After lunch, Sydney said she had something to attend to and needed to leave. Rosalie walked her to the door.Sydney mentioned that she wanted to speak to Rosalie privately, so Sebastian stood at a distance."Mom, what did you want to tell me?" Rosalie asked."Actually, it's nothing much. I see that you and Sebastian are getting along well. You trust him, right?"Rosalie nodded. "Yes, he treats me very well.""I already know about what happened in the restaurant yesterday," Sydney said. "Have you forgiven Sebastian?""Did Theodore tell you everything?" Rosalie asked.Sydney nodded."So, he sent you to persuade me?""He's worried about you, so I came to check on you. I don't have any other intentions.""Mom, at the end of the day, I have a new life. I hope he won't interfere anymore. Please tell him on my behalf that whatever happens from now on, it's my own choice and has nothing to do with him. Even if I make the wrong choice, I'll bear the consequences myself.""And what ab
"Mom, I know you're worried about me, but Seb has really been good to me. We've been through a lot together. Some things you weren't aware of, so you don't know about us...""Enough," Sydney interrupted her. "I know I wasn't involved in your matters, and I have no say in them. I'm just giving you a reminder. You can feel it out for yourself. Maybe what I'm saying is right, or maybe it's wrong. Who knows? But every word I've said to you is true. Even if you don't know what kind of person Sebastian is, you should at least know what kind of person his father is."Sydney gently patted Rosalie’s shoulder. "I'm leaving now."As Sydney opened the car door and was about to get in, Rosalie called out to her, "Mom, I trust Seb. He's a good man. It doesn't matter what kind of person his father is."Sydney smiled. "He's only a good man to you.""Mom, if what you said about his father is using me to threaten you is true, please don't do anything against your will because of me. I'll be fine.
Inside the car, Sydney was on the phone with Theodore."I saw Rose today, as well as Sebastian.""Mom, what did Rose say? Did she listen to you?""Listen to me?" Sydney let out a faint snort. "You make it sound like I demanded something of her. After all, I'm not her real mother. If I asked her to leave Sebastian, do you think she'd listen to me?""But Sebastian isn't a good person. Did you explain the seriousness of the situation to her?""It's only serious from your perspective," Sydney replied. "To Rose, it's not that serious.""How is this not serious? Sebastian is that kind of person...""What kind of person?" Sydney interrupted him. "No matter what, his feelings for Rosalie are real. He wouldn't hurt her. In that regard, he's better than you. Think about how many times you hurt Rosalie with your affair with Cynthia.""Mom, between Cindy and me..." At this point, Theodore suddenly stopped, unsure of what to say."What about you and Cynthia? You can't even finish your sent
Feeling guilty, Cynthia said, "I didn't do anything. Don't make baseless accusations if you don't have evidence.""Evidence?" Jennifer smirked. "Cynthia, if it wasn't you, then why did you run when the police came?""Did the police find any evidence?" Cynthia asked. "If they didn't, then it's slander.""Enough with the tough talk," Zac said impatiently. "You clearly know whether you did it or not. If it weren't for the fact that you're part of the Zellers, no one would have protected you. But now, you have the nerve to complain that we didn't contact you? If we really had reached out to you, would you have dared to come back? Now, you return without a word. What are you trying to do?""This is my home. Can't I come back?" Cynthia pulled out a chair and sat down. "Do you know what I've been through over the last two years? I had lung and heart transplant surgeries! Each time, it nearly cost me my life!""Your health was fine, so why did you need these surgeries?" Jennifer asked cur
Seeing that Cynthia was silent, Zac said, "I don't care who you've found outside, just don't embarrass the Zellers. If you've really found some useless man, that's your business. You can live your life with him, and we won't bother with you as long as you don't drag the Zellers down."Hearing Zac's words, Cynthia became furious. She subconsciously clenched her fists, struggling to suppress her anger. "Do you really think I'd only find someone worthless? Am I that stupid?"Jennifer said, "Cynthia, no one thinks you're stupid. You've been smart your whole life. Too smart, even. Everyone in this house has suffered at your hands. We wouldn't dare underestimate you."Hearing Jennifer's sarcastic tone, Cynthia snorted coldly. "That's right, don't underestimate me. Tomorrow, I'm marrying Theodore."When Theodore's name was mentioned, Zac and Jennifer exchanged glances. The name sounded familiar to them, but it was hard to believe."Theodore? Which Theodore are you talking about?""Who e
Even though Cynthia was marrying Theodore, Zac didn't seem to have the change in attitude toward his daughter that one might expect. He remained as indifferent as before.After Zac left, Cynthia said flatly, "Jen, is my room unoccupied?""Yes. No one's been in it. Come with me," Jennifer turned and went upstairs.Cynthia followed her up.Cynthia's room was exactly as it had been before, with servants regularly cleaning it. None of the belongings inside had been touched."See? No one's touched anything in your room," Jennifer said. Cynthia said, "That's good. I was worried that after I left, someone else might have taken this room.""There are plenty of rooms in this house. No one would take yours. Not everyone is out to get you or take your things. What belongs to you will always be yours. The Zellers won't shortchange you. But if you insist on wanting more, that's just being greedy."Cynthia frowned. "Jen, you're aware of my social status, right? After I marry Theodore, I'll
