Chapter 690

“What?”

The words struck Jessamyn like a thunderbolt, shattering her rationality and understanding into fragments.

Zendaya…

That girl was not Charles’ illegitimate daughter but the precious daughter of the Jenson and Harris families!

In an instant, she realized she had offended the three largest and most powerful families in Chanaea.

Jessamyn was so shocked that she couldn’t collect herself for a while. She couldn’t fathom the terrifying possibility that Cloudington Group might crumble because of her actions.

“Why did I never come across any information about her online, especially since she’s Mr. Jenson and Ms. Harris’ daughter? Besides, why did she call Charles ‘Daddy’?” Jessamyn asked, seeking some explanation.

Ignatius sighed deeply and sat heavily on the edge of her bed. “That’s because Mr. Jenson and his wife are concerned about their child’s safety. Hence, they’ve never publicly shared her pictures or personal information online. You’ve always been fixated on those socialite events, and I’ve told you several times to pay attention to the business gatherings as well, but you’ve never bothered. Is it any wonder you never saw her? As for why she calls Charles ‘Daddy,’ I can’t say for sure…”

“Um…”

Jessamyn was at a loss for words. She obediently crouched beside her father’s feet, her hands resting on his knees as tears streamed down her face.

She asked, “Dad, what am I going to do? I insulted Zendaya and offended Mr. Jenson, Ms. Harris, and Charles. Today, Jenson Group merely canceled one project’s collaboration, and yet we’ve already suffered such significant financial losses. If they refuse to let me go, what should we do?”

Ignatius grumbled, “I’ve told you time and time again that the relationships within these prestigious families are complex. I’ve advised you to rein in your audacious nature and not think that you can easily offend others just because they seem vulnerable. You have no idea what consequences you might face. Yet, have you ever bothered to heed my words? You’ve created this mess, so you have to figure out a way to clean it up yourself!”

“Dad, please don’t abandon me. I know I’ve made a mistake… I’ll listen to you from now on.” Jessamyn began crying sadly.

Eva also hugged their daughter, tears streaming down her face. “Hubby, we’re getting older, and she’s our only precious daughter. If you don’t find a solution to help her, what will become of our Cloud family?”

Although the Cloud family was well-off and held a prominent position on the wealthy elite list in the country, if the three families united against them, it would be a disaster for them. Crushing Cloudington Group would be as simple as squashing an ant.

Ignatius gazed at his weeping wife and daughter by his feet, feeling the imminent crisis that Cloudington Group faced. He knew he couldn’t stand idly by despite what he had said.

After a heavy sigh, he looked at his daughter, whom he had loved all his life. He couldn’t simply abandon her to please Cedrick.

Pondering for a moment, he spoke with a composed and steady voice. “In the next few days, I will seek a meeting with Mr. Jenson and personally apologize to him. As for you, you will have to meet with Charles again. Be gentle, admit your mistakes, and ensure you win him over. It’s essential that you become his fiancée. Do you understand?”

The fact that Zendaya, the daughter of both the Jenson and Harris families, called Charles “Daddy” and was constantly by his side like a shadow, spoke volumes.

Regardless of the actual circumstances, it was evident that Charles had a close relationship with Gwendolyn, and the Harris and Newton families were on good terms.

If Jessamyn could successfully marry into the Newton family, there was a possibility that Cloudington Group could benefit greatly from the alliance with the three families. It could potentially propel the company to new heights.

Moreover, Ignatius stressed the importance of Jessamyn building a strong relationship with Zendaya.

Considering that the two children born to Cedrick and Gwendolyn would each inherit the Harris and Jenson estates in the future, gaining Zendaya’s favor could yield numerous benefits.

Jessamyn was too terrified to voice any objections or complaints. She nodded repeatedly, her tears still flowing.

The next morning, the Harrick Villa’s family of four had just roused from their slumber when an unexpected guest made an appearance outside.

It was none other than Charles.

Today was a weekend, with Zendaya on a holiday break from school. Charles had made plans to take her to the aquarium to marvel at the playful dolphins.

Zendaya was never a fan of dresses, deeming them inconvenient for her lively romps. If she ran around in dresses, her parents would nag her for not being proper.

