Mrs. Jian looked at the mother and son pair with eyes filled with hatred. Her lips uttered sarcastic words in response, "You are mother and son just know how to make me angry!" Hatred was evident as the middle-aged woman walked away. "Mrs. Jian, are you just going to run away?" Regina's voice was loud, but Mrs. Jian showed no sign of stopping her steps or resolving the issue. "Mommy." Kevin's calling voice drew Regina's attention. Looking at the boy in distress stirred unfamiliar feelings within her. A heart-wrenching pain enveloped her. "What's really going on? Were you hit?" Carefully, Regina wiped Kevin's reddened cheeks. The boy buried himself in her embrace, his body still trembling. Kevin answered in a hoarse voice, "I just didn't like being insulted by Grandma, so I retaliated against what she said. She got angry and hit me." "Is there anything else besides that?" Regina released Kevin from her hug. Her eyes were deep, trying to penetrate the boy's eyes to find the truth. H
Regina bent her legs, kneeling in front of her mother-in-law. She threw away all her pride to do this. She lowered her eyes and said with utmost sincerity, "I apologize for what Kevin did to you. " Mrs. Jian looked at Regina with a sharp gaze. Her gaze looked at Regina with disbelief, "What kind of trick is this? Are you going to play the victim and then slander me in front of my son that I forced you to kneel down and apologize?" Regina remained calm even though Madame Jian's sharp gaze pierced into her. The woman lifted her body, standing tall with a straight gaze. "I don't have any ill plans and only hope that you forgive my son. As an adult it is appropriate to humble oneself and admit mistakes." Mrs. Jian gave her a cold look, a few seconds later, a triumphant smile was etched, "It's good that you're willing to apologize for your incompetent upbringing of your son." "Mrs. Jian, shouldn't you also apologize to Kevin? You beat him so badly and threatened him. As an adult, ar
"Please, take me along with you and Madam!" The servant pleaded. "I truly wish to serve you and Madam." Henry instead scoffed at him. "Why should I bring a spy from my parents' side?" The servant recoiled. "Sir, I am truly not a spy. I am genuinely devoted to--" "If you're not a spy, then you wouldn't eavesdrop on conversations. Don't block my path!" Henry pushed the servant away. The servant stared at Henry for a moment. His hands clenched tightly. *** Henry entered Kevin's room, approaching a sleeping boy. His gaze fell on the flushed cheeks. A heavy sigh escaped his lips. "Regina wasn't lying." He reached out to wake him up but eventually pulled back. He went to the wardrobe and began packing clothes into a suitcase. As Henry busied himself with packing clothes, Kevin finally stirred from his deep slumber. His eyes opened slowly, still sleepy. "Dad, what's Dad doing in my room?" he asked with a hoarse voice. Henry turned to Kevin. "I'm packing your clothes. We're leaving ri
"Kevin, cease your insistence; I have no interest in hearing any of his nonsense!" Regina shot a glance at Kevin through the mirror. Kevin pursed his lips, bowing his head sadly. "I merely wish to make Mom and Dad like a typical couple. If you exchange sweet words, wouldn't your marriage last longer?" Seeing her son's bowed figure, cloaked in a gray aura of disappointment, left Regina unsure of what to do. "Kevin, you can't expect more than this, and a couple that appears sweet isn't guaranteed to last long. You understand that, don't you?" Henry interjected. "Real couple life isn't like in fairy tales." Kevin, however, smiled, leaving Henry puzzled. "Why are you smiling like that?" "I'm just glad Dad is siding with Mom. It's words of comfort for her, isn't it? Though rough, I understand Dad actually meant to say that even if you two aren't sweet to each other, you're a perfect match and will endure, and even though Dad acted harshly earlier, in truth, even if Mom isn't as s
"Is this what you call better?" Regina asked between coughs, quickly reaching for her drink."You can see for yourself, it's not burnt, is it?" Henry replied nonchalantly, continuing to enjoy his meal without showing any emotion."It’s not burnt, but it's completely tasteless. I can't eat this," Regina retorted sarcastically.Henry shot back, "Do you think your burnt food tasted any better? You can't cook either, so you have no right to criticize."The argument between Henry and Regina intensified. Their son, Kevin, watched them silently. He muttered under his breath, "No wonder neither Mom nor Dad ever cooks for me. I need to remember this."Kevin interrupted the heated exchange. "Mom, Dad, instead of arguing, why don't we just order some food? Dad, you don't have to force yourself to eat it. Even if you don't show it, I know you find it awful too.""Alright, I'll order food from my restaurant.""Wait, isn't that restaurant owned by the Jian family? Won't they tell your parents? What
Henry restrained himself. "Even a minor problem remains a problem! Who wouldn’t be mad if someone took their food without leaving any?"Regina smirked. "Oh, how about I pay for it? I'll transfer the money right away."Henry scoffed, "You plan to pay with the card I gave you? Isn’t that the same thing?"Regina stepped over to her suitcase in the living room. She grabbed her wallet and tossed the card Henry had given her at him. "Take it! I don’t need it."She opened an app on her phone and transferred the amount. "I’ve transferred the money. We owe you nothing."Regina turned to leave. Henry grabbed her hand before she could escape."Regina, what’s wrong with you? Why are you angrier than I am? Hey, don’t act like a sulking teenager; you’re too old for that."Regina stomped on Henry’s foot, catching him off guard. The slender woman used the moment to break free. "Never insult a woman by calling her ‘old.’ You may have experience with many women, but you don't understand their hearts."
