Sophie pointed at Tristan in the surveillance footage, moving unusually slowly. "Children usually rush to the restroom. His cautious movement is strange. He seems very tense, like someone who can't see clearly."Jeanna, absorbed in the video, gasped suddenly. "That explains why he entered the women's restroom!""Or perhaps someone intentionally led him there," the observant Linda added, her gaze fixed on the last housekeeper to interact with Tristan, hinting at a deeper intrigue.Sophie and Linda exchanged knowing looks as they contemplated the same theory. If Tristan's accidental entry into the wrong restroom was because of poor vision, then the timing of the incident seemed too coincidental. Evidently, someone had intentionally directed him there."We need to investigate that housekeeper," Jeanna proposed enthusiastically, sensing they were close to unraveling the truth."Certainly. We should also look into Tristan's vision problems. Jeanna, Linda, could you check the hospital f
"Now that you'll take over the company, you'll certainly be no idle man," she began, her tone carrying a hint of mischief. "Think about it, X Corp. belongs to Cedric. If you take charge of Carlson Group, then..." Melissa left the implication hanging, her playful expression belying the strategic push.Matthew was about to assure her of his commitment when the conference room door opened. Austin entered with his secretary, both displaying subdued smiles. "Apologies for keeping the shareholders waiting. Today is Carlson Group's routine shareholders' meeting. Jamie here will present this year's financial report and outline next year's budget."Jamie Aurum, the secretary, prepared to present the report. However, before he could begin, Melissa interjected, saying, "Hold on.""Do you need something?" Austin asked with a smile, noticing her stand up."We can skip the report on this year's operations. Our business has been stagnant for years, and profits are dwindling annually. Austin, I
"Austin, Grandfather no longer holds any shares, so you don't need to use him to intimidate me," Melissa said with a challenging tone.Austin looked at her with a smile. "Are you saying that I must relinquish my position as CEO of Carlson Group?""It's not about stepping down, but the company is declining under your leadership. The CEO position isn't right for you," Melissa declared confidently, her stance causing murmurs among the onlookers.The Carlson family had just begun to squabble over shares Jeff had given to a child.Matthew's expression darkened upon hearing that. He took hold of Melissa's arm, his voice louder than usual, "Isn't this enough trouble?""Who's causing trouble?" Melissa retorted."Let's go home." He dragged her into the elevator without waiting for a response.Inside, Melissa wrenched away from him, her voice tinged with frustration. "Matthew, why are you angry with me? I'm doing this for you.""For me? Five years ago, everything you did was for Cedric,
"Father, I also want Carlson Group to prosper," Melissa protested."Prosper? It's under your so-called hopes that this family has ended up like this!" Jeff's anger escalated with her words.The family was fractured, and now Sophie was unfairly shouldering a huge burden. Melissa's role in this was undeniable."Dad, please take your medicine. Don't let your health suffer because of anger."Jeff clutched his chest, gasping for breath, then swallowed the pills handed to him. His breathing eased after the medication took effect, but his appetite vanished. Leaning on his cane, he glared at Melissa, whose face bore grievance and resentment, before retreating to his room."Austin, I never knew you had it in you!" With Jeff gone, Melissa finally vented her bitterness. Austin must have spoken ill of her behind her back to Jeff.Matthew's expression grew darker as she showed no signs of remorse. "Aren't you done yet?""You're asking me? Fine, I see it now. All of you Carlsons are ganging u
"Then let's continue our search tomorrow.""We need to change our approach. Vivienne probably wouldn't have registered under her or Tristan's real names. We should focus on patients who didn’t use health insurance for ophthalmology appointments," Sophie suggested, bringing a spark of realization to Linda's eyes."That does narrow our search," Linda muttered.Considering the prevalence of health insurance, patients paying in cash for such appointments were indeed a rarity."Exactly. Sophie is so clever. We'll find those who paid out-of-pocket for ophthalmology and inquire with their doctors. I’m sure we can uncover Vivienne's tracks."What about the investigation into that housekeeper?" Jeanna asked, equally eager for updates.Sophie was eager for news from Austin's side as well. Just as she picked up her phone, perhaps coincidentally, it rang. Her eyes brightened as she quickly answered. "Hello, Austin, what's the news?""The housekeeper has resigned. My aunt treated her very we
"I understand," Evander immediately nodded. Someone must have instigated Polly's sudden resignation, likely for a substantial payoff to take such a big risk. If they could trace the money to its source, it would largely clear Sophie of suspicion."Mr. Carlson, where to now?" Evander asked."To the villa," Cedric replied, his expression contemplative.'To Vivienne's place?' Evander was somewhat puzzled by this response but swiftly drove toward Vivienne's villa.-Upon hearing the car, Wendy hurried to open the door. Seeing Cedric's tense demeanor, she asked uneasily, "Mr. Carlson, what brings you back?""I need to collect some of Tristan's belongings," Cedric stated as he entered, surveying the space with a critical eye.Wendy moved aside, asking, "Which items shall I gather for you, Mr. Carlson?"Cedric wasn't in a hurry to reply and calmly sat down on the couch. "Wendy, you've been employed here for nearly six years, correct?""Yes, it will be six years in two more months."
"She should be afraid," Cedric replied, his voice hoarse and icy.Wendy's fear suggested that Vivienne was equally unsettled."I understand," Evander acknowledged, grasping Cedric's implications, and accelerated into the night.Wendy peeked cautiously from behind the window and waited until Cedric's car disappeared. She then called Vivienne. "Ms. Kerrigan, Mr. Carlson was just here.""Did you do as instructed?" Vivienne's lowered voice came through the phone."Yes. After your instructions, I placed the medicine in my room," Wendy confirmed, momentarily forgetting Vivienne could not see her nod. "Ms. Kerrigan, is Mr. Carlson suspecting something? He inquired about my hospital visit.""Don't panic. Follow my instructions, and don't worry about anything else. And I warn you again, we're in this together. Neither of us can back out." Vivienne's cold tone abruptly ended the call. Clad in a patient's gown, her figure radiated malevolence, her fingers clutching the phone tightly.'Tris
"I understand." Sophie nodded, a smile masking her growing suspicions.Given Melissa's past attempts to harm her pregnancy with Cherry, considering her capable of hurting Tristan now was not far-fetched.Observing Sophie’s fatigued face, Mrs. Carrie voiced her concern, "You should rest too.""I'll just make a phone call and then rest."Mrs. Carrie discreetly left, allowing Sophie privacy.Sophie unlocked her phone and scrolled through her contacts, finally dialing a number."Hello, I’m Sophie Luxford."The man’s voice betrayed surprise. "Ms. Luxford, why are you... To what do I owe this call?""Mr. Harvey, it’s been many years since we last spoke. I need your help with something. Remember, I referred you to Madam Carlson as her investment consultant. You're still handling her financial matters, correct?""Yes, you introduced me to a valuable client. May I ask why you’re calling?" His tone was cautious yet polite.Sophie cut to the chase. "I need information about Madam Carlso
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.