"No problem," Sophie said, watching Tiffany leave. Then she turned to Linda. "Have you noticed Jeanna has been unusually quiet today?""It does seem so," Linda commented, scanning the room. Typically, Jeanna would have made her presence more known."Let's not worry about her for now." Sophie decided, pressing her hand to her chest as she felt another wave of nausea. She quickly made her way to her office.After the meeting, Jeanna secluded herself in her office, locking the door and starting her live stream. As soon as she went live, her followers flooded her with questions.[Jean, why are you live streaming at this hour?]"I have a personal matter and need some advice from you all," said Jeanna.She could not stand by while Cedric and Vivienne treated Sophie so poorly. She briefly explained the situation, and the comments section erupted with suggestions.One follower suggested: [Find some guys to shame that mistress before getting rid of her.]Jeanna frowned. "That seems a bi
Cedric's expression briefly clouded over before returning to calm. "You're reading too much into it. Join me at the company today, and I'll have HR sort out a suitable role for you," he said.With a hopeful smile, Vivienne assisted Cedric with his briefcase, and they departed the villa together.-Fifteen minutes later, the Rolls Royce pulled up at the Carlson Group headquarters.The security guards recognized Cedric and rushed to open his car door. They were visibly taken aback to see Vivienne in the car as well. It seemed that Ms. Kerrigan was indeed set to become their CEO's new wife.For several days, Cedric brought Vivienne to work with him, sparking gossip among the Carlson employees.Near the elevator, a group of stylishly dressed female staff whispered among themselves."The former Mrs. Carlson has barely left, and she is already stepping into her shoes. Isn't that too hasty?""Jealous much? She gave the CEO a son. Don't you know the saying, 'The child's status elevates
As quitting time approached, Jeanna slipped out of work ahead of schedule, her backpack filled with supplies. She quietly made her way to the Carlson Group parking lot, where a driver's dispute with security guards provided a perfect diversion.With a grin, she felt fortunate.Having invested in the most stubborn spray can available, she retrieved it from her bag and shook it vigorously. She was prepared to transform a pristine Rolls Royce into a canvas for her graffiti art.The spray paint hissed as she coated the black luxury car with a vibrant poop-green."That's for ruining Sophie's life. Let's see how you like this shade on your car," she muttered under her breath.After crafting a poop emoji, Jeanna gleefully chose other garish colors, unable to stop herself. Soon, the once sophisticated Rolls Royce looked utterly transformed, unique in its hideousness. "This new look suits a scumbag and a mistress," she remarked with satisfaction.Jeanna then attached two large, colorful
Jeanna observed the unfolding scene from a distance, her laughter echoing with confidence. She was certain the security cameras had not captured her face, as losing her anonymity would mean defeat.Shortly after, a security guard approached Cedric with a screenshot from the surveillance footage."Sir, we couldn't capture the face, just a woman's back," he reported.Cedric's cold eyes scanned the image, his brows knitting together in confusion. It looked familiar. 'Why her?'"Cedric, can we please leave?" Vivienne's eyes were slightly red, but she was holding back, not wanting to lose her composure. She was eager to escape the mocking gazes but did not want to give in to her anger.Cedric's expression softened slightly. "Let's take a taxi."During the taxi ride, Vivienne asked the driver to stop.Already irritated, Cedric lowered the window and looked at Vivienne, who was already standing by the roadside. "What are you trying to do?""What can I do? Every day, I live in humiliat
Tristan's indignant voice resonated from within as they approached the kindergarten. "I am not a bastard. I have a dad."Another child's voice, full of false superiority, countered, "You are a bastard. Your mom isn't even your dad's wife. She's a mistress, a bad woman who broke up a family. My mom said children born to mistresses are bastards."Cedric's expression darkened immediately at the harsh words of the argument."You can't talk about my mom like that! She's not a mistress! You're the real bastard!" Tristan defended Vivienne bravely but was no match for the bigger child, who shoved him to the ground."Ricky, my mom said you're just a mistress' bastard!" the child mocked.Brimming with tears but fiery with defiance, Tristan got up from the ground. He was ready to retaliate. But upon spotting Cedric and Vivienne, he sobbed and ran into Cedric's arms."Daddy, tell him my mom's not a mistress, and I'm not a bastard. I'm your son," he pleaded, tears and conviction in his eyes.
