“You’re shocked that it’s me?” Austin walked to her desk with a smile. Austin grinned as he approached her desk. When he saw her bloodshot, puffy and red eyes, he felt indescribable distress. “I happened to pass by your apartment this morning and wanted to try the breakfast prepared by Mrs. Carrie. I didn’t know that you didn’t go home all night because you were working overtime.”“Well, I had to make preparations for Luxford Group’s comeback.” Austin did not attend Carlson Group’s shareholders’ meeting yesterday because of his status, but she believed that he and the Carlsons’ family members had already received the news.“I understand. I just think that it’s too demanding and taxing on you.”Sophie’s smile froze, and she subconsciously avoided his kind and worried gaze. When Austin saw her dodging, he coughed awkwardly and put the thermos flask in his hand on the table and said, “Mrs. Carrie asked me to bring this to you. Drink it while it’s hot to replenish your strength for the
“Miss, we are about to—” Linda strode in excitedly on high heels without waiting for Sophie’s response. However, she halted mid-sentence when she saw Austin in the bathroom. She was so shocked that she could not look away.The bathroom in the chairman’s office was such a private place. Why was Austin there?To avoid creating needless confusion, Sophie hastily moved aside, held out her hand, and said, “I scalded my hand just now, so I placed it under running cold water.”“Oh, are you okay?”Linda swiftly filled in the rest of the story in her head as she cast a quick glance at Austin, who was in the bathroom, and the boiling soup on the table. She appeared to have come at the wrong time.“It seems that you have business to discuss, so I’ll get out of your hair. Sophie, I want to take you somewhere to unwind this weekend, and I have something to say to you as well. Will you come?”Sophie was dumbfounded. She looked at the man who was walking out of the bathroom and wanted to declin
Evander suddenly came to a realization and said, “Luxford Group has become the largest controlling shareholder of Carlson Group now, and the stock price will probably break a new high even if we make up for the previous drop.”Cedric closed his laptop. There was a hint of ruthlessness in his malevolent gaze as he said, “Let people keep an eye on them, and stop those idlers who want to take advantage of the opportunity to buy Luxford Group’s stocks in large quantities when the time is right.”The price of Luxford Group's stock could not be manipulated by outsiders, regardless of how much it rose or fell.“I got it. It’s just that…”When Cedric saw that his confidant, who had been following him for many years, was hesitant to speak for the first time, he raised his brows, looked at him, and asked, “Evander, what do you want to say?”“I have a lot of questions. Mr. Cedric, I'm curious as to whether your wife is the reason you're assisting the Luxfords so much, or are you doing this j
Tiffany glanced at Darren, who was next to her. He was extremely skinny, but he was still drinking coffee with half the sugar and pretending to be on a diet.Darren noticed her gaze and immediately glared at her. He then glanced at her cup of milky white latte with contempt and curled his lips in disdain. Some people deserved to be fat. Sophie took note of their reactions, smiled composedly, and kept her attention on the subject at hand. “I’ve seen the products designed by the two of you before. They never have the same design and are always full of new inspiration. Since few designers are capable of this, I would love to have both of you join Luxford Group. Luxford Group will give you our full support so that the two of you can produce more stunning designs.”All innovations were tens of millions of times more difficult than maintaining success. There were classics in the current market, but creativity was always appreciated. Luxford Group was losing ground due to a lack of creati
“Of course I do. He’s known me and Darren for many years now.” Tiffany turned around and kept smiling after she glared at Darren’s leaving figure.“Did you agree to come over for a discussion because he spoke highly of Luxford Group?” Sophie wanted a clear answer, but she didn’t expect to get an even more affirmative answer instead. “Austin didn’t mention Luxford Group, but he kept praising you. We’ve known him for many years now, and we’ve never heard him praise a woman. Do you get what I mean, young lady?” Tiffany gave Sophie a shoulder pat while grinning. Sophie smiled forcefully and said, “I think you’ve misunderstood. I’m his sister-in-law.”“Oh, this relationship will no longer exist after you and Cedric get divorced, so anything is possible.”Sophie was dumbfounded. She was not interested in such a possibility, though.After sending Tiffany off with a forced smile, Sophie did not look particularly thrilled when she returned to her office. “Miss Sophie, why don’t you
"Screams and laughter provide release and relaxation, Sophie. That's exactly what you need right now," Austin asserted.Hearing this, Sophie asked, "Is that why you brought me here and helped persuade Tiffany and Darren to work for Luxford Group?"Austin didn't expect her to learn about his efforts behind the signing so soon, and a hint of embarrassment flashed across his face. "I'm sorry. I didn't know if you'd like this approach, but I hope I can help share a little bit of your burden.""There's no need to apologize. I should be the one to say thank you, Austin. I'm really happy to have you as a friend, and I hope our friendship will last forever," Sophie replied as she looked up into his eyes.No matter if it was a misunderstanding or something else, there were things she hoped Austin could understand.In this lifetime, she did not want to get involved in a romantic relationship with another man from the Carlsons.Austin naturally understood the implications in her words. A fl
When they passed the children's shooting kiosk, Sophie was drawn to a small wooden carving displayed in the prize area. It was the first time she had seen a wedding-themed wooden carving of a man and woman.There was another reason, too. The carving made her feel as if she were reliving her own wedding with Cedric more than three years ago.He had given her the loving gaze, the kiss, the diamond ring, and the consummation of their marriage on the wedding night that she had always anticipated. However, he had not given her the true love she had been expecting for a long time."Do you want that wooden carving?" Austin's gaze was gentle, and he had a unique soldier's insight.Before Sophie could respond to his question, he had already picked up the small air rifle beside him. "Hey, sir, give me 30 bullets.""Sir, you have to pay for the bullets," the kiosk owner pointed to a sign in the corner.Countless people came to challenge every day, most leaving without any prizes, so the own
"28, 29!" Sophie remained oblivious to the encroaching danger, her eyes fixed on a distant target, anticipating a miraculous moment just seconds away.Two gunshots reverberated through the shooting range almost simultaneously. The final bullet, destined for the target, veered off course, deflected by another shot.Frowning, Sophie turned her gaze toward the unexpected disruption. What she saw stunned her as if an electric shock had rendered her motionless.Cedric gripped a rifle in one hand, a smirk playing on his lips, tinted with mockery and sarcasm. His disdainful gaze swept past Sophie's pale face and locked onto Austin. "Austin, it seems that your marksmanship has regressed?"Austin was taken aback, not expecting to encounter Cedric at the amusement park. Subconsciously, he lowered his head and frowned as he noticed the child watching eagerly beside Cedric."Cedric, don't be ridiculous," Austin retorted."I'm just trying to win a new toy here. How is this a ridiculous act?"
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.