Geoffrey smiled politely. "I have a simple request. I mainly want to meet President Harper. There’s nothing beyond that. Don't think too badly of me. Not everyone has an ulterior motive.""Threatening my daughter-in-law with your own son, and then telling me you have no ulterior motive? Chairman Carter, we're not children or idiots, so let's not lie with our eyes wide open," Sydney snapped.She was filled with rage. Every word she said was sharp, and she wasn’t showing Geoffrey any courtesy.Rosalie didn't expect Sydney to be so direct, either.Sydney turned her head, and said, "Rose, go pick out some seafood. Choose the freshest ones.""Okay." Rosalie stood up. "You two chat first."It seemed they had things to discuss.The waiter led Rosalie to the seafood section. "This way, please." All the seafood here was live, and selected on the spot.After Rosalie left, Geoffrey discarded his polite demeanor.Sydney's expression grew colder. "Geoffrey, what are you playing at? Do yo
Meanwhile, Rosalie picked out the seafood.When she returned, she saw from a distance that Geoffrey and Sydney were still talking. She didn't know what they were discussing. Worried she might interrupt them by approaching them now, she sat nearby and waited.Suddenly, she remembered that she had told Sebastian last night that she would call him once she was feeling better. Now that she had some free time, she dialed Sebastian's number.Sebastian picked up immediately. "Hello, Rose.""Seb, it's me. Sorry about leaving early last night.""It's okay, it was an emergency. It wasn’t your fault. Are you feeling better now?" Sebastian asked.Rosalie responded with a hum. "I'm much better. By the way, how did it go with Miss Yancey last night? After I left, did you get along well with her?"Seeing that Sebastian remained silent, Rosalie asked, "What's wrong? Didn't you talk with her? How do you expect to win a girl's heart like this? If you really can't manage, ask Vonnie to help you. S
Seeing how eager Rosalie was to clarify herself, it seemed she really had nothing to do with Sebastian.Sydney was an objective and fair person, and she wasn't someone who would side with family over reason. But Theodore was her son, so she was somewhat biased toward him."So that's how it is." Geoffrey nodded. "I understand. Now, I can rest assured about Sebastian getting married.""What?" Rosalie asked in confusion. "Sebastian’s getting married?"Geoffrey said, "Yes. He's not young anymore. It's time for him to settle down and start a family. I've already chosen a wife for him."Rosalie frowned. "Who is she?""A friend's daughter, whom I watched grow up. I like her a lot, and most importantly, her father and I have a good relationship and some business dealings."Hearing Geoffrey's explanation, Rosalie understood everything completely. This was an undisguised business alliance."Did Sebastian agree?" Rosalie asked."He’s the eldest son of the Carter family. This is his respo
He should be grateful to himself for threatening others.Geoffrey noticed Rosalie's lukewarm reaction, and seemed to understand something. "I know you don't have a good impression of me, but I have a reason for everything I do. As a father, I naturally care about my son's happiness. But since he doesn't have a girlfriend now, even if I wanted to fulfill his wishes, I wouldn't have the opportunity. “I know my son. If we wait for him to get married on his own, who knows when that will be? The woman I've found for him is very nice. I believe they will be well-suited for each other once they get to know each other.""Mr. Carter, you may think they will get along well after getting to know each other, but Sebastian might not feel the same way. What if he refuses? What will you do, then?" Rosalie asked. She wanted to know what consequences Sebastian would face."So he better not refuse." Geoffrey's voice turned a bit colder. "You can also persuade him to accept my arrangement.""Me,
Rosalie married Theodore for love and not interest, but they still got divorced. So, how was one supposed to maintain a marriage? Neither love nor interests worked. It was no wonder that more and more people were reluctant to get married, preferring to live alone for the sake of freedom and ease.Rosalie took a deep breath, and tried hard to compose herself before asking, "Sebastian is your son. Don’t you care about his happiness at all?""From what you're saying, you want him to be happy? Then tell me, what should I do to make him happy?" Geoffrey asked."Let him choose for himself," she said. "He has the right to choose the woman he wants. His marriage should be his decision, regardless of the outcome. It's his choice, not something imposed on him by others."Geoffrey slowly straightened his sleeves. "I see. Seems like you really care about him. It's a pity..." He sighed."Pity about what?" Rosalie asked.Before Geoffrey could answer, Sydney returned. "What are you two talk
“Seb, you don't have to worry. Your father wasn't here to see me today, but my mother-in-law, the president of Apex Bank. I was just accompanying her. Nothing happened.”“Really?”“Really. If something had happened, would I still be sitting here talking to you? Don’t worry too much.”Sebastian heaved a sigh of relief. “That's good. Rose, if you need to meet my father next time, let me know in advance. I didn't know about today’s meeting.”“It’s fine, Seb. Your father wouldn’t do anything outrageous to me. By the way, do you know that he…”“What about him?” Sebastian asked.Rosalie suddenly remembered that Sydney was sitting next to her, so she said, “Seb, let’s talk about it next time we meet. Don’t worry, it’s nothing serious. I’m fine. I’m heading home now.”“Alright, call me when you get home, just so I know that you're safe.”“Okay, I will. Bye.” Rosalie hung up.She turned, and saw Sydney staring meaningfully at her.Feeling awkward, she forced herself to smile. “He call
