"If it looks good on you, keep wearing it. After you and Theo get divorced, I'm afraid he won't be able to give you any more gifts," Cynthia said as she lowered her head, a hint of darkness flickering in her eyes.She picked up her utensils and took a bite of the lunch Rosalie had made, nodding at the taste. "It's really good. It's a pity that after you divorce Theo, he'll hardly get to eat something like this again."Her tone sounded somewhat regretful, but perhaps concealed a hint of satisfaction."You take your time eating. I'll leave first," said Rosalie.Rosalie wouldn't really stay to foolishly take care of Cynthia. This woman didn't need her care."Wait." Cynthia stopped her. "Didn't Theo tell you why you're here? If you leave like this now, he won't be happy."She was acting in a completely domineering manner, speaking in a tone that was gentle but carried a warning."Ms. Zeller, what do you want to hear from me? Don't you and Theodore understand your relationship the
"Because I was dying!" Cynthia's eyes reddened. "I had a serious illness and needed a double lung transplant surgery. Theo finally found a donor for me, but do you know what the old lady did?!""What did she do?" Rosalie asked."She used her connections to block the donor from reaching the hospital. My surgery was forced to stop. I was lying on the operating table, waiting for the lungs that never came. I was going to die!""That's impossible! Grandma wouldn't do that. I don't believe it!" Rosalie's eyes were red as she shook her head vigorously."You may not believe it, but it's true! Go ask Theo, or better yet, ask the old lady if she did such a thing!""And then what? You keep fabricating stories!"Rosalie couldn't believe it. Rebecca had raised her, nurtured her, and taken care of her. She couldn't just believe Cynthia's words without evidence.Cynthia sneered coldly before continuing, "My life was hanging by a thread. When Theo went to confront his grandmother, she forced h
Rosalie felt like her heart was being torn apart, and her mind was on the verge of splitting open.Cynthia even knew about these things. It seemed that Theodore had been telling Cynthia everything about his married life over the past year. They had been in contact all along."Theo once went on a two-month business trip, right? He was with me," Cynthia volunteered the information. "He was with me the whole time, traveling together. He was happiest when he was with me."It felt like one thunderbolt after another was striking Rosalie's brain. She was in a daze, hoping desperately that this was just a nightmare and that she would wake up soon.Rosalie remembered the night when Theodore had come home in a hurry, wanting to be intimate with her. They hadn't seen each other for two months, and she was deeply in love with him, so she hadn’t pushed him away.The whole process had gone smoothly. He had been gentle and considerate of her feelings. But the following day, he asked for a divorc
Despite Cynthia's gentle tone, every word felt like a knife, cutting straight to Rosalie's heart. The other woman seemed like a victorious queen, crushing Rosalie underfoot and leaving her with no room to maneuver.Indeed, Rosalie had almost forgotten that Cynthia, while not on the same level as the Spencer family, still came from a wealthy background.Struggling to control her emotions, Rosalie clenched her teeth and sternly said, "Ms. Zeller, you're overthinking it. I've known Theo for ten years. Do you think I don't know what kind of person he is?"Moreover, he made it clear to me before we got married that ours was a contractual marriage. You have no idea what he's going to give me after our divorce. Please don't pity me. I'm not as helpless as you think."Upon hearing Rosalie's words, Cynthia's worried expression softened into a slight smile. "Is that so? You don't feel wronged being with Theo?""As you said, he's an outstanding man. In this past year of marriage, he's given
Rosalie laughed bitterly. "What have I done behind your back? Hurt your Cindy? Do you know the whole story? You only heard what I said at the end, but not what she said earlier!""That's enough!" Theodore interrupted her. "I know what she said. I can show you all of Cindy's medical records. If you knew what she's been through, you would feel ashamed instead of questioning her here!"Rosalie was momentarily speechless. She did indeed doubt Cynthia, especially after seeing her looking healthy at the restaurant, while Theodore remained convinced otherwise.But whenever Cynthia went to the hospital, Theodore was always with her. It would be difficult for Cynthia to deceive him, but it wasn't entirely impossible. Even in Theodore's presence, Cynthia could have faked her condition, like Rosalie had done when she concealed her pregnancy from him.Apart from her health, Cynthia was also clearly acting in other aspects, especially when Theodore was around. She deliberately said things to pr
"Theodore, it's clear that you have double standards. You've said that as long as we remain married, we're still bound as husband and wife. However, you frequently criticize me whenever I bring up the divorce, accusing me inexplicably and reacting with anger as if I've betrayed you."Ironically, it's you who wanted to get divorced in the first place. You've barely mentioned it, yet you're already eager to move on with Cynthia. What right do you have to hold me responsible?"Yesterday, you asked me to come home, but you weren't there. Today, you called me to come here, but it turns out you just wanted me to explain things to Cynthia. I didn't have to come all the way here for a conversation that could have taken place over the phone. You even asked me to bring lunch, which I made spicy because I thought I would be having lunch with you!"I like spicy food, but I don't eat it because you don't! Every time I bring you lunch, I come on an empty stomach. I've never eaten first! I just sa
