Cherry stuck out her tongue. "Okay!"She then obediently walked to the trunk and pulled out her pink suitcase. 'Hmph! Things aren't exactly like they're in TV dramas.'Austin's momentary embarrassment due to the rejection passed quickly, and he resumed his usual gentle smile. "After being on the plane for so long, have a good rest tonight." "Yeah, we'll go up first, then. Cherry, say goodbye to Uncle Austin." Sophie said, leading Cherry toward the apartment's entrance.Cherry waved. "Bye-bye, Papa Austin." Austin waved back at her, watching the mother and daughter disappear into the apartment. His smile gradually faded.Every time Sophie had Cherry call him uncle, it felt like a punch to the heart, reminding him that he was Cherry's biological uncle.-After the mother and daughter stepped into the elevator, Cherry, gleefully admiring herself in the shiny mirror, blinked slyly at Sophie. "Mommy, what do you think is wrong with Papa Austin?"Sophie turned around and looked at
On the top floor of X Corp., in the CEO's office, Cedric stared motionlessly at the incessant flow of vehicles below. If it had not been for the cigar lying against the rim of the ashtray, releasing curls of white smoke, there would have been a sensation that time had stopped altogether."Sophie, where are you?" he muttered.He reached out and caressed the intricately carved wooden sculpture beside him, which had taken five years to complete. It depicted a pair of blissful lovers gazing at each other at a grand wedding.As his fingers ran over the sculpture, a flicker of pain flashed across his cold eyes. 'It's been five years. Why haven't you come back to take revenge?'Suddenly, his phone rang, and he frowned but still chose to answer. "Speaking.""Cedric, when are you coming back? Tristan isn't doing too good today and has been crying and looking for you." Vivienne's gentle, pleading voice came through.Cedric withdrew his gaze and said indifferently, "I'll be back soon."-
"Cedric, do you think waiting will make any difference? Don't be foolish. Sophie died long ago, and she can never return!" Vivienne's tone turned vicious, and her beautiful face became a grimace.The next moment, Cedric grabbed her by the throat. His grip was so strong it felt like he could crush her cervical. But the wrath in his eyes swiftly changed into mockery and callousness.With a vigorous fling, Cedric bent down as he watched her fall to the floor. Her face had turned hypoxic. The malicious gleam in his gaze was then replaced by nonchalance."If she can't come back, I'll make sure you live the rest of your life in torment! And don't forget to attend the charity gala with me this weekend, my fiancée."Vivienne stared blankly at the closed door. Soon, the sound of the car engine filled the air, and her face grew paler.'No, this isn't the life I want. I won't give up so easily!'-Early the next morning, Cherry woke up from her sweet pink dream and rubbed her drowsy eyes.
Sophie smiled and told Laura some things to pay attention to before kissing Cherry's cheek and heading out with her bag."Ms. Laura, do you know how to play Werewolf?" Cherry asked.Laura quickly joined her on the couch. "Were what?""Never mind. Let's not play games. Can you tell me who's Imperium's most handsome, richest, single man?" Cherry placed her tablet aside. Her sparkly eyes flickered as if she were ready to designate a backup man for her mother."That would be Mr. Cedric Carlson, but he already has a fiancée and a son!"The first person that popped into Laura's mind was Cedric. Although he no longer had Carlson Group, the company he founded five years ago had already begun to show the potential to surpass Carlson Group."He has a son even though he's single?" Cherry propped her chin, pondering the sequence of events. Before she could figure it out, her thoughts had already skipped to another question. "Are there many people with the last name Carlson living in Imperium
"Alright." Seeing no further objection from her, Linda was relieved.-The two arrived at Nouvelle Eats at the agreed time but saw no sign of the other party."This person made us wait even after inviting us to meet. I don't see any sincerity at all." Jeanna took a sip of juice with a hint of irritation.Linda also glanced at her watch. "Let's wait for another ten minutes. If they don't show up by then, we'll leave.""Okay, only ten minutes," Jeanna agreed.-Sophie put on her hat and sunglasses, covering most of her face instantly. She only revealed her delicate chin and enticing scarlet lips.She had thought that finishing an entire bottle of red wine last night would help her sleep well, but she still stayed up until dawn.After five years, she thought she had learned to stay calm and composed, but her impatience smacked her in the face.She chuckled self-deprecatingly and stepped forward, her legs moving gracefully in her three-inch-high stilettos, stepping into the lobby
Just as Linda was about to persuade her to calm down, she caught a glimpse of movement. Someone was sitting in the CEO's chair, their back to the door. All that was visible were two slender arms, unmistakably those of a woman.Linda frowned. "Who are you? How did you get in here?"Jeanna only then noticed someone in the chair. Startled, she was about to call security.'How careless can the security be, letting a stranger into the CEO's office? What if they steal confidential documents? Can they bear that responsibility?'"Don't bother calling. Security won't be of any use," the person in the chair said, their voice familiar. It was as if they could see their actions, despite facing away.Jeanna's hand, ready to dial, stopped abruptly.'That voice... It sounded unmistakably like Sophie!'Linda was equally stunned by the familiar voice and nervously held her briefcase."Ms. Luxford, is that really you?"Sophie slowly swiveled the chair around, her gaze meeting the stunned women.
"Mommy? What are you doing? Did you miss Cherry?"Cherry's sweet, playful voice came from the phone, sparking a shared look of delight between Jeanna and Linda."Mommy's at work, Cherry. Here, meet your godmothers."Sophie turned the phone toward Jeanna and Linda.Energetically, Cherry greeted, "Hi, Godmother Jean and Godmother Linda! I'm Cherry. Mommy always tells me wonderful stories about you. I already love you!""She knows about us..." Jeanna could not hide her joy, gesturing excitedly toward the phone screen.While Linda, always more reserved, warmly replied, "Hello, Cherry. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.""Godmother Jean is just as excited to meet you, Cherry. What’s your favorite diamond color? I'll pick one out for you."Sophie held her head in her typically extravagant manner, only to hear Cherry’s innocent response. "Thank you, Godmother! I love pink the most.""Alright, let’s not spoil her too much. Cherry, say goodbye for now. Be good for the nanny. Mommy wi
Cedric barged into Luxford Group, stirring up commotion among the employees. Luxford Group was renowned for its peaceful relationship with the neighboring X Corp., a rapport Cedric had forged five years earlier.His sudden entrance today hinted at something out of the ordinary."Mr. Carlson, I'm sorry, but you can't go in there—""Step aside."The assistant standing in front of Cedric backed away due to his stern tone and cleared the way for him as he pushed open the office door."Linda..." The assistant trailed after him, her expression a blend of anxiety and hesitation. Unfortunately, she failed to deter Cedric’s determined stride."It's okay, go back to your work." Linda calmly dismissed her assistant, who quickly exited.Jeanna's light-hearted mood changed abruptly upon seeing Cedric. "Who allowed you to come here?""Jean, stay calm," Linda interjected, standing up and facing Cedric with her typical composed demeanor."Mr. Carlson honors us with his visit. What brings you
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.