By the time Rosalie got home, it was already half-past one.She had promised to call Sebastian to let him know she was safe, but she didn't feel like talking, so she sent him a text message instead. [Seb, I’m home now. Don’t worry.]Sebastian replied, [Okay. I’m glad you’re home.]Rosalie sat on the sofa and started browsing the rentals that were available in for Hullbeck, the city she had chosen to stay. She would leave the day after tomorrow. Tonight, she would accompany Sydney to meet Theodore, and tomorrow, she would spend the day with her grandmother. The day after that, she would leave.Rosalie quietly planned out what she would do once she got there. She would buy some books to read during her pregnancy. After she gave birth, she would pursue her graduate studies.Although she was divorced, Rosalie still thought that she was quite lucky. At least she didn’t have to worry about money. She had shares in SK Enterprise and plenty of cash in her account.She was a thrifty p
The Carter Residence.Geoffrey was in his precious collection room and taking a photo out of a hidden compartment. The photo was quite old. On it was a young woman, beautiful and smiling brightly.Geoffrey sighed. He stroked the woman's face in the photo gently, murmuring to himself, “Sydney, why did you have to go back? What’s so good about that man?”Outside the door, the butler's voice could be heard. “Sir, there was a call from Madam. She said she won’t be coming back tonight.”Geoffrey frowned. He turned around and said, “Tell her that Sebastian’s getting married. She should come back quickly to prepare. After our son’s wedding, she can go wherever she wants.”“Understood,” Phillip said, and then another voice came from outside. “Is my father inside?”“Mr. Sebastian, you’re back. Mr. Geoffrey is inside. Do you need anything?”Sebastian knocked on the door. “Dad, I need to talk to you.” Geoffrey put the photo back nicely, locked the hidden compartment, and opened the doo
Theodore lay on the bed, unable to fall asleep. He felt a fire burning in his heart, his mind unable to stop thinking about Rosalie.Whether his eyes were opened or closed, all he could see was her.Frustrated, he flipped to his side to pull out a drawer and retrieve a bottle of pills. He couldn't calm himself down without medication.Just then, his phone rang. Theodore picked it up and saw the name on his phone screen—it was Aurora.He flung his phone aside.It kept ringing, irritating him greatly. Eventually, he answered the call. "What do you want?""Theo, save me! Save me, quick!"Shock registered on Theodore's face. "What happened?""He's chasing after me… Can I go find you? I really have nowhere else to go! I'm so scared!""Who's chasing after you? Where are you right now?""I…I'm now at… It's so dark, I can't tell. I'm hiding in a small alleyway right now. As I came here, I think I walked past a bar called Endless. I took a right turn and ended up in this alleyway. I'm
Aurora collapsed on the ground, overwhelmed by the sudden force. Her head was pounding and she cupped her red, hot cheeks with her hands. "What…what did you do? Why did you slap me?" she asked, stunned. Yerick looked down upon her, his towering figure dark and frightening in the night. "Are you taking me as your hitman, ordering me around as you like?"It was enough that she ordered him to kill another. How dare she ask him to kill Rosalie?! She was digging her grave!"I didn't mean that," Aurora said agitatedly. "I'm just so scared! We're on the same boat, so we should help each other out.""Help each other out?" Yerick crouched down and pinched her chin. "Tell me, then. What have you helped me with so far? Why do you think I arranged for you to be by Theodore's side and allowed you to get to know him? What do you think is my motive?""I…I don't know!" Aurora said with trembling lips. The man before her was way too frightening, his eyes ghostly as he chuckled. "But I'll do wha
Justin brought the baby home and saw Rosalie spacing out before the kitchen counter. She didn't even realize they were home."Mama," Steve called out to her.Rosalie heard him and turned to look at them. "You're back."She took Steve from Justin's hands and held him in her arms."Rose, are you alright? What did Theodore tell you?" Justin asked. "Aurora felt guilty and made Angie her scapegoat. Angie has been nabbed by the police," Rosalie replied.Justin frowned. "Angie surely wouldn't be a sitting duck. She'll expose Aurora.""That's not wrong," Rosalie said. "The problem is, Aurora is too good at putting up a facade. Theodore doesn't trust Angie and he said he'll investigate things and find out if Aurora was involved. At the end of the day, he refuses to believe that Aurora is capable of something like that. He subconsciously thinks that Angie was solely responsible.""That sounds like something he would do," Justin concluded. "Last time, I could tell he's very protective of
