"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
"Tristan is a sensitive child who cares deeply about others' opinions. He truly wishes for your family to approve of him."For his sake, I implore you not to announce our engagement cancellation publicly tomorrow, especially not in front of Tristan. We wouldn’t want him to become the subject of gossip among the guests, nor do we want Grandpa’s birthday to turn into a scandal, right?"The disrupted plan caused Cedric’s brow to furrow, but he quickly made his decision. "I agree. Tomorrow, I will come to pick up Tristan. Ensure the agreement is signed!"As Cedric’s cold figure retreated, Vivienne stood from the couch and revealed a calculating smile as she watched the closed door.'Cedric, I didn’t expect you to be this heartless. Very well, let's see whom you choose between Sophie and Tristan!'-The birthday party was scheduled for noon.Sophie had asked for a leave of absence for Cherry, and after breakfast, they both began getting ready."Mommy, doesn’t the gift from Godmother
Matthew glanced outside, noting it was time for Cedric and Austin to arrive.A flashy red Ferrari pulled up at the villa entrance. Sean, clad in a sharp black suit, swiftly emerged, opening the passenger door.Jeanna stepped out reluctantly, donning a white off-the-shoulder dress that exuded both sexiness and charm. Her slender collarbone, emphasized by a classic diamond necklace, drew attention.Sean attempted to take her hand, but she disdainfully brushed him off. "Stop pulling at me.""Jean, consider how I’ve only had eyes for you these past years. Spare me from being embarrassed, will you? My affection for you waxes and wanes like a monthly cycle—sporadic and brief," Sean lamented.For half a decade, aside from Jeanna, he had not genuinely pursued another, yet he found himself continually on the losing end."It's not my problem. I'm only your date because I'm worried about Sophie being bullied. Just thinking about confronting Cedric and Vivienne makes my blood boil," Jeanna r
Jeanna playfully blinked, intentionally glancing toward Austin and raising her usually soft voice. "Mr. Carlson, you look so handsome today, especially in that white suit, like a prince straight out of a fairy tale. Standing next to our Sophie, you two are a perfect match."Sean, what do you think? Don’t they look great together?"Caught off guard, Sean looked troubled as he glanced between Jeanna and an unamused Cedric. After a moment, he hesitantly agreed with Jeanna. "Yeah, the colors do match well."He was torn between his best friend and his future wife, yet Austin's white suit did complement Sophie's pink dress.Cedric, in a sleek black suit, exuded a cold, aristocratic aura. His sharp gaze swept over Sophie’s dress, revealing a fleeting sense of loss. She was not wearing the dress he had chosen.Tristan tugged at his hand and smiled for the first time since they arrived, having heard Cherry’s voice. To Cherry, his smile seemed like a challenge.Unhappily blinking, she reac
Amidst the growing whispers, Sophie remained composed, having anticipated such a scene since agreeing to attend the party with Austin. Still, she was taken aback by Cedric only bringing Tristan.Realizing her gaze had drifted toward Cedric again, Sophie quickly looked away.Jeff, seemingly oblivious to the murmurs, warmly greeted Cherry, "Little Cherry, come here to Great-grandpa."Hearing him, Cherry immediately released Austin's hand and walked over, her voice as sweet as honey. "Great-grandpa, I wish you a long and healthy life. I’ve prepared a special gift for you with Mommy."She proudly presented her gift, and Jeff's face lit up with delight. He eagerly asked for his reading glasses.He then beamed. "What have Cherry and Mommy prepared for me?""It’s a painting," Sophie revealed, unfolding the artwork.Despite Cherry's intelligence and charm, her artistic skills were quite basic. Pointing at her abstract and childlike creation, she explained, "This is Great-grandpa, this i
Frightened and aggrieved, Tristan greeted the crowd with a polite bow, though his voice was faint. "Hello, esteemed guests."Lukewarm, awkward responses echoed in response."Mrs. Carlson, your little grandson is quite the looker," Madam Dobbs said, her tone laced with thinly veiled sarcasm.Melissa, already irritated from the public scrutiny, was about to snap back when Cedric stepped in. He addressed Madam Dobbs with an air of nonchalance, "Thank you, Madam Dobbs. Speaking of grandchildren, when will your son bless you with one?"His insinuation touched upon the well-known plight of the Dobbs heir, sparking muted chuckles. Madam Dobbs was stung by the remark and seethed in silence.Seeing Cedric's subtle defense of Tristan, Sophie experienced mixed emotions. His care and protectiveness were directed not at a child he might have shared with her but at Tristan.Meanwhile, Austin observed quietly, noting the fleeting expression on her face and smiling subtly. Vivienne's absence h
Sophie's astonishment was evident upon learning of the transfer of 40% of his shares to Cherry.Gathering herself after the initial shock, she promptly objected, "Grandpa, Cherry can't accept these shares."She made her intentions clear: she wished to minimize Cherry's ties with the Carlson family, beyond their blood relation.Jeff stood firm. "Soph, this is my genuine wish. As your and Cedric’s child and my great-grandchild, Cherry rightfully deserves this."His declaration sparked speculation among the guests, who now pondered Cherry's parentage."Is she Cedric or Austin's child? She seems to resemble Cedric more."Austin frowned as Jeff deliberately clarified Cherry's identity. He was about to intervene, aligning the situation with his plan, but Cedric's mocking and icy gaze stopped him.Cedric subtly revealed a red-bordered document in his pocket—his and Sophie’s marriage certificate—which silenced Austin.Cedric's eyes gleamed with triumph. Although he had intended to anno
"What's on your mind?" Jeanna noticed Sophie's distraction and nudged her arm, pulling her from her thoughts.Sophie looked slightly embarrassed, reflecting on her complex feelings for Cedric. Despite her daily affirmations of hatred, she found herself increasingly conflicted. Her emotions toward him alternated between love and hate, blurring the line between the two."I need to use the restroom. Can you keep an eye on Cherry for me?" Sophie asked, handing her drink to Jeanna. She glanced at Cherry with concern as the latter enthusiastically chose cakes, her plate heaped with an assortment of sweets."Don’t worry. I’ll look after her. She'll probably just overindulge in cake," Jeanna reassured her with a smile.-In the restroom, Sophie reflected on her feelings for Cedric, especially remembering the moment he had protected her in the hospital.Meanwhile, Cherry found a quiet spot to enjoy her cake when Tristan approached. His blurred vision only allowed him to see her silhouette