Suddenly, Lorian's eyes grew teary as he thought of Tegan. He imagined that if Tegan had become a mother, she would have been just as gentle and loving. It was unfortunate that their first child miscarried.Everyone else left the room while Holly was feeding the baby, leaving only Ignacio to accompany her. Holly unbuttoned her clothes to nurse little Lucius in the comfortably warm bedroom. Lucius was strong and had a healthy appetite. He stared intently at Holly. He was so focused even though he couldn’t see clearly.Ignacio leaned against the bedside. He wore a crisp white shirt, just as handsome and upright as always. However, there was a trace of fatigue in his expression. He gently teased Lucius, and his voice was full of a man’s tenderness as he spoke to Holly.“How has Gwen been lately?”“She’s doing well,” Holly murmured, leaning against Ignacio's shoulder. “With that said, I can tell she hasn’t forgotten Oakley. I don't try to persuade her, Ignacio. Matters of the heart c
A day later, Paityn came to pick up Tegan at the Brookesville detention center. As she walked out of those high walls, Tegan stood beside a black car. An indescribable weariness was etched on her face.Tegan immediately stepped forward, asking, “How’s Mom, Tegan?”Paityn gently brushed Tegan's hair. After a moment of silence, the former spoke softly, “I consulted with a lawyer. In this case, your actions are considered self-defense. However, Mom’s actions are considered excessive defense and delayed self-defense.”Tegan stood there, stunned for a while. Paityn’s voice grew hoarse. “I’ve hired the best lawyer in the country, Lucy Dudley, to defend Mom. However, you need to be mentally prepared, Tegan. She may be sentenced to at least four years.”Four years, she said…Jennifer was no longer young. What would life be like after four years in prison? Tegan dared not think about it. She clutched Paityn’s arm and said, “I can go to prison instead of Mom.”Paityn shook her head gentl
Noah and Gwynn were unaware of Tegan’s situation. It was only when Lorian announced his intention to return to the country that they learned of the severity of the situation. On that day, Noah traveled back with Lorian. By the time Lorian arrived back in Zutriystein, however, it seemed that everything had already become too late.…On the day Lorian returned to the country, Theo had already been buried.As dusk fell, Lorian’s car arrived at the villa. Upon opening the car door, he stepped out and walked toward the entrance. The housekeeper noticed his expression and didn't ask any questions. However, she did say something."Ms. Tegan just got back home. She's upstairs embroidering. She’s been so busy with family matters that she hardly rested for the past few days. "All she did was embroider day and night. I’m really worried that she’ll overwork herself. You should comfort her well when you see her, Mr. Lorian."Lorian murmured, "Okay."Lorian carried his luggage upstairs. To
In the aftermath, Lorian intervened in the McKinney family affairs, but the outcome was already settled and unchangeable. Lorian arranged a dinner with Lucy, the most prestigious lawyer in Brookesville. Lucy was known for her exceptional skills. She agreed to only an hour of her time.This dinner was a private affair between Lorian and Lucy. That year, Darius Berry had not yet returned to Zutriystein, and Lucy remained the charming and capable lawyer she was known to be. In the Dudley and Lockwood families, only Jamie had managed to develop a romantic relationship, though it was far from smooth.The dinner was held in the most luxurious private room of the club.Lorian and Lucy sat on opposite sides of the table. He held his wine glass and observed the competent lawyer before him. Lucy was endowed with striking beauty and a brilliant mind, thanks to Harrison and her mom, Veronica Wells.Lucy made a significant name for herself in the legal field. In both the legal and entertain
Tegan didn't look up. "I'm not really hungry.""You still need to eat something." Lorian walked over to her. He reached out and pulled the book from her hands. His voice was softer than before. "I'll have the servant bring it here. Eat at least a little."Tegan asked him if he had eaten. Lorian took off his coat and sat down on the sofa across from her. He didn't mention that he'd already eaten outside, nor did he say anything about meeting with a lawyer. At this moment, Lorian just wanted to spend more time with Tegan. Perhaps their marriage was finally coming to an end, and he still wanted to struggle a little.However, Lorian knew deep down that this attempt at making amends had nothing to do with love. It was simply because he felt guilty toward Tegan.Neither of them had any objections.Lorian went downstairs. When he returned to the master bedroom on the second floor, Tegan was reading again. This time, he didn't take the book from her hands. Instead, Lorian said softl
Tegan didn’t indulge him.Their marriage had come to an end, and so had her feelings for him. That one sentence he’d said over the phone."Don't be afraid, I'm here."It had been nothing more than a fleeting illusion. The truth had proven that it was all just her wishful thinking.Lorian had never loved her.Not ever!…Tegan still insisted on sleeping in the guest room. She left the master bedroom for Lorian. Neither of them was in a good mood, and they didn’t sleep at all that night.The next day, Lorian and Tegan shared their last breakfast. That morning was no different from usual. He sat at the head of the table and was dressed impeccably. Every gesture he made exuded the elegance of an aristocrat. She had applied a light touch of makeup.After a moment of silence, Lorian looked at Tegan. "The company needs time for public relations. We'll separate for a month first. As for the divorce settlement I’m offering you…"Tegan interrupted him. "I'll move out this evening. As f
Tegan had always been reserved. She had never spoken about her feelings of affection and disappointment out loud.However, Lorian remembered how captivating Tegan had been when she was in love. He asked himself if he had truly never felt anything genuine amidst all the pretenses and games.A servant knocked at the door. "Would you like to have dinner, Lorian?"Lorian responded dryly. "Just some sandwiches."The servant was aware of the impending divorce and her master's poor mood. She hesitated to intrude. As she turned to leave, Lorian called out, "Did Ms. Tegan say anything when she left?"The servant thought for a moment before gently shaking her head. "Ms. Tegan didn’t say anything."Lorian gestured for her to leave. Once the bedroom door was closed, he collapsed onto the soft bed. The sheets were changed after last night’s intimate encounter. They smelled of fresh laundry detergent, leaving no trace of Tegan’s scent.Lorian turned his head and stared blankly at the moon out
Lorian was engaged in conversation with two senior lawyers in the director’s office of the Sanders Group. His demeanor exuded the confidence and sophistication of a top business executive. The lawyers spoke with great respect. Their tones were formal and polite.Kris softly announced, “Ms. Tegan has arrived, Mr. Lorian.”At the sound of the announcement, Lorian looked up. He and Tegan locked eyes. After not seeing her for a month, he took a moment to observe her closely. Lorian noticed her appearance had noticeably deteriorated. She looked much thinner and more worn out. His tone softened as he asked, “Have you not been sleeping well lately?”“It's okay,” Tegan replied quietly. Her gaze settled on the coffee table in front of Lorian, which was stacked with thick documents. It was the divorce agreement.Lorian continued to watch her. After a moment, he signaled to Kris to bring Tegan a cup of coffee. He specifically requested the Earl Grey blend. Tegan promptly declined, “No need.