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