Orion nodded and, while the adults were distracted, quickly tore open the gift box. Inside was just a piece of paper with a single sentence written on it.The little girl read it aloud, “If you want more presents, come to the front gate.”She pouted and huffed, “It’s a trick! We shouldn’t believe it. My mom says if someone wants to give a gift, they should do it openly. Playing games like this means they’re not sincere.”But the other kids weren’t so sure. They teased Orion, saying he was too scared to go to the gate.Frustrated, Orion turned to the girl. “Lily, do you want to come with me? If we find anything, you can pick whatever you want. It’ll all be yours.”Before Lily Frank could answer, another kid chimed in with a laugh, “Girls are always scared. I bet Lily wouldn’t dare go with you.”Neither of them could back down from a dare, so Lily immediately grabbed Orion’s hand and they headed outside.It was quiet by the front gate. Other than the parked cars of the guests, the
Nina stayed silent, but her mind was racing through the memories.Then Nash added, "Regarding that white car, we found out that it was Mr. Frank who drove it away after checking the surveillance footage.""Mr. Frank?" Nina was stunned. Wasn’t he Lily’s father? It was Lily’s birthday too today. In addition, they were in Birkham, where no one would dare cross Nash with his business connections. It didn’t make any sense for Mr. Frank to do something so reckless and ruin his own future.Nash gently pulled Nina closer. "You’re due soon, and I don’t want you stressing over this. But I promised to keep you informed, and I will."It seems Mr. Frank was taken too," he continued. "It was his enemies. They were trying to extort money from him. They didn’t expect to end up with our Orion."He sighed deeply.Nina felt a deep ache in her chest. All they wanted was to live a simple life and have their children grow up healthy and safe. How had things gone so wrong?She looked at Nash wit
The moment Mr. Frank saw Nash, he practically saw a savior. "Mr. York! I’m so sorry, this is all my fault. Your son got caught up in my mess. The kids kept asking to use the bathroom, and we lost them at a rest area."His enemies, a rival company, believed he was blocking their business, so they took this desperate step.Nash’s eyes turned cold. “Which rest area?”“It was the Grande Rest Area…” Mr. Frank racked his brain and finally remembered.Nash turned to his right-hand man, Quincy, and ordered coldly, “Round up those people and bring them back.”Not to the police, but back home where the methods of punishment would be far more severe. He wanted to make an example of them, to show everyone that messing with his family came at a steep cost.Meanwhile, Orion and Lily were hiding in the back of a truck transporting hay. The truck was only half-full, leaving just enough room for them to hide. They didn’t dare poke their heads out.Eventually, highway patrol officers spotted the
The Frank family was deeply grateful to Nash. Mr. and Mrs. Frank almost got down on their knees in front of him. "Mr. York, we owe you everything. If it weren’t for you, I really don’t know what we would’ve done!”“There’s no need to thank me,” Nash replied, dismissing their gratitude as just a small favor.He wouldn't have intervened in someone else's business if Orion hadn't been caught up in the situation. But Mr. and Mrs. Frank saw this as a golden opportunity. With Lily’s close relationship with Orion, they were determined to solidify their connection with Nash. They believed that not only could the Frank family make a comeback, but their daughter would also have a privileged, worry-free life.Although Nash wasn’t interested in getting too entangled with them, he didn’t say anything when Orion was around. Over time, business dealings between the Frank and York families began to develop. Lily eventually became Orion’s closest friend, like a sister growing up by his side.
