In the afternoon, Justin’s private jet landed back in Lincourt City. On the way home, his phone rang—it was his mother, Heidi.“Hello, Mom,” Justin answered.“Are you free tonight after work? Come home and have dinner with me. It’s been ages since I’ve seen you,” Heidi said, not waiting for his reply before continuing. “And don’t try to use work as an excuse. I already called your secretarial team. They told me you don’t have any meetings, events, or overtime scheduled for tonight.”Justin’s expression darkened as he shot a warning glance at Sam in the front passenger seat. Catching his boss’s stern look in the rearview mirror, Sam understood the message loud and clear: “Keep your team in check.”Awkwardly, Sam rubbed the bridge of his nose. How was he supposed to know one of the assistants would leak his boss’s schedule to Heidi? Now he was caught in the crossfire.“Mom, if you miss me, I’ll come visit. But you can’t keep using that as an excuse to sneakily set me up on blind dat
In Haven State, Justin and Zac had just wrapped up a busy morning of work and were stepping out of the central hospital building when a small figure darted toward them from across the street. “Hi! I got separated from my aunt. Can I borrow your phone to call her?” It was Alex. From afar, he had already spotted these two men. One of them exceptionally handsome. Definitely someone who would match his mom perfectly. “Oh? Where’d this little guy come from?” Zac walked over, ruffling Alex’s hair. He turned to Justin and asked, “Do you know him?” Justin shook his head, his tone cool and detached. “No.” That cold, detached voice—why did it sound so familiar? Alex wondered, squinting at Justin thoughtfully. He couldn’t quite place it, so he decided not to dwell on it. Alex never liked making things hard for himself. Zac scanned the area, frowning. “What’s your name? Where are your parents? How could they lose track of you like this?“Tell you what,” Zac continued. “How ab
“Hello, Aunt!” Alex’s cheerful voice came through the phone. Helen froze mid-step as she was about to push the door open, her heart plunging into freefall like a roller coaster. Hearing Alex’s voice brought her crashing back to solid ground. “Alex, where did you go? Do you have any idea how worried I was when you disappeared?” Helen’s voice trembled, a mix of relief and frustration. The thought of losing Alex on her watch terrified her. How could she face her sister, or the entire family, if something had happened to him? “Um…” Alex’s big, expressive eyes darted nervously, guilt flashing across his face. “Uh-oh, Aunt Helen sounds mad,” he thought to himself.Justin and Zac stood nearby, keeping an eye on Alex as he made the call. Worried that Alex might struggle to explain their location, Justin reached out, ready to take the phone and provide the address himself. But just as his hand extended, Alex confidently recited their exact location into the phone, his words cl
“Oh, okay, Aunt,” Alex replied obediently, handing the phone back to Justin. Although Alex didn’t understand why his aunt didn’t come over to thank them—something he found quite impolite—he knew he couldn’t afford to be rude himself. With a polite smile, he sincerely said, “Thank you, Mr. Yates and Mr. White. My aunt is waiting for me over there, so I’ll head back now.”Justin frowned, his concern evident. What kind of parent or guardian lets a child wander off and doesn’t even come to fetch them? Letting the kid walk back alone felt irresponsible.“We’ll walk you over,” he said firmly, unwilling to let the child go by himself.Alex waved his hand. “It’s fine, Mr. Yates. It’s really close! I’ll call you when I get home, okay?” A glimmer of mischief flashed in Alex’s big, sparkling eyes. Now that he had Mr. Yates’s phone number, staying in touch wouldn’t be a problem. “Alright, but be careful. We’ll watch you until you’re safe.”“Got it!” Alex chirped, jogging to the corner be
When Sean first saw them again at university, he was thrilled. However, when he learned that Haley had children and that she had been pregnant during the earthquake, his emotions took a heavy toll. That night, he returned to his dorm and cried in private. Haley’s survival and her safe delivery were nothing short of miraculous, but the thought of her enduring so much pain enraged him. He cursed Justin inwardly for being such a bastard. The next morning, when they crossed paths again, Sean’s eyes were visibly swollen. After graduating, Sean chose to stay in Merika State, where he launched a tech company that quickly became a major success. Meanwhile, Haley and Helen teamed up to open an art gallery. Haley’s name made a triumphant return to the art scene, with her focusing on her creations while Helen managed operations and acted as her agent. *At the gallery, Haley donned an apron and worked alongside her team, arranging paintings and preparing the exhibition space for an up
Haley slumped into the front passenger seat, exhaustion etched on her face. Helen started the car and handed her a coffee. “Here, sis, I got you a coffee. Take a sip to perk up.”“Alex, hand the coffee to your mom,” Helen instructed.“Okay,” Alex replied, carefully passing the coffee from the back seat. “Thanks, Alex,” Haley said with a tired smile, taking the cup from him.Lately, her time had been consumed by preparations for the art exhibition, leaving little room to spend with her children. The family had stepped in to help. Alex stayed with Helen, while Chase spent time with Wilfred. They were now on their way to pick up Chase and Wilfred. Tonight, Evelyn had booked a table at a restaurant to celebrate Haley’s upcoming art show, wishing her success in advance. Over the past five years, Haley’s life had been smooth and fulfilling, free of worries and full of support.In Wilfred’s office, he was wrapping up his work while Chase sat at a small desk nearby, studying business m
