Married a Secret Billionaire
Chapter 1271

Desiree's screams alerted the welfare institution's management staff. Despite the kids running fast, being young made it easy for a few adults to catch them quickly. Desiree was led to the resting room.

The staff gave her a towel to wipe herself, as she had no suitable clothes to change into. She sat on the sofa, trembling with anger-not from the cold.

"Zuko," she called out, her voice shaking with distress.

Zuko stood aside, hands in his pockets, appearing indifferent.

"Zuko, I'm so cold," Desiree hugged herself and conveniently sneezed.

Zuko glanced at the weather forecast on his phone, which showed 26°C, and looked outside at the sunny weather.

"Cold?" He chuckled softly. "I see. You're soaked all over. That's why you're cold."

Desiree seemed delighted. "Exactly."

"So, what can I do to help?" he asked.

"You..." She wanted to suggest he could hug her or lend her his shirt but hesitated, thinking it might seem too deliberate.

Zuko then suggested, "The sun is shining outside. You can go out and get some sun to quickly dry your clothes."

"What did you say?" Desiree was stunned.

"The staff don't have any clothes for you to change into right now." Zuko smiled. "You're completely soaked, and just using this towel won't be enough. It's better to go out and enjoy the sun. You won't be cold anymore, and your clothes will dry up, right?"

"Zuko, you..."

"I'm thinking for your sake." Zuko sounded sincere. "Desiree, you're a guest my grandmother brought. I'd worry about something bad happening to you, too!"

Desiree was exasperated. Everything Zuko said avoided mentioning their relationship but implied it.

She was just his "guest", and his suggestion for her to go outside and dry off was "for her sake".

Desiree gnashed her teeth with a scowl.

At that moment, the welfare institution's director, Jill Latymer, approached them. When she arrived at the door and saw Zuko inside the room, she walked in, lowering her head. This kind-hearted middle-aged woman exchanged a glance with Desiree.

The Harpers sponsored the welfare institution, and Desiree was in charge of the foundation. However, 80% of the funds were not used for charity but instead invested by the Harpers or lent out with high interest rates. The money they earned went into the Harpers' pockets, and the welfare institution did not receive a single penny.

The Harpers made the entrance of the welfare institution look grand and magnificent, but the living conditions of the elderly and children inside were not improved. They lived worse off than the pets in wealthy households.

Jill knew everything but had to be cautious. She was aware that the Harpers only saw her as a decoration. She had considered reporting their fake charity work but was afraid of retaliation. She also feared the Harpers would demolish the welfare institution in a fit of anger, leaving the elderly and children with no shelter.

Over the years, Jill could only bear it, trying to stretch every penny to make ends meet.

Today, however, these kids broke the deadlock, and the Hamerton heir was also there. She finally saw a glimmer of hope.

"Madam Latymer."

While Jill was lost in thought, Zuko's deep voice interrupted her.