Theodore turned around. "Is there something else?"Justin walked over. "Do you want to hold him? He seems eager to hug you."Theodore paused. Then, he gave a helpless smile at the corner of his mouth."No, you take him upstairs." The more he held Steve, the harder it would be to let go. He didn't even know why he felt such strong emotions for Steve. Perhaps it was because Steve was Rosalie's child, and thus, he couldn't help but care for the baby.Seeing this, Justin didn't insist. He was about to leave when suddenly, Steve started crying in his arms. Steve stretched out his hands toward Theodore, trying to reach him.Hearing the cries, Theodore's heart tightened. He turned around and saw Justin trying to soothe the child."Steve, what's wrong? Are you hungry? I'll take you back right away."Steve continued crying, louder and louder, and Theodore felt as if his heart were being squeezed. His feet felt like they were nailed to the ground, and he couldn't move.Justin took a few steps b
"And what about you?" Theodore countered. "Rose, when will you finally see what kind of people are around you? Sebastian's two-faced, pretentious, and full of lies. Justin has blood on his hands, with numerous enemies. He's like a ticking time bomb, and both of them will only bring you disaster."Rosalie sneered. "And how much disaster have you brought me? Do you think the mental torment you've caused me isn't enough?"Theodore gave a bitter smile. "Rose, do you want me to die to make up for the harm I've caused you?""No, I just hope you won't bother me anymore. I have my own life now. Whether it's good or bad, it has nothing to do with you. Once upon a time, Grandma was the last connection between us, but now that she's gone, we have nothing left."She avoided Theodore's gaze. "You should go now."Theodore clenched his fists. "If this is what you want, then I understand. I'll stay away from you in the future and won't bother you again, because, as you said, we have nothing left."Wi
Theodore was about to speak, but then he remembered he had important matters to discuss today and couldn't be sidetracked by Justin."Rose, I have something important to tell you. Let's talk privately.""If you have something to say, just say it," Rosalie replied. She knew he wanted Justin to leave, but she didn't mind if Justin knew what was going on.Theodore gave Justin a cold glance before continuing, "This matter concerns Grandma. I don't want anyone else around. It's something that should only be discussed between the two of us.""He's not an outsider," Rosalie replied without hesitation. "He can know about Grandma's matters too."Seeing the two of them about to argue, Justin immediately said, "I'll take Steve out for a walk and come back later."With that, Justin left.Rosalie quickly said, "Justin, you don't need to…""It's fine," he interrupted her. "I'll take him downstairs for a walk."With that, Justin left with Steve.Rosalie took a step back and said to Theodore, "Come in
Aurora looked incredibly sorrowful, completely unlike someone who was acting. Theodore, for a moment, didn't know whether he should believe her or not.When Rosalie had first told him, he had only defended Aurora, completely ignoring Angie.Now, with Aurora telling him that it was Angie who killed Rebecca, Theodore couldn't be 100% certain that Aurora was not involved in this matter.It felt like a layer of mist had been added, blurring his vision and preventing him from seeing clearly.After a long while, Theodore released Aurora."Get better first," he said, turning to leave.Suddenly, he heard some movement behind him. Turning around, he saw Aurora stumbling toward the window in the ward. She forcefully pulled open the window and jumped straight down.Theodore's brows tightened, and with rocket-like speed, he rushed forward. He grabbed her from behind and pulled her back from the window ledge. "What are you doing?!""Theo, let me die! I don't want to live anymore. Just pretend I kil
Theodore took out his phone and called Aurora, but she didn't answer the phone.He turned to the bodyguard and asked, "When you took Angie, was Aurora not at home?"The bodyguard nodded. "Yes, only Angie was at home. Aurora wasn't there."Theodore furrowed his brow. Was Angie telling the truth? Had Aurora fled in fear of being caught? He clenched his fists, his knuckles cracking.Could Aurora really be this kind of person? Had he misjudged her character all along?"Find her. I want to know where she went."A few hours later, Theodore's subordinates brought news of Aurora's whereabouts. She had booked a hotel room.Theodore led a group of people to her hotel room and knocked on the door forcefully, but there was no response.The staff member opened the door with a room key, and the group entered. Aurora was indeed in the room, and she was lying on the bed.Theodore strode over."Aurora!" he shouted, but as he got closer, he noticed that she was motionless. An empty pill bottle was on th
Hearing the recording on the phone, Angie was horrified and nearly fainted."No, that's not how it is! It's not like that!" she cried in fear.Angie tried to get up from the floor, but the two men behind her pressed her down firmly, keeping her kneeling on the ground."It's not like that!" Angie shouted. "Aurora's framing me! She's setting me up!""She's framing you?" Theodore sneered. "Didn't you admit that you killed my grandmother?""I… It wasn't me!" Angie's agitation intensified. "Aurora is clearly using me as a scapegoat! She tricked me into saying those things! This is all fake!"Angie finally realized that Aurora had planned to make her the scapegoat from the very beginning, wanting to rid herself of any involvement. It was so sinister—recording conversations and twisting the facts. How despicable!"Fake?" Theodore seized her face with one hand, gripping it so tightly that her face nearly contorted. He gritted his teeth and harshly demanded, "Are you saying Aurora did this?""Y