Before Orion could respond, the woman continued, "Look at them, doting over your sister. They haven’t even looked your way."She clearly had ulterior motives.Freya stepped in, pulling Orion aside and shooting back at the woman, “Ma’am, that’s not how it is. My sister and brother-in-law adore both their children equally. Please don’t spread nonsense.”The woman sneered, sizing up Freya with disdain. “You’re not Mrs. York, so how would you know? It’s obvious they favor the daughter more. Was there this much fuss when Orion was born? I don’t recall seeing any of this.”Orion scoffed, “Just because you didn’t see it doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. And unless you’re my parents, how would you know how much they love me?”Freya gave him a discreet thumbs-up.The woman, still not ready to back down, opened her mouth to say more, but Orion cut her off.Raising his chin, his eyes met hers with a defiant gleam. “I’m guessing your parents didn’t care much about you, did they? That’s probabl
Since their shared ordeal, the bond between Quincy and Lydia had become an unspoken understanding. They confirmed their feelings for each other and worked side by side. In a relationship, maintaining a healthy balance was crucial. Too much distance would breed longing, but too much closeness could lead to conflicts. However, they rarely argued and faced every challenge together, both in and out of the office.After work, they would have dinner, watch movies, and even commute together. Quincy felt that, at this point in his life, it was time to give Lydia a meaningful commitment. It was a promise not just to her but also to their future together.“Quincy has been with Mr. York for so many years, he’s practically family. Proposing tonight feels so right, like seeing a flower finally bloom!”“Quincy is Mr. York’s right-hand man, and we’ve all witnessed his impressive abilities firsthand!”“This really is a double celebration! Mr. York’s most trusted ally finding happiness, what
Mr. Fay’s dark eyes seemed to pierce right through Quincy. “No matter how successful you are in your career, you're still just someone working for others. My daughter deserves the best. Just because she chose to gain some experience on her own doesn’t mean she’s an ordinary person.”His voice remained calm, almost devoid of emotion, but the words were sharp and cutting.Quincy had earned respect from many due to his outstanding abilities and his close association with Nash York. People regarded him highly, partly because of Nash and partly because of his own competence. Nash, known for his high standards, wouldn’t keep anyone around who wasn’t exceptional.But in Mr. Fay’s eyes, Quincy was still not good enough.Quincy remained composed. “I’ve known Lydia’s background since the day she joined us. We both earned our positions through hard work. If you think my current job isn’t good enough for her, I can start my own business. But I owe everything I have today to Mr. York, and I pla
Lydia wrapped her arms around Quincy. “I joined York Corporation to gain some experience. And with your help, I’ve learned so much. But I always knew I’d leave one day. Quincy, I want to see you reach your full potential, not be limited by someone else’s shadow. Do you understand what I’m saying?”She wanted him to succeed, but if he chose to stay, she wouldn’t push him. Still, she couldn’t help but wonder why he would limit himself when he had the ability to go so much further.“I understand, but Lydia, I’ve committed to following Mr. York for life. I’ll do my best to gain your father’s approval. But if, in the end, he still doesn’t accept me...”Before Quincy could finish, Lydia’s face turned serious. “Quincy, you’ve been through so much. Just because my dad says no, you’re going to give up?”She was frustrated. They had been through so much together. And now, just because her father disapproved, he was ready to walk away?Quincy pressed his lips together and spoke softly, “It’s
Quincy had proposed to Lydia at Gemma’s first month celebration, and Nash hadn’t forgotten. The two of them were more than just his right and left hand, they were a perfect couple.“Honestly, it might not happen,” Quincy confessed.Nash immediately realized that Lydia’s parents were the issue. Usually, it was the groom’s parents who were eager for the wedding, especially considering Quincy wasn’t exactly young anymore.Nash gave Quincy a supportive pat on the shoulder. “Time reveals all. Here’s what we’ll do. I’m giving you some time off. Go win your girl. If her father wants you to take over the family business, go for it. I’ll bring up a new team here. None of this is more important than your life.”Nash meant every word. Quincy had been with him for over a decade, not just as an assistant but as a friend, a brother, and family. If a better opportunity came along for Quincy, Nash would not only be happy for him but would even help pave the way.“If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t
Mrs. Fay hadn’t expected Quincy to be so determined. She decided it was time to lay everything out clearly. “Quincy, if you were a parent, given the choice between someone already successful and someone still trying to make it, who would you choose?”“I’d choose the former,” Quincy replied honestly. “But Mrs. Fay, I’m asking for a chance. I’m not just some aimless dreamer.” He sat upright, his posture radiating confidence and resolve.He was impressive, handsome, articulate, with the demeanor of a true professional. His presence alone reflected his time spent working alongside Nash. No matter how capable Quincy was, he couldn’t measure up to Nash. Nash had the entire York family behind him, along with the powerful connections from Nina’s father and his own influential background. Even though Nash deeply trusted Quincy and valued his contributions, Quincy was still just an assistant. There was no way Nash would ever hand over the York Corporation to him.Quincy, for his part, w
