Julian's eyes sparkled with amusement as he continued enjoying the meal.…Zach sat in the car, staring at the brightly lit villa. What were they doing now? Having dinner?Or was Aralyn holding Willow in her arms, watching TV with her, and explaining life lessons to her as the story unfolded? When Zach imagined how the mother who had once cared for him unconditionally was now giving all her patience and love to someone else, he felt his heart was sliced apart.Noah gripped the steering wheel and looked at Zach through the rearview mirror. Noticing Zach's gloomy mood, he asked, "Should we head home?""Yeah."…Amber arrived at the villa at 9:00 pm.Willow had already finished washing up and was lying in bed on time. I sat by her side, reading her a bedtime story from a picture book. Amber strode into the living room, glancing around as she walked in. When she saw Julian sitting there, she immediately scanned the area.Julian put down the book he was reading. "Mom, who are y
Amber showed no awareness of just how cruel her words were. "If she did, you wouldn't have to take care of her. Maybe you would've been married by now, and I would've had my first grandson!"Julian let out a cold laugh, and the disappointment in his eyes deepened."Since you still refuse to acknowledge your wrongdoings, then stop coming to my house and avoid contacting me altogether in any setting."Amber froze. "What do you mean by that?""I consider Willow my biological daughter. When you unfairly blame her for everything and criticize her, you're essentially saying that the fault is mine. When you wish she had died, it's no different than wishing the same for me."Julian was expressionless, but his words carried a weight that was impossible to ignore. "You've treated me with such cruelty, so of course, I need to defend myself. "If I didn't, word would spread that I'm a pushover. Then everyone would feel entitled to walk all over me."Amber stared at Julian, utterly shocked.
Now, having left the past behind, Aralyn had become both gentle and strong.Julian had been furious earlier. But the moment he hugged Aralyn, all his negative emotions vanished, leaving his heart calm and peaceful.As he had resolved the matter with Amber, Julian had no intention of wasting any more time on her.He pulled out his phone and called Mark."Tomorrow, before school starts, I want everyone at their school to know what Luna did.""Understood."…Zach pushed the door open, finding the lights in the living room still on.Shayne immediately walked over to him. "Why are you back so late?"Zach looked weary. "I already explained it over the phone."Seeing how dejected Zach was, Shayne decided not to press further.Aware that Shayne's sudden warmth toward her was an opportunity she couldn't squander, Luna decided to put on her best behavior.She stood up, supporting her belly. "Zach, do you know how worried we were about you coming home so late?"Zach looked up at her
"I feel so happy right now," Luna said sweetly.Shayne replied perfunctorily, "Me too."…As usual, I got up early to wake Willow.Coming out of her room, Willow immediately went to call Julian. The three of us ended up running several laps around the yard before stopping. I accompanied Willow to take a bath.After a few days of this routine, she had gotten used to it. Now, even though she felt tired after running, she could still chatter away with me.She stood still, letting me bathe her. "Mommy.""Yes?" I said, continuing to bathe her."I feel as if I've changed a bit recently," Willow remarked delightfully.Surprised, I asked, "How so?""Before the training, when people said mean things to me, I would sulk and feel really sad. But now, with the training, when people bully me, I just think about how I'll teach them a lesson one by one once I get stronger and better in martial arts."Willow couldn't help but laugh. "And then I feel happy.""That's great. You're getting
"She didn't want to talk about it. I know you care about her, but there's no way for you to know what she's going through, let alone stand up for her. So, you don't need to blame yourself." I chose my words carefully, trying to reassure him."Besides, Willow is doing much better now."I shared everything Willow had told me in the bathroom earlier.Julian was silent for a long time before finally saying, "Aralyn, thank you. She's been able to recover because you became her mother and guided her step by step.""You gave me a job when I was at my most desperate. If anything, I should be thanking you," I replied, turning to look at him.Julian raised his hand and placed it lightly on my head.This was the second time. I stared at him helplessly.Not only did he not move his hand, but he also ruffled my hair gently. "No need to be so polite with me."I smiled and countered, "Same goes for you.""Alright." He withdrew his hand.…When we arrived at the company, Mark was already wa
Mark had just finished speaking when one of the young women walked up to the front and confidently began explaining her understanding of my work and her proposed promotional strategy.Once she finished, she returned to her seat. The next person then walked to the front and shared her thoughts.After about two hours, the last one completed her presentation.Mark turned to me, smiling. "What do you think?"I wasn't knowledgeable about promotional strategies at all. But after I listened to their presentations, I felt that each person made very valid points."They're all good." I nodded in approval."Any areas you think need improvement?"I quickly shook my head. "No."Mark then turned to the team, his expression becoming serious. "Since Ms. Jaffe isn't inclined to critique your work, I'll be the bad guy here."He pointed out each of their shortcomings calmly and provided guidance on how to improve. Finally, he stood up. "I expect you to revise these points and submit the update
