Chapter 13

An hour later, Zachary came downstairs. His suit was slightly disheveled, evidence of tending to Mason, though it did nothing to diminish his composed and strikingly noble appearance. He said coolly, "From now on, come here every day to take care of Mason." Cynthia understood that an autistic child's wishes had to be respected. As a mother who had never fulfilled her responsibilities, she couldn't back down now. She agreed without hesitation, "Alright, I'll cooperate." Zachary was stunned. She agreed just like that? No questions about salary or compensation? Clearly, her motives weren't pure. His expression darkened. Still, with Mason needing her, there was no other choice. He added, "Don't agree so easily. I have conditions. First, you're staying only for Mason's treatment. Always remember your place and clarify your role to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings." He was referring to last night's and today's misunderstandings. But wasn't it their own blindness that caused those situations? They hadn't even given Cynthia a chance to explain. Why was she the one being blamed? "Second, when Mason recovers, you must leave immediately. If you dare manipulate or use him, I'll make you regret ever existing." Cynthia was stupefied! Did he think her motives were impure? That she was scheming something? If anything, she wanted to teach Zachary a lesson about humility! He was such an arrogant, self-absorbed peacock! "Third, and most importantly…" Zachary stood, his imposing six-foot-two frame exuding authority as he approached her. Stopping just a step away, he extended a sleek black card toward her with an air of superiority. "As Mason's private caretaker, I expect you to avoid any improper relationships or behavior that could negatively influence him. If you need anything, use the money on this card." His voice was cold, commanding. Nonetheless, the black card symbolized unparalleled status and wealth. Cynthia was baffled once again. What made him think she was associating with men improperly? Only men like him, surrounded by countless women, could come up with such nonsense! Still, if he dared offer it, she wasn't going to refuse. She could put it to good use for Yasmine's sake. Taking the card, she replied, "Don't worry. As long as you're not blind, there won't be any misunderstandings. I'm only staying because of your precious child. I have absolutely no interest in you." She paused before adding with a smirk, "If I were to set my sights on someone, it would be a kind, gentle, and handsome gentleman—not a 30-year-old married man with a stoic face. Even your carefree, playboy friend is more likable than you." "Pfft. Married man? Stoic face?" Adam jeered to himself. This was the first time anyone had dared to describe the flawless Zachary in such words. Wait a second… What did she mean by "carefree and playboy"? Did she just insult him too? In the corner, Adam felt deeply offended. Zachary hadn't expected Cynthia to be so sharp-tongued either. His eyes narrowed dangerously, like a blade glinting in the dark. "You'd better stick to your word, or else…" He didn't finish, but the consequences were clear. It wouldn't just be death—it would be a fate worse than death. Cynthia understood. She wasn't afraid because she truly had no ulterior motives. "I will," she said firmly, throwing the words over her shoulder as she turned and walked away. Her proud stride was accentuated by a dramatic flip of her head. After she disappeared, Adam finally had time to ask, "Zach, who is she? Where did she come from? She really doesn't seem like Janice." His last statement was definitive. Janice, who had always been gentle and adoring toward Zach, would never act like this. Zachary's expression was deep and unreadable as he replied, "That's Cynthia Lynch, Janice's twin sister." "Twin sisters? They look identical! Completely indistinguishable. And Zach, the little one actually warmed up to her and even spoke. That's so strange!" Zachary was surprised, though not entirely. "Janice is always busy with work. Mason misses his mother and likely mistook her for Janice." His tone was cold and detached, as he was convinced Cynthia was deliberately exploiting her resemblance to Janice to get close to them. Last night and tonight were too coincidental otherwise. Adam rubbed his chin thoughtfully while frowning. Was that really the case? But then again, it seemed there was no other explanation.