Mrs. Fay’s expression turned stern as she addressed Lydia sharply, “I’ve arranged a blind date for you, and your date will be here soon. If you don’t want your father to lock you up at home, you’d better cooperate.”Though she sat calmly on the sofa, her piercing gaze and commanding presence left no room for argument.Just then, Mr. Fay, who had been pretending to be ill, emerged from the room.“Your mother is being kind. If it were up to me, I’d be even harsher. If Quincy keeps showing up, I won’t hesitate to have him thrown out.”Lydia’s breath caught in her throat. She never imagined these words could come from her own parents. They were well-educated, successful people, yet here they were, saying such things and even trying to force her into a blind date.What did they take her for?Some commodity to be traded?Lydia let out a bitter laugh. “The Fay family is already powerful. Just how much is enough? When will you ever be satisfied?”She scoffed bitterly. “And why not go a
Mr. Fay clutched his chest, his voice pained. “Lydia, you’d go this far for a man? You’d hurt your parents like this?”Mrs. Fay, equally panicked, pleaded, “Lydia, put the knife down. Your father’s health isn’t good. Please, don’t make him worry anymore!”But Lydia didn’t lower the knife. Instead, she let out a bitter laugh. “You’re asking me not to hurt him, not to hurt you. But what about me? Have you thought about the fact that you’re hurting me? I’ve always been the obedient daughter, doing everything to make you happy.“Even when I took the job as a secretary at York Corporation, it was because you wanted me to gain some experience. But now, what’s it turned into?“I never dated in college, never had a boyfriend. Now I’ve finally found someone I love, and Quincy treats me so well. Why can’t I be with him?“Is Quincy such a terrible person?”If he were, Nash wouldn’t have trusted and mentored him all these years. Quincy was capable and respected in the industry, with many com
No one knew how much longer Pharaoh had, but the moment a child took root in Freya’s womb or an embryo successfully developed, it would bring him a small sense of peace.Freya and Micah were determined. With the hospital director, Wilfred, personally overseeing their case, there was little room for doubt or objection. The egg retrieval process was excruciatingly painful for Freya. Micah’s heart ached for her, but he had already spoken with Pharaoh, and Pharaoh silently supported the decision. Micah felt a deep sense of guilt. “Freya, I’m sorry for putting you through this. You’ve seen Dad’s condition. I just… I don’t want him to…”He couldn’t finish the sentence. Even as a rational man, defining such a moment for his own father was too difficult. Freya embraced him, her voice steady and reassuring. “You don’t need to apologize. I’m willing to do this for you, for our family.”She knew that Micah’s push for this wasn’t selfish. It was out of love and an earnest wish to ease his
“Don’t say such things! You’re not going to die!" Nina held back her tears, fearing that once they started, she wouldn’t be able to stop.Pharaoh smiled calmly. “Life and death are natural parts of the world. Everyone has to face it eventually. But I’ve been lucky. I found you, reunited with you, got to be part of your life, and even earned your forgiveness. I’ve already lived a fulfilled life.“All right, let’s eat. No more heavy talk.” Pharaoh seemed wary of his own emotions, not wanting his words to bring him to tears.“Okay,” Nina agreed, swallowing her emotions and putting on a brave face. She made sure the two children stayed close to Pharaoh, their laughter a comforting distraction.The next day around noon, Micah and Freya arrived. Seeing them, Pharaoh immediately guessed they had come at Nina’s urging.“You both came? The Yaren Tribe is so busy right now, especially during this critical development phase. Didn’t I tell you to focus on the important work first?” Pharaoh sa
“Fish stew isn’t good for you right now. You need to eat lighter meals,” Nina said, trying to balance Pharaoh’s preferences with his health.Pharaoh smiled warmly. “Lately, everything tastes like nothing. I’d really like to eat something flavorful.”Before Nina could respond, Nash placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder and spoke up. “Let’s get you discharged, and once we’re home, Nina can cook it for you.”“Alright,” Pharaoh agreed, leaving Nina with no room to argue.Nash drove them home while Pharaoh held baby Scarlett in his arms. Meanwhile, Scarlett and Nina said their goodbyes at the hospital, parting ways.Once they arrived home, Nina went straight into the kitchen, and Nash joined her to help. “Dad’s not looking great,” Nash said quietly as he chopped vegetables. “If he wants to be home, let him. Whatever he wants to eat, whatever requests he has, let’s just give him that. And call your brother and tell him to come.”Nash’s words carried a weight that Nina couldn’t ign