Avery leaned back. "What did Julian do to provoke you?"Still fuming over the morning's events, Luna felt her anger rising again. "He had someone spread rumors at school, saying Mason doesn't have a father and is trying to find one by targeting others' dads!"She took a deep breath to steady herself and continued, "The rumors claim I've set my sights on Mason's classmate's father.""Is Zach the classmate?" Avery asked.Luna snapped, "Yes! He even said that I think Shayne is great, so I seduced him even knowing he was married. In just one year, I supposedly destroyed what was once a happy family by making them divorce, and I became his new wife."She clenched her fist. "There were a few parents in Mason's class who used to get along with me. But today, after dropping their kids off, they suddenly started finding excuses to avoid me. "And they're even telling their husbands to keep their distance! They've really started treating me like some homewrecker who steals other people's h
Luna asked softly, "Can you?"Shayne didn't answer directly. Instead, he asked expressionlessly, "Have you considered that if I get involved, people who love stirring up trouble might start digging into my past? When that happens, my history with Aralyn will no longer stay hidden."If it came to that, the criticism against Luna would only grow harsher and more relentless.Luna gradually sat up, her expression turning serious as well. Shayne Increased the distance between them subtly.Luna turned to him and asked, "Then what do you think I should do about this?""It's simple. Watch Julian's attitude," Shayne said flatly.Luna was unwilling to accept this but couldn't think of a better solution, so she reluctantly agreed, "Fine."…After I finished the tasks for the day, I glanced at the clock. It was already 3:00 pm. My pace was much faster than usual.Feeling incredulous, I quickly opened the draft to double-check. After carefully reviewing it, I found nothing wrong.Julian n
"That's right. At the time, the divorce happened so suddenly that even if I went back to my previous job, it would take a long time to start making money again. I had no resources to solve the immediate problem," I replied."Do you want to go back to your previous line of work?" Julian asked.Without even thinking, I shook my head. "Of course not. I have a job I enjoy more now, and it pays better. There's no reason to go back."Julian's smile widened.…When it was time for the lunch break, Joseph was already waiting in the café downstairs.Alice rushed over, and Joseph remarked sarcastically, "Look at you, all busy and important now. I waited for so long."Hearing that, Alice rolled her eyes at him. "Most companies have the same lunch hour. If you insist on coming this early, what do you expect me to do? Besides, I came straight here as soon as I got off work."Alice shot him a sideways glance. "That's already giving you enough respect. You'd better appreciate it."Joseph qui
"That's alright. I can treat you," Alice replied.As long as it meant making Avery suffer, spending a little money was no big deal.Even though Alice had started working and understood how hard it was to earn money, she could still afford something like this.Joseph swallowed and asked, "Can I order anything I want?"Alice recalled how Joseph used to spend money like water and worried that he'd order a massive amount of food, possibly exceeding her entire month's salary."As long as the total doesn't exceed 100 dollars, order whatever you want. If it's over that amount, I can't afford it. You'll have to pay for yourself."Alice figured it was better to be upfront to prevent Joseph from causing trouble later."You have a job now and even bonuses. Do you really have to be this stingy?" Joseph asked in annoyance.Without hesitation, Alice replied, "My salary isn't that high. You should be grateful I'm treating you at all. If you think I'm being too cheap, then forget it."100 dol
With that, she turned and walked out.Avery suddenly had a bad feeling about it. "What are you planning to do?"Alice turned back to look at Avery. "I don't need to tell you, do I? All you need to know is that since you came after me, I won't let you have it easy either."She straightened her back and walked away.Just as she reached the elevator, she saw Mark stepping out.She glanced up subtly.Mark gave a small nod. After silently reaching an agreement, Mark walked out of the elevator.Alice stepped in, taking the elevator to the top floor.Their project had just wrapped up, bringing in a huge profit. The other employees in the company, who had been idly coasting along, now saw how lucrative these projects could be. It far surpassed the company's usual earnings.One by one, they started to get tempted.Alice's direct supervisor had initially planned to take on another intense workload. But when they finally went to pick up a new project, they realized those same employees
