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
"Please don't tell me you're thinking of going to the hospital?" Jeanna huddled on the couch, her expression filled with wariness as she watched Sophie pacing back and forth uneasily in the house.Although Cedric could not represent the entire Carlsons, she still harbored a strong aversion toward the family.Jeanna's speculation hit a nerve, causing a slight change in Sophie's expression. Since childhood, Jeff had always showered her with a special fondness. Not to mention how he had been treating her like his biological granddaughter after she married into the Carlsons. Even when she requested a divorce, Jeff respected her decision without causing her any trouble."It seems like you really want to go, but what if you run into Cedric?" Jeanna asked calmly.Jeanna's reminder caused Sophie to frown. She hesitated exactly because she did not want to run into Cedric again."Jean, can you help me?" Sophie asked with an almost begging tone."Sophie Luxford, you're really driving me cra
"You and Cedric parting ways is his loss. He'll surely regret it for the rest of his life for missing out on you." Jeff tightened his grip on Sophie's hand as he spoke, yet still asked unwillingly, "But, Soph, please be honest with me. Do you really not love Cedric anymore?"Sophie lowered her head, tears streaming down her cheeks.From taking a fancy to him to deeply loving him, her gaze had been fixed on Cedric for over 20 years. How could she suddenly claim not to love him anymore? But her reason told her that she at least should not love him anymore.Memories that had gone on for 20 years would probably take another two decades to forget, but she could not continue to drown in her mistakes and the pain."Soph?""I don't and won't love him anymore." Jeff's soft call pulled her back to reality, and she raised her head. She tried her best to put forward a firm gaze, but the tears that had not completely dried up blurred her vision, preventing her from seeing the figure that flash