“Hello, Mom.”“Where have you been? I messaged you to meet at the restaurant, and why didn’t you go? Do you know that poor girl has been waiting for you forever?” Heidi’s angry voice came through the phone. This time, she hadn’t set him up with some heiress from a wealthy family. Instead, she had found a girl who bore a striking resemblance to Emily.“Mom, didn’t I tell you already? I’m not interested in blind dates.”“At least give me the courtesy of checking her out! Show a little respect for me, will you?” Heidi ranted, so agitated that she felt like her heart might give out. “If you weren’t going to show up, you could’ve just told me!”Justin sighed. His schedule was packed, and he genuinely hadn’t had a moment to check his messages. As he glanced around, he thought he caught sight of Alex’s small figure out of the corner of his eye. Squinting, he looked again, but all he saw was a potted plant nearby. Maybe he had imagined it. Distractedly, he replied, “Fine, Mom. When I g
Justin pushed open the private dining room door, carrying Alex in his arms. The reactions around the table were varied. The female business partner, in particular, looked utterly shocked. Spotting Alex was as if she had seen someone incredibly influential. It hadn’t crossed her mind that they might know the Walker family.Zac was momentarily surprised to see Justin walk in with a child, but the moment he recognized Alex, it all made sense. His tone turned casual as he remarked, “How’d you run into Alex?”He stood, giving up his seat to make room for them.Justin settled into his seat, placing Alex on his lap rather than letting him sit separately. Alex didn’t mind at all. He was quite content to stay where he was. Noticing Alex might be hungry, Justin picked up a fork and began offering him small bites of food. He even instructed the server to bring a fresh set of utensils for Alex. Once Alex was taken care of, Justin turned to Zac and responded, “I bumped into him while I was o
Xena apologizing? Did the sun rise in the west today? Wasn’t she flat-out denying everything just yesterday?Haley lowered her gaze briefly before heading back downstairs to the living room. Calmly, she said, “Let them in.”In the living room, Haley took the seat of honor, while Mrs. Gibson and Xena sat on the lower seats. Only after the maid served tea did they finally speak.“Oh my, Miss Haley, your home is so warm and full of artistic charm! It’s like stepping into the royal gallery in Yonwood!” Mrs. Gibson’s eyes darted around, searching for something to compliment in an attempt to close the distance. Then she added, “Is Mr. Wilfred home? He’s not around, is he?”Haley gave her a cold, detached look and didn’t answer the question. Instead, she said, “Mrs. Gibson, if you have something to say, please get straight to the point.”Mrs. Gibson chuckled nervously, lowering her head slightly. “Well, after last night’s banquet, we looked into the matter and found that, indeed, m
Justin stared at his phone, reluctant to put it down, unaware he had already been blocked. He hadn't dared to use his usual number to call her—he was too afraid. Afraid she wouldn’t answer. On the drive back to Villa One, Justin couldn’t stop replaying the night in his head, wondering how he should approach her, what he could possibly say. He had messed up at the Gibson estate. He had been too emotional, too impulsive. He never should have kissed her the moment they met. It was his fault. If he continued behaving this way, she would only grow to despise him. His heart pounded relentlessly in his chest. But it wasn’t just from guilt—it was because of her. She was alive. He had felt her presence, seen her with his own eyes. She was alive. In his overwhelming excitement, Justin completely ignored what Haley had said to him earlier: “Don’t bother me again!” *Helen lay in bed, clutching her Ultraman plushie with a troubled expression. She couldn’t stop
Haley grabbed a bottle of red wine and a wine glass, returning to her bedroom. She slid open the floor-to-ceiling windows, carrying the bottle with her as she stepped onto the balcony. Pouring herself a glass, she leaned quietly against the railing, resting on her elbows as she gazed out into the night.Mistletoe Villa was part of a historic cluster of homes not far from the city center. Built in varying styles inspired by different countries, the villas dated back to the pre-war era and carried rich historical significance. The neighborhood itself, also called Mistletoe Lane, offered a clear view of the city's skyline. From her vantage point, Haley could see the iconic ocean-inspired architecture of Lincourt City lit up against the night—her favorite being the statue of the mermaid.The cool night breeze tousled her freshly washed hair, which fell softly down her back. She took a small sip of wine, her gaze lingering on the cityscape she hadn't seen in so long. The city had change
