In the Lap of Luxury
Chapter 551 Muddling Through

"I understand. I'll think about it when the news is verified." Jessica turned away.

However, Benjamin wasn't in a hurry to leave. He looked toward the restroom again and asked, "Can I use it?"

"I've already said there are rats in there. You're not used to such things. It's better not to use it."

"Rats aren't a problem, Danielle. What matters is removing them in time."

Benjamin wanted to help her. He left those words of advice and turned to leave.

As he drove away, Jessica breathed a sigh of relief. Cold sweat dripped down her back, making her feel very uncomfortable.

"You can come out."

Ryan emerged from the restroom, equally drenched in sweat.

He knelt on the ground and begged, "Ms. Landon, you must save me!"

Jessica kicked him and shrieked, "Didn't you hear? Even Benjamin knows about what happened! I wanted to cover for you, but if there's no money in the account when the time comes, I won't be able to hide it."

Ryan hurriedly said, "It's possible! I told you I have a way!"

Jessica was skeptical and asked, "What?"

Ryan swallowed and gestured for Jessica to bend down. He whispered a few words in her ear.

After hearing him out, Jessica's expression changed dramatically. "Are you insane?"

"I have no choice. I've muddled through situations like this a few times before. Nothing ever went wrong. It's always been this way in real estate."

Jessica remained silent.

On the first day of the next month, the Thorne family was bustling with activity for the child's birthday.

Luxury cars lined up from the start of the street to the end, all belonging to the wealthy people who had come to attend the birthday celebrations.

Everyone knew that Esme's acknowledgment of Matthew's son meant that the boy's future was secure. Hence, no effort was spared in welcoming and sending off guests. Grace arrived with a generous gift. She was dressed casually, keeping a low profile. Yet it seemed that Esme had a different idea and intended for Grace to be noticeable. "Ms. Lewis, come this way."

Grace nodded at Luke, signaling him to mingle with the crowd while she followed Esme away.

"For the boy's eighth birthday, we've specially invited a theater troupe to perform at home. A big group has gone there, but I replace it boring. I would rather sit, drink tea, and play cards." Grace glanced in the direction of the stage and asked, "What's the boy's new name?"

"Henry."

Grace looked up and commented, "You must be very anxious."

Even though Esme had been willing to take in another woman's son, he had been given a new name as a reminder of his origins.

Since Esme was wary of him, he was likely to spend his life feeling as if he were walking a tightrope. He would need to be extremely cautious.

Grace felt a twinge of pity for Henry.

Esme laughed it off. She stood by the lake, watching the fish in the water.

"If this boy proves useful in the future, that would be good. But I'm worried he will turn out to be an ingrate. He must be reminded of his identity at all times."

Grace didn't comment on it.

"Let's go inside for tea."

As they entered the house, someone watched them from the stage. It was Benjamin sitting in the back.

The Thornes had invited the Hawkins family for the birthday party. Benjamin had initially had no intention of attending, but Larry had said that Grace would surely be there. Hence, Benjamin had reconsidered it and decided to go.

He watched Grace's slender figure disappear.

Matthew noticed that Benjamin was distracted. Puzzled, he asked, "Mr. Hawkins, what are you looking at?"

"I just saw an acquaintance. Is your wife playing cards?"

"Yes, that's her only hobby. It's something all men understand."

Benjamin smiled and said, "Listening to too much of this show feels tiresome. I'm actually feeling a bit eager to join in the game."

Matthew didn't catch on and answered, "You could join them for some fun. But they might get angry if you make them lose money."