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
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
‘Cedric has had too much alcohol and is currently resting at my place. I’m in Room 1508, Les Rideaux Hotel. I’ll wait for you to come and pick him up.’Sophie Luxford stood in front of Room 1508, clutching her cell phone and apathetically staring at the text message she had received an hour earlier.Her hair was nicely done, and she hadn’t had time to change out of her business attire. Her thin brows added to her appearance of a powerful, independent career woman.She had instructed someone to contact a large number of media outlets with the sole purpose of catching the adulterous couple in the act, and they were all standing behind her.“Mrs. Carlson, why are you still hesitating? Why aren’t you going in?” Someone in the crowd could not wait any longer. They were determined to photograph the adulterous couple in action, and they did not want such a major event to pass them by!After taking a deep breath, Sophie finally made up her mind and said, “Please do one thing for me.”Everyone
He scrutinized Sophie from head to toe before he narrowed his eyes at the unfamiliar faces of the reporters present. He then leaned in and asked, “Honey, what are you trying to do by bringing everyone here?”“Mr. Carlson, can you explain the incident today? As far as I know, Mrs. Carlson and you have only been married for three years, yet you chose to have an affair. Is there anything that we are unaware of?” A media reporter handed the microphone to him.Cedric sneered and hugged Sophie in response as he asked, “Why don’t you ask my wife if she has anything to say?“Honey, why don’t you tell these inquisitive people how dissatisfied you are with me?”Sophie felt angry and humiliated. She turned to look to the side with an odd and unnatural look in her eyes. “Given the strong romantic bond between the two of you, why is Mr. Carlson still fooling around with another woman?”Valerie’s face was pale as she was once again put in the limelight. The question was relentlessly pursued b
"Cedric, how can I continue my acting career after they took those pictures?" Valerie pretended to be the victim and asked Cedric.The man reassured her, “You can just rely on me, and you don’t need to be afraid even if Miss Luxford owns half of the entertainment industry. Be a good girl. Go back and get some rest first.” Hearing that, Valerie cheered up immediately. She shot a provocative glance at Sophie, who looked embarrassed, before she turned around and left gracefully. Sophie did not calm down after Cedric’s bothersome mistress left; instead, she became even more tense. Cedric then loosened his bath towel, revealing his body in front of her. Sophie pursed her lips and wanted to look away unconsciously, but her repressed wrath kept her from doing so. Cedric suddenly sneered. “Why are you staring at me so intensely? Didn’t I satisfy you enough last night, Miss Luxford?”“You’re overthinking. There’s nothing wrong with me staring at you because you are my husband.” Sophie blu
Sophie shuddered all over. He was really dominating, but this was just the beginning. Cedric lowered his head and kissed her. Sophie felt as if her mind had exploded. She failed to resist him and could only blush.Cedric was truly a playboy who enjoyed flirting with women. She was powerless and could not resist him at all as soon as he made his move. “You’re so easily defeated, huh? Heh.”Cedric sneered mockingly before he extended his hand toward Sophie again. Sophie’s expression instantly changed. “Jerk!”“I’m sorry that you’re married to a jerk.”“Let me go.”“Why are you in such a hurry? I haven’t done it until you’re no longer angry.”“No!”The two were entangled for a long time. Sophie felt her heart grow even colder as she collapsed against the icy floor tiles.Cedric bent over and looked at Sophie, who was lying on the ground, and said, “Grandpa is urging us to have a child every day. What should we do? I don’t want you to be pregnant because you don’t deserve to be pregnant
After a while, Sophie eventually opened the car door and stepped out of the car after a change of clothes. Her flawless makeup also masked up her slightly puffy eyes. Sophie hurriedly walked toward the company after locking her car. She asked Linda, “How much equity do the shareholders who want to withdraw their capital hold in the company?”“About ten percent.”Sophie, who was walking swiftly in her high heels, hesitated for a moment. A ten percent redemption of those equity shares would result in the loss of Luxford Group's liquidity. Luxford Group’s stock price would also take a significant hit if she failed to redeem those equity shares, and those stockholders were permitted to cause trouble in the secondary market.“I’ll take care of this. Find out the cause.”“Understood.”“Hold on. Check carefully to make sure that Cedric Carlson isn’t behind this.”Her grave expression suddenly showed a hint of annoyance. Given how abruptly this incident occurred, there was obviously so
After visiting every bank she had worked with in three days, Sophie was informed that nothing could be done to assist her. It was a no-brainer who the mastermind behind this whole affair was. Sophie was informed by the shareholders of the news of the equity transfer as soon as the allotted three days had elapsed.Linda cast a worried glance at Sophie and said, “What should we do now? The second largest shareholder has already asked his secretary to send out a notice of a special shareholders’ meeting to all the other shareholders just now.” It seemed that Sophie and Cedric were really at war this time. “What time is the meeting scheduled for?” “Three o’clock.”Sophie checked the time on her watch and took a breath. She had one hour.At precisely 3:00 PM, those with a specified percentage of shares were seated in the conference room. Sophie straightened her back in her chair and cast a sidelong glance to the vacant seat next to her, a hint of irritation visible in her eyes.
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.