Timothy immediately held Heather's arm and steadied her. "What's wrong? Did something unpleasant happen at the party?"She slumped onto the couch. Gripping his clothes tightly, she said in a daze, "Timothy, I think I found my little girl. I told you about her. She has a mole on her waist, and I saw it on Willow tonight."Timothy, do you think she's the daughter I've been searching for all this time?"He asked anxiously, "Did you ask her about her background?"She nodded. "All I know is that she lived with her grandmother. All they had was each other."What a coincidence. Timothy put his hands on his back. He paced back and forth for a while before he stopped and said, "We're going to need proof for it."Proof?Heather took a silk handkerchief out of her pocket and unfolded it with trembling hands, revealing a strand of hair. Tears welled up in her eyes as she spoke. "Timothy, I held myself back as best I could at the banquet. I made up an excuse and plucked a strand of her h
At dusk, the setting sun shone through the black metal fence of the house in the southern suburbs, casting a warm light over the hydrangeas in the courtyard.Grace was lying on a reclining chair, enjoying the evening breeze.Maureen was carefully peeling oranges right next to her.Suddenly, a gleaming black car pulled outside the yard. Heather, supported by Timothy, stepped inside.Grace glanced up and smiled. "What brings you here? Are you looking for Willow?"Heather's hair was disheveled. She stumbled forward, falling to her knees beside Grace's chair.Holding back her emotions, her voice trembled as she asked, "Wistonia Lane… Madam Harper, you once lived there, paying a rent of 200 dollars a month. "In winter, there was no hot water. If you wanted a warm bath, you had to walk miles to a public bathhouse."Grace's expression changed.As if realizing something, she nodded heavily.Heather's nails dug into the chair as tears welled up in her eyes. "22 years ago, you took in
As expected, tonight's auction was a huge success.Several well-known collectors sent representatives to bid on selected items at high prices, causing a frenzy that quickly went viral online.Just like that, Insight's reputation skyrocketed.A round of applause erupted as Willow took the stage with a glass of champagne in hand to deliver the closing speech. "Thank you all for your unwavering support. In the future, Insight will continue to bring in valuable collections. Thank you all."The beautiful female host led the audience in applause.Willow set down her glass and took a deep bow on stage.Just as she was basking in the moment, a commotion arose from the crowd.A woman's voice rang out, "Willow only climbed to the top by sleeping her way there! Without Julian Ziegler, she'd still be a nobody.""The role of Mrs. Ziegler should have belonged to my poor daughter!"Amid the murmurs, Charlie, Nancy, Tyler, and Karen stepped onto the stage.Since both families' children were
Charlie was dumbfounded after being slapped.It took him a long moment to process the fact that Willow was her daughter.Willow was the child he had with Heather.Charlie stood frozen for a moment, his eyes brimming with tears as he gazed at Willow. The more he looked, the more he saw the striking resemblance to the woman he once loved.His voice trembled as he said, "You're my little girl. You're my daughter!"Nancy was about to erupt in fury.Heather let out a cold laugh. "What right do you have to claim her as your daughter? Have you already forgotten what you'd just said about her?"You and your wife have humiliated my daughter time and time again. I'll make sure you pay for it. Also, let me make it clear that my daughter only has one father, and that's Timothy Chapman! It will only ever be him."Charlie's face turned deathly pale.What had he just said?He had only echoed what Nancy said, but at that time, he didn't know that Willow was his daughter, his little girl.No
Julian stood quietly, watching as Willow's chaotic life was finally set right. He began to wonder. If she had never gone missing as a child, she would have never become his wife.She would've grown up receiving the best education, living a life of privilege. Perhaps, in this lifetime, their paths would've never crossed.He would have stayed in Brindley, while she stayed in Yarrowmere. They might have stayed strangers who had just heard each other's names in passing.He didn't disturb her. Instead, he turned and left silently, settling into the back seat of his car.The night was dark.Julian, ever so composed and dignified, sat in the back seat and instructed Esther, "Contact the PR department. I want a post issued."Esther nodded.Then, Julian sent the proposal to Esther.When Esther read it, she was stunned. That was a rather unexpected move from Julian.Ten minutes later, Nebula Group published an official post, with a simple caption, "My true love".Attached to the post w
It was the middle of the night, but the Chapman residence in Yarrowmere was brightly lit.Laura personally came to the entrance to greet them.Despite her age, Laura was pragmatic. She had always respected her son's choices in love, but the fact that he had no children to carry on his legacy had always been a lingering regret in her heart.Now, as she looked at Willow, she couldn't help but notice how perfect Willow was. She was pretty and intelligent, the full package.Laura was utterly satisfied. She muttered, "Finally, Timothy has someone to inherit his name. This child has been raised well. The lady who raised her in Brindley must have done an excellent job."She's got the makings of someone who will accomplish great things."Laura turned to Heather with playful reproach. "She has done us such a huge favor. Why didn't you bring her over to share our joy?"Heather quickly explained, "Mom, Willow's grandmother just had a major surgery and is still recovering. When she's feelin
Timothy held Heather's hand and placed it over his heart, his eyes filled with deep affection."Feel it."After so many years of marriage, they shared a deep bond.Besides, he could feel his heart beating strongly, showing that he was still in his prime.Heather melted into his arms, her hair disheveled as she let him carry her onto the soft bed.With their long-held wish fulfilled, their lovemaking that night was even more passionate than before.The entire city of Yarrowmere celebrated the Chapman family reuniting with their daughter.The next day, Dominic timed his arrival perfectly and arrived at the Chapman residence at 3:00 pm.A convoy of black, luxury sedans rolled in one after another through the entrance, creating a grand spectacle.When the housekeeper went to announce their arrival, Laura was introducing Willow to her family and friends.She chuckled and said, "Didn't Willow and that Ziegler guy already get divorced? It's all in black and white. Is he trying to go
