Vivienne clenched her hands tightly under the coat as she bit her pale lips. 'Both he and Sophie haven't pulled their punches today when it came to taking revenge on me!'As soon as Cedric finished speaking, Evander approached and glanced at the disheveled Vivienne in surprise before whispering, "The nanny from the villa just called and said that your son is missing."Upon hearing this, Cedric's previous cold face immediately turned stern. 'Tristan is missing?'Vivienne regained some of her rationality and pulled Evander's arm. "How could Tristan go missing?""I don't know either, Ms. Kerrigan. The maid claimed she had called you several times but couldn't get through, so she called me instead," Evander replied.Sophie smirked mockingly. She suddenly had no desire to stay any longer, so she turned around and walked toward the villa.Cedric frowned and glanced in the direction she had walked toward, and his jawline tightened. "Go and find him.""Yes!" Evander responded instantly.
Tristan had not expected her to return. He wiped the tears from his face and spoke up timidly. "I'm not a ghost. I got lost and got in here, and then the door got locked."Cherry's face slightly relaxed upon hearing that. "You almost scared me to death! I thought you were a ghost and ran upstairs.""I'm not a ghost," Tristan clarified."Got it. Just wait here. I'll go get my mommy and ask her to get someone to unlock the door and rescue you," Cherry instructed."Wait! Can you not get someone to rescue me right away?" Tristan stopped her with a nervous tone.Caught off guard by the strange request, Cherry tilted her head in confusion. "Shouldn't someone who's trapped want to get out as soon as possible? What's the matter with you?""I... I snuck out here..." Tristan's voice went soft.'If Mommy finds out I've snuck out and followed her secretly, she'll surely be angry.'"What a coincidence, I snuck out too!" Cherry's face lit up when she heard that. She had finally found a like-
Tristan finally let out a smile and touched the door with his fingers. "Cherry, you're so kind."Like an angel, she made him feel warmth he had not felt in a long time."Of course, I'm kind. I'm the Cherry that everybody loves," Cherry said with confidence.Laughter echoed from the basement.-Cedric and Vivienne had already arrived home. The maid became even more nervous when she saw that Cedric had come back.She really did not know where Tristan had gone. She thought he might be hiding in the room as usual and had not come out. It was not until she called for him for dinner that she realized he was missing."Evander, go check the surveillance footage inside and outside the house."Cedric came out of Tristan's room. Everything inside was normal, so it seemed like he had walked out on his own."Okay." Evander immediately went to pull the surveillance footage.Vivienne anxiously paced back and forth in the room, searching every corner, but there was no sign of Tristan. "Trist
"Because I have to find my daddy. My intuition tells me that my daddy should come from where my mommy used to live," Cherry replied without any hesitation.Otherwise, why would she have black eyes and black hair, inheriting none of the genes of a typical Altrurian girl with blonde hair and blue eyes?"Then do you know what kind of person your daddy is?" Tristan was very curious, wondering what kind of person Cherry was looking for, and whether he would be like his own daddy.Cherry immediately as she imagined Cedric's appearance. "Rich, handsome, and maybe...""Maybe what?" Tristan wished to know more."Never mind about my daddy. Tell me about your daddy. What kind of person is he?" Not wanting to discuss the possibility of her biological father possibly having a mistress and an illegitimate child, Cherry chuckled and changed the subject."My daddy? He's an incredibly talented person. He can do anything, and I admire him a lot. I hope I can grow up to be just like him," Tristan s
"Daddy! You came to save me."The coldness and indifference in Cedric's chest were ruffled by the embrace and cry.Meanwhile, Sophie glanced at Tristan, who was now in Cedric's arms.The face in her memory had grown significantly, but the unsettledness and fear in his gaze were not typical for a child of his age.Thinking of the small hands that had pushed her into the ocean, she squinted. 'Vivienne is the person who's ruined her own son!'Seeing Sophie about to leave, Vivienne pulled her back. "Sophie Lucford, don't leave! Why would you do this to my son? Is humiliating me today not enough? Why can't you even spare a kid?"Sophie was kind enough to save the boy, yet she was being blamed now.She turned around and glanced at Vivienne's face coldly. "How dare you question me? Out of the two of us, who's the one who won't even spare the kid?!"Just then, curious onlookers began to gather, drawn by the commotion.Upon seeing the boy in Cedric's arms, they immediately thought of t
"My mommy doesn't have to say anything!" Just as Sophie was about to speak, a loud and clear voice echoed from the staircase, instantly drawing everyone's attention."Oh my, who's this pretty little girl?""I think she just called Sophie her mommy just now."Discussions once again blew up in the crowd.With people crowding the stairs, Cherry had no choice but to raise her head and yell, "Excuse me!"Her crisp and youthful voice, though filled with dissatisfaction, sounded particularly pleasant.Soon, a passage opened up in the crowded corridor.Sasha looked at Sophie helplessly as she followed behind Cherry. They had already arrived at the door of the room, but this mischievous imp had suddenly turned around and dashed backward. Everything had happened so fast that even she could not stop her!Cedric's eyes narrowed at the tiny face that was approaching, his gaze fixing on it intensely. The resemblance was uncanny as if he and the girl were carved from the same mold.The hands
"Ms. Luxford, even if I've disrupted your marriage, just come at me with what you want to do to me! Tristan is just a child. Can you please spare him?" Vivienne's gentle and pitiful tone deserved sympathy.Sophie was amused by this theatrical display, smiling faintly as she reached out. Her slender fingers delicately toyed with Tristan's soft hair, showing no sign of pulling away for quite some time.Only when Vivienne could no longer tolerate it did Sophie withdraw her hand. A hint of frost crept into her gaze and smile as she warned, "Take better care of your son. Otherwise, he won't just get locked up next time."'What's the point of me playing the saint when the boy's mother doesn't even care about her own son?' Sophie convinced herself inwardly."Mommy?" Cherry's eyes widened in disbelief.Did she mishear something? She had just stepped forward to help her mother, so why would she take everything onto herself?"Cherry, go back to the room with Sasha," Sophie instructed.As
In just a few minutes, the much-anticipated "Daddy" arrived at the scene.When the onlookers saw that it was Austin, they were all shocked.When Cherry emerged just now, her face bore a striking resemblance to Cedric's. Moreover, Sophie and Cedric were once a couple, leading everyone to presume Cherry was Cedric's daughter.However, with Austin entering the picture, things became a tad more complex."Daddy, someone bullied me and Mommy. You must avenge us!" Cherry said, throwing herself into Austin's arms. Her tone was pleading, and her posture sought protection, which only seemed to worsen Cedric's expression.Austin rubbed the little head in his arms, reached out to hold Sophie on one side, and gently pulled her into his arms. At that moment, his broad chest felt like the most powerful support, protecting the mother and daughter from everything."How did you get bullied?" Austin's tone softened, but his gaze toward Cedric and Vivienne became icy and stern.Sophie felt somewhat
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.