Gwynn held the cup of tea in silence. After a brief moment, she collected herself and said softly, “Charles might’ve agreed to work with us, but I’m going to have to stay back in Hucksburgh. Otherwise, he’ll go back on his word when he gets the chance.”Kim nodded in approval. The night grew darker. Gwynn took a shower, got changed into a comfortable sleeping gown, and laid down on the bed to rest. She missed Noah, who was locked up in Brookesville. She thought about how shoddy the cell he was in looked and how he had injuries all over.The moon cast a chilling glow down on Earth. She closed her eyes gently in the dimly lit room. She was pregnant. It didn’t matter what happened. She had to get a good night’s sleep and keep her baby healthy. …Gwynn stayed in Hucksburgh for the next couple of weeks. Charles saw her everywhere. That meant he didn’t have a chance to go back on his word.That night was the night when Hucksburgh’s annual New Year party was held. Renata wasn’t
The next day, Gwynn took a flight back to Brookesville. The moment she got off the private plane, she went to Lockwood Manor for both of her kids. Zoe learned the good news and shed tears of joy. So, she and Mason took Lorian and Holly back to Noah’s villa to reunite them. The villa felt empty without its master in it. Gladys was moving swiftly in the house, tidying the place up. She wanted Noah to come back to the same lively home he used to know. The servants were also cleaning up the villa. Some of them went outside to buy the necessary stuff for the New Year celebration. All in all, everyone had a job to do.In the afternoon, Mason went away to pick up Noah. Gwynn was making the floral arrangement in the living room when a black Bentley pulled into the villa. Holly was leaning on her grandma when she heard a familiar footstep at the door. Her voice was tender when she exclaimed, “Daddy!” At the next moment, she dashed forward and held her father’s leg. Lorian did the s
Noah was back in the afternoon. He was still dressed sharply, but his hair was tousled and his deep-blue shirt, which he wore underneath a gray coat, was stained with a few drops of dried blood. It took her one glance to know that he had been in a fight. It felt as warm as spring in the bedroom. Gwynn took his coat off for him and used her lean fingers to scratch the stains on his shirt. Raising her eyes, she looked at him. “Did you pick a fight with someone? Come on, Noah. You’re forty-one years old, for Heaven’s sake. Did you really take a flight to Hucksburgh just to beat someone up?”He towered over her and stared at her profoundly. After a brief moment, he hugged her and rubbed her shoulder with his chin, like a golden retriever acting cute with its mistress. “Yeah! I flew to Hucksburgh just to beat Charles to a pulp. Believe me when I tell you I took it easy on him. He’s lucky that I’ve had a better handle on my temper, or I would’ve poked his eyes out.”She wasn’t sure
The kids were running downstairs. Holly’s voice was crisp as she called out to Lorian. Closing his eyes, he enjoyed the moment. Lifting the blanket, he freshened up, got changed, and went down the stairs. It was very lively down there. Gladys kept both of the kids with her and taught them how to make pizza. He wasn’t sure how it got there, but Gwynn was painting on a canvas next to them. She learned arts in college. So, she was doing a good job. The moment she was done with it, she asked the servant to hang it up. The garden was decorated with a lot of lamps, casting adorable light everywhere. Noah stood there and took in the view. Then, tears filled his eyes. It was both a familiar and novel sight. This was where his happy, blissful life with Gwynn started. Gladys raised her eyes and saw him. She didn’t bother being polite and proceeded to berate him while she was making pizza. “You’re over forty years old, Noah, but you’re still not anywhere decent and upstand
At that moment, Noah raised his eyes and saw Gwynn on the balcony. It was evening and there was smoke rising in the air. Actually, they couldn’t see each other’s expressions clearly. However, they had been married for so many years that they knew each other very well. All it takes is a gander at the face, and they’d know what each other was thinking. His eyes grew dark and profound. Gwynn was jealous because he brought another lady home. Frankly speaking, he was very happy to see it. Then, he chuckled at her. His smile was nothing short of a spectacle.On the other hand, she was a little frustrated. …Gladys might’ve grumbled about it yesterday, but her heart inevitably softened when she saw that it was Ayanna. What was more, the young lady was pregnant. Rubbing her hands, she led Ayanna into the villa. “It’s cold out there. You can’t afford to catch a cold.”Tears welled up in her eyes. She used to round up money for her heavily ill mother by working for Noah. However
Ayanna stayed back to celebrate New Year’s Eve with them. It was seven in the evening when Gladys led the servants to serve the dishes. There were two dining tables to serve. She, Noah, and Gwynn sat at one of them while the rest of the servants and gardeners sat at the other. Both of the tables had the same dishes, and Noah gave each of the servants a handsome bonus. All of these were Gwynn’s ideas. She said to him earlier, “I know everyone receives double pay for working during New Year’s Eve, but today’s the day families gather and reunite. It’d be too inhumane to ask them to have dinner alone in the kitchen. They’re already working here on this important day.“So, perhaps we could celebrate New Year’s Eve with them. It could motivate them to work harder in the future.”She had been in charge of matters in the villa ever since they remarried. He had told her then, “Just do whatever you think is right, Gwynn.”That was why there were two dining tables here tonight. The
