Blanche pretended not to hear the words behind her. Felix had Isabella; wasn't he just bringing trouble upon himself by saying that?
"Where's Jason?" Felix asked.
"I sent him to school to help him adapt to school life," she replied.
"Hmm?" Felix frowned. "You might have just arrived in Miami and not fully understand the way things work here. Newcomers need proof to live or study here, especially for a young child like Jason."
Blanche sighed and rubbed her forehead. "I know; I was just worried about this issue…"
"Does the school require information about the parents?"
"Yeah."
"Then you should submit it."
Blanche looked at him with a troubled expression. "If I could submit it, I would have done so. The key is…"
She couldn't let anyone know that her ex-husband was the famous Allen, and Allen would definitely come looking for them…
Felix frowned, his gaze probing. What was it that she couldn't let others know? Why was she unwilling to share even the father's information? What kind of person was she, and what past was she hiding?
Noticing Felix's scrutiny, Blanche quickly composed herself and said calmly, "Actually, it's not a big deal. Jason's knowledge already exceeds that of his peers. I want him to go to school mainly to make some friends."
Perhaps inheriting Allen's genes, Jason understood a lot at such a young age and could absorb knowledge quickly. For him, going to school was merely a routine.
"But if he doesn't go to school, he'll become disconnected from society. Kids these days love playing with their friends; social education is crucial for children."
Felix was right. Blanche was very afraid that Jason would become withdrawn, but for now…
"How about this? I'll accompany you to the kindergarten and say I'm Jason's father."
"!!"
"Don't misunderstand," Felix explained when he saw the shock on Blanche's face. "You helped me before, so it's only natural for me to help you now. Plus, I don't want to see such a smart kid like Jason unable to go to school. Don't worry; this is just between us. I'm only helping you out, nothing more."
Blanche hesitated. This plan wasn't without merit, but… she had some concerns. If Isabella or anyone else found out, her reputation would be ruined.
"I won't tell anyone," Felix assured her. "This will only be between the two of us. As long as we have a clear conscience, what do we care about what others think? Do you really want to see Jason stuck at home without any friends?"
Of course, Blanche didn't want that. She bit her lip and thought carefully. Perhaps it would be best to agree; Felix had some influence in Miami, and his help would be beneficial for Jason.
"Then I'll trouble you with this," Blanche said.
"It's no trouble at all. I'm happy to help you."
The two of them arrived at the kindergarten together. The principal recognized Felix; he was a big shot in Miami. She hurried out to greet him, "Mr. Felix, what brings you here? Why didn't you let us know you were coming…"
Felix smiled and said, "I just came to take a look. This is my friend; her baby is enrolled in your kindergarten."
"Ah?" The principal sized up Blanche. This woman had a good temperament and was quite beautiful. She looked young, yet she already had a child.
But since she was Felix's friend, they should treat her well.
"Miss, what is your baby's name?" the principal asked.
"My baby's name is Jason Smith, but he hasn't officially started school yet."
"Oh, that's fine. Since you are Mr. Felix's friend, we can expedite the enrollment process for you. Miss, could I see your documents?"
Blanche looked troubled, and Felix said, "No need for that; I am the child's father."
This statement was like a bolt from the blue. Who in Miami didn't know about Felix and Isabella's marriage? For him to claim he was the child's father…
"Don't misunderstand; I'm his acknowledged father," Felix clarified. "I really like this child, so I've taken him in as my own."
The principal wiped her brow. "I see… So this lady is your…"
"She's my friend; the child is hers."
The principal nodded. "Since it's guaranteed by Mr. Felix and he is indeed the godfather, there should be no problem. The child can start school tomorrow."
Hearing the principal say this, Blanche felt a surge of excitement in her heart. "Great! I'll bring the baby tomorrow."
Seeing Blanche so happy, Felix smiled back at her.
"You really are different when you step in. I was worried about how to handle this before; thank you so much."
The two of them exited the kindergarten, and Blanche expressed her gratitude.
"No need to be so polite among friends. Helping you is the least I can do," Felix replied with a smile.
Felix's gentle and considerate demeanor felt refreshing, and Blanche lowered her guard a little. "Your trust in me makes me feel a bit embarrassed. The truth is, I'm hiding my identity to avoid some people. I want to start a new life somewhere, so it's inconvenient to tell you."
Felix respected others' privacy, and besides, Blanche wasn't a bad person. "It's okay; your thoughts are good. I'm also tired of everything being arranged for me. If I could live freely and do what I want, I might be happier."
Blanche couldn't quite understand Felix's meaning; after all, everyone's life was different.
"If you feel weary, then change the way you live. After all, people live for themselves, don't they?" Blanche said.
Felix was momentarily taken aback and didn't respond.
"I want to leave everything in the past behind and start a new life with Jason. Those past events have faded; I won't look back. People should look forward; constantly looking back will only lead to regression."
Blanche still thought about Allen, but she didn't want to be with him anymore. He had harmed Jason, which crossed a line for Blanche. She would not forgive Allen.
Felix gazed at Blanche, feeling that this gentle woman seemed to carry a certain strength within her.
"I'm sorry, I talked too much," Blanche apologized, having inadvertently revealed her emotions.
"No, you spoke very well."
"Speaking well is not as important as doing well. I should get back to cook for Jason."
Blanche's father sounded weary. "Back when I had some misunderstandings with Allen's mother, it involved Allen, which led him to harbor hatred towards me and the Smith family. But my heart was in the right place. What parent doesn't care about their child? I can forgive him for straying off course for a time, but being with that woman is absolutely unacceptable. Leslie, you must win back Allen's heart. You're a good girl, and our Smith family recognizes you."
Blanche's father only hoped that Leslie would be with Allen. He believed that only Leslie could mend Allen's resentful and frustrated heart.
Seeing how much Blanche's father liked her, Leslie felt a boost in her confidence.
"Uncle, don't worry. I will definitely be with Allen, and in the future, I will honor you together with him," Leslie said.
Blanche's father nodded in satisfaction. As long as that woman didn't enter the Smith family, he would be content.
Blanche took Jason to a nearby kindergarten that was quite good, with solid educational resources and capable teachers. Blanche valued this greatly, but there was a small issue during enrollment.
Since Blanche was not from Miami, she needed to provide valid identification and information about the child's father for enrollment. The school placed a high emphasis on quality education, and while Blanche met the requirements, the issue of the father…
Blanche felt a headache coming on. Although she had mentioned her divorce from the child's father, she still needed to provide that information for safety's sake, which was a bit challenging for her.
After all, she was an "escaped person." If she revealed Allen's name, he would undoubtedly come looking for her immediately.
Miami wasn't Allen's territory, but he still had some influence there, and Blanche was genuinely worried.
Just when she was at a loss for what to do, Felix approached her.
Felix had been very concerned about Blanche. Although she mentioned they would meet again by chance, Felix didn't want to leave it to chance. Most of Miami was his territory, and he could easily find Blanche and Jason. Besides, he considered Jason a friend, so meeting up wouldn't be a problem.
"Shirley, long time no see," Felix pretended to run into Blanche at a café around the corner.
Blanche greeted Felix with a faint nod.
"What's wrong? You seem unhappy to see me," Felix observed.
"I'm not unhappy; I'm just worried about some things."
"What things?"
Blanche initially wanted to tell Felix that she had no friends here and only knew him, but the words caught in her throat.
"Don't get involved with a married man…"
"It's nothing, I'm just a bit unaccustomed to life here," Blanche said.