The silence in the office grew palpable following Ms. Pearls comments , particularly affecting Charles and Arthur . Jessica felt a flutter in her chest upon hearing her . Ever since her first encounter with Charles , she could not shake the feeling that he and her son bore a striking resemblance . She harbored suspicions but hesitated to explore them further . With a gentle smile , she eased the tension , saying , Ms. Pearl , perhaps this was just a simple misunderstanding between classmates . Lets not escalate it further. Pearl , familiar with the whims of children , reassured , I just wanted the parents to be aware and to help resolve things smoothly . She then addressed Liam firmly , Now that Arthurs father is here , you shouldnt say he has no dad , got it ? Liam reluctantly agreed , his voice low , I understand . Apologize to each other and try to be good classmates from now on , Ms. Pearl instructed . However , Arthur unexpectedly retorted , I cant forgive what he said , and I wont accept his apology . But since I also hit him , so lets call it even . Essentially , he was neither willing to apologize nor forgive . Liam , clearly upset , scoffed , So what if you have a dad ? Everyone has one. He then defiantly turned away . Arthur mirrored his action with a heavy snort , both boys stubbornly avoiding eye contact . The adults watched the boys standoff , shook their heads and smiled at their antics . Jessica then led her son home with Charles accompanying them . At their building , she courteously invited him to come up for some water . Surprisingly , he accepted and followed them inside . With her injured foot making mobility difficult , Charles and her son supported her from each side , eliciting a peculiar emotion in Jessica , Once inside , the space , normally comfortable , seemed smaller with Charles imposing figure . Feeling slightly embarrassed about inviting such a distinguished CEO into her simple home , Jessica nervously offered , Mr. Hensley , please have a seat , directing him to the sofa . Turning to her son , Jessica said , Pour a glass of water for Charles . Previously . Arthur had not been too fond of Charles , but after witnessing his sunnart today he +8 Pearis Mommy , sit down , Ill get you some water too , he offered , always considerate towards his mother . Jessica was relieved to see Charles sitting comfortably without showing any signs of disdain . Quickly , the little guy returned with two glasses of water , handing one to Charles with a statement , You seemed pretty arrogant before , but thanks for helping me out today . Lets be friends from now on . He then seriously patted Charles on the shoulder , mimicking the manner of an adult . Jessica almost choked on her water hearing her sons candid remark . Charles looked at him amusedly and teased , So , being friends with you comes with conditions ? Of course , its a privilege not everyone gets . Do you feel honored ? The boys pride was evident as he tilted his chin up . Charles smile grew broader , his interest clearly piqued . Indeed , Im very honored . He was curious how Jessica had raised such a spirited son . Feeling a bit flustered , Jessica quickly pulled her son closer . Let me check if youre hurt anywhere . No worries , Mommy , Liams no match for me . But what about this bruise here ? And your shirt is ripped , Jessica pointed out , growing impatient . The boy grinned and shrugged off her concern . It was just an accident during the scuffle . You cant resort to fighting with classmates in the future . Remember , violence doesnt solve anything , Jessica advised gently yet firmly . It depends on the situation . Sometimes , force is necessary . Jessica sighed in resignation . Dont argue with me now . Go wash up and change your clothes . Yes , Your Majesty ! he replied cheekily , heading off to the bathroom . Left alone in the living room , Jessica turned to find Charles watching her . Meeting his deep black gaze , she realized he had been observing her all along . Um … thank you for today , Jessica murmured , breaking the quiet tension . Youre welcome . You got hurt because of me too , right ? Charles replied softly . Jessica glanced down , her thoughts racing . He was sitting there , sipping water shouldnt he be leaving soon ? Caught off guard , Jessicas grip tightened on the edge of the sofa . She was at a loss for words . I saw in your resume that youre unmarried . So , are you saying you got married out of wedlock ? arles eyes narrowed as he looked at her . Taking a deep breath , Jessica responded slowly , Yes , I did . My child doesnt have a father . Charles continued to look at her intently , his voice steady yet imposing , How can you get a child without the father ? He paused , his gaze piercing as he added , Isnt it Hugh ? Jessicas reaction was swift , her eyebrows knitting together as she quickly refuted , Of course not ! Their eyes met , and in his gaze , Jessica saw suspicion did he really think Arthur was Hughs child ?