Rotten Twins: Making a CEO a Daddy novel Chapter 127

With that in mind, Lyla dwelled in self reflection. Gretel was this way because she was just like her mother!

Her daughter was exactly the same with her.

“Almost done, Mommy. Can you take a look and see if anything is left out?” Hansel asked while looking around.

Lyla threw a few glances. “It’s okay. I believe in you.”

Hansel had a better eye for detail than her. Hence, there was no need for her to check, and even if she did, it was not as though she could think of anything.

Hansel helplessly shook his head at the remark. He should not have counted on her.

All done, Gretel collapsed on the couch for a rest.

Catching a glimpse of the newspaper on the coffee table, she picked it up for a look.

“Ah!” She cried out of the blue and jolted up. Her eyes fixated on the newspaper.

Surprised, Lyla and Hansel turned over. “What’s wrong? Did something happen?”

Lyla had grown accustomed to her daughter’s easily startled nature.

“Mommy, you haven’t read the newspaper, right?” Gretel looked towards her and asked.

“I don’t have all the time in the world.” Lyla continued fiddling with the boxes.

With his eyes still on Gretel, Hansel seemed to be hit by a realization. He probed. “What’s the matter? What happened?”

“It’s breaking news. M.K.’s CEO, Mark Pattinson breaks off the engagement with the daughter of a former CEO, Kathleen Turner.” Gretel read out the headlines of the day.

Hansel and Gretel’s gaze fell on Lyla.

Honestly speaking, Lyla was shocked by the news. She had both knees on the ground when she paused in motion.

Gretel went over and handed the newspaper to Lyla. “Mommy, take a look.”

Lyla took the newspaper and glanced at today’s breaking news.

Indeed it was.

An old photo of Mark and Kathleen together was attached as well...

So they really broke off the engagement?

Could it be because she brought up Kathleen yesterday?

Lyla had a lot on her mind.

Just then, Lyla realized Hansel and Gretel’s eyes were on her. She turned to them. “What are you looking at me for?”

“Mommy, Daddy must have a hidden agenda to do so,” Hansel uttered with a smile.

“Yes. This means Daddy is single. Mommy, you’re single as well. Maybe you can...”

“Stop!” Lyla cut in before Gretel could finish.

“Hurry along and pack your things.”

“But...”

“Go.”

Gretel wanted to say everything was ready to go but pretended to be packing under Lyla’s commanding presence.

Lyla, on the other hand, took the newspaper and sat on the sofa. It was not known what was going through her head as she stared blankly at the newspaper.

Hansel and Gretel exchanged glances before whispering to each other under their breath. Ten minutes later, Lyla stood up. “I’m going to get a change of clothes, you guys keep packing.” With that, she went to her room.

Exchanging another glance, Hansel and Gretel helplessly shrugged and continued packing. Just then, Mark pushed open the door and entered the room. “How’s it going? Are you done packing?” He asked.

“Yes, we’re ready,” Gretel responded.

Mark looked at the suitcase in the room and walked over. “Let’s go.”

“There’s no rush,” Gretel muttered. She went over to the table and picked the newspaper up. “Daddy, did you read today’s news?”

“What’s there to see?”

“There is.” Gretel approached him. “Is the news today real?”

Without even looking, Mark was aware of the headlines of the day.

“Of course.”

“So Daddy, you’re not going to find us a stepmother?”

“Who said that I’m finding you one?”

“Mommy...” Gretel blurted.

Mark. “...”

What was Lyla teaching them during his absence?

“Where’s your mommy?”

“She’s getting a change of clothes.”

He took a glance at the bedroom door. Without hesitation, Mark took strides in.

This voice came next.

“Who told you to come in?”

“Of course it’s me.”

“Get out!”

“I’m not leaving.”

“Mark Pattinson, you... you hooligan...”

“&*(^*^&%*^*((...”

Eavesdropping outside, Hansel and Gretel felt sorry for Mommy.

“What are you trying to do?” Lyla threw the question in Mark’s face.

“You told our son and daughter that I’m looking for a stepmother for them?”

“Did I?” Lyla pulled a lost look.

“No?”

“Even if I did, was I wrong?” The fact that he was engaged to Kathleen was the truth.

“Lyla Lowe, that was before I knew of them.”

“But this is a cold hard fact.”

“You...”

Mark stared at Lyla, enraged and helpless. Must this woman be so headstrong?

“Apart from that, is there anything else you want to say to me?” Mark studied her expression as he questioned her.

“Yes.”

“What?”

“Don’t tell me you’re staying here too?” Lyla replied with a question.

“Of course.”

Lyla. “...”

Judging by the look on Mark’s face, he did not seem to be kidding.

Had she known that Mark was going to live here, she would not have moved in.

What would people make of it if Mark stayed here as well? Cohabitation?

“Ms. Lowe, what’s that expression for?” Mark enquired.

“I’m just thinking that it doesn’t sound like a good idea since it may warrant unnecessary problems.” Lyla tried her best to word it tactfully.

“Why? Wasn’t I living with you before moving here?” Mark stated in a matter-of-fact manner.

“We had no choice but to accommodate you because you said you had nowhere to stay.”

“You can just pretend that I’m homeless and take me in.”

Lyla. “...”

This was not something to pretend about.

He bought the house and now he was saying he had nowhere to stay. Who was he trying to fool? Himself? He would have a hard time believing it himself.

Shameless.

Absolute shamelessness.

She was not one to bite the hand that fed her. What was she to say since the house was bought by Mark?

“You can stay here. Pick a room but steer clear of my room,” Lyla said.

“But the other rooms haven't been tidied up.”

Lyla. “...”

It was a booby trap from the start.

Mark clearly did it on purpose.

Lyla grinned at him. “Oh, really? If that’s the case, you have two choices — One is to straighten out a room right now and the second is to sleep on the sofa. I don’t mind either way.”

Mark. “...”

Just as Mommy and Daddy were ready to go at it, Hansel spoke up, “About that, Daddy, Mommy, it’s almost afternoon. Let’s put the living arrangement aside and think about lunch.”

Gretel immediately echoed his view. “Yes. I’m hungry after working the whole morning.”

Lyla and Mark did not stay on the subject following their children’s words. Mark lowered his gaze and stared at the little girl on him. “What do you want to eat?”

“Didn’t you say we’re having steak to celebrate?”

Mark lifted his brow. He would grant whatever his daughter requested. “Okay, let’s have steak. Are we going out or having lunch here?”

“I want to have it at home. That would set the mood,” Hansel answered.

Mark bobbed his head. “Okay.” He was about to whip his phone out to make a call when Hansel was seized by a whim. “Daddy, why don’t I prepare it?”

“You?” Mark fixated his eyes at the boy. He was good at this too?

Hansel nodded.

Gretel joined in with the nodding. “Hansel’s steak is as good as a Michelin Star restaurant.”