Holly acted cute with her father.It was New Year’s Eve, and she wanted to sleep with both of her parents. He wanted to agree to it, but his words were caught in his throat when he thought about how Gwynn promised he’d get some action tonight. Now, why would he give up on something he’d surely get?So, he tried to coax and sweet-talk his daughter.Holly held her pillow and ran away. “Daddy doesn't love me anymore.”Lying down on the bed, he couldn’t help but laugh out loud. Lorian followed her out of the bedroom and looked after his younger sister for his parents’ sake. He took her to his bedroom and gave her a lot of candy. …Back in the master bedroom, the light was soft and hazy. Twisting a hot towel, she knelt by the bed and wiped his body. He had some alcohol in him. So, his body felt a little hot, especially his neck. There were some rashes on the red patch over there. It emanated the sexiness only a mature man possessed. The towel in her hands wiped over that area
Wind rushed into the long hallways of the hospital, chilling everyone with its blasts. It was such an irony because it was New Year’s Eve tonight. It was supposed to be a cheerful holiday. After all, families were reunited on this day.However, the hospital staff was trying to save Anderson’s life.The other Templetons were waiting outside the operating room with anxious expressions on their faces. They were truly afraid that Anderson might just die tonight.Even Saul hurried to the hospital. He held Archibald and helped his master to sit down. Then, he asked, puzzled, “How is it that there were allergens in a place this secure? Was it because the men who escorted Mr. Anderson were careless?”The old man’s face was grim underneath the ceiling light. That was when Saul understood.‘This is Noah’s doing again!’ he thought to himself.He was getting anxious when Archibald’s phone started ringing. The old man looked at his phone before answering the call. His tone was cold and
In the presidential suite, the newlywed night was fiery, filled with affection and intimacy. The wedding banquet was still bustling with excitement.There was a special guest, who quietly arrived and hoped to leave just as quietly. He was afraid to disturb her mood and feared that if she saw him, she might not be pleased. However, despite his best efforts, they still crossed paths in the hallway.Gael stood quietly, watching Yanni. She had just taken Ella to the restroom, as she wasn’t comfortable leaving her alone. Besides Ella, there was another small girl with her, probably one of the twins she had with Keaton. The other twin was her brother.The twins were named Shay Bright and Drew Bright. Ella adored her younger siblings. Whenever she came home from school, she would always spend some time playing with them first. At night, she would sneak her little sister into her room and cuddle her to sleep, treating her like a little doll.At first, Yanni was quite worried, but she lat
In the early morning, the first rays of sunlight bathed the earth, signaling a joyous occasion at the Sanders family home. The youngest daughter of Noah and Gwynn was finally getting married. Even more delightful, she was marrying her childhood love. Dressed in a headpiece and red bridal gown, she was as beautiful as could be, the most stunning woman Zion had ever seen.The Quarto family was busy with preparations. Although they were not extremely wealthy, Jordyn was a capable family head with a good reputation. He handled both inside and outside affairs with finesse and charm. To everyone’s surprise, he got along very well with Mason.However, Noah had some reservations. “Don't you have any relatives of your own, Mason?”Mason didn’t engage with his criticism. Together with Zoe, they helped with the wedding arrangements. A traditional Chinese wedding was far more elaborate than a Western one, but thankfully, the families had enough help to avoid any chaotic moments.During the d
That night, Jamie and Paityn returned home with their daughter Carol. As soon as they arrived, Carol went to do her homework, while Paityn went to check on their youngest son, Colten Lockwood. The housekeeper was taking care of him and, upon hearing footsteps, turned her head and softly said, "Madam, you're back? He hasn't woken up at all, he's such a good boy."Paityn smiled lightly and signaled for the housekeeper to go downstairs and rest.When the door closed, she looked down at the sleeping Colten. The little one, only eight months old, resembled his father completely; almost like a miniature copy of Jamie. Even Carol, at times, would look at her brother’s face and marvel: "It’s really a masterpiece from God!"Jamie replied, "You even know what a masterpiece is?"Carol teased, "A husband’s looks are the wife’s glory!"Paityn quietly said to Jamie, “She must have seen a supermodel runway show."Jamie immediately asked, "Did she like it?"Paityn didn't answer, just smiled.