"Am I hearing this right? You're going to announce Vivienne as your fiancée?" Sean nearly choked on his drink, stunned by Cedric's bombshell. As far as he knew, Cedric had not officially divorced yet and was now planning to introduce a fiancée."I don't want Tristan to be called a bastard," Cedric replied, downing his drink but still frowning.Sean suddenly laughed. "Let me get this straight. You're announcing Vivienne as your fiancée, not for her sake, but for your son's? When do you plan to make her your wife? When will you officially hand in your divorce papers with Sophie?"Cedric glared at Sean, annoyed by his bluntness. "What are you trying to imply?""I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Cedric, you've fallen for Sophie."Only deep love could stir such inner conflict and hesitation to move on."Me, in love with her?" Cedric laughed mockingly, yet he was rattled inwardly. The divorce papers, already signed, only needed to be handed over to a lawyer. Yet, he had left
An hour later, journalists gathered at Carlson Group, abuzz with speculation and curiosity."Such a sudden press conference. What could it be about?" one wondered."Maybe Mr. Carlson is planning to remarry Ms. Luxford. You heard about her recent visit to the maternity ward, right? If she's pregnant, surely the child shouldn't be fatherless."Amidst the chatter, a hush fell over the crowd as Cedric's distinguished footsteps approached, accompanied by the clicking of high heels. In an elegant lake-blue gown trailing down to her ankles, Vivienne entered gracefully on Cedric's arm, her smile poised and dignified.The journalists who had speculated about a remarriage inhaled sharply in surprise. This press conference was not about his ex-wife but another woman.Cedric, his expression stoic, took his seat at the podium. He picked up the microphone and immediately said, "I have an announcement to make today. My fiancée, Vivienne."The journalists exchanged glances, surprised by the dire
Sophie was reviewing the latest product progress in her office when Jeanna barged in with her phone, startling her. Clutching her chest, Sophie frowned. "I'm your boss and a pregnant woman at that. No more startling surprises.""I'm just so furious about those adulterers. I should have done more yesterday," Jeanna half-confessed, cutting herself off, wary of revealing too much to Sophie.The mention of the "adulterers" deepened Sophie's frown. She desperately wanted to stay clear of any gossip about Cedric and Vivienne, but Jeanna seemed determined to fill her in."That scumbag Cedric, not only did he cheat, but he actually held a press conference declaring Vivienne as his fiancée. Can you believe it? Disgusting! She's nothing but a mistress!"Sophie's hand tightened around her pen, betraying her inner turmoil at the mention of the press conference. She masked her pain professionally and said, "Let's keep private matters out of office hours, Jeanna. And next time, please knock."T
Tristan looked up in surprise. As if struck by a sudden thought, he glanced at Cherry, who was writhing in pain, and timidly asked, "Can I go to the hospital to help?""You need to stay home and help Cherry get a leave from school tomorrow. Be good and stay here. Trust Daddy. Cherry will be fine." Cedric's words seemed to soothe Tristan's anxiety.Avoiding Cedric’s gaze, Tristan obediently nodded. 'Cherry will surely be fine.'-The Bentley sped along the road and soon arrived at the hospital.Cedric held Cherry the entire time, while Sophie handled the paperwork. Their seamless cooperation made them seem like a perfectly ordinary married couple."Mr. Carlson, Mrs. Carlson, the child has gastritis and needs to be hospitalized for treatment," the emergency physician explained after examining Cherry, jotting down the diagnosis in the medical record.Sophie's face turned pale. 'Gastritis? How could it be so severe?'"Can she recover?" Cedric asked with a frown, his sudden intimida
In Imperium, hardly anyone else would dare yell at Cedric like this. Cedric's eyes narrowed dangerously, his shoulders radiating a cold aura. However, traces of helplessness and doting affection softened his expression. Despite his reluctance, he eventually turned aside cooperatively.Sophie couldn't help but smile. 'It's no wonder some people believe that daughters are their fathers' lovers from a previous life. If it were anyone else, Cedric would have likely thrown them out the window by now.'She lifted Cherry's clothes to reveal her round belly and gently massaged it in circles with her fingers. Taking the opportunity, she also gave Cherry a gentle reminder, "How many times has Mommy told you not to eat so much? But you never listen. Now you know how it feels when you overeat, huh?""Mommy, could you not rub salt in my wounds?" Cherry's face was scrunched up in pain. Her pitiful and aggrieved expression instantly silenced Sophie, who decided to save the scolding for when Cherry
Cedric kissed Sophie’s rosy cheeks, preparing to take things to the next level, when a knock on the door interrupted them at a crucial moment.His expression darkened immediately. No man liked being interrupted at such a time, and it had happened repeatedly."Who is it?" Sophie grabbed the blanket beside her to cover her exposed chest, her hoarse voice betraying her recent passion."Ms. Luxford... It's me." Tristan's low voice came from the other side of the door.'Tristan?' Sophie looked at the man beside her, surprised. She had assumed it was Cherry again, but unexpectedly...Gathering her scattered clothes from the floor, Sophie dressed quickly. Ensuring there was nothing inappropriate between her and Cedric, she got out of bed and walked toward the door.Tristan stood there, head down, fingers fidgeting, indicating urgency. As soon as the door opened, he looked up anxiously and said, "Ms. Luxford, could you go check on Cherry? She seems unwell.""Cherry is unwell?" The flush
