"Dad, what are you doing?"Mateo let out a pig-like scream when he was suddenly hit by the feather duster. He was jumping around to avoid his father. "Why are you hitting me?""Matt, don't hit Mateo!" Claudia became anxious, and tears welled up in her eyes."If you're angry, you can take it out on me. Why are you hitting Mateo?""You've spoilt him rotten!" Matthew's anger surged as he pulled Claudia to the side.Grabbing Mateo's chubby arm, he smacked his buttocks fiercely. "He won't learn anything if I don't discipline him. Today, I must let him know how tough life can be."Claudia fell onto the sofa and cried heartbrokenly as she listened to her son's cries.Chaos ensued for a while."Dad, you've changed. You don't love me anymore!" Mateo couldn't understand why everything had changed suddenly.He used to be the most doted upon in the house. He would get everything that he asked for. Now, his father, who used to love him the most, was spanking him.Feeling desperate and sad
It sounded like Hannah was throwing a tantrum."Mr. Emerson, what do you mean by that?"With a raised eyebrow, Hannah calmly replied, "I get along well with my grandmother, Mr. Winchester, and his siblings. There's nothing wrong with that."How dare the Emersons call themselves her 'family'?In Hannah's eyes, her family had always been her grandmother.Now, her family included Darren and the Winchester siblings.But it never included anyone from the Emersons.Listening to her pretending to be ignorant, Matthew's face darkened for a moment.But he showed a helpless expression in an instant and sighed. "Hannah, I know you're still angry with me. I admit that I didn't fulfill my responsibilities as a father before. I want to make it up to you in the future. Can't you give me a chance?""When grandma was seriously ill, I didn't have the money for medical expenses and knelt at the gates of the Emerson manor. You didn't want to help me. When I had to drop out of school due to our de
The Emersons were facing a crisis and all Matthew's funds were tied up. He really couldn't produce that much money at the moment. However, the most crucial point was that even if he could, he wouldn't be willing to do so."Hannah, you're asking Dad for money …"With a hint of sarcasm in her eyes, the silent Misty said indifferently, "Hannah, you're very calculative. Should I just give you everything I have? In your heart, I don't deserve anything after all. I should sleep on the streets with my mom and be looked down upon by you.""I've never thought about the kind of life you should live."Hannah thought seriously for a moment and nodded. "I actually think you're right. Don't worry, I don't care about your things, but selling them at a discount might contribute to charity."She smiled, addressing Misty as her sister for the first time. "When will my sister pack up everything for me? You can leave the things you've used, but I won't refuse any clothes or jewelry."Misty's face
Sunk costs were taken into consideration even in family relationships.Matthew had invested too much in Misty over the years. He couldn't bear to abandon her.This was the first reason.The second was that he had reaped some benefits by becoming the in-laws of the Winchesters.Those in upper-class society with larger companies would have to flatter him. Due to the influence of the Winchesters, the Emerson Corporation collaborated with several companies on multiple projects.However, Hannah and Misty openly clashed in the live broadcast. He had lost his dignity. Won't those upper-class socialites whisper behind his back?And with Darren's attitude …Someone would soon ask him to spit out all the profits that he had reaped earlier.This was one of the reasons for the Emersons' predicament.Unfortunately for Misty, she couldn't see through all the issues. She thought that her father loved her a lot. So, she was moved to tears.Hannah had sensed that things were not that simple
Upon hearing Hannah's words, Matthew's expression changed suddenly."What nonsense are you talking about?"His face had darkened significantly, and a fierce light flashed in his eyes. He angrily shouted, "Who allowed you to talk nonsense? You ingrate, I see that you don't want to acknowledge me as your father anymore!"His wrath seemed to be ignited. His cheeks turned crimson as he burned with rage."Did I say something wrong? Have you fulfilled any of your responsibilities as a father?" Hannah sneered.Breaking free from the emotional entanglements of her past life and reevaluating Matthew's attitude toward her, Hannah could clearly feel that he had no affection for her at all.His seemingly good-natured speech now was only because he thought that he could gain something from her.It was both pathetic and amusing."I'd rather not have a father than have a father like you. Since you never cared about me before, why appear in front of me now? Are you trying to show me the affect
Misty's previous frustrations seemed to have dissipated. At that moment, she seemed to have regained her composure.Slap!With a glint of coldness in her eyes, Hannah swiftly dodged Misty's hand and slapped her unreservedly."Are you feeling proud? Do you think that I will be obedient and listen to you?"Hannah raised her eyebrows with a hint of arrogance in her eyes.She gave them a glance and curled her lips into a cold smile, "Mr. Emerson, you want to expose me? Go ahead! Go talk to the media about how you have never cared about me for so many years. Oh, by the way …"She chuckled and said meaningfully, "Also, please let the public know why you gave me this money. I'd like to see who'd become the joke of town."Why would she be afraid of the exposure?She had openly and legitimately accepted the money without a trace of fear."You!" Matthew's veins bulge on his forehead. He was furious, "Damn it, do you think that I'm afraid of you?""Hannah, it's better not to say such t