Wesley turned his head. "What's the matter? You're really something, always eyeing something else while not being satisfied with what you already have."Theodore was momentarily at a loss for words, but still unwilling to relinquish Rosalie's hand.Cynthia gritted her teeth, a hint of unwillingness flashing in her eyes as she put on another pitiful act."Uncle, it's all my fault. I'm sorry, I-""Since you know it's all your fault, then just kill yourself already," Wesley ruthlessly interrupted her.Rosalie was shocked. In fact, she hadn't met her father-in-law many times, and was quite afraid of him. He rarely smiled, and Rebecca didn't mention him much either. All she knew was that her father-in-law and his wife seemed to have a bad relationship. The couple lived separately, which made Rosalie think her father-in-law didn't value marriage much.A shocked Cynthia's lips trembled. "I...""Dad, you're going too far." Theodore frowned, his voice icy. "It's not Cindy's fault, it's a
Theodore gently patted Cynthia's slender back. "Don't worry, I'll handle everything.""Is it true that I'll never be able to be part of the Spencer family? Are we really never going to be together?"Thinking of Wesley's words, Cynthia was furious. What was so great about Rosalie?! She was from a humble background and wasn't worthy of the Spencer family's protection!Theodore frowned, his expression grave. "Let's not think about that for now. Take care of yourself.""I don't think I can take care of myself anymore." Cynthia wiped her tears. "Theo, I don't know how long I have left. But even if it's only for a short time, I'll be happy as long as I'm with you. Whether or not we can make our status official doesn't matter anymore.""Alright, stop crying."Theodore didn't say much more. Instead, he bent down to tidy up the lunch boxes on the coffee table. He took special care with the one with the chili peppers, covering it carefully."Theo, aren't you going to have lunch?" Cynthia
Rosalie hurriedly handed the baby to Theodore.She was at her wits' end. What exactly was going on?Perhaps this was because they were truly father and son. Sometimes, there were no explanations for things that were simply amazing and mysterious.Theodore felt energized looking at the baby. Rosalie, on the other hand, was exhausted."Rose, why don't I stay here and coax the baby to sleep? You can go to bed first.""How can I make you do that? You need to rest early.""But Steve cries each time I put him down. If he keeps crying, it'll disturb you and Justin, or even our neighbors.""Well…" Rosalie didn't know what to do."How about this," Theodore suggested, "I'll give you Steve. If he doesn't cry, I'll leave. If he cries, then do as I say. I'll stay to coax him to sleep and I'll leave once he's asleep, okay?"Rosalie pondered for a moment before nodding. "Okay, then."She stretched her arms out to receive the baby.The moment Theodore put the baby in Rosalie's arms, the bab
Rosalie stood at the door, watching Theodore coaxing Steve. She paused in her steps.It didn't take long for Theodore to calm Steve down. When he saw Steve stop crying, a gentle smile appeared on his face."I'm leaving now. I won't disturb you. You and your mom should go to sleep early."He carefully placed Steve on the bed, but as soon as he let go, Steve started crying again.Theodore quickly picked him up again and soothed him. "What's wrong, baby?"After coaxing Steve for a while, Steve stopped crying and began giggling. "Steve, be a good boy and sleep, okay?"At that moment, Rosalie walked forward. "Theo."Hearing her voice, Theodore immediately came back to his senses and realized that he had overstepped his boundaries."Sorry, I rushed in as soon as I heard him cry. Here, I'll give him back to you."He wasn't sure why, but when he heard Steve cry, he felt sad. He had an urge to comfort Steve, almost as if it were a responsibility.Theodore stepped forward and handed Steve to Ros
Rosalie's heart trembled. She rushed forward and covered Theodore's mouth with her hand, her eyes filled with intense panic. "Don't say such things."He had a son now, but he was speaking of an end to his lineage. She also didn't want Theodore to die a terrible death.Theodore grabbed her wrist and suddenly pulled her into his arms, lowering his head to kiss her lips.Rosalie's eyes widened, and her mind felt like it exploded in that instant. In a panic, she stretched out both hands to push him away, trying to resist—but he wouldn't budge.Rosalie dared not struggle or shout too hard, fearing that Justin might hear. Justin would certainly come out to stop them. He was injured and running a fever; his body couldn't handle such an ordeal. He definitely wouldn't be a match for Theodore. Rosalie had no choice but to helplessly close her eyes, allowing him to kiss her.After a long while, Theodore finally let her go. He cupped the back of her head with one hand and held her waist with the