"This birthday brings me a lot of happiness."Sophie grasped the deeper implications of his words. The blush on her cheeks faded slightly, and the initial flutter of excitement mingled with a touch of sadness. No one could predict what Jeff's condition would be like by her next birthday.Cedric shifted the topic, pouring the already decanted red wine into a tall glass and handing it to her. "Just one glass. This is for your private birthday celebration. Happy birthday."The intoxicating aroma of the wine was irresistible. She stopped resisting and held her glass up to gently clink against his, producing a clear, melodious sound that resonated beautifully in the quiet room.The rich wine slid down her throat, soothing her tense nerves. Her tightly held shoulders relaxed, and her racing heart found a semblance of peace. She had once believed she would never fall for Cedric again, but looking back, she realized that all her hatred had been rooted in love.He had transformed love into
Cedric seemed to know exactly what Sophie was nervous about. He raised his eyebrows suggestively, causing her to blush and quickly look away.What had happened between them lingered in the air, irrevocable.Jeff squinted, watching their subtle gestures with satisfaction. Smiling contentedly, he struggled to his feet with the help of his cane. These two had already reached a natural conclusion, and there was no need for him to exaggerate his illness any longer."Mommy, I still have homework to do. I'm heading to my room," Cherry announced, her bright eyes glancing at Tristan. She couldn't beat him at Taekwondo, but she was determined to outshine him in the midterm exams!"I’m going upstairs too," Tristan added, surprised by her sudden focus. He hesitated for a moment before quickly following her up the stairs.Melissa had long lost her patience. Without a word, she dragged Matthew upstairs, letting out a disdainful snort as they left.What had been a lively living room now left So
"Okay."Understanding Cherry’s impatience, Sophie smiled and gently pulled away from Cedric’s embrace. She clasped her hands together, closed her eyes, and made a wish.She hoped for her family's safety, health, and happiness. She wished that her parents and sister were living comfortably in another world. And she wished that she and Cedric would have a happy ending, free from past mistakes.After silently making her wishes, she blew out the flickering candles in one breath.The room filled with the faint scent of melted wax."We can eat the cake now!" Cherry beamed with joy, eagerly carrying the cake to the dining table.Her impatience made Jeff laugh heartily, his eyes crinkling with delight as he stroked his beard. "Alright, let’s start eating before this little girl drools all over the table."Sophie took her seat, glancing at Cedric, who still held her hand tightly. Her smile widened as she playfully scolded him, "Why didn’t you tell me on the way here?""If I told you, ho
Although Sophie's mind was brimming with questions, she couldn’t help but smile at Cedric's words. She looked down at their intertwined hands, feeling the warmth of his palm. Whether it was a perfect match or a union made in heaven, it all required two hearts in love. With love, even amidst turbulence, they would find the courage to move forward together.Before long, the Bentley smoothly pulled into the Carlson residence.Jeff immediately smiled and waved upon their arrival. "Soph, come over here."Sophie approached, noticing that Mrs. Carrie had prepared a table full of dishes. She couldn’t help but feel puzzled. "Grandpa, what has made you so happy? Why did you ask Mrs. Carrie to make so much delicious food?""Silly girl, did you forget what day it is today?"Jeff's loving yet mischievous smile left her momentarily bewildered. Then her eyes widened in surprise. With everything going on with Linda, she had completely forgotten her own birthday!"Happy birthday." Cedric had quie
Fearing that staying any longer would only worsen the situation, Linda quickly opened the door and walked out.Fenix stood there, confusion gradually replacing the determination in his eyes."What’s wrong with marrying me?" he asked Sophie, genuinely puzzled.'I’m the CEO of Cheshire Group. I’m not unattractive, and marrying me would make her legally protected as Mrs. Cheshire. Why am I being rejected?'Sophie coughed awkwardly, gaining a deeper understanding of Fenix. Sean had navigated the world of romance with ease, but Fenix seemed as naive in matters of the heart as a child."Am I really that bad?"Seeing that Fenix was still fixated on why he was rejected, Sophie shook her head. "Feelings are different from business. It’s not about racing against time or weighing benefits. You can’t apply business tactics to relationships. Spending a lifetime together requires a foundation of love.""Foundation of love? You and Cedric grew up together. You had a good foundation, but it was
Sophie's suspicion was right. Fenix was not one to easily abandon his target. After Linda ignored countless calls, he took the initiative to find her."Mr. Cheshire, Linda really isn't in the office right now," the secretary tried to block him, but it was futile against a determined man, especially one exuding an intimidating chill."Then I’ll find Sophie.""But Ms. Luxford, she—" Before the secretary could finish, Fenix's long legs had already taken him to Sophie's office door.He knocked twice before pushing it open. The secretary looked like she was about to cry. "Ms. Luxford, I’m sorry, I couldn’t stop Mr. Cheshire.""It’s fine. Go make Mr. Cheshire a cup of coffee," Sophie said.Seeing Fenix barge in, she raised an eyebrow, smiled, and glanced at Linda, who was hiding in her office. "Have a seat and let's talk.""No need. I have to catch a flight soon." Fenix cut straight to the point, his determined eyes fixed on Linda as he said firmly, "I need an answer from you.""Mr.