Chapter 51

The man in charge was on his knees, pleading for mercy. "Mr. Berkeley. I'Il spill everything. It was Kathie's stepmom, Melissa. She paid us three million upfront and promised another two million once we took you out."

Jonathan couldn't wrap his head around Melissa going to such extremes to get rid of Kathie.

Anyone who dared to harm Kathie and her kids was as good as dead.

"Take them to the police. And as for Melissa, you know what to do,"Jonathan said coldly.

Ben nodded. "Got it. I'll handle it."

The man in charge didn't dare resist. At least their lives were spared for now,so they obedently followed Ben out.

Kathie had just put the kids to bed wwhen she found Jonathan tidying up the living room. Seeing her face, something inside him lit up.

"The kids okay?" Jonathan asked.

Kathie smiled and nodded. "Yeah, they were hiding in the closet and didn't hear a thing. They're asleep now. How's your injury?"

"It's fine. Ben patched me up. The three dogs outside were sedated and won't wake up until tomorrow. I think it'd be safer to have a couple of bodyguards around."

After what had just happened, Kathie didn't want to take any chances.

"Okay. Did you find out who was behind this?" she agreed.

"Yeah, we did. I sent Ben to handle it. Kathie,why did you shield me from that knife?" In that moment of crisis. if Ben hadn't arrived, she would have died.

There were plenty of people who wanted to harm him, and many who claimed they would protect him. But in a life-threatening situation, Kathie was the first to unhesitatingly put herself in harm's way to protect him.

It shook him deeply and changed his perspective.

Kathie hadn't expected him to ask that. In the heat of the moment, she had instinctively wanted to protect him, not wanting him to get hurt. As for why she risked her life for him, she couldn't quite explain it. She smiled and said, "You protected me earlier. I was just returning the favor."

Jonathan shook his head. "It's different. You have three kids. No matter what happens, you would make sure you survive. But you still risked your life for me. Do you like me?"

Kathie felt a pang of panic, as if he had seén through her deepest, mnost hidden feelings. But she knew he had a girlfriend and would never allow herself to be the other woman. She feigned calmness and denied it. "That's impossible. As a doctor, it's my duty to protect my patients."

"Is it that hard to admit you like me?" Jonathan didn't believe her answer.He wanted to hear the truth from her.

Kathie didn't want to argue about it anymore and seriously said, "I don't like to interfere ín other people's relationships. I won't fall for a man who already has a partner."

Hearing this, Jonathan was secretly pleased. Her words implied that she did like him.

Without thinking, he said, "It's okay if you like me."

Kathie's face darkened instantly. "Are you trying to be like Randy,being ambiguous with other women while having a partner, becoming an Irresponsible jerk?"

Jonathan smiled wryly. "Of course not. I'm loyal to the person I like..."

"Enough. Since you said that, don't tease me anymore. It's late. Go to bed."Kathie cut him off, not wanting to continue the frustrating conversation.

He had made it clear he was loyal, which meant he must love Patricia very much.

She despised people who interfered in others' relationships and would never become someone she hated.

At 3 a.m., in a high-end hotel.

Melissa hadn't slept all night, clutching her phone, waiting for news.

To get rid of Kathie and her family, Melissa had drainéd her šavings to hire hitmen to burn them alive. To ensure there were no tricks from Kathie,she had specifically chosen Raymond's arch-enemies, leaving Kathie no chance to escape.

But it had been three hours, and there was still no news.

Logically, in the dead of night, Kathie and her kids, being defenseless,should have been easy targets.

The more Melissa thought about it, the more anxious she became.She quickly packed her things and woke Shirley next to her. "Shirley, I have to go. Take care of yourself."

Shirley groggily woke up, seeing her mother frantically packing. She rubbed her eyes and sat up. "Mom, what are you doing? It's not even dawn.Where are you going?"

Melissa didn't hide it anymore. "Shirley, I had you come over because I was scared." Shirley tried to comfort her. "Mom, it's okay. Even if Dad doesn't want you.Randy and I will take care of you. You won't have to suffer."

Melissa hugged her and shook her head. "It's not that. I sent people to kill Kathie and her kids, but there's been no word from them. Something must have gone wrong."

Shirley pushed her away in shock. "What? You sent people to killthem?Mom.are you crazy?"

"I hate her for ruining everyhing and taking the position that should be yours as Randy's wife. If Kathie doesn't die, you won't have a good life.Shirley, I did it for you."

Shirley was distressed. She had guessed her mother would go after Kathie but hadn't expected her to resort to murder.

"You could have just had them beaten up or sent away. How could you go so far?" Shirley was still in shock.

"It's too late. If they failed, they'll trace it back to me. I have to leave now.

Shirley, take care of Bob.I'm leaving."

Melissa grabbed her bag and ran. But as soon as she opened the door,she found the police waiting with handcuffs. She immediately collapsed to the ground.

At dawn, in Kathie's suburban villa in Eldoria.

The alarm clock rang, and the three kids stretched and got up.

Kathie had laid out their school uniforms by their beds. "Babies, get dressed. Mommy's making breakfast."

Kyle reminded her, "Mommy, the school has nutritious breakfasts.You don't have to wake up so early. G et some more rest." Kathie smiled warmly. "I know, but someone needs to eat."

Eileen raised her hand. "I get it. Mommy's making breakfast for Seven."

Zachary praised, "Mommy is such a good wife and mother."

Kathie chuckled. "I'm just filling his stomach. Now hurry up and get ready.

1

"Okay!" the three kids answered sweetly.

Kathie walked into the living room to find Jonathan already up, reading a medical book. He used to have no interest in these,but now he always had one in hand.

"You're not studying medicine. Why are you so serious about it?" she asked.

"I want to learn more. It might come in handy someday."

Kathie shrugged and went to the kitchen, letting him be.

Eileen, dressed in her uniform, ran out and headed straight for Jonathan."Seven, do you like my new uniform?"

Jonathan gave her a thumbs-up. "Eileen, you look beautiful."

Eileen handed him a hair tie and comb. "Seven, can you do my hair?"

Seeing her cute face, Jonathan forgot all his worries.

He picked her up and gently combed her hair.

"Seven, can you do a bun for me?" Eileen asked again.

.Jonathan smiled awkwardly. "Eileen, I know my limits. This is too advanced for me. Better let your mommy do it so you don't get laughed at school." Eileen sweetly encouraged him. "Seven, if you practice, you'll get good at it.1 like it when you do my hair."

Kathie came out with breakfast and joined in. "It's good to encourage him,but don't let him braid your hair too much. Outside, we need to look presentable."

Zachary followed, agreeing with his mom. "Mommy's right. If you get a terrible hairstyle, everyone will laugh at you."