"What's wrong, Rose? It's been so long since we've seen each other. Can't I give you a hug?" Sebastian asked.After all, they were husband and wife. But why was she looking at him with such a distant gaze?Could her interactions with Theodore in the past three months have changed her?Sebastian was aware of what Rosalie had been doing in Melrine. She frequently had meals with Theodore. However, they did nothing beyond dining together—otherwise, Sebastian would have exploded with anger long ago.Even so, just the thought of the two of them sharing meals was enough to bother him. He had been stewing in frustration back home.However, he couldn't go to Melrine. He was currently wanted there. Theodore certainly didn't hold back."Sebastian, thank you for taking care of Steve while I was away.""There's no need for such formalities. He's my child too," Sebastian replied. "He's been crying non-stop. Let me hold him for a bit."Sebastian reached out to take the child, but Rosalie took a step
The baby, so lively when awake, became equally sleepy when tired and quickly drifted off to sleep."Rose, what do you mean by what you just said? Are you really concerned about something like blood relations? Do you think Theodore—""Sebastian, let's talk outside," Rosalie interrupted, worried they might wake the baby.Sebastian suppressed his anger. "Fine."The two left the nursery.Sebastian immediately grabbed Rosalie's hand. "Rose, what's going on with you? If there's something on your mind, tell me. We can work through it together."Rosalie pulled her hand away. "I plan to move out with the baby. I'll take care of him from now on."Sebastian froze, unable to believe what he had just heard. He stared at Rosalie in shock. "What…what did you say?"After a moment of silence, Rosalie said, "Sebastian, you've recovered now. I think it's time for me to move out.""Are you insane?" Sebastian's face darkened instantly. "Have you forgotten what you promised me? You agreed to stay with me an
"What exactly did Theodore say to you? Did you believe him?" Sebastian questioned.Rosalie suddenly chuckled. "Sebastian. Every time something happens, I always stand by your side. But how have you treated me in return?""Don't believe Theodore!" Sebastian exclaimed, rushing forward to grab her shoulders. "Whatever he said to you is a lie. He's trying to slander me! If you believe him—""I believe the evidence!" Rosalie forcefully pushed him away. "I've seen the video."Sebastian's face was filled with shock. He clenched his fists so tightly that his knuckles cracked audibly.Damn that Theodore—was he really that impatient? Sebastian never should have left Rosalie in Melrine, but at the time, his primary concern had been avoiding arrest by the police. He had fled in haste without thinking things through."Sebastian, why did you lie to me? Why do you always pin the blame on Theodore? And now you've given me such a big shock, revealing your true self. How could you do something like tha
Whether it was Theodore or Sebastian, Rosalie only wanted to stay far away from both. She could raise Steve on her own.As Rosalie turned to leave, Sebastian rushed forward and embraced her from behind. "Rose, don't go! Listen to me—please, just listen!""What else is there to say? The evidence is clear. There's nothing left to explain. Are you going to say you didn't do it? Are you going to claim the video is fake?" Rosalie said."Rosalie, the video is real. I did do those things, but I was desperate at that time! You have no idea how worried I was about you. I was going crazy trying to find you. I had no other choice but to go to Theodore. I thought he had imprisoned you, so I acted impulsively! Rose, I'm sorry! I'm really sorry!" he begged.Sebastian turned Rosalie around to face him, his eyes filled with panic. "I know I was wrong. I really was too anxious back then. Since you've seen the video, then you must have also seen what happened after. Theodore took the gun and beat me up
For three months, Rosalie had bottled everything up, not daring to say or reveal much. Every time she spoke with Sebastian, her tone and demeanor were normal.Now that she was back, she could no longer hold it in."Rose." Sebastian wanted to say more, but Rosalie turned around and said, "Stop trying to persuade me. Stop asking me to stay. I'm begging you, Sebastian!"Sebastian clenched his fists tightly.Seeing that he didn't stop her, Rosalie turned to leave. However, after only a few steps, she suddenly heard a loud bang behind her.Her heart jolted violently. She recognized that sound—it was unmistakably a gunshot.Rosalie turned around and saw blood gushing out of Sebastian's chest. He staggered back a few steps before collapsing to the ground with a heavy thud.Rosalie covered her mouth, staring in shock at Sebastian lying on the ground. She was completely frozen.Sebastian struggled to extend his hand toward her. "Rose, please don't go… Don't leave.""Sebastian!" Rosalie rushed o