"So, you all hate me because of my mother? You think my mother caused your mother's death, so you transferred all that hatred onto me?""The reason we dislike you is because you're just like your mother," Jennifer said. "Cynthia, you've been greedy ever since you were young. You want everything, no matter if it belongs to you in the first place or not. When you can't get it by your own ability, you use despicable means."You were jealous when Dad bought me an expensive and beautiful dress, so you secretly ruined it. You're selfish and unreasonable, treating the servants like slaves. You do as you please just because you're the second young lady of the Zellers, and then you pretend to be innocent afterward. Dad let it go because you're the second young lady of the Zellers after all, but we've seen everything you've done."Over the years, with so many things happening, we know very well what kind of person you are. But you still manage to surprise us. Mrs. Tate took care of me ever si
Sebastian had already made all the arrangements for going to Melrine tomorrow. They had agreed to leave tomorrow afternoon.Before leaving, Rosalie wanted to visit her grandmother because she didn't know when she would return from Melrine. She planned to tell her grandmother everything and no longer wanted to keep secrets.Rosalie and Sebastian had agreed that Sebastian would have dinner with his family in the evening, while Rosalie would have dinner with her grandmother. They each went about their own affairs.In the evening, Rosalie drove to her grandmother's place. On the way, she received a call from an unknown number.As soon as she answered, an anxious voice came through the phone. "Rose, is that you? It's your aunt."Rosalie frowned. "How did you get my phone number?"But as soon as she asked, Rosalie remembered that she had helped Laila with the hospitalization procedures and left her phone number. So, it wasn't surprising that Laila had her number."Rose, never mind tha
It was like a long, long nightmare.Rosalie didn't know how much time had passed. All she could remember was herself walking in the desert for a long, long time. She felt tired, thirsty, and hot. She saw no end to the desert and she seemed to be looking for something, although she had forgotten who she was.Just as she fell from tripping over a stone and found herself unable to crawl back up, a man appeared before her.Rosalie looked up, and tears welled up in her eyes the moment she saw who it was.She suddenly remembered who she was and she reached out a trembling hand, calling out, "Justin… Justin…!"Her voice was hoarse.Justin crouched down. "Rose.He reached his hand out, as tender as before.Rosalie felt as though she had found her lifeline. Yet right before their hands touched, a loud gunshot sounded as she saw a bullet pierce mercilessly through Justin's chest. Blood trickled down the wound.Justin collapsed to the ground."No…no, no!"Rosalie yelled at the top of h
"Sebastian Carter, dare you kill me? Hahaha…!" Rosalie laughed.Her scornful laughter was akin to blades that pierced Sebastian's heart. He knew his time was up and all forms of pretense were useless.Although he refused to concede defeat, he had no other choice.Anyone who loved this woman was bound to end up in a horrible plight.Out of the blue, he asked, "Theodore, do you love Rose?" "Of course I do, but I'm not as perverted as you are," Theodore spat."Yes, I'm perverted while your love is noble and dignified. At the very least, Rose loved you once, but what about me? She has never loved me." Sebastian chuckled bitterly, tears filling his eyes. "I just want her to love me! What wrong have I done? I just don't want to lose the woman I love. How is that wrong?"Until now, Sebastian refused to admit his wrongdoings. He might know it in his heart, but he refused to admit it outright.Tears of indignation rolled down his cheeks as he bawled like a child. "The only wrong I di
Sebastian gritted his teeth as he vented his overwhelming wrath on Rosalie's body.Rosalie shut her eyes and bit down on her lips hard, bearing with the pain. She didn't cry out for fear that the people outside would hear her and realize the indecency that was going on.The men outside were shouting anxiously. Just then, one of their members ran over with an electric drill in hand. "I found this! Let's try it."A loud drilling sound came from the door. A few minutes later, the door lock finally came loose.The door was kicked open with a loud bang and Theodore barged in with his men. Sebastian and Rosalie were seated by the bedside, with Sebastian holding a gun pointed at Rosalie's temple.Rosalie's hair was in a mess, with tears streaming down her face. Her sleep gown was all tattered and torn.Fire burned in Theodore's eyes when he saw the scene before him. "Sebastian Carter, what did you do?!""I did everything you can imagine! If you don't believe me, just watch." Sebast
