The Contracted Ever After novel Chapter 683

Jayson came over from the riverside, where he’d been skipping stones, and handed Marian a piece of candy, saying, "Auntie, have some sweet."

Marian paused for a moment, her eyes falling on the small boy in front of her. His young face looked up at her earnestly, eyes full of gentle hope.

She studied him again, noting his plain features; he wasn’t particularly handsome, but his expression was sincere. Clearly, he wasn’t from a wealthy family. That would be Callum standing tall by the water’s edge, his large ears and well-fed frame marking him as a child of privilege, towering over Jayson.

This young boy, whose connection to Cordelia was still a mystery to Marian, seemed remarkably thoughtful and kind.

"Sure," Marian said, taking the candy from Jayson's hand, finding his kindness refreshing.

It must be, she thought, that Cordelia’s harshness drove him to be so tenderhearted with strangers.

A plan began to form in Marian’s mind.

As Jamie left, he kept looking back at Cordelia, his fondness clear for all to see.

Ronan, Cordelia, Daniella, and their group had spent a long day wandering around Sunnybrook Hollow and retreated to a luxurious five-star hotel in the Millstone suburbs that evening.

The two boys shared a room with Cordelia and Ronan.

Later that night, after her bath, Cordelia noticed Jayson playing with his toys while Ronan was busy giving Callum a bath.

Summoning Jayson to her side, she asked why he felt the need to give that 'auntie' candy earlier in the day.

She had been upset seeing Jayson offer candy to Marian, thinking it was a surrender of dignity, especially given Marian’s dismissive tone toward her.