Thus, after a hearty breakfast, she sported a pair of chic white overalls, matched with a sunny yellow little T-shirt, and topped it all off with a charming light yellow cap on top of two adorable pigtails. With her slim legs propelling her forward, she darted out of the villa.

“Hey there, Uncle Charles!”

Her sweet and endearing voice washed over Charles, filling his heart with warmth and contentment.

Charles slowly crouched down, and in that swift moment, as she rushed toward him, he effortlessly scooped up her round and chubby little figure, cradling her securely in his arms.

“I’ve missed you so, so much, Uncle Charles!” Zendaya pouted, playfully seeking his affection.

Charles tried to stifle a grin, his deep blue eyes exuding tenderness as he gazed at her. “You’re already yearning for me after just a few hours apart, huh, Zendaya?”

“Yeah!” She gestured with her tiny hands. “I missed you a whole bunch, Uncle Charles. Don’t you miss me too?”

Charles leaned in, gently brushing his nose against her tiny button-like nose. His voice was smooth and tender as he said, “Of course I do. I’d love nothing more than to whisk you away from here and keep you with me all the time, never to be apart.”

Zendaya clung to his neck, planting a loving kiss on his handsome face and openly displaying her fondness for him.

When Gwendolyn and Cedrick emerged from the villa, accompanied by Benedict, they witnessed the heartwarming sight of the two having a delightful time.

Benedict, with his hands nonchalantly in his pockets, exuded an air of cool aloofness, seemingly unfazed.

Charles quickly composed himself, speaking in a more serious tone. “Good morning, Mr. Jenson and Gwen! I plan to take Zendaya to the aquarium this morning. Benny, would you like to join us?”

Gwendolyn and Cedrick both looked down and glanced at Benedict, who coolly snorted and pursed his lips. “No, thank you. Those kiddie stuff aren’t my cup of tea. Daddy and Mommy, let’s get going. It’s time for my treatment in the lab.”

With that, he took the lead, walking through the villa’s garden and out of Harrick Villa. Gwendolyn and Cedrick glanced at Charles before following Benedict’s footsteps.

Charles let out a silent sigh, realizing that some matters required more careful consideration. He knew that he had to take a gradual approach to mend the strain in Benedict’s heart toward him.

Throughout the morning, Charles and Zendaya had a blast at the aquarium.

Over the years, Zendaya’s little dolphin had grown and seemed to recognize her as its owner.

Whenever she appeared, the dolphin would playfully interact with her, clearly delighted to see her.

While Zendaya and her aquatic friend had fun together, Charles sat quietly on the side, occasionally stealing glances around the dolphin enclosure.

He couldn’t help but notice that Whitney, the young woman he had personally promoted to be the manager, seemed to be absent.

Curious, he texted the aquarium director and, within a few minutes, received a reply.

Mr. Newton, Whitney submitted her resignation three days ago. However, her salary for this month hasn’t been settled yet, so she’s probably still in the country. If you need to contact her urgently, I can keep an eye out for her next visit to the aquarium and give you a call.

As Charles stared at his phone, a slight frown creased his brow.

Whitney had voluntarily resigned three days ago?

They had always had a good relationship over the years and had a lot to talk about whenever they met.

He couldn’t help but recall the last time they met.

It was during another visit to the aquarium with Zendaya when Whitney had sought him out.

“Mr. Newton, I may not be able to continue working in Chanaea,” she had said hesitantly. “I’m already twenty-seven years old, and my family has been urging me to get married. I’m afraid I might have to go back and participate in arranged blind dates.”

Charles smiled and replied, “Going back might be a good idea. Find love, get married, and live happily.

Just make sure to keep your eyes open during the matchmaking process and beware of meeting any undesirable men who might waste your life away.”

Whitney chuckled. “Where can I find someone as wonderful as you, Mr. Newton?”

“I’m not all that great,” he replied modestly, “but if I had a sweet and adorable daughter like Zendaya, I’d strive to be the best father I could be.”

He continued saying, “Good luck with your blind dates. I’ll be going on one myself in a few days. It’s about time for me to settle down too.”

Whitney’s face had visibly paled at his words. “You’re going on a blind date? With whom?”

“With Jessamyn Cloud, the daughter of the Cloud family,” he had replied nonchalantly.