After hearing Rosalie out, Sydney fell silent.Her first thought was that Theodore was in trouble.As it turned out, Rosalie stayed up the entire night reading through the documents to identify the problem with Regent Co. not for his sake at all. Quite the opposite—she did it for Sebastian.Sydney suddenly laughed, the sound laced with helplessness and irony.Theodore wasn’t the only one who misunderstood the situation. She did, too. She really thought that Rosalie did it for her son, but she never expected…Rosalie clearly had her priorities in place, more so than Sydney did in her younger days. The girl might look weak and vulnerable, but she had a clear mind and knew exactly what she needed to do.Meanwhile, Rosalie didn’t understand why Sydney was laughing. “Mom? What’s the matter?” “Nothing,” Sydney said, looking at Rosalie. “So Geoffrey Carter threatened you with his son, and you accepted it because you care about his son very soon?”“Seb’s a good friend of mine,” Rosali
“I saw her. She was in a bad mood,” Rosalie said.“I know she’s in a bad mood,” Wesley said darkly. “Do you know why?”“I don’t.”Rosalie realized that even when Sydney scolded Wesley and told him to scram, he never complained. He had probably gotten used to it.He then asked, “Did you ask her about it?”“I did, but she didn’t want to tell me.”Wesley sighed. “It’s all my fault. If what happened in the past didn’t happen, she’d probably be a lot happier now.”“Dad, sometimes, when the other party doesn’t want to be bothered, you shouldn’t bother her. That would make her much happier,” Rosalie said calmly, though her tone carried a hint of sarcasm.These men were bent on doing whatever they pleased, and hurt those who cared about them without regard for anyone. When they eventually realized their mistakes, they turned around and acted all affectionate and devoted.How could a single word of apology make up for the terrible hurt they had caused?Wesley fell silent. After a whil
On the other end, Theodore realized that Rosalie had rejected his call.Anger rose up in his chest as he called her again. However, an electronic voice replied to him. “The number you’ve dialed is unavailable at the moment. Please try again later.”She was probably still busy.Theodore put his phone aside, and waited patiently. After around ten minutes, he picked his phone up and called her again.“Sorry, the number you’ve dialed is unavailable at the moment…”He heard the same electronic voice again.His face tensed up, and a bad feeling washing over him. He clicked open his WhatsApp, and typed Rosalie a text. [Rose, you can tell me whatever’s on your mind. Don’t keep it to yourself. I’ll help you solve whatever problem you have. We’re family.]He re-read his text over and over again before finally sending it. However, he soon saw a red question mark right next to the text.His mind buzzed, as if something had hit his head, registering the sudden shock. He looked stunned.
Theodore shut his eyes, and tried to control the fire burning in his heart.“Stop laughing,” he hissed.His chest was almost bursting with anger.Sydney coughed dryly, and said, “Fine, I’ll stop laughing. I have no idea why Rose blocked you. Why don’t I bring her along to our next meeting? I did ask Rose to come with me when I meet you. That’s a good chance for you to ask her.”“In that case…” Theodore said, “let’s meet tonight. Ask Rose along, too.”“I’ll call her later and ask if she’s free,” Sydney promised. “She is free,” Theodore said. “She doesn’t need to work now, and she has lots of time on her hands. If she says she’s not free, it must be an excuse. Don’t let her have her way.”The arrogance in Theodore’s voice made Sydney furrow her brows.“No wonder she blocked you.”“What?” Theodore furrowed his brows as well. “Do you know why she did it?”Sydney sighed. “Son, it’s because sometimes…you’re annoying.”Theodore was stunned.It was the first time in his entire lif
"You want me to be more proactive? Are you saying I should keep her here to prevent her from going elsewhere?""Isn't it better to keep her here? She's been staying with the Spencers for so many years. There’s no reason for her to go so far away," Theodore said. When Rosalie went to college, he didn't let her go somewhere far away. He admitted that he was a bit selfish for not wanting her to be too far from him, like a helicopter parent who wanted to keep his children close.But if she really wanted to go to another place for college, he wouldn't have stopped her. Fortunately, she listened to him and stayed in Ashwick City for college.Sydney raised her eyebrow, her eyes glinting slyly. "I think I heard Rose mention that she wants to travel.""Where does she want to go?" Theodore frowned, looking a bit uneasy."I don't know. She just mentioned it casually, and I didn't ask for details. It's normal for her to want to travel. There’s not much to ask.""Well, you should have at le