If it weren’t for Nina’s reluctance to endure both the pain of labor and the recovery from a C-section, Nash would have insisted on going that route. After understanding the reasons behind it all, he was frustrated.He even tried to persuade her, “Even though there’s an epidural option, this constant pain is exhausting. How about we go through it just once and be done with it? If you’re worried about scars, I’ll get the best cosmetic team to take care of it. What do you think?”The daily contractions at night and occasional pain during the day were taking a toll. If Nina didn’t get enough rest, she wouldn’t have the energy to deliver the baby. It was a never-ending cycle of discomfort.But Nina was firm. “No, I want a natural birth. The baby is just taking its time. It’s not like it’s not coming out at all, and all my check-ups have been fine, haven’t they?“Natural birth recovery is much quicker. I don’t want to be bedridden for seven days after a C-section, unable to move.” She h
The baby's face was so tiny! Her cheeks were pink and wrinkled, her little fists clenched, and her mouth slightly open.The more Nina looked, the more she fell in love.She couldn’t help but think back to the day Orion was born. She had fought so hard to bring him into this world, only to have him taken away after a brief glance and be told that he had died.Five years…This time, she was determined to raise this child herself.“What should we name her?” Nina asked Nash, though she already had a name, Grace York, in mind.As she whispered the name softly, Nash kissed her forehead. “How about we give her your last name instead?”“Really?” Nina was surprised. It was still more common for children to take their father’s last name, and only recently had it become more accepted for them to take their mother’s.Nash smiled. “When have I ever lied to you? What about naming her Nira Walker?”This child was a gift from the heavens, a chance for them to make up for the past.Nina repea
Nina wasn’t willing to be separated from her newborn daughter.“Dad, it’s fine. She’s just a baby. Even if she cries, it won’t be that loud. When Orion was born, I didn’t get to be there for him, but this time I want to take care of Gemma myself. Lately, Nash and I have been so focused on everything else, and we haven’t been able to give Orion the attention he deserves. I’m going to need your help with him.”Hearing this, Pharaoh immediately placed Gemma back by Nina’s side.With a tender gaze, Nina wrapped her arms around her baby girl.“You’re being too polite. Orion is my grandson, and I’m here to spend time with him. You just take care of yourself and let the night nurse or Nash handle anything you need. You can count on me to take good care of Orion,” Pharaoh promised.Orion walked over to the bedside, leaning on the railing as he gently touched his baby sister’s cheek. “She’s so small, Mommy,” he said, his voice full of wonder.Nina felt an overwhelming sense of happiness
Freya’s eyes filled with tears, her emotions stuck in her throat, making it impossible to speak. All she could do was stand on her tiptoes and plant a kiss on Micah’s cheek.Micah grinned and leaned closer. “Just a kiss on the cheek?”Freya’s face turned red. “There are people around.”His eyes twinkled with amusement as he whispered in her ear, “Alright, but remember, tonight I expect you to be just as bold.”“You’re impossible,” Freya said, her heart racing, unsure of how to respond.Thankfully, they reached the exam room, and with no one waiting, the doctor asked Freya to go in first.About ten minutes later, Freya emerged, her eyes red and watery.Micah rushed over to her side, gently supporting her as he asked in a low voice, “What’s wrong?”Without a word, she handed him a piece of paper.Micah, assuming it was bad news about her health, began to comfort her, promising that he would always be there for her.Freya’s eyes welled up again. “Just read the results first.”A
“Whose legal documents are these?” one of the investigators asked.“They’re mine,” Jamie replied. “I’ve been using them to prepare for a competition.”After she explained the situation, the investigator handed the documents back to her and issued a warning, emphasizing that such legal materials should not be present within the company. With that, they left.The man, clearly stunned, called after them, his voice rising with disbelief. “Did you even check properly? He’s a lawyer! How can a lawyer run a company as its president? Isn’t that against the rules?” The officials followed the direction of his finger and turned to look at Ben. Their expressions shifted into something between amusement and confusion, as though the man had asked an absurd question. “His law license was revoked a long time ago,” one of them stated plainly. The man froze, then shouted in denial, “That’s impossible!” “Why would it be impossible?” The official frowned, his tone growing stern. “When his l
Ben wouldn’t let Jamie fight his battles for him.He pulled her behind him, shielding her, and addressed the crowd with a cold expression. “If that’s the case, let’s have the authorities investigate.”Jamie stared at him, stunned.She understood the saying, “A clear conscience fears no accusation.” As long as Ben had nothing to hide, there was no reason to be afraid. But these people weren’t here for the truth, they were looking for trouble. It was likely orchestrated by their defeated opponents, timed to create chaos. Even if nothing incriminating was found, the media would seize the opportunity to smear them.Ben was doing this for her, disregarding himself completely.She was touched, but also anxious. She wanted to pull him back.However, Ben wasn’t budging this time. His warm but firm hand enveloped hers, silently telling her not to stop him.“What’s the matter? Afraid?” Ben asked, his hands casually in his pockets, raising an eyebrow with a hint of defiance.The loudest
“There’s a surveillance camera overhead, just so you know,” Ben said coldly, his gaze sharp as a blade. “I get it that you’re here to stick up for Summer. But let me be clear: whatever happened between the Lucas family and the Larson family is none of your business.”He held up the empty glass, his tone unwavering. “That drink was a warning. Don’t even think about testing my limits.”Jamie was his limit—his bottom line. He wouldn’t allow anyone to harm or disrespect her.Lila’s voice rang out, dripping with mockery as she addressed the gathering crowd. “Did everyone hear that? He’s threatening me with a drink as a ‘warning.’ Anyone here would agree this behavior is out of line. And all because I said a few words?“Ben Lucas, someone like you will get what’s coming to you!” Lila snapped, her voice sharp and bitter. “Doesn’t anyone wonder why someone who was doing so well as a lawyer suddenly gave it all up to become a CEO? Doesn’t everyone know lawyers aren’t supposed to engage in b
