On the way to the school cafeteria, Reyna tugged on Cherry's arm, shaking it back and forth. "Cherry, you haven't told me a riddle today.""Let's talk after we eat. Hurry up or the chicken drumsticks will be gone." Cherry had woken up late that morning and hadn't had time for breakfast. She was so hungry that she could eat a horse. As such, it was no time for riddles.The two were in a hurry, and Reyna accidentally bumped into a student coming out of the cafeteria."I'm sorry, I didn't mean to..." Tristan apologized nervously, holding the lunch box in his hand.His mother claimed that his eyes would improve after he recovered from the fever. However, even after taking the medicine and the fever subsided, his vision still seemed cloudy, as if something murky was blocking his sight. He couldn't even see clearly who he had just bumped into.Reyna realized it was Tristan she had bumped into, and her chubby cheeks blushed slightly. "It's not your fault, I was walking too fast.""As lo
"No need for that. Have Mr. Yankov get everything ready. I'll need it in the next few days," Cedric replied.Evander nodded immediately. "Understood." 'If it weren't for Tristan's custody, Mr. Carlson probably would've canceled his engagement with Ms. Kerrigan long ago. Why wait until now?'A maid opened the door quickly as soon as she heard the sound of the car, "Welcome back, sir. Your grandfather and everyone else are already waiting for you.""Okay," Cedric replied and entered the mansion.Jeff frowned upon seeing him. "Your attitude is getting more and more outrageous, making the entire family wait for you.""Father, Cedric has returned, hasn't he? Besides, X Corp. is so busy that he must have been occupied dealing with company matters. Cedric, come. Sit down and eat," Melissa quickly interjected to protect her son.Ignoring Melissa's protective stance, Jeff acted as if he had not heard her and pointed to the empty seat. "Sit down."Cedric pulled out the chair, while Aust
The next day, news spread that Jeff was going to hold a party to celebrate his birthday. Jeanna arrived at Sophie's office early in the morning. "Mr. Carlson is celebrating his birthday, and all the prominent figures in Imperium will be attending. You should be on the guest list too.""Birthday?" Sophie was momentarily stunned upon hearing that.She immediately checked the corresponding date on the calendar. 'Oh yeah, Grandpa's birthday is indeed around the corner. But Grandpa has never liked noisy gatherings. Why would he suddenly announce a birthday celebration?'"It seems Mr. Carlson hasn't given up and is still trying to bring you and Cedric together. Are you going?" Jeanna asked while observing Sophie's expression.Despite Sophie's ongoing attempts at revenge these days, Jeanna could feel that Sophie still could not completely let go of Cedric."You're overthinking." Sophie closed the contract in her hands.'If Grandpa is celebrating his birthday, it's only natural for Ced
Sophie could not understand why he would say such a thing and frowned. "I owe you something?"'It's clear that he's the one who owes me his life!'"Yes, you do," Cedric nodded immediately, his smile betraying no hint of his intention, leaving Sophie unable to guess what he was up to. But the next moment, he suddenly lifted the cuff of his trousers over his right leg.A fresh sutured wound, not yet fully healed, was revealed, spanning more than four inches long—a disturbing sight on the outer side of his calf.Sophie froze, unable to tear her gaze away from the wound. The long, straight gash seemed to have been caused by a swift stroke of a blade.'Did he get this from that incident at the hospital?'Sophie's expression changed slightly. That day, when the lunatic wielding the knife suddenly appeared, wanting to kill anyone he could get his hands on, she couldn't help but feel frightened. Especially when Cedric suddenly pinned her against the wall, she was not in the mindset to no
"Oh, I'm off to school," Tristan obediently turned back. His greatest fear was upsetting his parents."Good boy. Remember what Mommy told you? Don't let Daddy, your teachers, or your classmates know that you can't see well. We don't want them to worry about you.""Understood, Mommy," Tristan said, nodding earnestly.Vivienne felt a sense of relief seeing his compliance. 'Just four more days…'If Tristan could just manage until Jeff's birthday party, things would start to look up. Contemplating her scheme, a sly smile crept across her face.'Sophie, fortune may not always favor you. Who will have the last laugh remains to be seen!'-After a hectic day, Sophie returned home, feeling weary but grateful she had agreed to attend the birthday party.Mrs. Carrie noticed her exhaustion and immediately offered assistance. "You look so tired. Why not take a bath first? I’ve made dinner, but Cherry snuck a chicken leg, so it can wait.""Thanks, Mrs. Carrie. You've been a great help thes
Sophie sensed Cherry's thoughts just by looking at her and gently patted her head. "Whatever you decide, Mommy will help you with it."Mrs. Carrie was pleasantly surprised at how effortlessly she had completed Jeff's task. She quickly served dinner, the aroma of chicken legs immediately capturing Cherry’s attention. After all, a well-fed mind was more conducive to creative thinking.Sophie settled down to eat, but her phone rang just as she was about to start.Checking the caller ID, she hesitated before answering. It was Austin, his voice calm and reassuring. "Hi, Sophie, I'm downstairs at your apartment."Glancing out the window instinctively, Sophie stood up and replied, "I'll be right down.""Mommy, is that Papa Austin?""Yes, darling. Mommy needs to step out for a bit. You go ahead and eat with Mrs. Carrie. Don't wait for me." She smiled warmly at Cherry and grabbed her coat before heading out.-Austin was waiting under the faint glow of the streetlight, his eyes fixed on
At Luxford Group.Jeanna was taken aback when she heard that Sophie had accepted the invitation to Jeff's birthday party and would be attending with Austin."Wow, you actually agreed!""Did you expect me to hide away like a coward?" Sophie replied with determination.She was firm in her decision and refused to let regrets hold sway, especially considering her goals: to wish Jeff a happy birthday and to clarify the rumors about her and Austin."It's not about being a coward," Jeanna remarked, giving her a scrutinizing look. "But aren’t you concerned about encountering Vivienne there? That could be awkward.""What's there to be awkward about?" Sophie shrugged. If there was any awkwardness, she believed it would be on Vivienne’s end."Just a heads-up, be careful. Vivienne might try something at the party," Jeanna warned."You’re right, Jean. Vivienne won't let things go after being outsmarted," added Linda, though she knew that once Sophie had made up her mind to attend the party,
As Cedric observed Evander's hesitation, he frowned slightly. "But what?""The boutique manager mentioned that Mr. Austin from Carlson Group also ordered two gowns for Ms. Luxford," Evander cautiously shared, watching Cedric's reaction.Cedric’s expression didn't reveal annoyance but rather a slight smile. Given the challenging situation with Sophie, and now with Austin in the picture, his reaction was unexpected."Are you alright, Mr. Carlson?" Evander asked, puzzled by Cedric's surprisingly light mood.He wondered, 'An infection might start with the leg but wouldn’t quickly spread to the brain, would it?'"Shouldn’t I be?" Cedric responded, mischief glinting in his eyes. He knew he and Jeff had plans for the birthday party, and now Austin was also in the mix. It seemed his carefully chosen gown was in vain.Evander was uncertain how to proceed, but Cedric had already moved on. "How’s the preparation with Immanuel?""Here’s the agreement we received. What if Ms. Kerrigan refuse
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.