Sebastian booked a private room.Before coming, he had called Rosalie, offering to pick her up. She refused and insisted on driving herself, so he didn't push further.He arrived at the private room early, and waited for Rosalie and Yvonne to bring Lily over. He wasn't sure if who Yvonne chose was reliable or not. He was worried they might be exposed.Sebastian still had some time. He took out his phone, and called Yvonne.At the club, Yvonne was sprawled on a couch, sound asleep, when her phone’s piercing ringtone woke her up. Irritated, she felt for her phone and answered the call grumpily. "Who is it?""Yvonne, where are you right now?" Hearing Sebastian’s voice, Yvonne jolted awake and scrambled off the couch. "Is that you, Seb?""You’re asking me?" Sebastian's voice was cold. "Did you forget what I asked you to do last night? Did you find Lily? Hurry up and get over here!"Boom! Yvonne was thunderstruck.Sebastian frowned at Yvonne’s silence. "You didn't mess things up
In the private room of the restaurant…Sebastian checked the time repeatedly. He was beginning to regret entrusting such an important task to the unreliable Yvonne. She must have run into some problem.Just then, the door to the private room opened, and Rosalie walked in. "Seb."Sebastian jumped up immediately. "Rose, you’re early."The usually composed CEO of Skycrest Enterprise was now like a boy who got caught with his hand in the cookie jar in front of Rosalie.Rosalie smiled. "I didn't have much to do, so I came early. You’re early too.""Yeah," Sebastian replied awkwardly. He hadn't expected Rosalie to arrive so early, and it derailed his plans completely.Rosalie walked over, and noticed his pale face. "Seb, are you okay? Are you feeling unwell?""N-No," Sebastian said, stammering from panic. "I'm fine. Please, sit down. Would you like something to drink?"Rosalie shook her head. "No, I'm fine. Let's just wait for a bit. Is Yvonne coming over with Lily now?""Not yet.
"Why isn’t Yvonne here yet? Could something have happened to her? Call her and ask," Rosalie said—not out of impatience, but concern."Okay, I'll call her. Wait here for a moment." Sebastian took his phone and walked out.Rosalie watched him leave, puzzled. Why did Sebastian need to go outside to make a call?However, she didn't think too much about it. She leaned back in her chair, gently touching her belly, and smiled. "Sweetie, once we settle Mr. Carter's affairs, Mommy will take you to a beautiful place. Then, it'll be just you and me."-Sebastian called Yvonne again.She only answered after more than ten seconds. "Seb."Sebastian was a bit annoyed. "Where are you now? Tell me the truth. Did you find the right person or not?""I'm already here!" He heard Yvonne's voice near him.Sebastian turned around, and saw Yvonne leading a woman toward them hurriedly.Lily followed behind Yvonne, panting and nearly too tired to stand straight. She had met this weird customer at t
"Next time, I'll make sure to not leave evidence behind." Sebastian gently caressed Steve's face."Steve, Daddy will win in the end. Just wait and see. When you grow up, you'll be like Daddy, always winning. We'll never lose." Sebastian laughed, his eyes bloodshot.Steve seemed startled, fear beginning to show on his face. He seemed like he was about to cry.-In the middle of the night…A peaceful atmosphere filled the ward, with the soft light of the night lamp casting a warm glow on Aurora's pale face. She lay alone in bed, her body seemingly blending into the silent night.Through the window, the night scenery appeared calm. Moonlight shone on the curtains, casting shadows in her room. Stars adorned the sky like diamonds, flickering as if silently telling tales of endless loneliness and thoughts.The door creaked open, and a man in black quietly entered the room. He was slender, and walked lightly. He blended into the shadows of the darkness. His gaze was sharp, like a star in th
Theodore gripped the magazine tightly in his hands, flipping through the pages. In truth, he didn't absorb a single word.Rosalie felt like she was suffocating. She couldn't continue speaking to Sebastian. "Seb, I'll hang up now. I'm going to rest."She was afraid that if she kept talking, she would lose control."Alright," Sebastian said, gently waving Steve's hand. "Steve, say goodbye to Mommy.""Goodbye, darling." Rosalie waved at the camera.Thinking about Steve made her heart ache deeply. This whole situation was just absurd. Steve's biological father was right next to her, but he could only remain invisible.After a while, Rosalie ended the video call with Sebastian. She set her phone aside and covered her mouth, crying.She was deeply upset. So many things had happened recently.On one hand, Theodore suddenly appeared in Melrine with his pregnant girlfriend. On the other hand, there was Justin. And then, Sebastian had done something terrible and lied to her. Now, he had returned
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