Chapter 10, Let Her Leave

"Don't!" Shen Bei turned abruptly, looking at Channing MacArthur in disbelief. She had gone through so much trouble to get in, and it had been hard-earned to build a bond with Gordon MacArthur. Leaving now was out of the question, absolutely not.

Channing MacArthur frowned at her unhesitating refusal, advancing toward her step by step, his presence growing more imposing. Shen Bei backed away until her back hit the cold wall.

Swallowing hard, Shen Bei said, "I... I just like Xiaoxi, I like children. I... I have no ill intentions towards him, towards the Ning family, or... or you!"

Shen Bei turned her head to the side, unable to meet Channing MacArthur's gaze. Seeing that he still wasn't relenting, she raised her right hand and swore, "I, Shen Bei, swear that if I have even the slightest ill intention towards any of you, may I be hit by a car the moment I step out of the door!"

How could she possibly have any bad intentions for her son? And for her son's father, she naturally wouldn't harbor any ill will either.

The heat from his breath on her face made Shen Bei's cheeks flush, and her heart raced. Looking at her blushing face, with strands of hair falling loosely around her cheeks due to the friction against the wall, Channing MacArthur felt that, perhaps because of the lighting, this woman seemed more delicate and alluring up close.

His gaze lowered, landing on her heaving chest, and Channing MacArthur felt his breathing become tighter. Suddenly, he pushed her away, his eyes dropping. "Your life or death is not enough to change my decision. Leave."

Stepping back, he turned and no longer looked at her. He couldn't let Gordon MacArthur be in any danger because of a woman, especially one who didn't even respect him. He would not stay.

Shen Bei leaned to one side, supporting herself against the wall to steady her body. She slid down the wall, then slowly crouched, hugging her head. How could she just be driven away like this?

She had waited five years for this, and they had only spent a little over a month together. How could she leave just like that? No, she absolutely could not. If she left this time, she knew she might never have another chance to get close to Gordon MacArthur again.

"He was my mother's doctor. When my mom was sick, she often needed chemotherapy and hospitalization, so we got to know each other over time. I don't know him very well; we are just ordinary friends... Today, I went to deliver medicine to you, and that's when I met him... When I spoke to you, I wasn't being disrespectful. At that moment, my period started, and my pants were stained. With so many people around, I couldn't explain, and I couldn't stand up. It wasn't intentional..."

Shen Bei rambled about her relationship with Sharon Keynes, thinking that if she told him everything, maybe he would let it go. Channing MacArthur, however, had already returned to his chair behind the desk, pen in hand, eyes on the documents, but no other action. He had already had Liu Xu investigate Sharon Keynes and Shen Bei's relationship, and it was as she said, so he wasn't surprised. However, the mention of her period did catch him off guard. This eased the stifling feeling in his chest somewhat.

Seeing that he still showed no sign of relenting, Shen Bei's heart sank. She stood up, leaning against the wall, and looked at Channing MacArthur. "I just like children. I like Xiaoxi. What do I need to do for you to believe me?"

Her tone was almost pleading. She was truly afraid that if she left, she might never see Gordon MacArthur again, given her status.

Channing MacArthur snorted coldly, "There are plenty of families with children. Get out!" His expression remained stony, ignoring Shen Bei's desperate pleas.

Taking a deep breath, Shen Bei stepped forward and knelt before Channing MacArthur. She knew this made her look too low, but her life revolved around Gordon MacArthur, and she couldn't give up.

Channing MacArthur was clearly surprised and puzzled by her unusual action. If she was after money, she could easily find Sharon Keynes. With the wealth of the Xia family, even a little effort could yield more than just a nanny's salary. But if it wasn't for money, could it really be because she liked children? Yet, kneeling to take care of Gordon MacArthur seemed too far-fetched.

Thinking this, he hardened his heart. "Get out!" No matter the reason, he couldn't keep someone with unclear intentions around Gordon MacArthur.

Shen Bei lowered her head, biting her lip. After a while, she stood up. "Xiaoxi, Mom tried her best."

Turning, she walked toward the door, her legs feeling as heavy as lead.

When Gordon MacArthur came downstairs for dinner and didn't see Shen Bei, his face fell. "Where's Auntie?"

"We don't know," the maids shook their heads.

He slammed his bowl down and ran upstairs, just as Channing MacArthur was coming down. "What are you doing?" Channing MacArthur asked, glancing at him.

Gordon MacArthur pouted, "I'm going to call Auntie down for dinner."

"You're not allowed!" Channing MacArthur stopped him, then scooped him up under his arm and carried him to the dining room.

Gordon MacArthur struggled, "Let me go."

Setting him in the chair, Channing MacArthur handed him chopsticks. "Eat. There will be a new nanny tomorrow."

Gordon MacArthur's mouth opened slightly, and he slowly turned to stare at Channing MacArthur. "Why do you always make decisions for others? She's here to take care of me. Why did you drive her away without my consent?"

Gordon MacArthur was getting emotional, losing his usual composure.

Surprisingly, Channing MacArthur didn't scold him and continued eating. Though he knew his son was smart enough not to be easily fooled, he was still a child.

"Why don't you want Auntie anymore?" Gordon MacArthur persisted, his voice trembling.

"Dad..."

No response.

Gordon MacArthur couldn't sit still any longer. He put down his chopsticks and, before Channing MacArthur could react, dashed toward the stairs.