"Cedric, please, I'm begging you. For Tristan's sake, don't let them take me away. He's just woken up and needs care." Vivienne clung to Cedric's arm as if it were her last lifeline.However, the coldness on Cedric's face did not waver. "It's because of your care that Tristan is lying here."Seeing his resolute attitude, Vivienne panicked. Almost instinctively, she reached out to pull Tristan closer to her.Tristan winced in pain, his lips tightening, but he didn't pull away. He waited until the pain subsided before turning his head to look at Sophie. "Ms. Luxford."His weak voice surprised Sophie. "Are you calling me?""Yes." Tristan nodded, and his chapped and bleeding lips parted again. "Can you help me up?"Upon hearing such a request, Sophie instinctively looked toward Cedric. He didn't object, so she took a few steps forward and gently helped Tristan up from the bed.Normally, if an adult had been lying in bed for more than half a month and then woke up, it would take a da
Sophie believed that if she felt this way, Cedric must feel it even more.Silently, Sophie left the ward, dodging the relentless barrage of camera flashes from the journalists. At a signal, all Paramount journalists packed up and departed, having completed their assigned tasks.After the ward door closed behind her, Cedric looked at the still-kneeling Vivienne and Tristan, his expression tightening. After a moment, he addressed the tearful Vivienne, "I will hold a press conference to announce our engagement's termination and the custody issue regarding Tristan. Not calling the police today is the largest concession I can make."Cedric knew he had made a significant mistake five years ago amid his internal conflict. This time, he couldn't afford to repeat it. Especially with Tristan's case, he was more convinced than ever that allowing Vivienne to remain by Tristan's side would only lead to ruin."Cedric, I was wrong. Please, I promise it won't happen again," Vivienne pleaded, fear
The next morning, the public was abuzz with the news. The tide had completely turned in Sophie's favor, and it could aptly be described as a case of justice finally being served."Are you just going to let her off like that? People like Vivienne should be thrown in prison, sentenced to at least a decade, and forced to eat prison food."Despite the truth being revealed, Jeanna was still furious. Vivienne's actions—mistreating her child and deliberately framing Sophie—were deplorable. If Sophie had been less resilient, she might have crumbled under the half-month of slander and vitriol. Now, just exposing Vivienne's deeds seemed too lenient.Sophie smiled faintly and reconnected her computer's internet cable. "She will be punished.""What punishment? If Vivienne isn’t imprisoned, I bet she’ll continue her mischief.""Jean, there must be a reason for Ms. Luxford’s decision. Stop complaining. Let’s go to the design department. I have something to attend to there." Linda quickly dragge
The press conference commenced with a standard introduction, yet the journalists' patience swiftly waned.Before Evander could finish, a journalist rose, eager to delve into the heart of the matter. "Mr. Carlson, are you holding this press conference to defend your fiancée?"Cedric’s steadfast loyalty to his fiancée, despite swirling scandals involving the recent Valerie incident, led everyone to anticipate his support for Vivienne and Tristan."Mr. Carlson, your ex-wife has been grievously wronged. How do you respond?"The room crackled with anticipation—a clear showdown between Cedric's past and present loves. All awaited his thoughts eagerly.As the room erupted with more questions and flashing cameras, Evander tried to regain control. However, Cedric’s commanding voice suddenly dominated the room."I have annulled my engagement with Vivienne."The room buzzed with energy as journalists scrambled to grasp the implications—Cedric was announcing the termination of his engagemen
Cedric had just wrapped up the shortest press conference in history, yet its impact rippled far and wide. Within an hour, the story had gone viral.-As Sophie watched the news unfold on her screen, her face betrayed a mix of emotions, stirred by Cedric's reference to her as "Mrs. Carlson.""That jerk," Jeanna exclaimed. "He announced his engagement to Vivienne himself, and now he's retracting it like it's nothing. Calling you the only Mrs. Carlson. What's his game, eating his own words?""Jean, calm down," Linda intervened soothingly."How can I stay calm? You know how Cedric treated Sophie back then. His actions nearly cost Sophie and Cherry their lives!""But, remember, Cedric dove into the water to search for Sophie. He ended up unconscious and was rescued by the team," Linda interjected, pausing as Sophie looked at her in surprise.Sophie was visibly shaken. "He did what?""Yes, Ms. Luxford. He dove in right after you fell but couldn't find you. They pulled him out, uncons
"Hello, Mommy. Why aren't you home yet?"Upon hearing Cherry's sweet voice, Sophie's eyes welled with tears as she tightened her grip on the phone. "Cherry, Mommy has to work late tonight. Be a good girl, have your dinner, and go to bed by nine, okay?""Working late? Okay, then. Come home soon, Mommy. Love you.""Yeah, Mommy loves you too." Sophie forced a smile, ended the call, and stood, her thoughts heavy'Cedric, do you know how hard it is to hate someone? Why can’t you just let me hate you!'-Driving aimlessly, Sophie found herself at the Crimson Bar.Upon seeing her, the valet stuttered, "M-Ms. Lux—"He corrected himself in light of recent events, saying, "Mrs. Carlson?""Is Sean here?" she asked.The valet cautiously assessed her demeanor, which didn't appear confrontational, and nodded. "Our boss is here."Sophie handed him the keys and walked inside.In the room, Sean was bantering with a bartender but froze at the sight of Sophie. His face tensed as he contemplat
"There's something else you should know," Sean remarked casually, but his words struck Sophie like a series of bombs detonating in her already turbulent heart."Actually, Cedric’s past escapades were all a facade, designed to irritate and provoke you, the proud peacock. An arrogant man still resorting to childish tactics."As for Vivienne, their relationship had ended long before he agreed to marry you. Tristan was the only unplanned part."Sometimes, men couldn't foresee everything. Tristan's unexpected arrival led the normally calm and decisive Cedric to make a wrong decision, resulting in all the subsequent chaos."Now, I've told you everything. Just don't let Cedric know it came from me," Sean added with a nonchalant shrug, his words sending ripples through Sophie's mind, further complicating her thoughts."I need a drink.""Coming right up. I'll have the bartender whip up our Crimson Bar's signature drink," Sean said. He signaled the bartender to prepare their signature cock
Sophie was significantly affected by just three drinks."Mrs. Carlson, are you alright?" the bartender asked with concern."I'm fine, just heading to the restroom." Sophie staggered slightly and mistakenly walked toward the men's restroom instead of the women's.The bartender tried to correct her, but the loud music drowned his voice. He was about to go after her, but another familiar person approached her. He then returned to his duties at the bar.Sophie stumbled to the restroom door, squinting at the sign before accidentally entering the men's room. Inside, a man was surprised by her presence and fumbled to cover himself. But it was too late to prevent an embarrassing wet spot on his trousers."Damn it!"Sophie tried to understand what was happening, but a pair of strong arms suddenly enveloped her, and her head was pressed against a familiar chest. The familiar scent and the resonating heartbeat disoriented her further, and her attempts to look up were thwarted by the hand ho
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.