The Years Between Signing and Seeing novel Chapter 316

"Mr. Baylor, this is their father, Hayden. He is also the owner of Timefly Studio. Their relationship has never been made public," Aaron reported, following Jamie's gaze into the distance.

Jamie couldn't help but ask, "Why was the mother's section left blank on their contract?"

"When we signed the paperwork, I mentioned that both parents needed to fill out their details," Aaron replied respectfully. "But Hayden said he was divorced. The mother went abroad and gave up custody, leaving her with no legal guardianship responsibilities. I didn't push the issue."

Jamie fell silent. Watching the children throw themselves into Hayden's arms left an unexpected hollow ache in his chest.

"What are you looking at? Jealous?" Richard tapped his cane as he walked up to Jamie, his tone laced with sarcasm. "What took you so long to figure that out?"

Jamie frowned but kept his voice mild. "You stay here and have fun. I will wait for you in the lounge."

"Hold on," Richard commanded. "Go make the arrangements. I am having dinner with these little angels tonight."

Jamie paused mid-step. He started to protest, but Richard cut him off.

"I do not want to hear it. I am eating with them tonight."

Jamie sighed. He glanced helplessly at the group walking toward them. "If you can convince him, I will make the reservations."

"Convince who? Their father?" Richard scoffed. "Why would I need his permission? As long as the kids agree, that is all that matters. Just wait and see."

Taking two steps, Richard stopped and shot Jamie a suspicious glare. "Are you absolutely certain you ran a background check? These kids really aren't Suzie's?"

"Yes," Jamie answered without missing a beat, meeting his grandfather's gaze with steady eyes.

But he hadn't checked at all.

Back in the lounge, Aaron had someone bring in fresh coffee and stood quietly to the side.

Aaron's mind raced. He ventured a careful guess. "Do you mean... when the time comes, I should send people to pay their respects?"

Aaron knew a bit about the history between Suzie and the Cross family. Overall, Oliver's parents had been exceptionally kind to her.

But what did Jamie actually want?

Before Aaron could pinpoint the exact answer, Jamie spoke again.

"You have been with me for a long time. You have been involved in everything, big and small."

Jamie stood up from the sofa, walked over to the corner of the room, and lit a cigarette. He exhaled a plume of smoke before adding coldly, "Do you really think paying our respects is enough?"

Aaron sank back into deep thought. The hardest part of working for Jamie was the constant feeling that he needed psychic powers.