Rosalie was sound asleep when she heard a commotion from outside.Then, shrieks pierced the air.At that moment, the door to her room was locked open and the lights were switched on. Rosalie felt the cold muzzle of a gun pressed against her temple.Sebastian's face was dark with fury as he yanked Rosalie out of the bed."What happened?" she asked.She saw his sweat-beaded brow and knew something serious had happened.Sebastian yanked the rope in his hand and Rosalie tumbled into his arms. He wrapped an arm around her waist and pointed a gun at her forehead with another.Rosalie panted hard. "Sebastian Carter, are you going to kill me? Just shoot me!""Theodore's here. Do you want to see him?""What did you say?" Rosalie was shell-shocked. "He's here?""What, are you very happy?"A flurry of gunshots sounded outside the room."Do you hear that? He's here to rescue you," Sebastian said with a smirk.Rosalie took a deep breath and said, "Why aren't you making a run for it? If
Before his departure, Theodore carried Steve in his arms for a long time, saying many things to him."Stevie, I'm so sorry. If anything were to happen to Daddy, I can't take care of you anymore. I know I should be doing that and that I shouldn't be so selfish, but I can't help it. I have to go save Mommy. If I don't come back, you must listen to Grandpa and Grandma. They will take care of you."Theodore kissed his cheek. "I left you many videos, enough to last you till you turn 18. Remember to watch one every year on your birthday. I want you to know that I'll remember you forever."He started tearing up. "I'm sorry, Daddy needs to go. I'll protect myself and your mommy as best as I can. We'll definitely find a way back home."Theodore put Steve back into his cot."Dada…" Steve leaned against the edge of the cot and blinked innocently at Theodore."I'm sorry. Daddy's leaving." He planted a final kiss on Steve's cheek and left, his heart breaking.Steve plopped onto the mattr
They were thirty hours away from the launch of the rescue operation.Theodore called Sydney and Wesley over for a talk in the living room. With his solemn expression, the atmosphere was very tense."I called you two over because I have something very important to tell you.""What is it?" Wesley asked."If I were to die, please take good care of Steve."Shock registered on both their faces when they heard Theodore's words."Theo, what do you mean by that?" Sydney asked. "What happened? You've been acting so secretively as of late. I don't see you and can't even reach you. In fact, I can't reach Rose, either."She sensed that something major had happened, but no one was telling her what it was. She even tried contacting Christopher to understand what was going on, but he refused to breathe a word about it.The rescue operation had to be kept under wraps. Theodore and Christopher hid it from everyone else for fear of unnecessary complications and information leaks. They couldn't a
In the dark, silent night, moonlight flitted about in the night sky like a weak flame on a candle in the endless darkness.Clouds covered the sky and the night breeze felt chilly, like a sneaky thief drawing close under the cover of the night.The office was a mess, the darkness outside melting into the tense atmosphere in the room.There were many computers laid out on the large table, information and data blinking rapidly on the screen like the stars in the night sky, piercing through one's nerves.Theodore was leading the pack, walking around the periphery of the table amidst the tense atmosphere, his attention completely drawn toward the computer screens. Everyone was involved in this extremely dangerous and challenging rescue operation. They were now at the stage of planning for the rescue operation.Christopher was involved, as well. Half of the men in the office room were working under him.Theodore placed the report he received on the table and said to Christopher, "Vel
Nana's tears fell down her cheeks as she clutched the blanket tightly, her small body trembling.Sebastian was originally furious. He had suffered at Rosalie's hands, but upon seeing Nana's pitiful appearance, the anger inside him began to subside. He moved closer to her and reached out his hand, but she shrank back in fear.Sebastian forcibly pulled the blanket off Nana and lifted her. He then walked toward the balcony.Nana was terrified, but she dared not move recklessly. She could only silently shed tears, too scared to cry out loud.Sebastian carried Nana to the balcony, where a cool breeze blew. He sat down in the chair on the balcony, placing Nana on his lap."Nana, are you upset with Daddy for not saving you at that time?"Nana lowered her head and kept silent."I could only save one of you. Your mother was right by my side, and you were far from me. I couldn't get to you in time."Though if given another chance, he would still save Rosalie."You didn't die, so you're lucky. I
Sebastian took a deep breath, seemingly trying to hold back his anger. Finally, he said in a calm tone, "Let's eat first. We have plenty of time ahead of us. Rose, think about it. You're just in your twenties, and we still have so many years to go. This is just the beginning."Sebastian was not in a hurry because he was the one in control. He still had plenty of time with Rosalie. He would slowly make this woman obey him.After lunch, Sebastian didn't stay long. Even though he wanted to talk to Rosalie, she wouldn't say anything pleasant. Listening to her would only frustrate him.Just as he reached the door, Rosalie called out to him. "Wait a moment."It was rare for her to call him. Sebastian couldn't help but feel a flicker of expectation in his heart.Rosalie asked, "Won't you sleep with me tonight?"There was a hint of mockery in her eyes when she said this. Sebastian's brows furrowed tightly. He knew she was humiliating him. She was saying this on purpose, trampling on his pride