Blackstone Code-Chapter 524: Sometimes Forgiveness Is Self-Harm

“Who is he?” The five-year-old boy, dressed neatly in formal clothes, looked up at his mother.
Tailors these days really know their business. The suit the boy wore, suitable for formal occasions, cost nearly as much as a similar adult suit. Off-the-rack clothes rarely fit well at this age, since children grow so fast. Sizes change every few months, making it difficult for most well-known brands to enter the children’s formalwear market. The only option is custom tailoring.
A five-year-old in a suit looks like a miniature adult—both amusing and adorable.
Vera changed into an equally appropriate outfit and tidied up. Thanks to Lynch leaving the company early with her, dinner wasn’t delayed further.
“That’s Mom’s boss. He pays our salary and makes our good life possible,” she explained carefully, wanting her son to understand more than just a title.
The boy looked at Lynch, then back at Vera. “So, is he my new dad?”
Vera’s face instantly flushed. Lynch laughed heartily. Though Vera’s explanation seemed fine to adults—working hard earns the boss’s approval, which means a good salary that allows a child to get new formal clothes every few months even in tough economic times—the boy’s innocent question brought a moment of awkwardness.
Of course, he’d need new clothes for school ceremonies, but without that money, a woman like Vera couldn’t afford their expensive lifestyle. Their community’s services, including the nanny, all came at a price.
To children, this translated differently—fathers provide for the family. Society, schools, media—all reinforce this, despite feminist movements. Stories and cartoons always cast men as protagonists.
So, since Lynch pays Vera, isn’t he fulfilling the role only a father traditionally would?
The boy was hopeful. After Gap’s arrest, Vera hadn’t told him the full truth. Gap’s imprisonment wasn’t something to glorify, so she transferred the boy’s school to shield him from knowing he had a criminal father. Though this made the boy feel abandoned, it was better than the alternative.
He felt guilty—towards himself and Vera—and wished for change. If Lynch was involved…
He sneaked a glance at Lynch’s handsome face and infectious smile and felt he wasn’t hard to approach.
“Don’t worry about me. I think he’s alright. I’ll listen to you and get along well with my new dad,” the boy said excitedly.
After a brief awkward moment, Vera calmed and shook her head. “No, that’s not it. You’re mistaken. I’m his employee; he’s my boss. That’s all. Nothing more, understand?”
Her expression was serious but softened by the glow of the lights as the blush faded.
At that moment, a young waiter began serving. Starting with Lynch, he greeted him as
sir
, then moved to Vera, but suddenly hesitated.
Looking between Vera, Lynch, and the child, he was unsure how to address Vera. Calling her
madam
implied she was the wife of a man, but Lynch looked too young, and though Vera appeared young, she was in her thirties. She had no youthful awkwardness, only mature charm. And the child didn’t look theirs—unless the man was just a teenager.
Why was this so complicated?
“Madam…” Lynch’s sudden voice broke the waiter’s confusion and brought him back. The waiter bowed slightly and served Vera as
madam
, then addressed the boy as
little gentleman
, following the restaurant’s protocol.
Perhaps that word changed the mood. Vera didn’t explain further to Lynch, and the pleasant dinner began.
At the table, Lynch spoke extensively about Nagaryll. For women and children raised in the traditional society of the federation, adventure was always the most captivating story. That’s why adventure tales became trendy.
But Lynch’s stories were far more exciting. He had a knack for turning dull scenes into thrilling narratives.
He recounted chasing lions on the grasslands and being chased himself. Both Vera and her son responded with quiet gasps, showing their strong emotions.
Laughter, surprise, and amazement filled the meal. Neither wanted it to end so soon.
There’s an old saying: even stones get worn down. How much more a sumptuous meal? Reluctantly, the boy accepted the end of dinner.
Afterward, Lynch escorted Vera and her son home. The neighborhood looked decent. After waves of bankruptcies, many had moved away, but new residents brought life back, keeping it from feeling empty.
Security guards were still on duty, and patrols continued.
After putting her son to bed, Vera returned to the living room. “I don’t know what to say, but thank you. I haven’t been this happy in a long time. Neither has he.”
Her son hadn’t been this joyful since moving back from his grandparents’ house.
This rare happiness was quietly easing some emotional struggles for both mother and child, which she deeply appreciated.
“That’s what I’m here for. You work hard for me. I just invited you and the boy to a simple dinner and told a few stories. If anyone should be thanking the other, it’s me,” Lynch said with his usual charm and humility.
Changing the subject, he added, “I heard you hired a maid, but I don’t see her now.”
“I fired her and hired an hourly worker through the community,” Vera sighed. “The previous live-in maid was caught stealing. For our safety, I let her go.”
She hadn’t called the police. The maid begged for forgiveness, saying she stole only to support her family. Vera took pity and chose not to press charges, just dismissed her.
Lynch frowned. “When did this happen?”
Vera wasn’t too worried but thought carefully. “About a week ago. I’m not sure if it was the first time or if it had happened before—I just happened to catch her that time.”
Lynch frowned deeper. “You should this to the police. It could be dangerous for you.”
Seeing Vera’s indifferent expression, Lynch explained gently, “If that was her first theft, it’s not too serious. You caught and stopped her in time, so her greed hasn’t grown.”
“But if it’s not the first time, and she’s been relying on stealing for extra income, now that you’ve fired her, her financial problems could become urgent.”
“If she can’t find another way, she might turn her attention to you.”
Lynch glanced around. “She knows this place well—when you leave in the morning, when you come back at night, when your child goes to and from school, even personally escorting him.”
“When she desperately needs money but can’t get it legally, you become her easiest target.”
“She could kidnap your boy or sneak in here based on your routines. After getting what she wants, there’s a good chance she might…”
“But since you know who she is, if you it to the police, she won’t get away.”
Before Lynch said all this, Vera wasn’t very worried—just having dismissed a thieving maid.
But as Lynch spoke, a cold sweat broke out on her back. She helplessly grabbed his arm, silently asking what to do.
Hearing her unspoken plea, Lynch offered a solution to ease her mind: “I’ll stay here tonight. Tomorrow, I’ll help you find two suitable people, maybe recently retired female soldiers—they’re safe and reliable…”