The Unveiled Rose

Howard's mood instantly brightened when the topic came up. "They've been discharged from the hospital. It's thanks to the wages you sent me. I really don't know what I would have done otherwise." Zane said slowly, "You earned that money with your ability. Now, besides picking up Willow every evening, I've found you a part-time job.

"It's to pick up and drop off Suzy and her daughter. Do you have time for that?"

Howard replied immediately, "No problem!"

"As for the salary, I was thinking of adding 20 thousand dollars to your current pay." Zane wasn't sure if Howard would be happy with the pay. "If you have any issues with it, feel free to bring them up." Howard quickly shook his head. "No! I'm very satisfied with this pay."

Zane asked, "So it's settled?"

Howard nodded. "Don't worry. I'll keep them protected."

...

Zane relayed the outcome of their discussion to us in the living room.

Suzy finally let out a sigh of relief. "Now, when Liam comes to bother me, I'll have something to fight back with."

Zane added, "You and Penelope can come to my house after school. Once the training's done, let Penelope play with Willow for a while, then have Howard take you both back home."

The worry in Suzy's eyes vanished, and she smiled. "This is a perfect opportunity to have Penelope join in on the exercise."

After running a few times with Willow, she felt much better physically.

"No problem." Zane figured Willow would be happier with someone there to keep her company.

With all of Suzy's concerns addressed, her mood lifted significantly. "Mr. Huxham, thank you so much."

Zane replied coldly, "I promised to help you hire a bodyguard, which took me this long to arrange. That's on me. As long as you're not angry with me, it's fine."

"But you always follow through with what you say," Suzy said seriously. "No one has ever been so considerate of me before."

Zane wasn't one for sentimental words. Hearing her say this, he thought momentarily before responding, "I treat everyone at the company the same."

Suzy chuckled. "Then I'm honored to be one of your employees."

The dishes were ready, and the chef brought out each course.

I headed upstairs to call the two little ones down for dinner.

When Willow saw me, she pulled me into their toy house. I stood there, stunned, looking at the neatly arranged toys.

Willow lifted her chin proudly and said, "You didn't expect this right, Mommy?"

I was surprised and asked, "Did you two clean this up by yourselves?"

Willow boasted, "I told Penelope that we should organize our own toys. So the two of us raced to clean up."

"Wow, Willow actually knows how to take care of her own things. That's so amazing," I said as I picked up Willow.

She had grown so much without me even realizing it. I felt so proud.

I then put her down before gently rubbing Penelope's little head. "Penelope is also amazing for being willing to cooperate and help out." Penelope shyly smiled.

I held both of their hands and led them downstairs. As soon as we sat at the table, the kids jumped into their food, treating it like a competition.