Rosalie woke up at the sound of the alarm at noon, just in time for lunch.She was still feeling woozy and very tired.When she looked at the time, she knew she couldn’t go on sleeping. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be able to sleep at night and end up having her day and night reserved. That would be terrible.It would be fine if she weren’t pregnant, but she was. She had to think for the baby.After climbing out of bed, Rosalie walked into the bathroom, washed up, bathed, and changed into a clean set of clothes.After leaving the bathroom, she felt a lot better and not so tired anymore.Rosalie walked into the study and took out her notebook. Just then, Sydney returned home from the market.Rosalie walked out of the study with her notebook in hand. When she saw Sydney, she walked over to her and said, “Mom, I found many issues last night. Look, these are Regent Co.’s data from the previous quarter…”“I read them,” Sydney cut her off as she put her groceries on the table. “I read thr
Geoffrey Carter sat expressionlessly on the couch, sipping on some tea.Sebastian stood in front of Geoffrey, his figure tall and towering, with an indomitable air of a noble.Geoffrey looked as if he was going to set his teacup down, but midway, he lifted his arm and flung the teacup in the direction of Sebastian’s head.The tea in the cup splashed all over Sebastian’s head.Although it was no longer scalding, the teacup hit his head and broke into two pieces.Sebastian didn’t wince in pain, and continued standing tall. The broken teacup fell on the floor with a clank.Geoffrey looked up at Sebastian coldly. “You’ve become quite something. I heard that recently, you’re seldom in the office and always out. Even your secretary doesn't know where you go or what you’re doing. Tell me. Who is that woman?”Sebastian said firmly, “It’s my own problem, and not because of some woman. Don’t get the wrong idea.” “Me? Getting the wrong idea?” Geoffrey stood up. He was as tall as Seba
"If you’re going to involve someone unrelated to this, Dad, then I won’t stand for it!" Sebastian said firmly, anger lacing his voice. In response, Geoffrey gave him a hard slap.Sebastian’s head spun sideways. He pressed his tongue against his cheek, and snorted."You always blame Mom for everything. You kept saying she’s dragging you down. After that, she stayed at home and didn’t interfere in anything because she was afraid of troubling you. Even then, you still look down on her. I’m really curious, Dad. Must it always be other people’s fault? Aren’t you going to take any responsibility?"Smack! Geoffrey gave him another harsh slap. "You’ve lost the project, but you’re still arguing with me! Phillip, bring me the stick!" Geoffrey snarled. He had always been strict, and was a staunch believer of the old saying: spare the rod, spoil the child. Following this, Sebastian received many beatings ever since he was a child.As Sebastian got older, Geoffrey rarely laid a hand on hi
Sebastian looked at Rosalie in worry. A few seconds later, he said coldly, "Not really. We’re just casual friends. We don’t see each other very often. Yvonne hangs out with her more."Yvonne never expected her brother to say that, but she knew he was trying to protect Rosalie.Rosalie was puzzled to hear Sebastian's words. She had a hunch he was pretending to be unfamiliar with her on purpose—he was doing it was for her sake. His father didn't seem too kind."Oh, is that so?" Geoffrey sounded somewhat sarcastic, and his sharp gaze fell on Rosalie again. "Miss Young, my son says you two are just casual friends. Is that true?""Yes, Dad," Yvonne answered quickly. "She and Seb are just normal friends. We’re closer."Yvonne hurriedly linked her arm with Rosalie's. "I called her here to hang out. I didn’t think we’d find you two here. We’ll leave immediately!"She knew her brother must be deathly anxious right now. The only thing she could do was to take Rosalie away.Sebastian shot
Rosalie didn't dare to waste any more time, and immediately opened the notebook on hand."It's true Regent Co. took Skycrest Enterprise's project, but I've discovered many issues with that company. Their leverage ratio is far too high. I did some calculations using public data and information all night. Achieving such results is simply impossible, so I can confirm that they’re falsifying their data."Mr. Carter, I've written everything down in this notebook. Please take a look at my notes, and then compare them with Regent Co.'s public data. You'll definitely find discrepancies."Their gross profit margin is much higher than the industry average. I also found that the company’s management team’s trading activity is suspicious. They use small and unknown auditing firms, and frequently switch agents through layers of intermediaries."Geoffrey took her notebook, and flipped through a few pages. His frown deepened as he read it.Finally, he snapped the notebook shut."Do you expect me
Who could have imagined that Rosalie, with her meek appearance, would be so strong-willed? She was practically standing up to a lion.Seeing Geoffrey’s increasingly dark expression, Yvonne shivered in fear. She took a step forward and whispered to Rosalie, "You should stop talking, Rose. We should leave now."She was genuinely terrified. The air Geoffrey emitted alone could scare someone to death. What if arguing with Geoffrey affected Rosalie’s pregnancy?However, Rosalie stood tall and refused to leave. She kept her eyes locked on Geoffrey."Little girl, you certainly have guts to speak to me this way," Geoffrey snarled. "I'm just telling the truth. Although I might be just a little girl to you, we’re all equal as human beings. I respect you as I speak, but I also respect myself," Rosalie replied calmly.Geoffrey's expression turned grim.He was a dangerous man. Everyone in the household feared him, especially Yvonne. Whenever she was around her father, she was like a mouse i