Hannah unlocked her phone and played a voice recording.This familiar scene made Misty feel as if she had returned to that rooftop where she suffered extreme humiliation."How dare you?" She stared at Hannah's phone, her eyes wide in disbelief.Their conversations were heard loud and clear in the recording.When Matthew was giving Hannah money, he didn't mention wanting Hannah to do something for him. Instead, he pretended to compensate her with the living expenses that she lacked growing up.The subsequent unreasonable demands had clearly displayed their intentions.Matthew, Claudia, and Misty's faces all turned pale. They never expected Hannah to be so cautious as to record everything from the beginning. "Is it so strange?" Hannah was amused by their expressions. She couldn't help but ask curiously. "What makes you think that after what had happened the last time, I wouldn't be cautious when coming to the Emerson manor?"Ironically, even though this should be her home, she f
Hannah's actions were unusual.Although she came from the slums, after marrying Mr. Winchester and becoming rich overnight, she had never engaged in any shopping sprees or anything of the likes. She didn't have any extravagant habits and only bought what was necessary.She would indulge once in a while though.No matter what, she could live her life leisurely. She would just follow her own pace and not let money lead her astray.This was the first time that she had bought so many things in one go."I came into a small windfall." Hannah didn't say much.Lifting her chin with a smile she said, "These are all for you. You can divide them among yourselves."She then bent down and picked up another bag filled with items. Those were the things she'd bought for herself.Having grown up poor with her grandma, Hannah's first reaction upon receiving the one million from Matthew was to spend it all."Wow, Hannah, you're the best!"The carefree Naomi cheered happily. She started pickin
Darren didn't let her off easily in the end. Darren, being in his prime years, had maintained his purity and had never been involved with other women. This was a great feat considering that Darren had managed to maintain his purity after being with her all this time. Having just celebrated their marriage, he had finally enjoyed some moments of satisfaction, only to face the complication with Erica. Lately, Hannah had been in low spirits. Darren wouldn't be so brutish as to insist on intimate matters with her when she was in such an emotional state. He had to suppress his desires.However, now she took the initiative to seduce him. For a man who had finally given in to his desires, it wasn't so easy to let go. Demonstrating his unyielding nature, Darren showed Hannah that he was not to be trifled with. Carefully timing his actions, he eventually released her. Hannah, now lying on the bed, had a gentle gaze with a faint blush on her face. Her cheeks rested on the pillo
Even with their current financial difficulties, the atmosphere between them remained harmonious and warm.The smile in Hannah's eyes deepened a bit.Finding her uncle was undoubtedly a joyous event for her. After all, they hadn't been in contact for so many years, and confirming that Elvis' family members were reasonable and good people made her even happier."Grandma has never given up looking for you all these years, Uncle Elvis."Hannah briefly shared her thoughts. "I thought of taking you and Lilian to see Grandma directly to prevent her from overthinking.""Of course! Of course!"Jennifer laughed and agreed. She said, "If it weren't for my poor health and being hospitalized, I would have gone to see her too."Things were settled.Jennifer still had one more dialysis session in the coming days. Thus, their meeting was scheduled three days later.Hannah and Darren didn't stay much longer. After arranging for Jennifer to move to a single room, they left.Before they took
Jennifee hadn't looked before, but as soon as she did, she was almost startled.Under the shock, she even failed to contain her voice and exclaimed in surprise, "Elvis?" Her husband, who rarely got involved in affairs and was always practical, was now standing up excitedly. His eyes were fixed tightly on the two entering the room. He seemed as though he was about to pounce on those people. Lilian was also stunned. She couldn't help but reach out and grab Elvis' hand, her face carrying a hint of embarrassment. She lowered her voice desperately and said, "Dad, what are you doing?" She sensed that the eyes of the entire ward had turned their way under Jennifer's exclamation. The extraordinarily good-looking couple also looked over. Her cheeks turned red. She felt both nervous and embarrassed. She forcefully tugged on Elvis' hand and whispered urgently, "Dad, hurry up and sit down." However, Elvis not only didn't sit down, but he took a step forward and called out