On the second floor, Gwen was trying on her wedding dress for tomorrow. Just as Zion had wished, it was a traditional Zutriysteinian wedding.The red wedding gown was crafted by the top artisans from Zutriystein, elegant and dignified. The headpiece she wore was adorned with wild pearls; each gem was carefully embedded, and the headpiece alone cost tens of millions. A substantial amount of money had been spent.The woman in the mirror was stunningly beautiful. Gwen gently touched her headpiece and muttered to herself, "Zion really doesn’t mind spending money on this little hobby of his."Gwynn, as a mother, patted her head. "This little girl really doesn’t know when to keep quiet, but luckily, she’s married well and is right here beside me..."She had given a generous wedding gift, exactly the same as when Holly got married. Like Holly, Gwen didn’t want any shares of the Sanders Group. The money that Zion earned was enough to support both of them and his small hobbies.Meanwhile
Ignacio said, "We can’t take care of both of you."Holly was at a loss for words.Lucius was at that lively age, but he was raised by his father and had good manners. When he saw Ocelotte, he respectfully greeted him, saying, "Second Uncle."Ocelotte patted his little head, thinking that the boy seemed sturdier than his own children, possibly because Molly was too fragile. He made a mental note to make sure Yeager got some extra nutrients when he went back.The black Rolls-Royce Phantom sped down the highway, getting them back to the Qiao family mansion before evening.The Sanders family’s sons had all moved out, leaving only Gwen still living at home. Holly, who rarely came back, was also staying at the house. She didn’t refuse, planning to stay for a few days before heading to Silvercrest to visit her biological parents and pay respects.The car pulled into the Sanders Residence, and the house was lit up brightly.In the courtyard parking area, luxury cars were parked everywhe
In the evening, Gwen was preparing to leave work.In the parking lot, she spotted Zion’s car, but it was empty. Just then, a school leader passed by and said to her, “Zion came to school. There’s a donation ceremony happening in the auditorium. You should go check it out. "Then, you two can head home together afterward. On a cold day like this, a nice dinner would be perfect. What a cozy idea!”Gwen playfully replied, “You really know how to enjoy life.”The leader, holding a bag of groceries, laughed, “See? Your teacher’s wife has been nagging me since morning to go home and cook while babysitting the grandkids.”Gwen smiled softly, watching him leave.In the sky, clouds glowed orange and yellow, their edges tinged with gold.She carried a thermos as she walked toward the auditorium. Along the way, a few students noticed her and started chirping excitedly, cheekily calling her “Ms. Gwen.”Gwen corrected them, “It’s Ms. Gwen.”The students laughed and teased, “Ms. Gwen! Mr. Z
Gwen stared dazedly at the man.Zion, dressed in a black coat, stood tall in the study, exuding an oppressive aura. He walked toward her and pulled the teary-eyed girl, her face streaked like a little tabby cat, into his arms. One hand gently smoothed her hair as his voice softened to the extreme, "Still saying you didn’t cry."Gwen leaned against his shoulder, mumbling, "You did it on purpose.""Are you at least a little touched?"She pounded on him twice more in response.Zion chuckled lowly, letting the girl vent while his heart ached silently.These past five years had been filled with fear and uncertainty for him. He had been afraid that before he could make a name for himself, Gwen would fall for someone else. If that happened, what could he possibly use to ask her to come back to him?The love story of a poor boy and a rich girl might've existed in novels, but the reality was often harsh.Gwen didn’t care, but he couldn’t bear to let her endure hardship.Now, as they
Zion and Gwen's marriage seemed inevitable, with no one putting up any resistance. Occasionally, Gwen even had a strange illusion.It all went so smoothly that the years of separation seemed like they had never happened, as if she and Zion had always been together. After their reunion, he didn’t even ask her about her life abroad and treated her just as he did before.She was no longer as youthful and tender, but Zion still saw her as if she were a 20-year-old girl. Gwen felt a bit dejected, thinking to herself, he must just like girls around 18-year-old.But unfortunately, the spring river flows eastward and cannot return!Zion only smiled.In winter, the days grew shorter. After work, Gwen arrived at Zion's villa, but he had not yet come home. The two housekeepers had already started preparing dinner.When Gwen got out of the car, she received a call from Zion. Her voice was soft and tender.“When will you be back?”On the other end, Zion checked the time and said, “I’ll be
Zion noticed Gwen gazing at him with those wide, expectant eyes again. With a chuckle, he reached into the pocket of his trench coat, pulled out a sleek wallet, and carefully extracted a platinum card. He placed it in her outstretched hand and said with a smile, “This is my secondary card. There’s no credit limit.” Gwen gasped softly, then teased, “Wow, aren’t you generous? Thank you, Teacher Qin.” Zion gave her a light tap on the head. Not missing a beat, Gwen wrapped her arms around his neck and grinned mischievously, “Thank you, my sugar daddy.” Zion’s response was to pull her close, cupping her cheeks as he kissed her fiercely. Though he once carried himself as an educator and now as a refined businessman, he found himself utterly smitten by her playful antics. After the kiss, Zion leaned close to Gwen's ear and murmured something uncharacteristically crude that sent a shiver down her spine. He playfully nipped her nose. “Turns out you’ve got a thing for bad boy