Chapter 9: Unknown Identity

Turning her head to look out the window, Shen Bei pondered how to explain things to Sharon Keynes. Passersby were casting glances at Sharon Keynes's car, some in awe, others in envy. She frowned; this was already the most luxurious residential area in City C, where only the wealthy and influential could afford to live. But a car that could still draw such admiration from them... She swallowed hard.

A few years ago, when her mother was hospitalized, she had heard the young nurses talking about Dr. Xia, saying he was a second-generation rich kid with an extremely wealthy family. At the time, she thought it was just a rumor. Now, it turned out to be true.

"I'm working as a nanny for someone else," she said, though she hadn't intended to. However, it seemed difficult to explain her situation at the Ning residence.

"A nanny?" Sharon Keynes furrowed his brow, mulling over the words before finally understanding, "You mean, you're working for Channing MacArthur?"

Although Sharon Keynes came from a well-off background, he had never been interested in the upper echelons of society, so he rarely appeared in public. However, he did know Channing MacArthur, as he was the secret crush of his sister, who always talked about him and even kept many photos of him in her room. It was hard not to recognize him.

What surprised him was that Shen Bei would work as a nanny for Channing MacArthur. He picked up the lemon water from the tray beside him and drank half of it in one go, trying to calm his astonishment.

Turning to face Shen Bei, he said, "Bei, I can help you find a more suitable job. You’re so smart..." He had seen her intelligence firsthand when her mother was in the hospital.

"No, thank you..." Shen Bei cut him off before he could finish, looking down and avoiding his gaze.

Sharon Keynes sat in the driver's seat, motionless for a long while, seemingly digesting the sudden news. After a moment, he unbuckled his seatbelt, turned fully towards her, and placed his hands on her shoulders, looking into her eyes. "Do you have any troubles? Tell me, how much money do you need? I’ll give it to you, and we won't do this anymore..."

"Sharon Keynes, don't do this..." His intense reaction left Shen Bei flustered, and she tried to break free from his grip. They were just ordinary friends, and he had no right to interfere in her life.

"Um, be careful on your way back," she said softly, reaching for the door handle, but Sharon Keynes held it closed.

He got out of the car, quickly walked to the passenger side, opened the door for her, and then carefully helped her out, his hand shielding her from the car roof. "Take care during your period, avoid cold water, and wear more clothes to stay warm." He looked at her gently, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "I have to go back to W City for a few days. Once I'm done there, I’ll come back to see you. Wait for me."

With a smile, he turned and got back into the car. Even after the car drove away, Shen Bei stood there, dazed by the events of the afternoon.

In the past, Sharon Keynes had been kind to her at the hospital, but her mother seemed to disapprove, always finding excuses to pull her away whenever he approached. This was the first time he had shown such direct kindness to her.

Standing by the window, Channing MacArthur watched the scene outside, his gaze darkening. When Shen Bei returned to the house, a maid approached her. "Bei, the young master wants you in his study."

A chill wind blew, making her shiver. Shen Bei nodded, feeling anxious. She knew this man wouldn't let her off easily.

In the study, the man leaned against a mahogany desk, flipping through a stack of documents. Hearing the door open, he looked up, tossed the file aside, and crossed his arms, staring at Shen Bei.

"What's your relationship with that man?" His deep, resonant voice filled the room.

Lisa Hamlet had just sent over Sharon Keynes's information, revealing that he was the third son of the Xia family, which ran a chain of elite hospitals globally, staffed by world-renowned medical professionals. Even his medication was provided by the Xia family, and due to their unique position, they were often given deference in the industry.

It was surprising that the youngest son of the prestigious Xia family would take a liking to his nanny. He couldn't help but scrutinize the woman in front of him. She might be the type who grows on you; she certainly looked better than when she first arrived, though it was still puzzling why Sharon Keynes would like her.

Shen Bei's heart sank, and she took a deep breath. "This is my private matter."

"Do you think I'd let someone with an unclear identity take care of Xiao Xi?"

Unclear identity? Hadn't they checked her background before? Hadn't they approved of her? Why now, just because she knew a rich person?

"In the world of Young Master Ning, who is considered transparent? Is it what you see or hear? Identity isn't something you decide; it's felt. I’ve been here for a while, and I’ve done my best for Xiao Xi. I believe you’ve seen that. If you think I'm not suitable and want to fire me, then please give me a reason to leave."

Shen Bei finished in one breath, turning her head to the side, feeling tears welling up. She was angry at being wronged, at the injustice she had endured for the child, and at the man's “disregard.”

Channing MacArthur watched her calmly, neither speaking nor moving, just smiling faintly.

Feeling uneasy under his gaze, Shen Bei regretted her words, remembering that this man was not a kind one.

"Young Master, if there's nothing else, I’ll return to my room now," she said, turning to leave.

"Go ahead. The Ning family won't keep someone with an unclear identity..." He stared at her coldly, his expression unchanged. No woman had ever dared to talk back to him like this, and she was setting a new precedent.