Sebastian and Rosalie had fixed a date for their departure overseas.Before going abroad, Sebastian finally managed to acquire Farover Enterprise.The company wasn't willing to be acquired, but Sebastian used various means, even underhanded ones, to force them to sign the agreement. What came next was the transfer of shares.Sebastian had underestimated the abductor indeed. The abductor turned out to be more insidious and devious than he imagined.Initially, Sebastian had wanted to seize the opportunity to track down the abductor by transferring shares to him. He didn't expect the abductor to engage an agency to receive the shares. The man had successfully concealed his identity by engaging a third-party agent.Sebastian was unable to confirm the buyer's true identity, no matter how hard he tried and how many ways he employed.Continuing to investigate things was only going to be a waste of time and effort.The abductor didn't even seem to care that Sebastian was trying to t
Theodore stopped in his tracks, and turned around.Seeing the pained expression on his mother's face, he asked, "What exactly is going on? Are you hiding something from me?""Theo, I just want to ask you this: are things really over between you and Rose?"Theodore shut his eyes sorrowfully. Clenching his fists, he said, "Rose was the one who wanted to end things between us. What choice did I have?""Do you mean that you still want to be with her?"Theodore smiled bitterly. "Do you know why I refused to let you contact Rose when I got injured before? Do you know what happened when I went to rescue her?""What happened?" Sydney asked.Theodore sighed. "Forget it."He didn't want them knowing the truth. It was enough for him to just take it alone.All Rosalie did was to choose Sebastian over him. What wrong did she do? She simply didn't love him.Seeing Theodore making a move to leave, Sydney rushed forward and stopped him in his tracks. "Stand right there! What exactly happened
He should feel happy that his mother was speaking up for Rosalie, so why did he feel endless melancholy in his heart?He was doomed to be sidelined. "Mom, I didn't misunderstand anything. I know she wasn't wrong in making that choice, but it destroyed me. Since she chose Sebastian, why should I continue pursuing her? It no longer matters whether there's a misunderstanding or not."Theodore clutched the area of his wound, which ran deep. He could still feel it throbbing with pain even until now.Each time he talked about this, the image would emerge in his mind once more and the pain in his heart would deepen."Theo," Sydney said, her heart breaking as guilt overwhelmed her. She grabbed his hand, and said, "I know you're suffering, and that you're in a lot of pain. Since you don't want to contact Rose, then don't. There are many other women in this world who are still worthy of your love."Sydney couldn't stop her tears from flowing.She knew how much pain Theodore was in at tha
Theodore knew what happened between Sebastian and Rosalie.At the very least, that man genuinely treated Rosalie well. He was by her side and cared for her when she needed it the most.But what did Sebastian do for Sydney?Mothers would generally protect their own children, but why was his own mother like this?Theodore never expected his own mother to protect him.Ever since he was young, he had solved his own problems all by himself. He never expected to receive care and help from his parents.Did she have to make things so obvious? Even calling Sebastian by his nickname? He could accept his mother defending Rosalie. What he couldn't tolerate was his mother calling Sebastian's name so tenderly, when he did nothing for her.Theodore wondered if he was being petty, or if this world was truly unfair toward him. Why was everyone, including his own mother, taking Sebastian's side?Sydney's innocent calling of Sebastian's nickname was enough to tear Theodore's heart into two.
His phone suddenly rang.Theodore's hand shook when he heard the jingle sounding from his phone.He sighed. He twisted the bottle cap close, and put it aside before picking up his phone.Upon seeing the name displayed on the screen, he hesitated for a few seconds before answering the call. "Hello.""Hello, Mr. Spencer. I apologize for bothering you at such a late hour."It was Aurora."It's fine. What's the matter?" Theodore lay back down stiffly on the bed like a plank of wood. His voice was flat and emotionless as he spoke."I… I do have something…I need your help for." Aurora's voice was trembling slightly, tinged with fear. Theodore's brows furrowed. Sensing that something was amiss from her voice, he sat up on the bed and leaned against the headboard."What is it?"The last time he left his number with Aurora, he had told her that she could approach him if she needed help.She never contacted him—until now.He had almost forgotten about her, but now she was suddenly
Theodore approached Aurora and asked, "Are you hurt?"She shook her tear-streaked face that was covered with sweat. "I'm not hurt. Thankfully, the police came in time."Theodore was relieved to see that she was fine.Theodore turned around and looked at the man who was nabbed by the police, and asked, "Who is this man?"Aurora wiped the tears from her face, and said, "He's my ex-boyfriend who's been harassing me. I've called the police many times, but it's useless. He'll be released after two days, and he'll come harassing me again."Theodore finally understood why she didn't call the police.Even if she did and even if the police seized her ex-boyfriend, they wouldn't be able to sentence him to a heavy punishment. At most, they would give him a lecture before releasing him, which would only worsen his behavior.Theodore had initially thought that Aurora was doing it on purpose, calling him instead of calling the police.He had come just to return her the favor.Now that he th
Theodore’s threat was clear as day.If the man dared to harass Aurora again, Theodore would cripple him.The man shuddered with fear as sweat beaded on his forehead.He was arrogant, proud, and defiant. However, facing Theodore, he was as timid as a mouse, almost peeing his pants out of fright.He immediately pleaded for mercy. “I… I was wrong! I won’t ever do that again. Mr. Spencer, please spare me. Take this woman away. She’s yours now, you can do whatever you want with her!”Theodore sent a punch flying the man’s way.The man crashed on the floor, his cheeks immediately swelling up. He covered his face with his hands, and yelped in pain.Theodore was suddenly overwhelmed with anger. His face turned cold, and his gaze was frighteningly icy.He stomped on the man’s chest, and the man could feel his insides all squashed up.He hugged Theodore’s leg, and pleaded profusely, “Sir, please spare my life! Aurora's yours now!”Theodore’s foot pressed harder into the man’s stomach.
"Don't cry."Theodore stepped forward, handing Aurora a clean handkerchief from his pocket."A man like him isn't worthy of your tears."Aurora took the handkerchief from him. It had a mild fragrance that smelled very pleasant.She couldn't bear to use it to wipe her tears, and simply held it tight in her hand."Mr. Spencer, I'm not crying for him. I just feel so glad. Thank you for coming to my aid today. I felt very anxious after calling you, but I really didn't know what to do at that point. I'm sorry, I really am, for bothering you.""Don't apologize to me. I should be the one apologizing to you for misunderstanding you in the first place. I was wondering why you didn't call the police, and thought you had called me on purpose. Please don't be angry at me for that."Theodore tried to sound as gentle as possible, but his words still pierced Aurora's heart. As it turns out, his first thought was that she was doing it on purpose.Why was this man so cold and unfeeling?Aurora
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