At Hopeldon's top hospital, Elvis sat by the bedside as he watched the summer breeze rustle through the leaves outside the window. A look of realization crossed his face. "Mom, I bought your favorite food."Just then, a clear and lively voice rang out. A girl with twin tails briskly entered the ward while carrying a meal with a smile on her face. "I was lucky to find discounted meat. I bought some. Mom, you have to eat more." The pale woman on the bed smiled faintly and nodded. "Okay, I'll eat more." After that, Jennifer noticed that Elvis, sitting on the side, was still staring blankly out of the window while lost in thought. Jennifer frowned. She said softly, "Elvis, set up the table. It's time for lunch. Elvis. Elvis?" "Huh?"Elvis suddenly snapped out of his reverie. Noticing both his wife and daughter looking at him, he forced a smile. He rubbed his hands and stood up. "Lilian, did you bring the food back already? Let's have lunch then!" "Dad, what ha
She gently touched the scars on her face through the veil and then, with a sweet smile, began typing on the keyboard. "It would be great if I could help you. I'll be waiting for you to marry me!"As she replied to the message, her phone vibrated again. Robert asked with concern, "How did you get hold of these documents? Are you in any danger? Your safety is the most important thing!"Seeing his genuine concern, Misty felt even more convinced that her choice was right. The smile on her face seemed impossible to fade. She had done her research lately. Cosmetic surgery here was not particularly advanced, and her facial scars wouldn't be perfectly repaired even with surgery. Meanwhile, Arovia was renowned for its excellent plastic surgery industry. Although dealing with her facial scars would be troublesome, new technology could provide a complete recovery. The only deterrent was the daunting cost. No matter how regretful Matthew might feel, he wouldn't spend such a large s
She was even draped in a thin windbreaker that covered her from head to toe.Despite the light and thin fabric, it was an autumn windbreaker. Wearing it seemed unsuitable for the current season. "The car and the house both have air conditioning. How could I get heatstroke?" Misty's smile widened. Her fingers entwined around the belt of the windbreaker at her waist and gently pulled it twice. She spoke softly, "But since you want to see what's inside, I'll take it off, okay?" Following that, she pulled off her belt before Cedric. The fabric of the windbreaker was silky. After the belt came off, she shuddered, and the windbreaker slipped down from her shoulders. She wore a semi-sheer dress that draped over her skin, gently showcasing the contours of her figure in a subtle and alluring way. Then, she raised her hand and took off her hat. Her long hair was neatly arranged behind her head, revealing her forehead and a pair of seemingly innocent eyes. Below her eye
Just as she wished, Cedric felt an immediate dryness in his mouth. As the male protagonist in the book, he had indeed lived a smooth life without experiencing many setbacks.He was always the object of admiration by others since he was young.When had he ever bowed his head to anyone? Even when he failed in the competition for the heir of Garner Group, he remained the second young master of the company. No one dared to say much in front of him. Only Diana was different.Since that day, Diana had suddenly become completely different. The way she looked at him no longer held admiration, but instead, it was cold, as if she was scrutinizing him. Although she still lived with him and would occasionally show him her gentle side, that sense of discordance grew stronger. The previous Diana used to be completely submissive to him. She would believe and actively solve all his problems. But now?He seemed to have become a plaything in her hands.He was summoned at will a
He was just a poor guy with nothing but debt to his name.He had tried to recover his past memories and find his roots.He had been searching for decades, and even after getting married and having a daughter, he continued searching while struggling for a living.He never expected that just when he was gradually forgetting about this matter, life would suddenly take a new turn.This seemed a bit too dramatic. He wiped his face in silence before saying, "Of course, no problem. Not only did you guys just help me, but finding my family has also been a long-standing wish of mine. I'm willing to cooperate with whatever you need me to do." He hesitated for a moment and then added in a low voice, "I believe your wife's grandmother is really old, am I right? From what you just said, it seems her health is not great. Maybe we shouldn't disturb her before getting the results." He smiled bitterly and said, "I'm in my prime. Even if the outcome disappoints me, it's fine. But old people
Hannah didn't expect him to also have felt a sense of familiarity.Upon hearing that, she felt her heart skip a beat, feeling like the truth was gradually coming to the surface.She actually looked a lot like Eleanor.If the middle-aged man was really her uncle, even if he had been lost since childhood, wouldn't he still have memories of his biological sister's appearance?"May I ask if you are a native of Hopeldon? Were you born here?"She pursed her lips, staring at him before asking in rapid succession, "Who else is in your family? Are your parents still alive?"She asked many questions in one breath, sounding urgent and nervous.For someone she had only met for the second time, asking such questions seemed overly intrusive and might make people uncomfortable.But she couldn't care less now.Finding her uncle had been her grandmother's wish for many years.As she grew older, Hannah didn't want her to have any regrets in this life.The middle-aged man was also a little sur