After a moment of pondering, Alex tilted his head, fiddling with his Ultraman toy, and suddenly asked, “Mommy, did you have fun at the banquet? Did you meet anyone… strange?”During dinner, he had overheard bits of Helen’s conversation with Zac, but only half-understood it, so he could only use "strange" to describe his vague impression.Haley’s gaze flickered subtly as she watched the TV.Helen, sitting nearby and playing with Alex, discreetly glanced up, nervously observing her sister’s reaction.Wilfred remained composed, unbothered, as he calmly loosened his tie.“There wasn’t anyone strange,” Haley said evenly, her eyes still fixed on the TV screen. “It was just a group of unfamiliar businessmen and politicians. Nothing different from the usual banquets.”Her voice was calm, her attention seemingly absorbed in the melodramatic soap opera playing on the screen—a show Helen was currently hooked on. On the screen, the male and female leads were reuniting three years after a
Mr. Gibson rose to his feet, following his father. “Mom, I don’t want to go and apologize. It’s too humiliating!” Xena grumbled, her brows furrowed in defiance. Hearing his daughter’s remark, Mr. Gibson halted mid-step and turned around, pointing at her in fury. “If you don’t go, I’ll beat you to death tomorrow!” he thundered. Xena cowered under her father’s glare, trembling in fear. *The car pulled up to Mistletoe Villa, and Haley and Wilfred stepped into their home.In the living room, Alex and Helen were busy unwrapping packages. A mountain of toys spilled out, their bright colors scattered across the room. It was obvious Helen had taken Alex out shopping while Haley wasn’t home. “Mommy, these are from Aunt Helen’s boyf—” Alex began excitedly, only to have Helen clap a hand over his mouth in panic. Alex wriggled in her arms, flailing his little arms in protest as his eyes widened in frustration. Helen was bullying him again, taking advantage of being an adult
After the banquet, the Gibson family gathered in the third-floor sitting room. The household staff kept their distance, giving the family privacy. Mr. Gibson Sr. sat at the head of the sofa, his cloudy eyes dark and piercing as he glared at Xena, seated furthest from him. Any familial warmth in his gaze had long since disappeared. Xena shrank into herself, trying to hide behind her mother for protection.“You’re utterly useless,” Ethan snapped, his tone sharp and filled with disdain. “You can’t even keep yourself from offending someone! What exactly are you good for?”“Ethan, that’s enough,” Mrs. Gibson said defensively, shielding her daughter.Xena, though fearful, felt a pang of injustice. She kept silent, biting back her tears.“You’re the one who spoiled her!” Ethan retorted angrily. “If you hadn’t coddled her so much, she wouldn’t be so rude, selfish, and out of control!” His frustration mounted as he thought about the evening’s debacle, especially in front of someone as
In the presence of guests, Mr. Gibson Sr. refrained from openly reprimanding his granddaughter. “I’m not going!” Xena stubbornly retorted, her neck stiff with defiance. “It’s not my fault! How was I supposed to know she was Wilfred’s sister when she didn’t even say so when she came in?”“You still think you’re in the right?” Mr. Gibson Sr. shot to his feet, raising his cane as if to strike her.Mrs. Gibson hurriedly stepped in, blocking him. “Dad, what are you doing? Can’t we talk this out? Besides, Justin’s still here.”Mr. Gibson Sr. paused, turning to look at Justin, realizing belatedly that his daughter-in-law wasn’t just making excuses—Justin was indeed still in the room. His anger deflated slightly as he lowered his cane and sighed heavily. “Justin, I’m sorry you had to witness this.”“Take care of your health, Mr. Gibson Sr. I’ll be heading out now,” Justin replied politely.“See him out,” Mr. Gibson Sr. said, glancing at Mrs. Gibson.“No need. It’s not my first time h
“Surveillance didn’t catch it? Well, I did.”Justin emerged from the room Haley had just used to change, pushing the door open deliberately. Though his words were aimed at Xena, his unwavering gaze was locked on Wilfred.“Haley? So she’s calling herself Haley now? Which Haley and which spelling, exactly?” Justin thought to himself.Mrs. Gibson murmured quietly to herself, “Why is he coming out of that room?”Haley narrowed her eyes at Justin, a silent warning for him not to speak recklessly. Justin returned her gaze, refusing to back down. Was she really so desperate to avoid Wilfred suspecting anything about their relationship? Were they that close? Did she love Wilfred that much? The thought was a dagger to Justin’s heart, though he betrayed no emotion on his face.Wilfred frowned slightly, glancing at Justin with an inscrutable expression.Justin, however, met his gaze head-on, his demeanor defiant, as if to say: “So what? She’s mine to take, and Haley will only ev
However, Xena had always been used to getting her way, disregarding rules or consequences. Her trembling wasn’t out of fear of Haley but the dread of her threats being exposed for everyone to see. “This wretched woman—so this is where she was setting her trap!” she silently cursed.“Check the surveillance!” Mr. Gibson Sr. banged his cane decisively. As the head of the family, he had hoped this matter would be resolved with a simple apology from Xena. But given how far things had escalated, only clarity from the surveillance footage could restore order. Haley’s confidence made him wonder if everything she claimed was indeed true. He had spent a lifetime protecting his reputation. Now, in his twilight years, Xena was dragging his name through the mud. “This…” Mrs. Gibson hesitated, her eyes darting nervously. “The surveillance cameras… they’re broken.” Mr. Gibson Sr.’s sharp gaze turned toward her. Mrs. Gibson’s voice trembled as she stammered out an explanation. “They br