Chapter 144

He had stopped himself from saying anything last time, but tonight, he couldn't hold back. A part of him still hoped she might remember the bond they had shared as children.

But in the next moment, the girl smiled brightly. "I'm happy you told me this. I'm so glad there are still people who remember them and are grateful." No wonder George was so quick to help. He was acting out of gratitude.

The handsome man chuckled softly, a flicker of disappointment hidden behind his glasses. Of course she wouldn't remember. The kind-hearted little princess must have helped countless people. You only remember the people and things that leave a deep impression.

Aaron spoke with genuine feeling. "Good deeds are always rewarded." The seeds his parents had sown were now bearing fruit for him.

Marguerite nodded. "I'm an ordinary person, so I suppose I deserve an ordinary reward."

Hearing this, Jenny, who had been quiet, reached out and hugged Marguerite. "A hug!"

Marguerite hugged her back, touched. "Jenny, without you, who would treat me like a child?"

Watching them, George felt a pang of envy for Jenny. Not everyone had the right to dote on Stella.

Even though George had his reasons for helping Aaron, Marguerite still felt she owed him an apology. She stood up, mimicking Aaron.

"George, I need to apologize to you, too."

"It's fine," he said, almost reflexively.

Marguerite frowned. "I haven't even said what for!"

George pushed his glasses up with one finger, hiding the emotion in his eyes as he offered a gentle smile. "What for?"

Marguerite rubbed her nose with a delicate finger. "That time... when I asked you to help me find Aaron. The meal I made for you... I didn't actually cook it. I lied to you."

She looked down, embarrassed. "I'm sorry. I'm a terrible cook, I have no talent for it, but I really needed your help."

George's gaze remained fixed on her face. She was dressed casually, the little golden puppy charm hanging from a delicate chain around her neck.

"You don't need to apologize for that," he said softly. "The butler told me you spent

all afternoon trying to learn. Your intention was what mattered."

She's still so innocent, he thought. Holding onto such a small lie for so long.

Marguerite's eyes curved into a smile. "You have a point!"

Aaron, his eyes hidden behind his long bangs, had been watching them. A thought occurred to him. "Oh, by the way, Maggie, Mr. Spencer brought me a new scar fading. cream his company developed. He's seriously the best!"

It surprised Aaron that Mr. Spencer hadn't mentioned it to Marguerite himself. He knew Mr. Spencer had brought the cream for him because he was friends with Marguerite, but he hadn't tried to take any credit for it. Not only that, but Mr. Spencer could have easily let him continue to see him as a benefactor, yet he'd made a point to say he was also grateful to Aaron's parents, as if to balance the scales. He had no desire to show off his good deeds.

Mr. Spencer might be the kindest person in the world! Aaron thought, his admiration

for the man growing even stronger.

Marguerite turned her

almond-shaped eyes to the

handsome man across from her.

"You really are the best in the world!

Just make sure you use some

that cream yourself." Such a flawless, model-like face shouldn't be marred by a scar because of her.

Aaron's eyes darted between them. "Mr. Spencer is perfect in every way. That Joshua guy is a total loser. Even the oranges he brings are sour!"

Marguerite took a bite of tripe from the fiery stew. "Those weren't from Joshua. I gave him a hundred dollars for them! So technically, I bought them."

George's eyes, which had been resting on her face, glinted with a flicker of excitement. She paid him. That means she hasn't completely forgiven Joshua!

He popped a spicy slice of lotus root into his mouth and found it surprisingly sweet. "A hundred dollars?" Aaron's eyes widened. "That stuff only cost sixty-seven!"

He couldn't believe Joshua had made a profit as a middleman. Next time I see him, I'm getting that money back!

As a child, Aaron had no concept of money, but after years of stretching every penny, he had learned its value.

Marguerite knew the fruit wasn't worth a hundred dollars, but she'd paid it to draw a clear line with Joshua.

A moment later, a question dawned on her. "Aaron, how do you know how much the fruit cost?"

Aaron winced slightly. "I ran into him at the fruit stand downstairs. I saw him pay for

it."

The meal was pleasant enough. When they went to pay at the front desk, the cashier informed them that George had already taken care of the bill.

Marguerite pouted. "We agreed that I was treating you, that Aaron was paying!"

George, holding his white suit jacket in one hand, looked at her with his gentle eyes. "I won't beat you to it next time."

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