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
Noticing Cedric’s distant gaze, Vivienne chimed in with a smile. "Haven’t had dinner yet, have you? Wendy prepared your favorite dishes knowing you were coming. Let’s eat.""Daddy, it's been so long since we had dinner together," Tristan said, tugging at Cedric's arm with an eager look. He stirred a sense of warmth in Cedric's heart."Alright, let’s eat." Cedric took his seat and naturally asked about Tristan's school life, "How’s school? Are you keeping up with the lessons?"Tristan almost lowered his head, recalling his mother's instructions. He then lifted it and nodded. "Yes, everything's going well. I understand the teachers, and my classmates are starting to like me more.""That's good," Cedric replied, gently ruffling his hair.Vivienne clenched her hand under the table and quickly added, "Tristan's been doing very well. His teachers have noticed significant improvement.""I see." Cedric mussed Tristan's hair a bit more before starting his meal."Daddy, it’s been so long
"Mommy, you're lying to me. Many people say I'm sick and a fool, so Great-grandpa, Grandma, and Grandpa don’t like me. They don’t want to see me at all." Tristan's tears fell, blurring his already unclear vision. Although his mother had told him to cry, his heart was genuinely hurting.'Why don’t Great-grandpa, Grandma, and Grandpa like me?'"Nonsense! You are my son, no one will dislike you," Cedric said, his brows furrowing in anger.Despite being frightened, Tristan lifted his tear-streaked face, "Daddy, can you take me to Great-grandpa’s birthday party tomorrow? I made a gift for him."Vivienne began to scold, "Tristan, why can’t you understand—"However, Cedric interjected, "Daddy will take you to Great-grandpa’s birthday party.""Really?"Seeing his tear-stained face brighten with joy, Cedric nodded. "You are my son. Of course, you can go.""That’s great! I can go to Great-grandpa’s birthday!" Tristan's face brightened with joy."Alright, Daddy has agreed to take you. No