Theodore walked in, and Rosalie passed by him directly. She found a thermometer and went back into the room to take Justin's temperature. The thermometer read 104 degrees."Justin, you have a fever. We need to go to the hospital."Rosalie tried to help him sit up, but Justin grabbed her wrist. "I can't go to the hospital. I'll be fine after one night of rest.""No, your temperature is too high, and you're injured. Your wound is definitely inflamed.""I'm really fine, don't worry. Do you have any fever medicine here?"Seeing Rosalie's anxious expression, Theodore closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and suppressed the anger within him. He walked over and said, "I can call a doctor to treat him."Rosalie turned to him and asked, "Will they talk about it?""I guarantee they won't. I know people who are professionals in secret treatments. They will not reveal a thing."Rosalie thought for a moment, then looked at Justin. "Can we call the doctor? Please? Otherwise, your life will be at risk
After Theodore hung up the phone, he walked to the liquor cabinet and opened a bottle of whiskey, pouring it into a glass.Just as he was about to take a sip, he suddenly thought of his stomach and put the glass aside. He had promised Rosalie many times that he would stop drinking. If he drank now, he would feel guilty.He walked over to the window, gazing blankly at the night sky. The city was especially bright, shimmering with light, as if the stars were hovering on earth.Why was Justin at Rosalie's place at this hour? Was he really sick? Or was it just an excuse?Furthermore, what was Justin's sudden arrival in Blencalgo about? With his status, he could only bring trouble and danger to Rosalie.Theodore became more and more troubled as he thought about it.He walked to the wardrobe, opened it, and took out his coat.-Rosalie was lying in bed, unable to sleep. She gently held Steve and stared at his face, thinking, 'Steve, if your grandmother wakes up, I will tell Theodore that you
Aurora tossed and turned in bed, unable to sleep.She turned over and asked, "Angie, how did Rebecca react after the injection?"Angie was holding her phone, reading a novel online. Hearing Aurora's question, she turned to her and asked, "Why aren't you asleep yet?""How could I sleep?""She didn't have any reaction," Angie replied.Aurora recalled what Yerick had told her. The solution was provided by Yerick, who had said that there wouldn't be any special reaction once it was administered. They just needed to wait. Aurora didn't know if the solution would work.She turned her head and saw that Angie was still absorbed in reading, as if nothing had happened."Angie, how can you still read a novel? After what happened, can you still concentrate?""What's so hard to handle? It's just a dead old woman. Nothing to worry about."Angie lay back on the bed. She started cursing again while reading a novel. "The female lead is such a saint, but now she's acting so promiscuously. Don't blame t
Rosalie helped Justin onto the bed, and he lay down. "Rest well. You can stay here as long as you need to recover."She took the blanket and put it over him."Justin, how long were you waiting outside my door?"Justin smiled faintly. "Not too long."In reality, he had waited for several hours. However, knowing she was busy, he didn't want to disturb her, so he waited quietly on his own."Why didn't you call me beforehand? If you had, I would have come back earlier."Despite his injuries, he had been waiting at her door. She felt he must have waited for quite a while."I planned to come after my wound healed, but I wasn't sure how long that would take. I wanted to tell you about this as soon as possible because I was worried about you. I needed you to think about whether there was anyone suspicious around you.""I can't think of anyone suspicious… Oh, by the way, Theodore lied to me earlier, saying he had stomach cancer. I really believed him. Later, I received an email with his medica
"It's clearly not! Look at you. Don't move, I'll grab the first-aid kit."Rosalie got up, went to the cabinet, and retrieved a medical kit before rushing back. Thankfully, she had a medical kit on hand."Lie down here. I'll help you treat it."She had treated Justin's injuries before, so she was a bit more experienced now.Justin didn't resist this time, allowing Rosalie to undo the bandages on his shoulder. When she saw the wound, she was shocked. The blood stains on it had already blackened."How did it get like this? We need to go to the hospital!""It's fine, Rose. Don't worry about me. I'll be okay."Justin opened the medical kit and pulled out the necessary supplies. Then, he used a cotton ball soaked in antiseptic to clean the wound."Justin, let me do it," Rosalie said, taking the tweezers from his hand. "Lie still."She understood his reluctance to go to the hospital, likely to avoid further complications. So, she stopped urging him to go to the hospital. For now, she would tr
"Something came up suddenly, so I had to deal with it. Sorry about standing you up last time," Justin said.Rosalie wanted to say more, but realizing they were still standing at the door, she quickly said, "Let's head inside."She entered the password and opened the door. Justin followed her inside.Rosalie carefully laid the sleeping baby on the bed before closing the door and heading into the living room."Justin, why didn't you let me know you were coming?"After she found the apartment, she had sent him a message with her new address. She hadn't expected him to show up unannounced."Sorry. I should've informed you beforehand. I'll leave now," Justin said, looking a bit embarrassed as he turned to go.Rosalie quickly stopped him. "That's not what I meant. I just didn't expect you to come suddenly. It's not that I don't want you here. I'm happy to see you—I was worried something had happened to you."Justin gave a faint, bitter smile. His pale face looked somber. "Rose, if… One day s