Scarlett wasn’t swayed by Nina’s attempts to persuade her to stay, and Nina decided not to press further. After finishing lunch, Nina, Scarlett, and the children headed to the hospital to visit Pharaoh, with Nash driving them.Pharaoh had expressed a desire to move back home, but Nina firmly refused. At the hospital, his condition could be monitored around the clock, and Nina wasn’t willing to take any risks with his health. She couldn’t bear the thought of any sudden emergencies.Pharaoh’s face lit up when he saw the children. Orion clung to her grandfather, while little Gemma sat happily in his arms. Pharaoh gently pinched her cheeks, and she responded with a bright, toothy grin.“Pharaoh, am I really that invisible?” Scarlett teased, noticing how he only seemed to have eyes for the kids.Pharaoh finally turned his attention to Scarlett. “It’s been ages since I last saw you. My old eyes must be failing me. I didn’t even notice you. Sorry about that.”Scarlett smiled warmly. “Don
“The military is the military, but this is my home. Now that you’re here, there’s no way I’m letting you be treated poorly,” Nina said, holding Scarlett’s hand warmly. It had been a long time since they had seen each other, and seeing Scarlett now reminded her of Yvonne.Scarlett chuckled. “You could never treat me poorly. But I heard Pharaoh has been unwell. How is he doing?”“He’s undergoing chemotherapy,” Nina replied with a sigh. “With cancer, you never really know. Some people survive for decades, while others have only days after their diagnosis.”“I’d like to visit him,” Scarlett said. Despite everything, she felt a deep sense of gratitude toward Pharaoh. After all, he and Wilfred had trained her. Even though her past with Sawyer had been painful, it was behind her now. Everyone was trying to move forward.“Let’s eat first. I’ll take you to see him after,” Nina offered.“All right,” Scarlett agreed.Nina decided that leaving everything to the helper wasn’t enough. She
Ben looked at Jamie and asked, “Are you sure you can manage this on your own? Mom’s condition makes it hard to care for her without help. Turning her over in bed alone won’t be easy without a nurse.”Jamie’s lips curved into a faint smile. “Did you forget what I used to do? I’ve handled far worse jobs to pay for Charlie’s medical bills. Compared to that, this is nothing.”Her words tugged painfully at Ben’s heart. Jamie had carried the entire family’s burden on her own in the past, and the thought of her enduring so much made him ache.“I’m sorry… for everything before. You’ve been through so much,” he said in a low, hoarse voice.Jamie waved it off with a light laugh. “This isn’t some grand apology ceremony. Besides, haven’t we agreed to leave the past where it belongs?”Just as she finished speaking, her phone rang. It was Nina.“Come over with Charlie,” Nina said over the phone. “Gemma keeps asking about her little brother.”Nina genuinely considered Jamie a friend, and besid
Winnie gave a faint smile. “I’ve already let it go. But think about it, you’re now living a high-profile life as part of an influential family. Do you really want the media constantly digging into your past because of me?”She spoke calmly, but the weight of her words hit Jamie like a stone. Linda and Winnie were destined to live in the shadows.Jamie understood what Winnie was saying, but she also knew that no one could choose the circumstances of their birth. And she, for one, would never turn her back on her mother or her sister.“Winnie…” Jamie tried to argue, but Winnie interrupted her.“Don’t start, sis. Living a good life is the best thing you can do for both of us.“And even if I don’t leave now, I’ll have to eventually. You might be able to keep me here for a year, maybe two, but you can’t control my life forever. Right now, I just want a bit of freedom and to take Mom with me. I’ve already made up my mind, so let’s not waste time going in circles.”Jamie hesitated for a
Leaving was the best choice for Winnie.“But that’s all in the past. You can’t stay away forever. Winnie, you’re my only sister,” Jamie said, her throat tight, her voice heavy with emotion.Ben, overhearing her conversation, gently patted her shoulder, giving her an encouraging look.Jamie hesitated but quickly made up her mind. “Winnie, wait for me. I’m coming to see you now. If you’re really going to leave, you at least owe me a proper goodbye in person.”Without waiting for a reply, Jamie dashed out of the hospital room, leaving Ben, Mrs. Lucas, and Charlie behind.Charlie wanted to go with her. He adored his aunt, and she had always been so kind to him. But he held himself back, knowing now wasn’t the time to cause trouble. *Winnie wanted to take their mother away, and Jamie was sure that Winnie was with Linda now.Jamie hurried to where Winnie was, her heart racing. When she arrived, she spotted her sister immediately. Winnie smiled. It was a bittersweet expression tha
Previously, when Ben and Jamie were separated, they had both suffered deeply. In his desperation, Ben had even used the name Jack to get close to Winnie, a decision that nearly cost him his chance to be with Jamie.Mrs. Lucas’s voice was hoarse as she spoke, her guilt spilling out. “Even if we’re moving forward, we can’t completely forget the past. I’ve been a terrible person. Now you’re both taking care of me, but I know how busy you are. You don’t have to waste your time here with me. Focus on your own lives.”She genuinely didn’t want to take up their time, but how could Jamie just leave Mrs. Lucas unattended? And with Jamie determined to stay, Ben had no intention of leaving either. After all, the woman lying on that hospital bed was his mother.“If we don’t take care of you, who will?” Jamie said firmly. “Don’t say things like that. Right now, the most important thing is for you to recover. And if you don’t, who’s going to watch over Charlie?”Ben reached out, gently rufflin