"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
The doctor examined Rosalie, and said she had low blood sugar. Coupled with physical exhaustion and stress, she needed a balanced nutrition and ample rest.Sebastian was so busy taking care of Rosalie, he didn't have time to get his own wound treated.Hence, Rosalie "ordered" him to get it treated. Only then did he leave to find the doctor, albeit reluctantly.Yvonne sat by the bed, and gave Rosalie a thumbs up. "You really impressed me today. I can’t believe you confronted my dad!"She thought that Rosalie was either naïve, or incredibly courageous.Rosalie smiled. "I was just being practical with your dad."She didn’t fear Geoffrey, but she respected him.After all, her upbringing wasn’t exactly ordinary. Although the Spencers looked frightening, they were just humans like everyone else.People like the Spencers and Geoffrey exuded a kind of awe-inspiring presence and a natural authority that commanded respect and fear. It was different from the terrifying aura of criminals w
"Seb’s a good friend of mine, and he’s helped me a lot. It's only natural for me to return the favor. Besides, it's not very difficult. It's just that no one has done it before. I wasn’t fully prepared just now, either," Rosalie said. She didn't think that much credit was due.Yvonne grinned. "Rose, stop being modest. Whatever it is, Seb will definitely love you more than ever after this."The smile on Rosalie's face froze instantly, and she stared blankly at Yvonne.Yvonne closed her mouth immediately. She froze, and a hint of panic flashed in her eyes. Oh, no! She had let it slip!In the corridor, Sebastian had just turned to enter the ward when his footsteps suddenly stopped—he appeared thunderstruck. He immediately withdrew his foot, turned around, and leaned against the wall. The room was right beside him, but he didn't dare to enter. His breathing also became quicker.Damn Yvonne! What was that brat saying? Did she even know what she just did? She really didn’t think b
"That's good." Yvonne then added, "But I have a condition. Between Seb and me, I have to come first. I must be your best friend, and no one else."Rosalie was at a loss for words. "But Vonnie, I have other friends too, like Stephanie Carter. I've known her for many years, and we're good friends.""Stephanie Carter?" Yvonne's brow furrowed at the mention of Stephanie. "Who is she? What a coincidence, she has the surname Carter too.""Yes. She shares the same surname as you."In fact, the surname Carter wasn't very common. Rosalie realized that she knew three friends with the surname Carter. It was such a small probability, yet she encountered it."How long have you known each other?" Yvonne asked."Over a decade," Rosalie replied."Over a decade?" Yvonne exclaimed. "That long? Then how can I compare with her? I've only known you for less than a month!"Rosalie chuckled. "Why do you want to compare yourself with her?""Because you said you're good friends with her, and you've
Yvonne grinned happily. She was easily pleased, just like a child. "That's right! Seb, did you hear that? I don’t know why you had to lecture me. Rosalie isn't even mad at me. You're meddling way too much!"Seeing Sebastian's furrowed brow, Rosalie quickly said, "You two, stop arguing all the time, especially because of me. I feel guilty."Since Rosalie looked so pitiful, Sebastian and Yvonne hurriedly shut their mouths.Seeing the siblings finally calling a ceasefire, Rosalie relaxed. She glanced at Sebastian's forehead, where his injury had been bandaged."Seb, do you have any other injuries?"When she arrived at their house earlier, Sebastian's forehead was already injured. She wondered if Geoffrey had beaten him anywhere else."Don't worry, Rosalie," Yvonne said. "My brother has thick skin."Sebastian wanted to lecture Yvonne again, but with Rosalie present, he refrained from saying anything. He didn't want to upset her."Vonnie, don’t be so mean to your brother all the t
In the ward, only the two of them remained. Sebastian smiled awkwardly. "Don’t mind her, Rose. She never thinks before she talks.""It's okay, actually. It's kind of nice. She doesn't have any ulterior motives, and I quite like her," Rosalie said.She got off the bed, and bent down to put on her shoes.Sebastian immediately walked up to her and crouched. "Let me help you."He knelt down on one knee, held her ankle, and picked up a shoe.Rosalie instinctively pulled back.Sebastian seemed to notice, and lifted his head. "Let me help you. You have low blood sugar. If you get dizzy again later, it's not good for the baby."He then carefully slipped her foot into the shoe. Even in the simple act of helping her put on her shoes, his movements were gentlemanly and courteous.Looking at Sebastian helping her with her shoes, Rosalie’s eyes briefly misted over.The scene felt familiar. She suddenly remembered the time Theodore had done the same for her. It was shortly after they had
"I'm not avoiding you. I just got my period. There's nothing wrong. I'm sorry you had to come back for nothing," Rosalie said.She knew Theodore was very busy, so she usually tried not to bother him. She was obedient and quiet.They had only been married for a short time. She was learning to be a good wife and getting accustomed to Theodore being her husband. She wanted them to be comfortable around each other as a married couple, but she still felt that things were somewhat surreal.There seemed to be a distance between her and Theodore—like she was just an ordinary girl secretly admiring an unattainable idol, longing for him day and night.And one day, she suddenly got to be with that idol, and they became husband and wife. She was in a panic and at a loss. In a short time, she didn't know how to get along with her idol. Every move was made cautiously, because she was afraid of being disliked by him."What's there to be sorry about?" Theodore frowned slightly, his handsome face
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