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
"You don't have to go in with me. Just wait for me here," he interrupted before Vivienne could finish her sentence.With a somewhat embarrassed smile, she nodded. "I'll wait for you here then."After killing the engine, Cedric exited the car, pushed open the gate, and casually walked into the villa.The TV in the living room was broadcasting his recent press conference. When Melissa saw him come in, she immediately winked at him while briefly glancing at Jeff sitting on the couch.However, Cedric seemed oblivious to the unusual atmosphere. "Grandpa.""Don't call me your Grandpa, Mr. Carlson. Since you think you've grown too powerful to be restrained within the Carlsons, what are you doing back here?" Jeff snorted coldly, his voice trembling as if trying to suppress his inner rage.'This bastard actually held a press conference to acknowledge his fiancée. He even accepted that child into the family on my behalf! I really don't know how to face Soph in the future anymore.' Jeff cou
The Carlsons fell into complete chaos and quickly rushed Jeff to the hospital.All the way, Vivienne followed closely beside Cedric, and her gaze filled with worry. "Cedric, will Grandpa be okay?"Cedric's gaze remained fixed on the emergency room doors before he finally shifted his attention to Vivienne. His face had no reassurance, only a faint hint of detachment. "You should just grab a cab back first.""I'm sorry. It's because of me that Grandpa ended up in the hospital." Vivienne said with a guilty tone."It has nothing to do with you. Do you want me to call you a cab?" Cedric asked.His gaze looked slightly impatient as it shifted toward the elevator a few feet away.His cold attitude inevitably made Vivienne feel embarrassed. She tried to muster a smile, but her fingernails sank into her palms as she clenched her hands behind her back. "It's okay. I'll call it myself."Her aggrieved look made Matthew feel a pang of guilt. "Cedric, Grandpa is still in the emergency ward. W