"Yes, I know her, but..." Rosalie didn't tell Geoffrey that Sydney was her mother-in-law. Technically, they were no longer in-laws, but she still called Sydney ‘Mom’. She was worried Geoffrey wouldn’t believe her if she told him this fact, and right now, saving Sebastian was more important."Do you have any proof? Why should I believe you? Even if she refused to lend to Regent Co., it doesn't necessarily mean anything. Unless..." Geoffrey's firm tone suddenly softened. "Unless I can hear it from her directly. Otherwise, your words are just that—words.""Alright, I'll ask her to tell you herself. Wait a moment." Rosalie took out her phone, and walked to the side to send a message to Sydney. [Mom, please help me with something. My friend's father thinks he lost a project to Regent Co. and wants to punish him severely. I need to prove that Regent Co. has issues so I can help him avoid punishment. Can you tell his father that Regent Co. has problems? You're respected in the field,
Although Geoffrey might eventually learn about her relationship with Sydney, her priority right now was to save Sebastian. She would deal with this problem later."The relationship is not the main point here. What's important is that you believe her. If you still have doubts, you can hire a professional to thoroughly analyze all the data. If I can figure it out, I believe they can too. "Regent Co.'s methods aren't particularly sophisticated. They just took advantage of good timing and the regulatory authorities' negligence. Many companies are operating this way. They think they can get away with it, but it's just a matter of time before they’re exposed. I'm sure the short-sellers have already set their sights on Regent Co."Geoffrey turned around. "Phillip." Phillip stepped forward. "Yes, sir?"Geoffrey passed him the wooden stick, instructing him to put it back in its place.When she saw the stick being taken away, Rosalie finally breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed Sebastian
Rosalie asked this on purpose as she wanted to hear Sebastian's response. Had he truly returned to the country out of guilt, or was everything just a coincidence and the company issues had truly forced him back?"Actually, Rose," Sebastian said, "after I came back, I realized the situation is worse than I thought, so I won't be going to Melrine anytime soon. I just can't find the time.""I see." Rosalie lowered her gaze, a little disappointed.It just so happened that he returned to the country now, but it seemed that he also didn't dare to come back to Melrine. Was he really avoiding the authorities?But who had tipped Sebastian off? Could Sebastian have planted someone around Theodore? Who could it be?Rosalie forced a smile. "Alright then, I hope you sort out the company's matters at home. Don't worry about things here in Melrine. I'll come back as soon as I finish my studies.""Okay. Rose, why don't you talk to Steve for a bit?"Rosalie looked at the child on the screen, her eyes f
The sky gradually darkened.By now, Rosalie's IV drip bag was empty.She wanted to go to the bathroom. She had just gotten out of bed when Theodore stepped forward to support her.Rosalie immediately pulled away from his arm, her tone cold. "I can manage."With that, she carefully made her way to the bathroom, closed the door, and locked it.Theodore felt helpless.Later, she came out of the bathroom. She had finished washing up and returned to bed to lie down. "I'm going to sleep now. You can go back."Theodore didn't say anything but sat down on the couch."Go ahead and sleep." He picked up a magazine, and began flipping through it.Seeing his demeanor, Rosalie knew she couldn't change his mind. She turned to the other side, facing away from him.Theodore put down the magazine and secretly watched her. He cautiously walked over and adjusted the blanket on her, then returned to sit on the couch.Late at night, Rosalie's phone rang. It was a video call from Sebastian.Rosalie glanced d
"So, Dad, I can stay in Blencalgo without worry for now, right?"As they say, experience came with age. His father's connections and resources were certainly more extensive than his own.Sebastian had committed the offense in Melrine, but now he was back in Blencalgo. There was no extradition agreement between Melrine and Blencalgo, and Blencalgo had no law enforcement rights over him. Coupled with his background, he could escape any danger."I can help you this time, but next time, you'd better be more careful. If you're going to do bad things, don't let anyone have anything on you."Sebastian lowered his head. "I understand. I'll be more careful next time."Geoffrey's gaze lingered on him for a long moment before asking, "I heard you brought the child back."Sebastian nodded. "Yes. Rose is staying there to finish her studies, so I thought I'd bring him back to take care of him. After all, I've been looking after him all this time.""You really are something, raising another man's chi