Jamie and Ben didn’t care about anyone else’s opinions.“You really think you and Ben can last?” The woman’s tone dripped with disdain. “Don’t forget, your statuses are worlds apart. If Ben didn’t care, why would he keep bringing you to events like these? Clearly, he does care.”Jamie noticed the woman’s provocative glare. Her elegance and poise were unmistakable, but her words revealed a heart filled with malice.With a calm but cutting tone, Jamie responded, “Even if Ben does care, that’s his business, not yours. And let’s be honest, you’d never have the courage to say this in front of him, would you? So, what’s the point of saying it to me?”Jamie didn’t even bother to take the woman seriously. Her relationship with Ben was her own, and she knew better than anyone how much he valued her.The woman sneered. “Oh, trust me, I’d say it to his face. But I assumed you had some self-awareness. Clearly, I was mistaken. You’re pathetic, Jamie.”With that, she spun on her heels and walk
“I was with Nash and the others today,” Ben said as he leaned back into the couch. “Jamie, tomorrow I want to take you to an exclusive high-society gala. If there’s anything you want or need for the occasion, just let me know.”For Jamie, the idea of attending such events held little appeal. What truly mattered to her was simply being by Ben’s side. Yet, Ben seemed determined to introduce her to this world, using his connections and influence to elevate her standing and help her thrive.But Jamie’s heart leaned toward a simpler life, one focused on family and the small joys within their home.“You’ve already given me everything I could ever want—friends, a safe life, love. I don’t feel drawn to these events. Can I skip this one?” she asked gently. Spending time with Charlie and bringing him over to play with Orion sounded like a better plan.Ben’s gaze softened. “If you really don’t want to go, I’ll respect your choice. But skipping out might not look great. There will be more occa
As soon as Ben spoke, Caleb and Hunter gave him exaggerated thumbs-up. “Married with a kid, and you’re still feeling lost? You’re a real genius,” Caleb teased.Nash patted Ben on the shoulder, his tone reassuring. “You’ve got a kid now, no need to overthink it. Just do your best for her. Besides, wasn’t Jamie doing great last time she was with Nina?”Ben paused, reflecting on Jamie’s recent state. Ever since she had started focusing on what she truly wanted, stepping back from exhausting tasks, she seemed much more at ease and full of life.Caleb said, “I’m heading out of town next month for a conference. If it weren’t for that, I wouldn’t even be here today.”“I’m flying abroad tomorrow,” Hunter added quickly.Clearly, this meetup was a rare opportunity to gather before everyone got busy again.Nash glanced at the two of them with a smirk. “And you two have the nerve to tease Ben? What about you guys? When are you settling down and having kids?“Don’t tell me, by the time our k
The senior judge on the panel smiled warmly and said, “Attorney Lewis, your defense was exceptional. Your understanding and application of legal principles left a lasting impression. Your arguments were clear, your logic airtight, and you provided a fresh perspective on this case.”Other judges nodded in agreement, offering Jamie high praise for her performance. As the competition concluded, Jamie stepped off the stage to the sound of applause from the audience. Her confidence had carried her through, but the moment was disrupted by an unexpected outburst. Attorney Gray, the female lawyer she had just defeated, clenched her fists and blurted, “This is unfair!”Her microphone was still live, and her voice echoed throughout the venue, silencing the room. “This case was obviously easier for you to argue,” Attorney Gray continued. “You have connections—this is favoritism! Why hasn’t the competition been stopped despite all the online rumors?” The remark caused a ripple of mur
Jamie took a deep breath and said firmly, “The competition is about to start. I’ll rely on my expertise to make it to the end. Even if I don’t succeed, I’ll have no regrets.”With those words, she turned and walked away, her determination unwavering.As the match began, whispers rippled through the crowd, and judgmental stares followed her every move. The rumors surrounding her had painted her in an unfavorable light, and the disdain from the audience was palpable.Jamie, however, paid no mind to the negativity. With legal codes in hand and confidence in her knowledge, she stepped onto the stage and began her defense, her voice calm and commanding as she addressed the mock case.“During the altercation,” Jamie started, “evidence shows that the aggressor retained mobility and the ability to continue the attack. Miss Russell’s actions to neutralize the threat were necessary and should not be classified as excessive self-defense.” Her delivery was poised, her argument well-structure
It was obvious that someone was deliberately stirring the pot, with influencers and media outlets amplifying the negativity. Jamie stared at the barrage of critical comments online, her heart growing heavier with each passing moment.She knew the best course of action was to ignore baseless accusations and focus on the task at hand—her next competition round. With the match scheduled for the next day, she resolved to give it her all. Jamie refused to let the rumors distract her. The next day, she arrived at the competition venue with her confidence intact, ready to tackle the challenges ahead. The preliminary rounds were grueling, with one debate following another, testing her endurance and resolve.Just as she was catching her breath, Attorney Freeman sauntered over, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Well, well, looks like we’ve got someone who used connections to get in. Makes you wonder why the rest of us even bother trying, doesn’t it?”His words immediately drew the atten