"Does Cherry not welcome Papa Austin?" Austin bent down and asked Cherry affectionately.Cherry's face lit up with a grin."How could I not? You brought me such beautiful flowers, Papa Austin. I love them!" she exclaimed, her voice bubbling with youthful enthusiasm as she embraced the bouquet. She understood well what the roses represented, despite her young age.Austin paused, his smile softening as he rose to address Sophie. "I just found out you were here and had to check on you. How are you feeling?"Receiving a bouquet of red roses might typically have made her feel awkward, but at that moment, her heart felt unusually calm."I apologize for not informing you sooner," she said, her expression gentle. "Everything happened so suddenly, and to avoid media attention, we kept it quiet. I didn’t mean to keep you in the dark.""I understand. Your well-being is what matters most to me."Relieved that he was not upset, Sophie felt at ease. Austin had once saved her and Cherry's live
Understanding Cherry's thoughts came naturally to Sophie, given their close bond."Mommy, Papa Austin is nice, but I think he should just stay as Papa Austin," Cherry said cheerfully as she arranged the flowers on a small cabinet, subtly reshaping her affections.Sophie smiled silently and glanced at the digital clock. "Cherry, would you mind fetching the nurse for me?""Sure!" Cherry happily trotted off with her little plump legs.Soon, she brought in the pretty nurse."Mrs. Carlson, is there something you need?""I was wondering if Madam Carlson is still in Mr. Carlson's ward?" Sophie replied with a gentle shake of her head.Melissa did not like her, and the feeling was mutual. But with Cedric lying there, she did not want to cause a scene in front of him."Just now, a bunch of journalists came, and Madam Carlson was quite upset, so she went back home."Sophie was startled. X Corp. and Luxford Group had chosen to keep the news under wraps, yet somehow the media had still cau
Tristan had not expected Sophie to say that. Thus, he looked surprised. "Ms. Sophie, aren't you mad at me?"He was Vivienne's son, and it was his mother who had caused Sophie and Cedric to end up like that.Sophie smiled faintly. "In my eyes, you're just like Cherry, simply an innocent child."Tristan was stunned for a long time. His eyes, already bloodshot from crying, filled with tears again, but he managed to hold them back and prevent them from falling.Cherry glanced at him, then at Cedric lying on the hospital bed, seemingly asleep. Her little mouth twitched a couple of times, but the words she had wanted to say retreated back down her throat. 'That woman is truly wicked, but Tristan... He hasn't done anything wrong.'As his emotions gradually stabilized, Sophie spoke again, seeking his consent, "Tristan, I want to be alone with your father for a while. Is that okay?""Yeah." Tristan nodded, kept his head low, and walked toward the door.Cherry watched his sorrowful figure
Sophie asked somewhat discontentedly, but all she got in response was the sound of medical equipment beeping softly. Her lips pursed into a tight, straight line, and she forced herself to lift her gaze. "If you don't speak, I'll really bite!"Even in her anger, she could not get a response. She brought his hand to her mouth, avoided the previous bite mark, and fiercely sunk her teeth into it, giving it everything she had.Her teeth sank into the bone, and tears followed, dripping one drop after another onto Cedric's bleeding hand.The tears gushed down even more aggressively, and Sophie had lost control of them. It was not until she had cried out all the pent-up tears that she wiped away the tears that were still welling up in her eyes, and began to tend to the wound on his hand."Cedric Carlson, do you think I will forgive you if you jump after me? You owe me so much, and you can't pay me back even if you jump a hundred times." Her tone was harsh, but her head had turned sideways,
The news of Cedric falling into a deep coma spread like wildfire, causing X Corp.'s stocks to plummet for several days in a row. Even Carlson Group felt the impact indirectly.Many unscrupulous media outlets even began speculating on how long it would take for news of Cedric's death to surface.-In the projection room of the detention center, the local financial news channel was broadcasting reports about Cedric. To attract attention, the anchor was pulling out all the stops. "As we all know, 30 years ago, the young heir of the Carlsons passed away at a young age. He was the same age as Mr. Cedric Carlson when he died. Whether it's a coincidence or fate, if it's indeed fate, I'm afraid Mr. Carlson will probably—Before the anchor finished the sentence, Vivienne suddenly grabbed a nearby stool and went berserk, smashing the TV as if she had lost her mind. She muttered to herself, "Nonsense! Cedric won't die! The person who deserves death is Sophie Luxford, not Cedric, not him!""Q
Vivienne had no idea what was in it at all. 'Will it kill me? I'm totally clueless here.'She clenched the small bag tighter and tighter in her hands, her palms starting to sweat, and her expression changed. 'Should I take the risk or not?'After agonizing for God knew how long, Vivienne finally gritted her teeth, tore open the bag, and swallowed all the white powder inside."Help, help!" Just a few minutes later, she was already lying on the ground, writhing in agony due to the pain in her stomach. The shrill screams made it clear just how unbearable the pain was.The patrolling guard heard the cries for help and immediately ran over to check. He saw her lying on the ground, rolling around, limbs twitching, and her face an abnormal shade of purple. He quickly opened the door and kicked her. "Hey, Vivienne!"Hearing someone calling her name, Vivienne struggled to open her mouth to call for help. However, white foam kept flowing out from her throat, making her choke and her voice i
"You stay here. Mommy will go check on her." Sophie's attention shifted to Vivienne's poisoning incident, completely unaware of the subtle movement at the corner of Cedric's lips, the slight curl of his fingers, or even the blink of his tightly shut eyelids.As Sophie prepared to inquire about Vivienne's condition, a warm hand grasped hers, halting her departure."Don't go," came a hoarse, deep voice, resonating with familiarity, etched into her bones.Instantly, her body stiffened, her mind blanking, as if ensnared by a spell. 'Was I hearing things? How else could I hear Cedric's voice?'"Soph." The hoarse voice persisted, clearer now. It echoed from ears to heart, quickening her pulse.Her eyes reddened, her rigid form gradually relaxing. Mechanically, she turned to find those familiar eyes, open and tenderly focused on her. 'He's awake!'Cherry's eyes widened in disbelief. 'He's been asleep for so long, yet he wakes as soon as that woman is hospitalized? How different from TV!
"Is Dr. Zegler still here? Please ask him to come over, and also notify the Carlsons." Sophie said as she got up from the bed, distancing herself from Cedric.However, her heart was still pounding rapidly because of the kiss."Okay, I'll go get Dr. Zegler right away." The nurse came in hurriedly and dashed out even more anxiously.Dr. Zegler had already gone home after work, but upon hearing the news, he rushed to the hospital immediately. After examining Cedric carefully, a smile gradually spread across his face.-"Dr. Zegler, how's Cedric?" Melissa had rushed to the hospital upon learning her son had woken up. She could not hold back her excitement and tears, disregarding her grace."Don't worry, Madam Carlson, Mr. Carlson's condition turns out much more optimistic than I expected. His consciousness is very clear, and his bodily functions are much stronger compared to similar patients when they awaken from a coma. Mr. Carlson is indeed an extraordinary person—even his ability
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.