"What question?" Sebastian asked. "Are you pregnant? Which man did you fool around with?""Seb, why are you acting like this?" Yvonne retorted. "I didn't mean that! I was going to ask you something.""Ask me? What is it?"Yvonne thought for a moment, then said, "Have you and Rose...consummated your marriage?"Sebastian furrowed his brow. "What on earth are you talking about?"Yvonne's heart skipped a beat. She had been indirect enough. "Well, Seb… You two are married now, and Rose has a child. Have you…?"Sebastian gave her head a tap, though not gently."Ouch! Why did you hit me, Seb?" Yvonne rubbed her head."Don't mention this again."Seeing the gloomy expression on Sebastian's face, Yvonne seemed to realize something. Could it be that he and Rosalie hadn't slept together yet? If that was the case, then it was great."Vonnie, hold the baby for a moment." Sebastian handed Steve to Yvonne.Yvonne took Steve into her arms. "You're so cute."The baby in her arms was soft and cuddly, lik
"I-I didn't mean it like that. I-I just blurted it out. Why are you being so harsh?" she said, stuttering.Could the treatment he went through damaged his brain and caused a change in his personality?Why did it feel like Sebastian's gaze had become so dark? It was completely different from the warm look he used to have. Was it just her imagination?Sebastian pursed his lips. "Vonnie, stop saying things that upset me. You know very well that I treat him as my own. Next time, don't speak without thinking. It could be bad if someone else hears it. After all, Theodore doesn't know about this yet. Do you understand?"Yvonne nodded. "I understand, Seb, but why is Rose staying in Melrine? Did she not want to take care of him? Or is she coming back soon?""She's busy with her studies over there. I wanted to take care of him, and he's more attached to me, so I brought him back to look after him. Once she's done with her studies, she'll come back.""So, from the way you're speaking, you're not
"Steve, isn't your mother being unreasonable? How could she treat me like this?" Sebastian said. "I just left, and she took advantage of my absence to get together with her ex-husband. I'm livid."But I know this can't be Rose's fault. It must be Theodore who seduced her."Steve, who was awake, blinked his big, round eyes.Sebastian picked him up and held him in his arms."You wouldn't do this to me, would you? Steve, you're with me now. Don't worry, I won't blame your mother. If I blame anyone, it'll be Theodore. It's that man who destroyed everything. I won't let him get away with it."Sebastian held Steve's small hand. "We, father and son, must be of one mind, right? When you grow up, you'll help your dad get revenge. You'll make sure to teach those who've bullied your dad a lesson.""Seb, you're back!" Yvonne rushed in.Upon hearing that Sebastian had returned, Yvonne hurried over. She saw Sebastian sitting on the couch, holding Steve in his arms.Yvonne was overjoyed and ran over
Theodore told Rosalie that Aurora was pregnant, but now, she knew that Aurora had a heart condition and needed a heart transplant. How could Aurora possibly be pregnant, then?"We weren't careful," Theodore said. "We didn't use protection, and she got pregnant. So now, I have to cherish her and make sure she doesn't come to any harm."Rosalie was left speechless. She didn't know what to say. Theodore was absurd—he found a woman who resembled her, and coincidentally, that woman had a heart condition and became pregnant. Was this man out of his mind?If Rosalie thought about it, Aurora did look a little like her. Plus, Aurora shared some traits with Cynthia—heart disease and fragile health.Theodore was a true romantic, wasn't he? He had found a new woman who combined the traits of his two previous lovers.What if, in the future, after breaking up with Aurora, he found a fourth woman? Would the woman have combined features of his first three women?The more Rosalie thought about it, the
"Why would I lie to you?" Theodore asked. "If you don't believe me, I can call the doctor for you to ask yourself."Aurora stared at Theodore, as though trying to read something from his eyes. "As long as you're okay, Theo. That's all that matters." She burrowed into his arms, hugging him tightly. "I was so worried about you.""Don't worry. I'm fine. With you here, how could anything happen to me?"Aurora looked up at him, joy in her eyes. "Theo, why do you feel that having me by your side keeps you safe?""Because you're my lucky star. You're my muse," he said, holding her hand and kissing her fingers tenderly."Theo, you're my hero. Since meeting you, my life has been so blessed." She clung to him, her face glowing with happiness, the picture of a bashful, love-struck woman. "I'm willing to do anything for you, even if it costs me my life.""Silly girl. Don't say things like that again," he said, caressing her cheek gently. "I don't want your life. I want you to live well.""Theo, I
"You don't need to worry about me," Justin interrupted Rosalie. "The medical staff here will take care of me. You should focus on your things. Don't waste your time on me. I won't recover anytime soon, and I don't want to delay your studies.""But if I don't stay here to take care of you, how can I feel at ease?" Rosalie argued. She could only feel reassured if she stayed and watched over him."I'll be fine whether you're here or not. Go to your classes and finish your coursework as soon as possible. Once your classes are done, you can find time to visit me. There's no need to stay by my side all the time. It's a huge waste of your time.""I don't think it's a waste at all. I just want you to recover quickly.""I'll recover whether you're here or not," Justin said firmly. "Right now, I want you to focus on your studies and your responsibilities. Don't you want to return to your country sooner to see your child?"Rosalie fell silent. His words struck a chord deep within her."If you sta