Jean left the hospital after three days. During her stay, Simone cared for her like a mother. A month later, the two packed their things. They were ready to leave the country for good.During that time, Joyce's comeback attracted a lot of attention. Not only that, Joyce had moved back to Oakside Villa, which fueled gossip about her marriage. Each time, she answered the media's questions by claiming that she and Tyler were very in love. On the other hand, news of Tyler and Esme's upcoming marriage was not reported at all. Jean was calm when she read the reports. After all, Joyce was always the more talented and capable twin. Joyce's return to Oakside Villa did surprise Jean, but it was believable.Simone inched closer and found Jean reading up about Tyler. She put on a serious face and whispered, "Jean, you're not thinking of him still, are you?"Taken aback, Jean put away her phone and chuckled."There's no reason for me to think of him." She stood up and looked at her luggage
Jean was a different woman now. Five years ago, she lacked confidence and skills. Today, she was glowing and sure of herself.The Michaels had threatened to kick her out of the family ever since she left the Larsons. Because of that, she went no contact with her family.Thankfully, she spent five years abroad without issue despite her family's threats. The family's attention was on Joyce, who moved back to Oakside Villa. They had no time for Jean.Jean walked toward the exit. She flew home alone, and no one was there to pick her up. Her eyes glimmered with a tinge of disappointment when she saw the crowds that were waiting for someone at the arrivals hall.She hailed a cab by the roadside and shared her address. The driver occasionally stole glances at her via the rearview mirror during the trip. She chuckled at his absent-mindedness."Sir, I'm not Joyce Michaels. And look out—you're going to run a red light."The driver was embarrassed after being called out and quickly stepped
Chris sat in silence until Tyler ordered him to drive off.Back at the Larson Group office, the senior management was worrying in the meeting room about Tyler’s lateness. Tyler was never late to meetings because some issues cropped up in the company's projects lately. The suffering of the management staff increased with each minute. When Tyler finally showed up, they anticipated him to scream and shout, but he was oddly agreeable and easygoing that day. He even gave them advice on future growth after hearing their business reporting.Seated to Tyler's right, Lilian Page looked up briefly from her minute-taking. She started working for Tyler after her recovery three years ago. He was rarely calm and mild in the past five years.Ever since "Joyce" gave birth and moved back to Oakside Villa, Lilian felt sidelined by Tyler. But Tyler wasn't exactly close to Joyce either. Confused by Tyler's good spirits, she followed behind him after the meeting ended.When she noticed that he was
"The Hewetts delivered an invitation to the Larsons too," Chris whispered, his eyes on Tyler.Tyler was supposed to visit their office in Faulkland tomorrow. He adjusted the ring on his finger and said indifferently, "Postpone tomorrow’s visit."Chris gave him a soft nod and immediately arranged it. At the same time, Lilian was back with the requested file and ran into Chris at the entrance to Tyler's office. She approached him with a kind smile and stopped him."Mr. Carden."He paused and addressed her politely."Ms. Page, what's the matter?""Tyler is in a good mood today. Since you're always around him, I'd like to know if there is any good news in his life lately," she inquired.Then, she stared at him expectantly. Chris chuckled nervously."I'm sorry, Ms. Page. I don't have a clue."Chris was embarrassed by Lilian's question, but he had to admit that she was observant enough to pick up the small changes in Tyler's mood.He scrambled for an excuse when he saw her doubtf
After a slight pause, Lilian mustered a smile."Okay. I'll leave now." With each step she took, she wished that Tyler would stop her. But he did not look away from his papers until she left his office.Standing at the door, she glanced at the man with a heavy expression. She sensed that they were drifting further apart.She shut the door behind her and left his office. If Tyler would keep a woman by his side, she vowed to be the one he chose.On the same day, Joyce rushed to Oakside Villa after she was done with her schedule. She entered the living room and found Mr. Anders briefing the servants on dinner arrangements. She announced, "Dorian likes shrimp tacos, so load up on that. By the way …"Joyce immediately rattled off a few of Dorian's favorite dishes upon her arrival, as though she was the owner of the place. Mr. Anders responded suavely, "Ms. Michaels, Mr. Larson has requested us to make the dishes that you mentioned."She raised a brow and chuckled amusedly."Loo
"My son does not need to perform onstage."Tyler glanced at Joyce chillingly as he entered the villa. She was startled by his sudden appearance, while Dorian leaped up from the couch and rushed over."Dad!"The boy opened his arms with a grin and was lifted into Tyler's arms."Hey. Did you do your homework today?"Dorian nodded."I did. I finished the homework that my tutor gave me."Tyler beamed at him with satisfaction, much to Joyce's annoyance. She was jealous of the pair's close relationship.Still, she kept a smile and whispered to Tyler, "I didn't know that you hired a tutor for Dorian. I thought he hadn't started his lessons. It was a misunderstanding."She turned to Dorian."Please don't be mad at me. I didn't do that on purpose."She reached out to caress his head, but he dodged her touch. Seeing that, Tyler immediately got Dorian into the living room to stay away from Joyce. Dorian wanted to be released, so Tyler placed him on the ground. "Dad, I'll show you m
When Dorian returned to the first floor, he huddled around Tyler and wouldn't budge no matter how Joyce tried to woo him. Secretly, she wanted to give the boy a good smacking, but she needed to put on a kind and motherly image in front of Tyler.After dinner, Joyce had to take a work call. Still, she hung around a bit because Tyler didn't show signs of leaving anytime soon. She took a seat beside Tyler.Dorian noted that and remarked, "If you're busy, you can leave. I won't ask you to stay."Whenever Tyler was not around, Joyce couldn't be bothered to chat with Dorian. She'd stay longer at Oakside Villa only if Tyler was around.Embarrassed by Dorian's remark, she chuckled."I don't have anything important. I'll spend some time with you."Dorian shot her a quiet look but said nothing. Joyce's eyes never left Tyler after she took her seat."Tyler, I received a call from the Hewetts. They invited me to Sheldon's engagement ceremony tomorrow. Are you going?"The Hewetts had want
It was the day of Sheldon Hewett's engagement ceremony. When Jean and Simone arrived at the Hewett Estate in Southlake City, the place was swarmed with guests. Simone whispered to Jean when she saw the crowd, "Well, thankfully the Hewett Estate is big enough to accommodate these people. I think half of the entertainment industry showed up."The friends walked into the Hewett Estate hall with smiles. Jean's attendance attracted eyeballs, and everyone stared at her with great interest. As Simone was a childhood friend of Sheldon's, she was acquainted with Sheldon's fiancee, Andi Rasmussen. Andi immediately approached the two ladies to welcome them."Why are you only here now? I've been searching for you!"Simone took Andi's hand and beamed."I landed in the country this morning! I needed time to doll up for the occasion. Jean hasn't been back for some time, so I had her wait for me."Their conversation was interrupted by a graceful piano melody.Jean was surprised by the famili