Tristan was born abroad and had always been with his mother. Regardless of the laws in any country, they favored granting custody to the mother. He mentioned a 60% chance partly because of Cedric's identity and status."Mr. Carlson, personally, I suggest seeking custody through other means."For example, through friendly negotiations between both parties, although certain conditions would need to be attached.Cedric frowned slightly. "I see."'Despite my advantage in status, I only have a 60% chance of gaining custody of Tristan. It's no wonder Sophie dares to bring our daughter back here.' For the first time in over 30 years, he felt overpowered by someone, with the victory seemingly in the other party's hands.Despite this thought, he faintly smiled, his gaze briefly indulgent. 'Sophie, rather than battling for custody of Cherry, what I truly desire is to provide her with a complete family.'-At Luxford Group.Even though it was during working hours, it felt like they were h
When the receptionist saw her, she immediately greeted her, "Madam Carlson, you haven't been here for several days. We thought you might've gone abroad again.""It's not always fun to travel all the time. It's better to rest at home, take care of my plants, play with my puppy, and come here for a facial when I'm free," Melissa replied smugly.Her condescending demeanor was quite irritating, but for the sake of money, the receptionist could only smile and nod flatteringly. "Exactly, Madam Carlson. We just received a new batch of products, and only our VIP clients have the chance to try them first. I've already set some aside for you.”"Is that so? Then let's give them a try." She arrogantly walked into a private room, where the attendant immediately helped her change into a facial gown. Throughout the entire process, she simply lifted her head and enjoyed being served by others.The specialized masseur dripped essence onto her face and slowly massaged it in with a massaging device w
Exchanging awkward glances, the two women approached Melissa."Melissa, don't be upset. We just heard it from others. We don’t really believe it ourselves.""I bet you feel even more relieved than what you just said," Melissa retorted sharply. She had always taken pride in Cedric, but he now faced ridicule thanks to Vivienne and Tristan. It was a pill too bitter for her to swallow."Now, now, we didn’t mean to blame Cedric. It’s just that your daughter-in-law... doesn't quite seem to match up to him."Melissa's expression softened slightly.Had it not been for her eagerness to rid of Sophie, she wouldn't have even entertained the thought of accepting Vivienne.Despite Vivienne's obedience, decency, and the fact that she had given birth to the sole Carlson heir, Melissa couldn't shake her concerns about her grandson's growing issues. This concern was precisely why she had never pushed Cedric into marrying Vivienne, deeming her unworthy.'An unpresentable woman and a child with ph
"Sorry won't cut it. Have you considered whether you're a suitable match for Cedric? I am extremely dissatisfied with you!"Don’t think that just because Cedric acknowledged you as his fiancée, you can become Mrs. Carlson. Let me tell you, dreaming about entering our family’s doors is just that—a dream!"Vivienne listened with her head down, fists clenched beneath her oversized pajamas. The charity gala had not only humiliated her but had also undermined her years of effort to please Melissa.Only when Melissa’s tirade subsided did Vivienne look up. "I know I haven’t been perfect, disgracing you and Cedric. But this incident was deliberately orchestrated.""Orchestrated? By whom?""Sophie. She’s back. She embarrassed Cedric at the charity gala with a high bid and arranged for someone to push me into the water. Worse, she locked Tristan in the basement storage room," said Vivienne as she played the victim card.Melissa’s expression changed dramatically. 'Sophie’s back?' she though
"Honey, weren’t you supposed to have a facial today? Why are you back so early?" Matthew greeted Melissa with a smile, pulling out a chair for her."The service wasn’t up to par, so I left early," Melissa replied, attempting to gauge Cedric’s expression as he ate. Unfortunately, his face was expressionless.'If Sophie is back, why is Cedric not reacting? Or could Vivienne be lying to me?' she pondered.Noticing her unease, Matthew asked with concern, "Are you alright? You don't look well.""It’s nothing, just disappointed with the salon," Melissa replied, masking her nervousness.Cedric finished eating and stood up."Cedric..." Melissa's voice echoed in the air, but his indifferent gaze only amplified her anxiety. She understood he hadn't forgiven her for the events of five years ago. If Sophie sought revenge, she feared Cedric might not stand by her."I just feel like you've lost a lot of weight recently. You need to rest more and take care of yourself."Before Cedric could re
The elite attendees at the charity gala were aware that Sophie owned Paramount Inc., but the general public was in the dark about these internal dynamics.There was widespread speculation that Luxford Group might soon be absorbed by Paramount Inc. Many even expressed pity for Sophie, assuming she had passed away, leaving her husband and company in the hands of others.-"You heartless creature, daring to show your face again!" Tiffany vented in the office, leaving Darren flustered by her side."Dear, please calm down.""Ms. Luxford, she's just hormonal. Please don't take it personally."Despite the scolding, Sophie appeared amused. Her gaze, twinkling with mirth, landed on Tiffany's slightly protruding belly. "If it would help, I could leave again. That would save me the hassle of buying a gift.""You wish. You owe me at least three substantial gifts!" Tiffany retorted.Without Sophie's intervention five years ago, she and Darren might have wasted more time. This could have led
"Why not? The school offers excellent educational resources.""But have you considered the potential discomfort of encountering Cedric and Vivienne when dropping off Cherry?"'Her former husband and father of her child, now with another mother and child,' Jeanna pondered."Discomfort?" Sophie laughed lightly as if amused by the suggestion. "Any discomfort should be on their part, not mine.""That's the spirit, Sophie. We're behind you," Tiffany affirmed, causing Darren to instinctively protect her protruding belly from the table's edge.Amused by their protective display, Sophie playfully dismissed them. "Back to work now, or I’ll cut your pay.""Always with the pay cuts," Jeanna grumbled as they returned to the design department, planning a special necklace for Cherry."Ms. Luxford, that car outside, it’s not Vivienne's, is it?" Linda asked, lingering in the office."You and Jeanna really complement each other. That car likely belongs to the Carlsons," she deduced, standing up
"S-Sophie, what do you want?" Melissa's voice trembled. The years had changed Sophie, surrounding her with an intimidating aura not present before."You’re asking me? I should be the one asking you. Why lurk outside my company for days? You’ve really gone to great lengths.""You knew all along?" Melissa was taken aback that Sophie was aware of her presence. Her fear swiftly transformed into anger. "This is your doing, isn't it?""Yes, it was deliberate. If I hadn't made you wait, how else could I have savored that look of shock and fear on your face?" Sophie said, pointing at Melissa’s face with a smile."You...," Melissa started to retort, but Sophie suddenly grabbed her finger and twisted it, causing Melissa to lean over.The frightened driver glanced back, only to be met with Sophie's chilling gaze. Quickly, he redirected his attention to the road.Melissa saw the driver pretending to be clueless, feeling extremely resentful but powerless to do anything about it."I asked you