As Austin regained his composure, a knot formed in his throat. The revelation of a child between Sophie and Cedric added another layer of complexity to the situation.Jeff shot Austin a surprised glance, his expression momentarily clouded with doubt. Even after Austin had left, the question lingered. 'Could this child possibly be…'-Cedric's steps were heavy as he approached his car, his features contorted in a mixture of anger and determination. He pounded his fist against the car window, the dull thud barely registering as pain.Before he could retract his hand, he felt a forceful grip on his shoulder, spinning him around to face a furious Austin, who delivered a swift punch to Cedric's jaw.Austin, who had unexpectedly charged over, had lost his usual composure. His eyes were filled with a soldier's killing intent."Cedric, you're a real bastard!" he spat, launching another blow, met with Cedric's swift counterattack.As blood trickled from Austin's lip, Cedric's lips curled
Jeff reached out, his hand gently wrapping around Sophie's trembling fingers. His usually stoic eyes softened with compassion, a glimmer of moisture betraying his emotions. "Don't cry. The doctor stressed the importance of resting for the baby's well-being. Sophie, have you considered giving your marriage with Cedric another chance?""Another chance? Do you believe there's any hope left for happiness between us?" Sophie wiped away her tears, her pale face breaking into a self-mocking smile.Their relationship was entangled in a web of complexities involving Vivienne, an unborn child, and layers of mistrust. How could they ever find solace amidst such turmoil?Her rhetorical question rendered Jeff speechless. Indeed, severing ties with Vivienne was possible. But the presence of the child, Cedric's flesh and blood, complicated matters."Grandpa, love alone can't sustain a marriage." Sophie's voice trembled with resignation. Although she had cherished Cedric since her youthful days,
"Sophie is pregnant?" Vivienne's voice shook as tears threatened to spill. "I'm sorry, Mr. and Mrs. Carlson. I had no idea about Sophie's pregnancy. My only wish was for Tristan to have a father figure. I never intended to rob someone else of happiness or cause her child to lose a father."I understand my background isn't deemed suitable, and Grandfather doesn't approve of me. I know he'll never accept me into the Carlson family. So, I apologize. I'll take Tristan and leave Imperium, ensuring we never cross paths with Cedric and your family again."In agony, Vivienne struggled to sit up, her injured arm trembling.Gripping Tristan's hand, she pleaded, "Tristan, please cooperate. Let's depart, alright? Bid farewell to Grandpa and Grandma."Tristan's face paled as he grasped the gravity of the situation. Losing his newly found father again was unbearable."I don't want to leave. I want Daddy, Grandpa and Grandma. Ms. Sophie fell by herself. Why must I lose Daddy? Mommy, can't we sta
Sophie's expression subtly shifted at Cedric's mention. Since her accident, he had been conspicuously absent, replaced instead by Jeff and Austin's constant care, especially Austin's...Lost in thought, Sophie was startled as a tall, imposing figure entered. Facing him, she asked, "Why are you here again? Didn't you have duties at the base?""The base can wait. I insisted on personally driving you home after your discharge for peace of mind," Austin said, extending a beautifully crafted box. "This is a little gift for your discharge."Jeanna teased, "Wow, a discharge gift? That's new. Let's see what it is, Sophie."Awkwardly, Sophie opened the box to find not expensive jewelry but a set of scented candles, modest yet thoughtfully chosen."I'm not great at giving gifts," Austin explained, a touch of red tinting his ears. "This candle set symbolizes comfort and peace. I hope it helps dispel your sorrows and revitalizes you every day."Unbeknownst to Sophie, the candles carried a de
"Finally getting some fresh air after being confined to that bed," Sophie said with a chuckle, settling into the car's back seat.However, her smile vanished abruptly. Cedric emerged from the hospital exit, holding Vivienne with their child clinging to him, innocently calling out, "Daddy, Mommy."The sight reopened the wound in her already aching heart."Look at them, adulterers flaunting their affair and bastard child," Jeanna remarked bitterly, observing the scene. With a surge of anger, she closed Sophie's car door with a resounding thud.'How dare Cedric parade his affair on Sophie's discharge day!' Jeanna fumed inwardly.While carrying Vivienne to the parking lot, Cedric briefly locked eyes with Sophie in her car. Then, his gaze shifted away indifferently as if she were just an insignificant bystander.Noticing Sophie and Austin, Vivienne pretended not to see them. She pressed her head against Cedric's chest, wearing a content smile. Her mere presence in his arms was a silen
Sophie was preoccupied with her growing pregnancy. Still, she knew she had to manage Luxford Group's affairs before her condition became more visible, making her departure from Imperium inevitable."Seizing opportunities is paramount in the business world. Gemstar Holdings represents more than just a conquest. It's a pivotal chance for Luxford Group," Sophie asserted.She was driven to capitalize on the significant order that promised to pull the company out of its previous struggles.Linda's face lit up with a smile as she observed Sophie's determination. "Ms. Sophie, you're embodying the spirit of the former president. He would be immensely proud of you."Sophie returned the smile gently, her hand instinctively resting on her abdomen. 'Dad, Mom, Hales, I wish I could have shared the joy of my pregnancy with you,' she thought wistfully.-True to expectations, the substantial order from Gemstar Holdings propelled Luxford Group into the spotlight, markedly enhancing its market pr
At Crimson Bar, Sean shut his laptop with a wide grin, his usual carefreeness impossible to contain.A nearby waiter, bemused by his employer's uncharacteristic cheer, couldn't help but wonder. Before the waiter could ponder further, a female patron stormed in. He quickly straightened his posture and greeted her, "Welcome to Crimson Bar!""Sean! You scoundrel!" Jeanna disregarded the waiter, striding up to Sean and snatching her laptop from his grip."Me, a scoundrel? Ever seen a scoundrel go to great lengths to return something they found? I pride myself on being a good citizen," Sean retorted, his gaze dancing playfully over Jeanna.Her boldness and fiery spirit reminded him of a tantalizing chili pepper—intriguing and flavorful.Jeanna scoffed. "Your idea of citizenship is laughable at best. Ugh, such disgusting behavior."A good citizen? He had taken advantage of her and then turned the tables, resulting in her, a somewhat famous young entrepreneur, getting arrested as soon a
The sight of Jeanna potentially sharing affection with another man stirred a vexing irritation in Sean. He despised the discomfort it caused him.Jeanna's fierce demeanor melted under a wave of vulnerability, leaving her visibly shaken."How dare you invade my privacy, opening my suitcase and snooping through my computer?" Her voice quivered as she spoke, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears.Sean watched her, and his eyes betrayed a twinge of satisfaction as he saw her flustered. "How else would I know whose luggage it was and how to find its owner?"Realizing her emotions had gotten the best of her, Jeanna quickly regained her composure and suppressed the aching memories. For the past five years, Sophie had been her sole confidante. "Return my belongings now. This is the last time I'm asking."Sean seemed strangely intent on riling her up as if provoking a little monster to bare its teeth, only to pull them out one by one with pliers and turn it into a tame pet in his palm.