Shayne lifted his head and stared at Maisy.Maisy felt that Shayne hitting Zach couldn't be brushed off so easily. Otherwise, people would think Zach was easy to bully and pile on him.Realizing this, she stepped forward and slapped Shayne hard. "That's payback for Zach. Now we're even."Shayne took a deep breath. "I've tolerated you again and again only because you're Aralyn's mother. Don't push your luck!"Maisy glared at Shayne coldly. "Hmph! She has nothing to do with you anymore, and neither do I. You don't need to consider anyone's feelings."With that, Maisy turned and walked away with ease.Shayne watched her departing figure, bitterness filling his heart.Maisy used to be fond of him.Every time he and Aralyn visited, Maisy would cook all his favorite dishes.Even Aralyn would get jealous and pout, saying, "Mom, you treat your son-in-law better than me now. I'm jealous!"Every time, Maisy would tap Aralyn's cheek gently and say, "You're a grown woman. Is this really
"If he makes a mistake, I will point it out. It's not your place to interfere. Do you understand?"Shayne was indeed in the wrong this time, and he felt a bit guilty. "I was afraid you were spoiling him too much."Maisy let out a cold laugh. "His father drives his mother away for the sake of a mistress, and in the end, even his father doesn't want him. He's so young, yet he's already gone through so much. It's justified that I spoil him."She only felt sorry for Zach. He had been through too much at such a young age. "Besides, being afraid that I'm spoiling him too much doesn't give you the right to lay your hand on him."Tell me, did you hit him because he did something wrong? If you can say what it was, and if he was truly in the wrong, I'd take your side no matter what."Shayne fell silent.Seeing his expression, Maisy immediately understood and became even more furious."He said he never contacted his mother," Shayne explained.Maisy was so speechless she almost laughed. "T
"Of course!" Zach answered without hesitation."All my classmates' parents are coming. Only mine are not. But since Noah and Ms. Harper are around the same age as Mom and Dad, the kids in my class might mistake them for my parents."That should make me feel a little better. And you're a family member, Granny. I won't be too different from the other kids."Maisy's heart ached at Zach's words. "Alright, don't worry. I'll be there."Getting Maisy's confirmation, Zach quickly jumped off his chair and took out his suit, handing it to Maisy. "This is the outfit I picked out earlier. I have to wear it! I look really good in it. Make sure to bring it in the afternoon, okay?"Maisy smiled at him lovingly. "Okay."Zach finally felt at ease. He slung his backpack over his shoulder and left.Maisy held onto the little suit and followed behind Zach.Zach looked at Maisy in confusion and asked, "Why are you coming too?"Maisy ruffled Zach's hair. "I'll send you to school and pick up some gr
The other party was a professional marketer. As soon as they received the money, they got to work immediately.Before long, Luna's new book release was trending.Luna's works were already of decent quality, and with several rounds of hype, she had gained a large fan base. When people heard that her book was about to be published, many rushed in, eager to buy it.Orders started coming in through various channels.Luna's mood improved when she saw the rapidly increasing numbers. Then, she reached out to Emilia. "Did you see the sales of my new book?"Emilia had just come out of a meeting. Glancing at the numbers, she stated in surprise, "That's a lot.""I had a bit of a reputation overseas. Back then, our publishing house handled my books, so you should know," Luna replied confidently.Emilia was well aware of that.Luna continued, "This book has both a great plot and stunning visuals. Of course, plenty of people would love it."After thinking for a while, Emilia said, "Judging
Both of them tried to persuade Maisy.Maisy was feeling emotional. Her precious grandson had grown up and now knew how to care for his grandmother. "Alright, then. I'll go tomorrow."Zach smiled happily. "Okay."Maisy pulled Zach to sit beside the couch and began helping him reduce the swelling. Her eyes were full of distress. "It must have hurt so much. Shayne practically hit you as though he wanted you dead. You're his son, not his enemy. Did he really have to go that far?"Zach didn't argue and simply said, "Maybe his brain's gone bad now that he's all alone because he lost his wife due to his stupidity. And now, he doesn't want his child either."Maisy raised an eyebrow and looked at Zach. "I think so."Seeing that his grandmother agreed with him, Zach grinned widely. But his face hurt a lot. The moment he smiled, he couldn't help but suck in a sharp breath.…Shayne sat alone in his car. After hanging up and comforting Luna, he finally felt a little better.Because of Lun
But Luna had no intention of exposing him. After all, her goal was to spend Shayne's money.As long as Shayne was willing to support her, that was all that mattered. She didn't care about anything else.Still uneasy, Shayne reminded again, "So, we've agreed—you can't be with other men.""You can rest assured about that. As long as you're willing to support me, of course, I'm happy to maintain this arrangement," replied Luna patiently. The most important thing was that Shayne never interfered with any of her decisions. And he didn't live with her. She had plenty of time to build relationships with other men.Even if Aralyn really was foolish enough to break up with Julian and go back to Shayne, it wouldn't affect Luna much.At the very least, she could still act pitiful in front of Rowan and make him take her in.Before doing anything, Luna always liked to leave herself a way out.…Zach pushed open the door and walked into the living room with his head down.Maisy heard the