"Why do you arbitrarily impose new terms? You never mentioned them before," Regina glanced towards Henry, but their proximity made her quickly avert her gaze, her hand slipping from the door handle as she edged away to a safer distance."If you're not interested, that's fine. Then, I won't give it!" Henry waved his file dismissively.Regina eyed the file, her fists clenched. She had to restrain herself and play along with Henry's game."Hand it over now," Regina demanded.Henry smirked arrogantly. "Consider it a stipulation from me.""Come in, my dear wife!" Henry opened the bedroom door.Regina cautiously entered the room, her gaze suspiciously fixed on Henry. He returned her look with a smile. "Why are you staring at me like that? I won't do anything. Take this document!"Regina reached out, snatching it quickly. She examined its contents thoroughly."I've marked the companies I recommended."Regina responded with a no
"Why?" Henry inquired of Regina, glancing without uttering a word.Regina shook her head. She couldn't possibly inquire where Henry had been until late at night. Regina lowered her gaze and began nibbling on the toasted white bread."Mom, didn't you sleep well? There are dark circles under your eyes," Kevin remarked, startling Regina even though she had covered them with makeup."Didn't you sleep soundly last night?" Henry looked at her, puzzled. "Or couldn't you sleep because I left you? Oh, is my wife unable to sleep without me?""No. Actually, I slept soundly last night. These aren't dark circles but part of the makeup," Regina gave a plausible explanation. "I didn't know you left last night.""Dad, did you go out at night? What did Dad do?" Kevin asked. Regina didn't expect Kevin to ask the questions she wanted to know.Eyes looking tired, directed at Henry without blinking. She awaited every movement of Henry's lips until he provided an
"Henry, did you really fire me? Can't you differentiate between personal issues and work?" Reina protested vehemently.Henry gave Reina a cold stare. "This isn't personal, Reina. You violated professionalism by neglecting your duties yesterday. Besides, I want us to end this relationship. I expect you to clear out your belongings from my apartment as well."Reina smiled bitterly. "You just want to discard me when you're bored? Henry, I'll expose your behavior to the media."Henry remained unfazed. "Go ahead!""Fine. You'll regret it," Reina stormed out, slamming the door in frustration.Henry didn't care. He still had plenty to do.***Regina felt irritated seeing the incessant messages coming her way. No matter how many times she blocked him, the man kept bothering her."Regina, have you been waiting long? I'm sorry."Regina turned off her phone and put it in her bag. "What's up? Why do you want to dine out without inviting Kevin?""We've been together for a few days now. I want us t
"You don't need to walk me all the way in," Regina said politely. "No, I can't leave you alone. Besides, I want to meet your child. You might be pushing me away because of your kid, right? If I can get him to like me, you'll accept me too, won't you?" Harlan replied with confidence. Regina looked at him seriously. "Harlan, don't waste your time on me. You deserve someone better. My life is too complicated right now; you might regret it." Harlan smiled gently. "It's okay. I'm ready to face everything. I'd regret it more if I let you go." Regina gazed into his eyes and saw his sincerity. "Alright. If you can love my son, I'll warn him, but you must be genuinely sincere to him." Harlan nodded. *** "Kevin, why are you outside?" Regina asked worriedly as she arrived at the apartment door with Harlan. "Uncle Harlan, take Mom away. Dad is raging inside. I don't want Mom to get hurt," Kevin said seriously, looking at Ha
Regina stood silent for a moment, stunned by Kevin's unexpected request. "Kevin, isn't this... I thought you didn't want me and Henry to separate. Why are you suggesting this?" "Because Dad doesn't care about your feelings anymore. I don't want you to endure his betrayal. If Dad has chosen another woman, why can't you be with someone who makes you happy? I just want to see you happy." Regina hugged Kevin tightly. "Kevin, thank you for thinking about me. I'll try to meet someone else, and I promise he will treat you even better than Henry did." Kevin's small arms hugged her back. "You don't need to worry about me, Mom. As long as you find someone you love, I'm okay with whoever it is." Regina smiled and gently brushed Kevin's hair. "Now, let's get you to bed." Kevin nodded and quickly climbed into bed. Regina lay down beside him. Despite her efforts to sle
Regina clenched her fist as she looked at the photo circulating on the internet. Even though it had been a while, she could still recognize the woman's face. "So, they're back together?"Her phone was swiftly snatched by Rey. "No need to dwell on gossip that distracts you from your work. If you can't concentrate, you might as well not work at all. Luckily, I'm still giving you the chance to work in a leadership position.""I know. I just happened to see the photo." Regina typed something back.Rey placed Regina's phone down. "Should I get rid of that woman? Henry seems happier with her than with you."Regina took a deep breath, trying to calm herself from the onslaught of emotions. "There's no need, Brother. I don't want to meddle in his personal affairs."Rey sneered at her, "Didn't you defy Dad to marry him, and you were so stubborn about refusing to cooperate with me and Dad just because of that man. Has your love faded now?""I don't want to discuss it. Don't you have a client mee