Rosalie fixed her gaze that was filled with exhaustion on him for a long time before finally asking, "Tell me the truth. Did you return to Blencalgo to avoid going to jail?"Sebastian knew he couldn't hide it any longer, so he could only admit it. "Yes. I was worried Theodore would report me to the police, so I returned. I didn't want to stay in Melrine. At the time, I was just impulsive—I never really intended to kill him."To Rosalie, whether Sebastian acted impulsively or genuinely intended to harm Theodore, she felt utterly drained and had no desire to continue being with him.But now, Sebastian was injured. He had shot himself in the chest as if he had no regard for his life. Rosalie felt both sorrowful and terrified.After a long silence, she asked, "Then how did you know Theodore was planning to report you to the police? You returned just in time. Who tipped you off?"Sebastian was silent for a few seconds before replying, "I bribed someone close to him, and they gave me the war
"Don't apologize to me anymore. You should apologize to yourself for hurting yourself." Rosalie stood up. "I'm leaving now.""Rose." Sebastian grabbed her hand. "Will you and Steve still move out?""Why are you asking me this? Did you shoot yourself as a desperate measure to stop me and Steve from moving out?""How can you say that? No one would use their own life as a desperate measure. I could die at any moment! I admit that I don't want you to leave, but I didn't have such intentions at all.""Since there's no such intention, then don't ask me questions like this anymore. I'll move out with Steve temporarily. I think we both need some time to calm down.""Do you still want a divorce?" Sebastian asked."If I say I do, will you shoot yourself again to threaten me?""Rose, this isn't a threat. It really isn't." Sebastian's face was pale, and his tone was urgent. "I only did it to make up for pointing my gun at Theodore.""Fine, I believe you," Rosalie said. "I believe you shot yourself
Not long after Rosalie left, Geoffrey arrived at the hospital.Seeing Sebastian injure himself, Geoffrey was very displeased."You're willing to go this far for a woman? Are you even my son? I thought you'd learn to be smarter, but instead, you've become more and more foolish. If I had known this would happen, I wouldn't have arranged for you to marry Rosalie. You almost lost your life!"No matter what, Sebastian was still his son. In Geoffrey's heart, he was certainly more important than anyone else."Dad, I'm not that stupid. The bullet didn't hit my heart. I won't let myself die. I just want to win Rose back," Sebastian retorted. "Did you win her back?" Geoffrey asked coldly. "She still wants a divorce. How are you going to end this?""Divorce?" Sebastian laughed. "She can forget about it. Just wait and see. Once I kill Theodore, let's see what else she can hold onto! I love her so much, I'm willing to raise Steve for her. What more could she want? I made one mistake, and she's tre
Xyla pleaded with her mother, tears streaming down her face."Mom, I'm begging you. Don't keep doing such foolish things. If Sydney is still alive, please let her go, won't you? It isn't too late to stop now, I'm begging you.""You're such a fool," Chandra scoffed, wishing Xyla was bolder. "How could you be so weak?""I'm not weak. I just don't want to be bogged down by the past. I'm begging you, let her go before things get worse. Or else, if things blow up, you'll have no escape. She isn't any ordinary person. If she dies, you'll…""Shut up!" Chandra cut her daughter off. "No one will know if you don't say anything! Don't worry, I did it flawlessly. Just tell me honestly. What exactly did you see in my room?"Upon hearing the commotion outside, Chandra woke up. When she switched the lights on, she realized that her phone screen was facing up. She then recalled that her son had come over today, and his expression wasn't right.Immediately, she became alert and went to her daught
Xyla returned to her room, drenched in cold sweat. She never imagined her mother would do something like this.She opened the photo she had just taken. This must be Sydney.What kind of treatment was she enduring? Her mother was truly terrifying!Xyla swallowed hard, and immediately sent the photo and a message to Christopher. [This is the suspicious number I found in Mom's phone, along with a photo. Check this number. The woman in the picture might be Miss Harper.]As soon as she sent the message, Christopher called her.Just as Xyla was about to answer, her room door suddenly opened. Chandra walked in with a cold expression.Startled, Xyla quickly hid her phone behind her back, her wide eyes filled with panic."Mom, why are you here? Why aren't you sleeping?""I was woken up by you. Why aren't you sleeping?" Chandra walked toward her slowly. "Why were you in my room so late at night?""Mom, what are you talking about?" Xyla laughed awkwardly. "I didn't go to your room. You must have
"It's probably because he was worried about me, so he drove here himself. Don't worry, Mom. Nothing will happen to him," Xyla assured.Chandra nodded, and the mother and daughter walked into the villa together.Chandra took off her coat and handed it to a servant. She seemed somewhat tired, and asked the servant to bring her a bottle of cold water."Mom, why do you look so tired?" Xyla asked. "I went dancing, so I'm a bit worn out. Go to bed, sweetheart. I'll be heading to my room now.""Alright, Mom. Goodnight."Xyla went upstairs. Once inside her room, she locked the door and entered the bathroom, taking out her phone to call Christopher."Xyla, how's it going? Did you find out anything?" he asked. "Don't worry, Chris. I'll handle things on Mom's side. If I get any news, I'll let you know immediately. You continue looking for Sydney. If you can find her, great. If not, I'll see if I can get any clues from Mom or gather more information elsewhere."Christopher sighed. "Alright then.
