Austin's brows raised. 'Why would Grandpa suddenly decide to allocate 40% of his shares as a fund for his great-grandson? Could it be that he knows about Sophie's...'"Cedric, look how thoughtful your grandfather is. You should bring Tristan back tomorrow and get him to spend some time with his great-grandfather," Melissa suggested with a cheerful tone.Cedric stood by the couch, his face revealing little emotion, making it difficult for others to gauge what he was thinking. It was not until he heard Melissa's words that he snapped out of his reverie, but he frowned, and his voice turned cold. "We'll talk about that later."He clearly understood Jeff's attitude toward Sophie after the years, so he could not help but think, 'Why would Grandpa suddenly turn into a completely different person and make such an unconventional will? What else did they talk about that day besides what I heard?'-"Sophie, do you know that impulsiveness might get you into trouble? You actually told Cedric
"Hello, you're the owner of a jewelry company. Nowadays, it's all about selling concepts and gimmicks. What can a single ring represent?" Jeanna immediately smacked the warm hands off her shoulders and resumed a carefree smirk. "I'm going to go send these samples for inspection, then I'll wait for my first design in the country to make a big splash."Her bewitching laughter dissipated into the air as she briskly left the room. The corners of Sophie's lips twitched, but she could not muster a smile. 'Jean has been enduring this nightmare quietly for five years. Who would be able to rescue her from this pit?'Jeanna dropped the samples off at the company's laboratory for testing. She then snuck off work and found herself in a bar near the company."One whisky, thanks," she ordered.There were very few people in the bar in broad daylight. Many seats were empty, but Jeanna still chose the high stool by the bar counter.The whiskey was quickly served, but Jeanna only stared at it, not
The wound on her wrist, which had already healed, suddenly felt itchy, as if it was intentionally reminding her of what had happened that day.As she pondered whether to ignore him, a pair of shiny leather shoes halted before her. In the next moment, a large hand seized her wrist. "Come with me."After being forcibly dragged out of the bar, the embarrassment on Jeanna's face was replaced by anger. She forcefully shook Sean's hand off and glared at him. "Are you out of your mind?""Even if I am, I'm still better than you. At least I won't commit suicide at every turn after getting drunk." Accustomed to speaking his mind casually, Sean regretted his words instantly when he saw her face turn pale.'Why must I touch on such a sore subject? As a man, it still feels like a nightmare whenever I recall her suicide. It's so suffocating to me, let alone her, the person involved.' Sean felt a surge of remorse and concern."Um... I just wanted to tell you that there are many creeps in bars. Y
Sean had never been someone who would reject advances coming from beautiful women with a figure that suited his taste. But for some reason, he felt no interest at all. Not only that, but he also felt a strong aversion and disgust to the overpowering scent of perfume emanating from her."Mr. Cheshire? Don't you miss me?" Noticing the lack of response, the woman increased the pressure of her embrace.However, Sean pulled himself away from her. "What's your name?""Mr. Cheshire, you're so cruel, you've forgotten my name. I'm Lily," the woman replied.'Lily?' Sean's crimson lips pursed into a straight line. He could not even remember how many women he had slept with, let alone their names or faces.Sean could not help but reflect, 'It's no wonder she just called me out for being a scumbag.' "Mr. Cheshire? What's wrong?" Lily did not want to let go of this chance encounter and was about to wrap her arms around him again.However, his icy gaze deterred her instantly. "Get lost. I don
Seeing that Vivienne did not mention the package, Cedric frowned and continued driving toward the kindergarten.The Rolls-Royce parked by the roadside, and unexpectedly, Vivienne did not get out of the car immediately. Instead, she lowered her head with a troubled expression. "Cedric, there's something I'm not sure whether I should tell you.""Huh?" Cedric responded."I…" Vivienne was about to give the story away but stopped halfway. "Forget it. It's not a big deal. Tristan is about to finish school. Let's go and wait for him at the gate." Cedric did not press further, and they picked up Tristan and drove back to the villa.As soon as they entered through the door, a maid brought a box to Vivienne. "Ms. Kerrigan, this came for you earlier today."Vivienne's hand that was holding onto Cedric's arm trembled slightly, and a hint of panic flashed across her eyes."Have there been a lot of deliveries recently?" Cedric's cold voice sounded as his big hand reached for the box.Howeve
Cedric looked up at the window of Sophie's apartment and frowned in annoyance. The day his car was vandalized, he instantly recognized the figure from the surveillance video as Jeanna.At that moment, his phone beeped twice. He picked up the phone and swiped it to unlock the screen.Evander: [The package Ms. Kerrigan received at the company is shipped from an address very near Ms. Luxford's residence.]After reading the message from Evander, a cold glint flickered in his eyes. He tapped on the phone so vigorously that the screen was about to crack, dialing a number that he remembered by heart.In the apartment, Sophie was about to call Jeanna, who had not returned yet. But the phone rang before she could dial out, and she instantly answered without thinking.However, looking at the name displayed on the screen, Sophie's face turned pale in shock.Cedric rarely called her. In fact, she could not recall receiving even three calls from him in their three years of marriage. So much s
"Please let go of me." Sophie struggled to calm down her racing heartbeat. She frowned and looked at the large hands pinning her shoulder in displease.Cedric did not let go but only weakened his grip. His gaze shifted onto her pale and slender face. "Grandpa just made a will. Do you want to know what's in it?"'Grandpa made a will?' Sophie was surprised. When she went to the hospital to visit Jeff the other day, she told him that the baby was still around, hoping he would take good care of himself. How could he make a will in a hurry?"Grandpa left 40% of his equity to the eldest great-grandson of the Carlsons. Can you guess what he was thinking?" Cedric asked as his oppressive body pressed toward her.Sophie's face turned pale again. 'The eldest great-grandson of the Carlsons?'Jeff had indeed mentioned more than once that the great-grandson of the Carlsons must be Sophie's child—this was no news in the family.'Could it be that he's suspicious of me because of the will?' Upon
Sophie had been waiting for those words. She opened the car door with a smile and instantly breathed the air of freedom. With her legs feeling weak, she took a few laborious steps.However, just as she started to move, an angry voice sounded behind her. "Sophie Luxford, you'd better not be lying to me about anything. Otherwise, I'll crush your life so gravely that you'll ask for a quick death!"'I'll ask for a quick death? I've long felt like that! Way too long!' Sophie refuted inwardly.Upon seeing that she did not even stop, Cedric's hands clenched into fists on the steering wheel. As soon as the disappointment dissipated, a hint of wrath flashed across his eyes. 'Perhaps I've been overthinking things all this while!'-Back in her apartment, Sophie's first instinct was to lock the door, ensuring Cedric would not follow her upstairs. Only then did she bend over, clutching her abdomen and gasping for air.She had used up all her composure with her gamble that Cedric was merely 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.