"What's the matter? Is there a problem?" the person outside asked.Sydney replied, "I'm sorry, but the car won't start."The person seemed to be the driver of the armored vehicle. Growing a bit impatient, he glanced at his leader's car and then said to Sydney, "Let me take a look. Hand me the keys."Given that he was driving an armored vehicle, Sydney didn't question his authority. She grabbed her bag, stepped out of the car, and handed the keys to him.At that moment, the window of the armored vehicle slowly rolled down."Luke, what's going on?" a deep, steady voice inquired.Luke Parker quickly approached. "Mr. Jackson, the car suddenly won't start. I'm checking it out and will move it right away."Christopher glanced at the car, then his gaze shifted to Sydney, recognizing her.Sydney seemed to recognize him too, her surprise evident."President Harper, what a coincidence," Christopher said with a faint smile.Sydney moved closer. "Oh, it's you, Mr. Jackson."As the presi
It was a shame, really—Sydney had a persistent sadness about her, one that Christopher had sensed from the moment he first laid eyes on her. Though his frequent appearances at various high-profile events meant he interacted with many people, this particular encounter with Sydney had reminded him of that fleeting, striking impression."You're Theodore's mother, which makes you Rose's mother-in-law. Did you come to the hospital to see her today?"Sydney was momentarily taken aback, confusion flickering in her eyes. "How do you know that? You…""I've spoken with Rose before. She mentioned these details. I'm Christopher, Sebastian's uncle," he explained.Sydney froze, realizing that Christopher was Sebastian's uncle. This implied that Geoffrey's former wife must be related to Christopher—either as a sibling or a close relative.It made sense now why Geoffrey had been so desperate to marry that woman. The depth of the connection was undeniable, and who could resist such allure?"So,
Sydney turned her head. "Is there something else?""Leave me a phone number."Sydney was momentarily taken aback."You're the bank president. We'll have opportunities to be in touch. Just leave me your number," Christopher said.His tone wasn't exactly negotiable, but it didn't carry any hint of coercion—just an authoritative presence that was hard to refuse.Sydney, accustomed to dealing with various executives—some sleazy, some superficial, and others who abused their power—found Christopher's dignified and courteous demeanor refreshing and rare. What struck her even more was how Christopher, despite his status, was waiting for a parking spot like an ordinary person. Most people in his position would have simply called ahead to secure one, but he was waiting in line like anyone else.She fished out her business card from her bag, and handed it to him respectfully.Christopher accepted it, saying, "I'll be in touch."Sydney offered a polite smile before exiting the vehicle.
Seeing the tenderness in Sebastian's eyes, it was clear his love for Rosalie ran deep, imprinted on his very soul. If anyone tried to separate them..."Uncle, are you here to see Rose?" Sebastian asked.Christopher nodded. "Yes, I came to check on both of you."He stepped into the hospital room. Rosalie was holding a bowl of chicken soup. When she saw Christopher, she quickly placed the soup on the table. "Uncle, you’re here.""How are you feeling?" he asked."I’m doing great," Rosalie replied with a smile. "The baby’s fine too, all thanks to Seb.""I can see that," Christopher chuckled, adding, "His face is all swollen."Hearing that, Rosalie felt a bit guilty."His injury is partly my fault," she admitted.She then explained the whole situation to Christopher, who finally understood. He had noticed Sydney seemed off when he saw her earlier. Could it have been because of Sebastian’s injury? But that didn’t fully make sense. After all, she and Sebastian didn’t have much of
As soon as Sebastian turned around, Christopher said coldly, "Sebastian, I’m serious. This isn’t up for discussion. You must divorce Rose."Sebastian stopped in his tracks. "Why?"He turned around, anger simmering on his face. "I don't understand! Even my father isn't saying anything. Why are you suddenly trying to tear me and Rose apart?""I'm doing this for your own good. You can't be together.""Why not?"Seeing Christopher fall silent, Sebastian assumed he couldn't come up with a reason."Uncle, is it because Rose is pregnant with her ex-husband's child? Do you look down on her?""No.""Then why?""Sebastian, can you tell me—have you regained your memory?"If Sebastian had his memory back, he would tell him about this. If he hadn't, they might need to take their time.Mentioning "regained memory" made Sebastian clench his fists, his palms growing sweaty."I haven't fully regained it. Most of it is still missing."Hearing this, Christopher was skeptical.The only rea
Meanwhile, Wesley was nearly losing his mind. Sydney had suddenly told him she wanted a divorce, and no matter how many times he called or texted, she didn't respond.With no other options, he had to turn to his mother."Mom, Sydney wants to divorce me. I don't know what's happening. She won't answer my calls. Please help me."As soon as Wesley entered, he grabbed his mother's hand. Rebecca was annoyed by the commotion."Okay, okay. Wesley, you're in your thirties now—can you be a little more composed?""Mom, I—"Suddenly, Wesley froze.Hearing his mother say he was in his thirties, he thought he must have misheard."Mom, how old did you say I am?""You don't even know your own age? Do you think you're still three years old?" Rebecca shook her head in exasperation. "I've told you so many times to treat Sydney better and to stop messing around with other women, but you just won't listen to me!""Mom, that was a long time ago.""A long time ago? How long has it been? Theo's
The next day…Sydney called Wesley, and said coldly, "Don't forget to meet me in front of the clerk's office today. I'll be waiting for you. If you don't show up, I'll file a lawsuit against you. I have evidence of your past infidelities."Less than an hour after hanging up the phone, the two met in front of the clerk's office.Wesley hurried over. "Sydney, what's going on? You have to give me a reason.""What other reason could there be? I don't want to be with you anymore.""But you have plenty of freedom. We don't even live together; we just see each other occasionally.""Well, I don't want that either," Sydney replied coldly. "I don't want to see your face again. I want a divorce and to cut all ties.""If I don't agree to the divorce, you really want to take me to court?""Absolutely. I will take you to court. I won't accept any more of your threats."Wesley clenched his fists, anguish washing over him, his eyes red and on the verge of tears.Sydney suddenly found it hard
Wesley and Sydney returned to Rebecca's house. As soon as they walked in, they saw the place bustling with activity; the servants were busy cleaning.Rebecca was directing them. "Move the table over there," she instructed. "That vase doesn't look good here; put it over there."With a crash, a maid accidentally knocked over a vase and started crying."Oh, dear. How could you be so careless?" Rebecca stepped forward. "You need to be more careful next time.""I'm so sorry, Madam Jarvis. I'm really sorry.""Alright, are you hurt?""No.""Then that's fine. Just clean it up and be more careful next time.""Okay, Madam Jarvis."Although Rebecca's tone was a bit stern, she didn't hold it against the maid and didn't make her pay for the vase.Seeing his mother bustling around, Wesley walked in. "Mom, what's going on?""Cleaning the house. Can't you tell?" Wesley looked around. "Why are you cleaning today?""Do I need to pick a special day to clean?" Rebecca laughed. "Wesley, wha
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