Xyla smiled. "Mom, what are you talking about?" She linked arms with her mother, acting like the perfect, affectionate daughter. "Mom, you're forever young. I think you look under 50—still so youthful!""You and that sweet tongue of yours! Always so good at flattering others."Chandra was indeed pleased by the compliment. "Come on, let's head inside," she said. "What if you start feeling unwell again?""Alright, let's go in," Xyla said; she gave Christopher a look, her gaze flicking toward the gates, as if silently urging him to leave."Mom, since Xyla's fine, I'll head back now and visit you another day," Christopher said, playing along. "It's so late already, and you've come all this way," Chandra said. "Why don't you stay the night and leave tomorrow?""Mom, I have to be up early tomorrow, and it's quite far from here to the office. I'd better go back now. You and Xyla should also get some rest.""Alright then," Chandra said. "Make sure to take care of your health. Don't overwork
Christopher didn't answer Xyla's question, but his eyes spoke volumes. It was clear that he cared for Sydney."I swear I didn't say anything bad about her to Mom! When Mom asked Vonnie to help investigate, I even warned Vonnie not to say a word against Sydney, and Vonnie didn't. I really didn't harm Sydney. Please believe me."Seeing how anxious Christopher was, Xyla figured this had to be related to Chandra. Although Yvonne hadn't told Chandra anything, Chandra may have already discovered something in secret considering how smart she was. However, no one expected her to suddenly make such a move after so long. It seemed she had been holding a grudge all this time."Xyla, you know Mom's temper. Once she holds a grudge, the target will be in big trouble. Is there any clue you can think of that might help me find her?" Christopher asked.He fully trusted Xyla, but not Chandra."Chris, I don't know where she is right now. Let me try calling her.""She won't answer your call.""What shoul
The whip was raised high before it was brought down with force.With a sharp crack, Sydney's skin was torn open. A piercing scream shattered the night.-Christopher had called Sydney several times that day, but she hadn't answered. He felt uneasy, sensing that something was wrong.He decided to send someone to investigate and soon discovered a clue from the Spencers, learning that Sydney had gone missing. Growing more alarmed, Christopher immediately sent people to search for her.At the same time, he was looking into the Spencers' activities and found that they were searching for a watch.This watch was one of only a few dozen in the world; excluding foreign owners, only a few people in Blencalgo possessed one. Following the trail, Christopher made an even more shocking discovery. One of the people who owned this watch was his mother.He called his mother, but she didn't pick up. He sent her a message, but she didn't reply.Christopher drove straight to his mother's house.The light
"That was Geoffrey's fault, not mine. He ruined me too. Why are you making things difficult for me?" Sydney shot back.She didn't understand. Why was it that women like Chandra always targeted other women? When a man made a mistake, they didn't go after him but instead focused on persecuting other women."You were ruined by him? Why didn't you resist? If you didn't want it, who could force you? You're the president of Apex Bank and from the Spencers! What could Geoffrey do to you?""I resisted. I didn't want him to touch me. You're right, I'm from the Spencers, but if they knew about this, they would go to war with him. The two families would fight to the death, and I don't want that. So…""So?" Chandra pressed."So, I didn't tell the Spencers. I've been trying to find a way to get rid of him."She thought she had succeeded because Christopher had told her that he had already made it clear to Geoffrey. He would continue to monitor the situation and make sure Geoffrey wouldn't harm her
"Your daughter?" Sydney frowned, confused. "Who's your daughter? I haven't interfered with anyone's marriage. You must be mistaken."If she had interfered, she would have known. She had never done such a thing."Are you still pretending to not know?" Chandra sneered. "Sydney Harper, what is your relationship with Geoffrey?"At the mention of Geoffrey's name, Sydney immediately understood everything. So, Chandra's daughter was Geoffrey's ex-wife.Chandra must have thought Sydney had ruined Xyla's marriage with Geoffrey, and that was why she had kidnapped her.Sydney quickly explained, "You've misunderstood. It's not like you think. I didn't interfere in their relationship.""You didn't?" Chandra suddenly stood up from her chair, walked over to Sydney, and slapped her hard across the face.The slap was sharp and resounding.Sydney's head spun from the blow, and she trembled all over. She was tied up, unable to move. Her face burned, but she forced herself to turn her head. "I truly didn
On the other end of the phone, Theodore remained silent for a few seconds. He seemed like he wanted to say something, but ultimately didn't.Sensing this, Rosalie quickly said, "Finding your mom is more important right now. Whatever it is, we can talk about it after she's found."The issues between her and Theodore were no longer of significance."I got it. I'll go look for her now. You should get some rest."Rosalie hummed in acknowledgment and ended the call. Helping Theodore made her feel better. She was sincerely grateful to Justin.She considered calling to thank him, but given how late it was, she worried about disturbing him. Instead, she sent him a message. [Thank you. I've already informed Theo, and the information was very helpful.]Justin replied, [You're welcome.]Rosalie responded, [Good night, sleep well.]Justin texted, [I will. You too.]Rosalie lay on the bed, gently holding Steve. Her eyes were on him as she murmured, "Baby, your grandma will be alright."-With a sp