You More Than Anything In The World

In the study, the six little ones stood in their designated spots, behaving well even without supervision. They refrained from chatting or trying to escape the punishment.

Jonathan, curious about their discipline, approached them quietly and observed for a while. He didn't see any signs of them slacking off.

“How long do you plan on standing there?”

Hearing his voice, the six children turned to look at him and politely greeted, “Mr. Patterson.”

“We'll stop when Dad is satisfied with us,” Gavin replied to his previous question.

Jonathan walked closer, ruffling their hair with a smile. “I didn't hear your dad say he was going to punish you, did I?”

The six kids exchanged puzzled glances. Did that mean their dad wouldn't punish them?

However, they remembered that Shaun and the others were punished earlier. They lowered their heads, realizing that their dad might not have said it out loud, but he would probably still punish them. Otherwise, why would he not stop them from enacting their time-out?

“Mr. Patterson, you don't understand. If we wait for Dad to say it, he'll probably punish us even more,” Zachary explained with a wry smile. It was better to start their own punishments instead.

Jonathan chuckled and shook his head. “It seems I won't be able to play with you tonight.”

The little ones looked at him, and Jesse, in her sweet voice, asked, “Mr. Patterson, are you leaving?”

Jonathan nodded and replied, “I have some work to prepare for tomorrow.”

“Mr. Patterson, you should go back. Work hard to win the case tomorrow!” Gavin encouraged him sincerely.

Jonathan was delighted. “All right, when I win, I'll treat you to a big meal!”

The children expressed their happiness and gratitude, their soft, childlike voices bringing a sense of contentment to Jonathan.

After spending some more time with the kids, Jonathan bid them farewell and prepared to leave.

“Old Mr. Graham, I'm heading back. Take it easy with the drinks. I'll go inform Benjamin,” Jonathan said to Darius, thinking Benjamin was still in the garden.

Darius informed him, “Benjamin just went upstairs.”

Jonathan nodded and headed outside. He went around to the balcony near the master bedroom and called out to Benjamin upstairs.

“Benjamin!”

Benjamin had just carried Arissa upstairs. Upon hearing Jonathan's voice, he gently set Arissa down on the bed and walked over to the balcony.

“Benjamin, I'm heading back. Just wanted to let you know.” Jonathan waved from below.

“Let Miguel's team drive you back!” Benjamin reminded him. He knew Jonathan had also been drinking, so having the security team drive him was safer.

“All right, please tell Arissa I'll come to see her another day,” Jonathan requested.

Benjamin waved in acknowledgment.

Seeing Jonathan go to call the security team to drive him, Benjamin turned and entered the bedroom.

“He's gone?” Arissa had heard Jonathan's voice from the room.

“Yeah.” Benjamin nodded and glanced at her before heading into the bathroom. “I'll go prepare the bath for you.”