially you, Eileen. Don't trust strangers easily,and don't go with someone just because they're good-looking."

Kathie watched him, amused. He looked like a worried father, afraid his daughter would run off with someone.

"Now you know how I feel," Kathie said.

Jonathan sighed, wishing he had given Eileen more advice earlier.

Eileen nodded obediently. "Seven, don't worry. I only like you. I won't be interested in anyone else."

Jonathan frowned, pointing outside at Bradley. He had seen Eileen smiling at him earlier. "What about him?"

Eileen answered innocently,"Uncle Bradley is Aunt Melinda's brother. He's very nice to us and takes care of Mommy. I like him too."

Jonathan held her shoulders seriously. "That's not okay. You can't like everyone."

Jonathan didn't know why, but seeing the kids get along with others made him uncomfortable.

Kathie said, "Bradley has taken care of us for years. It's natural for the kids to like him. Don't be so petty. Stay home and read more, and stop overthinking."

Petty?

Jonathan was speechless.

Eileen held his hand and promised, "Seven, no matter how many people there are, I like you the most. That won't change." Jonathan felt a bit comforted and reluctantly saw them off.

Bradley carefully took the kids' backpacks, helped them into the car,and even brought gifts for them and Kathie.

Watching their warm interaction. Jonathan felt a pang of jealousy.

Bradley turned back and smiled politely at him, but Jonathan sensed competition. His gut told him Bradley liked Kathie.

Why else would he be dressed in a suit so early in the morning unless he was meeting someone important? And his eyes were always on Kathie.She really had a way with men, always surrounded by handsome guys.

Bradley didn't feel threatened. This man with a rash-covered face and a limp was no match for him.

"Let's go!" Bradley called out.

At the school gate, there were already several luxury cars parked. Families who could send their kids to Elite Tots Academy were all wealthy and influential.

Kathie adjusted the kids' outfits, her eyes full of pride. "Kids, from now on,you're preschool students. Learn well, have fun, and make lots of friends."

"Mommy,we know."

Kathie didn't want to part with them either, but she knew it was necessary.

She and Bradley walked the kids inside. Once they were out of sight, she turned around and ran into Randy and Shirley with Bob.

Randy had found a way to get his son into the school after all.

Randy smirked, "Kathie, even without your heIp,I managed." Kathie didn't want to waste time with Randy,so she turned to leave.Randy taunted, "Bradley, you're fromn a prestigious family. How could you be interested in a woman I discarded?"

Bradley was about to step forward, but Kathie stopped him. "Randy, who was the one begging me to take him back? Now you're here with your mistress and illegitimate son. Should I help spread the word?"

Randy and Shirley's faces turned ugly.

They had begged the Berkeley family to pull strings for Bob's admission.If there was a scene now, his enrollment would be canceled.

Shirley forced a smile. "Kathie, we're still sisters. Don't be so harsh."

"Don't call us sisters. Your parents are divorced. We have no relation,"Kathie retorted.

Shirley gritted her teeth. It was because of Kathie that her parents divorced.Kathie would get what was coming to her.

Bradley glared at Randy. "You're a disgrace to men. Stop shouting and show some humility."

Randy was furious but couldn't retort. He could only watch them leave.

He clenched his fists. One day, he would make Kathie regret it.

Bradley asked, "Now that your kids are in school, why don't you divorce Randy? He's just trouble."

Kathie shrugged. "I'm stubborn. The more they want something, the less I'Il give it to them. Shirley cares about her reputation. I'll make sure she's known as Randy's mistress."

Kathie wouldn't let those who hurt her get away easily. She'd fight to the end. Seeing Bradley silent, she asked with a bitter smile, "Do you think I'm too harsh?"