Chapter 758 A Lesson
Arissa smiled at the innocent Tim and said, “You can do the same thing when you grow up too! There’s no rush now. You should study hard at your age.”
“I can’t make money yet, Ms. York. Great-grandaunt and I are using your money now, but I promise I’ll pay you back in the future!” declared Tim with conviction.
While Arissa was relieved by his sense of independence, she was also a little disappointed that Tim did not plan to rely on her and Benjamin.
Independence was an excellent trait, yet as Tim’s biological mother, she naturally could not help but wish that her children would depend on her.
She was more than happy to spoil her child rotten.
Instead, Tim was still treating her like an outsider.
Benjamin glanced at Arissa before addressing Tim, “Your mommy should be giving you and your great-grandaunt money to spend. Your parents are responsible for raising you into an adult. Don’t feel pressured to pay her back now. Once you’re all grown up with a job of your own, you have plenty of opportunities to thank her for her care!”
He also glanced at the other children and declared, “I won’t stop any of you if you plan to give your salaries to your mommy in the future!”
Zachary snickered and replied, “We can give Mommy a good life now, Mr. Graham. She doesn’t have to work so hard anymore.”
“Mm-hmm! I can pay for Mommy too. I have savings!”
Meanwhile, Gavin shot Benjamin a sidelong glance and warned, “Don’t make Mommy suffer too much. Sometimes, she’s so busy she can’t spend time with us.”
Benjamin arched a brow in response. He knew Gavin was rich, but he had no idea how the children raised by Arissa gained their wealth.
He asked them, “Where does your money come from?”
Zachary, Oliver, Jasper, and Jesse kept their lips zipped instead of answering him.
Their adorable response brought a smile to Arissa’s face. She had an inkling of where their money came from.
The children had known the ins and outs of running a business from a young age, a talent likely inherited from their father.
“Did you make money yourselves?” Tim asked Zachary curiously.
Gavin’s rich, and so are my younger siblings. I’m the only poor lad here. I need to work hard so I’m not a burden to them!
“Yup!”
Zachary nodded before leaning toward Tim’s ear, whispering, “I’ll teach you how to make money later!”
Tim was stunned. “Okay!”
Curiously, Arissa asked Zachary, “What are the two of you talking about, Zachary? Why are you whispering to each other?”
Grinning cheekily, Zachary replied, “Don’t worry, Mommy! I won’t try anything dangerous.”
Arissa glanced at Zachary before turning her attention to Tim. Eventually, she smiled and said, “Fine. Just watch your safety, no matter what you’re doing!”
Her third son’s mouth twitched in amusement. How dangerous can making money be?
“Don’t worry, Mommy! It’s definitely safe!”
Arissa nodded, acknowledging his promise.
On the other hand, Benjamin had overheard Zachary and Tim’s entire conversation, thanks to his excellent hearing. Thus, he was far less concerned over his children’s safety.
“Let me know if you need my help!” he said to the boys.
Zachary glanced at him and replied, “We don’t need your help for now!”
Benjamin merely nodded in response.
“Here are the drinks, Mrs. Graham!”
Edwin entered the room with a cup of coffee for Arissa and milkshakes for the six children.
Then, he asked Benjamin, “Would you like some coffee, Mr. Graham?”
Benjamin took up his butler’s offer since everyone else was enjoying a beverage.
Arissa sipped on her hot coffee, pleasantly surprised by its flavor profile.
She usually took her coffee cold and had not noticed the delectable nuances when the drink was served hot.
Arissa exclaimed in delight, “Mm, hot coffee tastes pretty good!”
Smiling, Edwin advised, “Mrs. Graham, it’s better for women to take warm and hot foods. Don’t have too many cold drinks in the future!”
She returned his smile and nodded. “Okay! Edwin, why don’t you sit down and eat with us? Don’t keep rushing around the house!”
Edwin looked to Benjamin for approval, and the latter raised his jaw subtly, gesturing for the butler to take a seat.
At the same time, Benjamin said, “She has invited you to join us, so have a seat!”
“Thank you!”
Edwin sat beside the children happily.
Jesse busied herself filling Edwin’s plate, and her five elder brothers quickly followed her lead.
“Please eat, Mr. Whitley!”
“Why, thank you, children!” Edwin was pleasantly surprised.
Arissa smiled at the scene before continuing to savor her food.
Suddenly, she noticed Benjamin clutching his stomach, and she asked, “Is your stomach upset again?”
