Chapter 98
Jonathan asked Dennis to take them to the nearest mall so they could find a toy store and pick out gifts for the three kids.
Kathie watched him, touched by how much effort he was putting in. It was clear he genuinely liked her children.
Earlier, he had told her she had the right to choose to be with whoever she wanted, but was that really his decision to make?
Even Jonathan's friends were strongly against their relationship, not to mention his difficult parents.
Jonathan said, "What are you standing there for? How about this Barbie set? Do you think Eileen will like it?"
Kathie smiled helplessly. She shouldn't overthink things. It was already great that they could maintain this relationship.
She replied, "Pick the purple one. She doesn't like bright red."
"How about these two limited-edition race cars? I want to get them the fastest ones. Last time, Ben bought them some, and seeing how happy they were really annoyed me."
Kathie couldn't help but laugh. "Why would you be annoyed if the kids were happy with their gifts?"
Jonathan glanced at her. "You don't get it. I want to be the one who brings them joy."
Kathie was speechless. "You even have to compete over this?"
·Jonathan raised an eyebrow. Whether it was Kathie or the kids, he had a possessive streak and wanted them to like only him.
"We've got enough gifts for the kids. I see a women's clothing store up ahead. Why don't you pick out a few outfits as a thank-you for coming with me?"
"What about the payment you promised?"
"Don't worry, you'll get every penny. This is just a bonus."
Kathie nodded in satisfaction. "That's more like it. I won't hold back then."
As Kathie was about to push him into the store,she noticed someone following them.
"What's wrong?" Jonathan asked, seeing her stop.
Kathie whispered, "Someone's following us. I thought it was a coincidence,but I saw them in the toy store, and now they're here at the clothing store."
Jonathan glanced around. "You go in and pick out some clothes. I'll keep an eye on things."
Kathie nodded and went inside to shop.
Jonathan watched through the store's mirrors and indeed saw some suspicious people outside. He sent a message to Dennis to handle it.
A few minutes later, Dennis arrived with some men and escorted the followers away.
Kathie came out in a new dress, smiling. "How does this look?"
Jonathan gave her an appreciative look. "Dr. Cavendish, your figure is as good as a model's. You look great in anything."
Kathie smirked. "That's a unique way to compliment someone."
Jonathan pulled out a black card. "Pick whatever you like. It's all on me."
Kathie teased,"Tll buy everything then."
Jonathan nodded generously. "No problem. We'll have it all sent to your place."
The store clerk beamed, but Kathie wasn't one to waste money. Accepting all this would make her look like a gold digger.
"I appreciate the gesture, but I'll just take what I need."
Jonathan's eyes were full of affection. "Whatever you say."
The store clerks whispered among themselves. "That guy may be in a wheelchair, but he's so good to his partner. Rich, handsome,and charismatic."
Kathie picked out three outfits and pushed Jonathan out of the store,noticing the followers were gone.
Jonathan explained, "I had Dennis get rid of those pests. What do you want to do next? Head back to the hotel or go somewhere else?"
Kathie thought for a moment. "I heard the local cuisine here is pretty good.How about we grab a drink?"
Jonathan chuckled. "You're turning into a bit of a drinker."
Kathie gave him a look. "Are we going or not?"
Jonathan made a gesture. "It would be my pleasure."
They headed to the food court behind the mall. Kathie chose a bustling,affordable restaurant. Jonathan looked at the greasy tables and noisy crowd.frowning.
As a high-powered executive, he never frequented places like this. His suit and tie made him stand out.
He cleared his throat. "Dr. Cavendish, do we really have to eat here? How about choosing another restaurant?"
Kathie wiped the table with a napkin. "This is the difference between us.You like fancy places; I like places with a lively atmosphere. The food is fresh, and you can hear all sorts of sounds. I find it interesting; you find it noisy."
Jonathan frowned, not understanding the appeal.
"Aren't places like this supposed to be unhealthy?"
"Fancy restaurants aren't necessarily better. Stop complaining and order. I promise you'll love it."
Seeing her displeased, Jonathan reluctantly ordered a few dishes. Kathie ordered some specialty barbecue and two bottles of cold beer.
Soon,the fragrant barbecue arrived,sizzling and mouth-watering.
Kathie immediately dug in, her face full of enjoyment, eyes squinting with pleasure. "This is so good."
Seeing Jonathan hesitate, Kathie handed him a skewer. "Try it. You'll love it."
Jonathan was reluctant but, seeing Kathie enjoyit so much, took a bite.
The rich flavor and tender meat surprised him.
Kathie pointed to the other dishes. "Everything here is delicious. Try them."
Jonathan started eating, and Kathie poured him a beer. "A little won't hurt."
With Kathie, a doctor, saying it was okay, Jonathan relaxed and started
enjoying the food. They chatted and laughed,clinking their glasses.
Nearby,some shirtless men with tattoos were making crude comments.
"That woman is hot, but she's with a cripople. I wonder if he can even get it up."
"If he can't, we can help. She looks like she'd be fun."
"Look at her tight clothes. She's practically bursting out of them. Women like that love to tease."
"She probably can't get enough from her crippled man. Let's follow them and give her a good time."
The filthy comments reached Kathie and Jonathan. Kathie glanced over and saw five rough-looking men at the next table.
Kathie bit into her skewer, furious at their disgusting words.
Before she could react, Jonathan grabbed a fork and flung it at them.
Jonathan,trained in martial arts, turned the fork into a weapon, hitting the men and making them jump up in pain.
"Who the hell dares to mess with us?" one of the men shouted.
Jonathan raised his fork. "I'm the one messing with you."
Seeing it was the man in the wheelchair, they grabbed their beer bottles and approached. "You've got guts, but if you don't make it up to us,you won't be leaving here."