"Regina will be the CEO of the company, replacing me!" Mr. Tan asserted. "Regina, could you say something to our colleagues?"Regina averted her gaze. She tried to calm her feelings and thoughts. However, a loud voice suddenly erupted. "I didn't give you permission!"The man, none other than Henry, immediately stepped onto the stage and grabbed Regina's hand. "Come with me!"Rey quickly restrained Henry's hand. "Just because you're her husband, does that give you the right to dictate what Regina does?"Henry glared at the man. "You're just an outsider, better stay out of this!""Outsider?" Rey smirked bitterly. "I'm her brother. I have every right to defend my sister.""That's enough!" Mr. Tan halted the debate between the two men. "Henry Jian, release your grip on my daughter."Henry chuckled instead. "Now you're calling her your daughter just because she obeys you? Have you forgotten how you mistreated her?""Don't speak out of turn. I could have security drag you out for causing a
"Ma'am, where are you headed?" the real estate agent halted Regina."I'm no longer renting this place!" Regina quickly dashed away.The agent reached for her phone. "Sir, the lady has fled. I've successfully deceived her," a sly smile etched on the woman's lips.***Regina struggled to open her car door, her trembling body making it difficult. Something called out to her from behind. Nervously, Regina turned around."You? What are you doing here?" Regina was surprised to see Henry.Instead of answering, Henry mocked her. "Are you so broke that you're looking at this run-down apartmen? You won't find a decent home."Regina began to realize something. "Are you the one who's been sabotaging my efforts to find a house all this time? If you want revenge, this isn't the way!" Regina felt anger and frustration. "Stop meddling in my affairs!"Henry just smirked. "Do you think you can just walk away from me after what you've done? It's not that easy. I'll never let you go.""What do you really
"You're leaving? Where could you possibly go? It's not easy to find a place on short notice," Regina scoffed."That's my concern!" Regina stormed out, not needing to pack anything since everything belonged to Henry.As she passed through the hallway, she ran into her assistant, who sneered, "Foolish woman, you walked right into their trap."Regina spun around. Her assistant turned to face her with a condescending smile. "You! Are you conspiring with them? If Henry finds out, then you--""Mrs. Regina, you should worry about yourself before threatening me. I'm not as naive as you, falling so easily into this game!" Her assistant turned away. Regina clenched her fists, cursing herself for not being suspicious of the woman earlier.***When she arrived home, Regina immediately instructed Kevin to pack his clothes. "Kevin, pack your things. We're leaving this house now."Kevin looked confused. "Mom, why do we have to leave? And where's Dad?""Forget about your father. It's better if we cut
Henry clenched his fists as he watched the video. "Damn it, what kind of game is this? Could someone inside the company be involved?" "I believe so. CEO Jian, actually Mr. Jian, contacted me and said that if you want to know who's behind this, you need to meet him." Henry paused for a moment. "Alright, arrange a meeting with Papa immediately!" His assistant pulled the car over to a safe spot and began sending a message to Mr. Jian. *** "So, Henry. Didn't I warn you that bringing that woman into the company would only lead to losses?" Mr. Jian sneered at his son who had just arrived. Henry calmly pulled out a chair. "Did you call me here just to blame Regina? This might not be her fault; for all we know, you could be involved." Mr. Jian stared sharply at him. "Are you accusing your own father? After you watch this recording, will you still trust your wife?" "Is this edited?" Henry refused to believe it. "See for yourself and decide if it's manipulated," Mr. Jian repli
“Absolutely, I’m sure!” Regina answered firmly. CEO Smith eyed her for a moment, then gave a short nod. “Alright, I’ll give you one week. But remember, if you fail, keep your promise!” Regina nodded, reaffirming her decision. “Thank you for this opportunity. We won’t let you down.” Once the meeting concluded, Regina and her assistant exited the conference room. CEO Smith then reached for his phone. “Hello, CEO Jian…” *** Regina began working tirelessly. She met with the representatives from the game company responsible for the project. “I’ll provide additional funding, but I expect you to finish within a week!” “What? How can we complete it that quickly? We need—” Regina swiftly interrupted. “It doesn’t need to be perfect, just of high enough quality to release.” “We’ll do our best, Mrs. Regina,” the game company’s representative responded eagerly. Regina nodded. “I trust your team’s capabilities. Do whatever it takes to get this project done.” She believed everything was g