Chapter 13 Soraya " No. Mmm . " It was as if Angela was half asleep . No matter how many times Soraya had tried to put her down to bed , the little girl's arms clung to her tightly . She'd groan , she'd cry , or even call out to Soraya , " Mommy . " While waiting and hoping for the rain to calm down , Jacob requested Soraya to take Angela to her bedroom . She did , but it looked like , she was staying there for a while , " Do you mind ? " Jacob asked , leaning on the doorframe of Angela's room . still t holding " Not really , but do you mind ? I'm not exactly your favorite person ," Soraya responded , her eyes narrowing at Jacob while : Angela on the side of the bed . Jacob took a deep breath . In that room , Soraya had a clear view of him . This man was extremely intimidating , both in looks and presence . He had slightly grown his facial hair , which added to his imposing Elance . Jacob was frowning , evidently thinking . Soon , he said, " I checked your background . I confirmed you are on the spectrum , but you lied about being just an average aspie . " You said you were simple , but the truth is , your mind is a machine for patterns , numbers , and systems , " Jacob pointed out , his voice deep . " You call it an obsession . Some call it being a genius. " " I wouldn't go out and call myself a genius . Mr. Steel . I simply do what I love to do , " Soraya plainly answered . " Mmmm , Jacob said , averting her gaze . They were wildly off - topic at that point . Silence stretched between them , but eventually , Jacob said , " I don't mind . The truth is , I am thankful " My daughter rarely speaks , but with you - " Jacob sighed . " I don't know . I don't know why . Maybe it was because you saved her . " Maybe , " he added , clearly doubting his own response . Soraya frowned . She really wanted to hear more about Angela , hut the man didn't really explain things . Just then , Soraya felt Angela's hold on her loosen . She turned to the little girl and studied her closely . Angela truly had an adorable face , long lashes , and a long and pointed nose . Still , she didn't look anything like Jacob " I think she is asleep , " Soraya said , slowly putting Angela down on the bed . Yet , despite this, the little girl still managed to hold her hand . " Mommy , " Angela said in her sleep . Soraya directed her gaze to Jacob . She asked , " Are you never going to tell me about her mother ? " He didn't say anything . Jacob merely stared at her , his eyes thinning " I guess not , " Soraya said . " But- She raised her hand asking . " I just want to be sure . I don't want to be another version of Rose ." Soraya bit her lip , clanfying . " Are you mured ? " " No. " Jacob responded quickly . I have never been What ? That's t Her curiosity flared , demanding answers Why does he have a child ? Where is Angela's mother ? How did he become a father ? 11 / Chapter 13 Sadly , she thought she couldn't voice her questions , not when Jacob Steel's features hardened " I'm sorry . I shouldn't have asked , " Soraya said, avoiding his gaze . She frowned as she gazed out the window , watching the furious rain pound against the glass . She hesitated , but she really had no business being there . " I think I should go . " A scoff left Jacob's lips . " You have a bright mind , right ? How long do you think you'll last out there in this rain ? " The truth was , Soraya knew heavy rain was forecasted in Belridge that night . But she hadn't planned to linger at the park longer , and she certainly hadn't expected to end up at Jacob Steel's mansion ! The detour ruined her perfectly calculated itinerary for the day , and now she was stuck there . " Sir , the soup is ready , " a maid said , walking up to the door . Jacob only nodded . He turned to Soraya , saying , " Let's eat . You only had a sandwich , and Angela ate half of it " " I'm not really hungry . While Soraya said that , her body betrayed her . Her stomach growled as if having heard the word " soup ." Jacob simply studied her , his hazel eyes seeming to pierce through her frame . Then , he slowly walked away , and Soraya followed after . him . The dish on the table was a simple beef broth with vegetables , but it was the best dish one could ever wish for , considering the weather outside . Soraya took a sip and savored the flavorful broth . She ended up smiling . " It's delicious . " " Mmmm . " Jacob nodded in agreement , sipping on his soup . Again , there was an awkward silence between them . The thundering rain was more deafening . So , you checked my background , " Soraya cautiously asked . " Yes . " Jacob's only reaction : Clearly , he was like Calum a man of few words . " I'm sorry to hear about your parents , " Jacob said , making Soraya's skin crawl . " Her parents ? He knows about my parents ? Instead of enjoying her meal , Soraya's jaw tightened . Then , she shut her eyes , leaned back in her seat , and counted numbers . After a while , she opened her eyes and took a deep breath . She scoffed and said , " Well , at least you did a background check on me , like someone I know who didn't even care to know the truth ." Not Jacob paused , his previously stern face looking a bit softer now . " I still don't know what happened between you and Calum , but you are rigin . I might have been too judgmental ." " I'm sorry . Maybe I was wrong about you - maybe we all were ," Jacob added before resuming his ineal Soraya did not answer . She did not see the need to defend herself , at least not to Jacob , They both finnded their soup , but the rain continued to fall outside . Thus , Soraya eventually asked , " How old is Angela , exactly ? " four , about to turn live in a few months , " Jacoli responded candidly . " And about your help earlier , I'd like to offer you some " Please Suraya outright refused " It's a simple act of humanity . You don't have to pay me I would do it for any other child like Angela . " " There must be something that I can offer you " Jacob insisted . " Do you need a job ? I heard you quit working for Calun- already have a job . " Soraya responded " Do you need a house ! A car ? Anything ? " Jaroli continued I really don't need anything ." Soraya maintained . I was hoping you would i " A favor " Soraya echoed " What Jacob paused , slowly for using on Soraya . " Because I am going to need a favor from you ' 145 PM Chapter 13 Jacob opened his mouth , but before he could speak , Soraya's phone rang loudly in the quiet dining hall , prompting her The call was coming from Calum's father , Cedric Montclair . Why ? to silence it . 田