Chapter 864 Love Or Money
“You guys go ahead.” Benjamin swept a gaze over Kingsley before looking at the children. Glimpsing the longing on their faces, he had the server bring another platter of appetizers. “Go and wash your hands.”
“Quick, go and wash your hands!” Arissa echoed. She stood up and led the way to the restroom. All six children hastily trotted after her. After Arissa had washed their hands, she urged them all to go and relieve themselves.
The children went into the cubicle, one after another. Arissa again helped them wash their hands and wiped them dry before allowing them to leave the restroom.
She herself took a leak before leaving. By then, Jonathan had arrived. Surprise inundated Arissa, for she thought that he would arrive much later.
“Were you lying to me? You said you had something to do, yet you arrived so quickly?” Kingsley teased. The corners of Jonathan’s mouth turned up. “Do I look as though I’d lie?”
“Nope, but when you do so, you’re far more convincing than others!” Kingsley riposted with a snigger. At that, Jonathan chuckled. “That’s only because you’re dumb. Who’s to be blamed?”
“Look at this, everyone! This sanctimonious fellow is nothing more than a scammer!”
Livid to the point that he had steam coming out of his ears, Kingsley urged everyone to back him up. “What scam did he pull on you? Love or money?” Shaun quipped, tickled pink.
“D*mn it! You’re both on the same side! The former, okay?” Kingsley was downright indignant.
Jonathan’s lips inexorably twitched. “Can you please mind your words, Kingsley? I’ve never done anything of that sort! I’m straight!”
Everyone burst into laughter. Benjamin got to his feet. “When is Aaron arriving?”
“I’ll hurry him up!” Shaun gave Aaron a call. A while later, he said to Benjamin, “He has only just departed, so he asked us to go ahead and not bother waiting for him.”
Nodding, Benjamin went to wash his hands. “D*mn it! Aaron told me he was on his way, yet he now told you he has just departed. Jonathan told me he was at the office, but he’s now here. All of you are liars! I’m not going to organize a gathering anymore henceforth. You all can do it yourselves!”
Harrumphing, Kingsley hurried away to wash his hands as well. Jonathan and Shaun exchanged smiling glances before they followed Kingsley.
“Here, Sweethearts!”
Arissa gathered the children to the side of the dining table and hoisted them onto their chairs.
Ethen and Jack stepped forward to help. They settled the children in their seats before leaving to wash their hands.
Subsequently, Arissa adjusted the distance between their chairs and the table.
Having returned, Benjamin pulled out a chair. “Sit down.”
Arissa looked at him for a moment. “I’ll sit over there. It’ll be more convenient to take food for the kids.”
“Just sit here. Let them eat by themselves.”
Benjamin was being assertive, adamant that she sit beside him.
He yanked her over directly and pushed her down onto the chair. Arissa was promptly torn between amusement and exasperation. “Okay, I’ll sit here. Take it easy!”
My shoulders hurt from the force of his grip.
Sweeping a gaze over her, Benjamin pulled a chair out and took his seat.
Shortly after, Kingsley, Jonathan, Shaun, Ethen, and Jack also took their places at the table.
Kingsley ordered the server to serve the wine.
The server had decanted the wine beforehand. Taking the wine glasses, she poured them all a serving.
“You’ve got to drink a few glasses with us tonight, Boss!” Kingsley clamored.
Jonathan and the others seconded him.
Benjamin eyed them before turning sideways and murmuring to Arissa, “You don’t need to drink. Just have some fruit juice later.”
Arissa nodded with a smile. “Okay!”
“How is it right that Arissa isn’t drinking? The two of you registered your marriage today, so we’ve got to liven up the atmosphere a bit!”
Kingsley stared at them with wide eyes, unwilling to squander that golden opportunity.
“I came here way beforehand to set everything up. Don’t you find it romantic, Arissa?”
Decorated with roses, the private room looked different from usual. There was also a hint of sweetness in the air.
Arissa scanned her eyes over the dining table and the fresh flowers all around her.
Smiling, she commented, “If you hadn’t said that, I would’ve thought that this is the original décor of the room!”
At once, words eluded Kingsley.
“Haha! You went to all the effort for naught, Kingsley! Arissa didn’t even notice it!”
Shaun and the others roared with laughter.
