Chapter 430: CHAPTER 430

Chapter 430

Ike was the quickest to react, nimbly sliding off the couch and scurrying to the door, exclaiming, “Uncle…no, thanks, sir!”

It was the delivery I had ordered.

‘went over, took the delivery, closed the door again, and patted Ike’s little head. “Missing Uncle?”

“Ah… no.”

Ike shook his head. “Not missing Uncle, just want to be with you. Jane, can I sleep with you tonight?”

“Only if your uncle agrees.”

I took his hand and headed to the dining room, looking over at Mark. “Hey, I ordered from this local diner in Vista Town. You’ve gotta try it.”

“Sure.”

Mark wasn’t picky; he’d eat anything.

He came over, intending to sit next to me, but Ike climbed onto the chair behind him, gently tapping his waist. “Sir, can you sit across? I wanna sit next

to Jane.”

Mark looked down at him and pinched his cheek. “Alright.”

Dinner was a relaxed affair with five dishes and a soup.

Ike was well–behaved, handling his own bowl and spoon with ease.

Whenever he needed help serving food, he’d call me.

“Jane, what about my uncle’s dinner?”

Suddenly, Ike remembered something mid–meal, his big eyes filled with concern looking at me. “Uncle must be so sad, he can’t cook by himself…”

“He can order delivery too.”

I chuckled, trying to steer the conversation. “Besides, we have a guest, and guests come first, right?”

09:09

Chapter 430

“Right, Uncle’s family!”

Ike beamed, waving his little spoon. “We don’t have to worry about him!”

Mark seemed momentarily taken aback. “You and Gregory are… together?”

“No.”

I smiled, explaining, “He just lives in the same building.”

Mark nodded thoughtfully, then smiled. “Looks like he’s got the upper hand being so close.”

“Hey,”

I started to say something when the doorbell rang again.

Ike wiggled, eager to open the door, but I held him back. “You keep eating, I’ll get it.”

It must be Gregory coming to pick up Ike.

I went to the door and, sure enough, was met with a pair of slightly annoyed and scrutinizing hazel eyes.

Gregory leaned back in his wheelchair, looking up at me. “Push me in.”

“You can control it yourself…”

His wheelchair was electric.

Gregory yawned and said nonchalantly, “I twisted my hand; it hurts a bit.”

“Alright.”

I moved behind him, pushing him inside. “Ike’s still eating. Do you want to

join…”

“Yes.”

His tone was ambiguous. “I’m starving. I thought you’d call me for dinner.”

There was a hint of accusation.

As if I was some faithless lover, neglecting to invite him to dinner.

I sighed. “You said you had a meeting…”

09:09

He smiled slightly. “So you did think of calling me?”

“I did.” I answered truthfully.

His eyes sparkled with amusement, and Ike, sitting at the dining table with his little legs swinging, exclaimed, “Uncle, you’re finally here!”

Gregory responded lightly, and suddenly, Ike hopped down from his chair, eagerly making room for him.

“Uncle, sit here and eat with her!”

Mark raised an eyebrow but didn’t comment.

The atmosphere turned somewhat strange.

Gregory casually commented on the food. “This is from that diner I took you to, right?”

“Yeah, the delivery came, and it still tastes good.”

Gregory nodded. “It’s decent, good for hosting.”

Mark’s lips thinned. “Mr. Ford, the Fords, would they approve of you marrying Jane?”

“The Fords?”

Gregory laughed mockingly, but his response chilled the room. “You think I’m like you, needing to please my family?”

Mark’s expression turned stoic. “If it wasn’t for family approval, your legs wouldn’t be like this, right?”

“Hey!”

I sharply cut him off. “His legs aren’t as bad as you think. He’ll be able to walk again eventually.”

Mark looked frustrated. “Jane, if it wasn’t serious, he wouldn’t still be in a wheelchair after two years…”

“Exactly.”

Gregory didn’t seem bothered, his lazy smile unfazed. “But Mark, your legs are fine, and yet she didn’t choose you. Buddy, you gotta know your boundaries

Chapter 430

and not meddle too much.”

Mark’s grip on his utensils tightened, his fingertips turning white. “Gregory, you know what the biggest difference between us is?”

Gregory didn’t respond, merely gestured for him to continue.

Mark set down his utensils, straightened his shirt cuffs, and stood up, his gaze cold yet firm. “When Jane needed someone the most, I was always there for

her.”

“Just that alone means you have no say in our relationship.”

After speaking, Mark looked at me softly. “Enjoy your meal. I’ve got to head back to RiverCity. I’ll take my leave now.”

“Hey…”

I stood up, intending to see him to the elevator.

But a strong hand clutched my wrist, silently conveying his wish.

I looked at Gregory, whispering, “I’ll just see him out and be right back.”

“Don’t go.”