A moment later, a housekeeper led Charlie and Nancy into the living hall.Nancy was visibly displeased.Back in their youth, Heather had been no match for Nancy in any regard. But now, Nancy found herself needing to beg that wretched woman for something.Charlie kept his tone gentle, trying to smooth things over.Nancy sneered, "Why are you trying to play the good guy? Back then, you were never as talented as her. If it weren't for my father's favoritism, you never would've won that prestigious award."It would have gone to that wretch instead."Charlie hesitated for a moment before saying, "Stop it. Let's not talk about the past."Nancy scoffed again. "Sometimes, I actually pity her for mistaking you for a decent man."As the two continued bickering, they stepped inside the Chapman residence. The Chapman residence was the most luxurious mansion in Yarrowmere. Even from the foyer, the decorations were overwhelming. The living room alone spanned over 1,000 square feet.The di
Julian's every move was poised and effortless, full of the bearing of someone born to lead.Timothy couldn't help but sigh. This marriage between their children was truly a pity. On the way over, he and Heather had asked Willow. Willow had no intention of getting back together. She said there was no point in salvaging it.If that were the case, then this would just be a proper farewell dinner with everyone parting ways with dignity.During the meal, Timothy casually chatted, but the underlying message was clear.How could someone like Julian not catch on? But he didn't let it show. He kept gently serving Willow food. "This salmon is your favorite. Dad ordered it, especially for you. Eat up. You look like you've lost weight."Willow frowned. "I can take it myself."Julian remained considerate. "Tell me what you want, I'll get it for you."His shamelessness made Liam and Nancy break into a cold sweat. Timothy was even a little impressed. Julian really knew how to play humble when
Alicia returned to the hospital. As soon as she pushed open the door to her room, Charlie looked overjoyed."Alicia, we found a suitable kidney match. It's your biological sister. She signed a voluntary donor form a few years ago and gave a sample. We didn't expect it to be a match!"Ah, our family's finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I'll talk to your sister and ask her to donate a kidney to you. Alicia, you're going to be healthy again."…Alicia forced a smile. "She might not agree."Nancy quickly scolded her daughter, "What kind of sister wouldn't save her own sibling? Catherine gave so much to you without hesitation. If Catherine could do it, then she should, too."Alicia leaned back against the bed, looking delicate and weak. "I'm just worried Julian will have a hard time with it."Charlie thought for a moment and spoke in a calm tone, "Julian's always been deeply devoted to you. He'll be on your side. As for Willow, we'll make it up to her in other ways. J
A soft voice came from the phone, "Willow, let's meet."Alicia?Since the other party had made her move, Willow wouldn't back down either. "Sure. Half an hour. Sinistra Cafe."…Weekend traffic was bad. Willow arrived at the cafe a few minutes late.Alicia was already there. She sat by the window, wearing a white dress, her black hair draped over her shoulders—delicate and beautiful.Willow walked into the cafe, spotted Alicia easily, and sat across from her.After six years of rivalry, today was a face-to-face showdown.Alicia had an innocent look, but the inner corners of her eyes were sharp. She calmly sized Willow up, her gaze finally landing on Willow's handbag. It was a Hermes Birkin that cost 1.2 million dollars.Willow followed her gaze and smiled faintly. "It's a gift from my mother."Alicia forced a smile. "At my age, I don't suit those things."Just then, the server brought over two cups of coffee. Alicia smiled sweetly. "These are made with Geisha beans. It's qui
Julian immediately stiffened.Alicia's gentle, drawn-out cries from behind gradually broke through Julian's defenses as she said, "It's so lonely living in Grandsburg, Julian. I see nothing but the sky and that one church from the hospital balcony. "I would lie in bed every day and hear the pigeons flying by; my signal that morning had arrived. I could also deduce that it is nightfall once they return to their dwelling at the church. It was a cycle that repeated endlessly, month after weary month, year after desolate year."In the past, I could still look forward to your visits every month. I would collect all my thoughts and stories for an entire month, just to share them with you. It brought me so much joy back then, even though I knew you were always thinking about work, thinking about Nebula Group's future. I chose to accept that then. You eventually stopped visiting me, though, just because your wife didn't like it."Catherine's already dead, Julian! If they still can't find
Caleb glanced at Willow and asked, "Where did this piece of work come from?"Julian banged hard on Willow's car window while Alicia moved forward, trying to tug at his sleeve.Julian brushed her aside, sending Alicia crashing right into a lamppost sign and cutting her forehead on the sharp metal edge. Her fragile constitution immediately caused her to lose consciousness on the spot.Julian was momentarily taken aback before he hurriedly scooped Alicia into his arms and frantically called out her name.Alicia's face was deathly pale, with her lips trembling uncontrollably. There was a steady flow of blood trickling from the gash on her forehead.Julian glanced at Willow's car, then at Alicia in his arms. He gritted his teeth, opened his car door, put Alicia inside, and then sped off toward the hospital. Though his heart longed for a future with Willow, he couldn't bear the thought of harm befalling Alicia.…Caleb turned to Willow and asked, "Is that the hypocrite's old flame?"
Those present in the private room immediately fell silent.Willow looked at Julian, the man she had once loved with all her heart, and felt a pang of irony. There had never been a place for her in Julian's heart. His gaze suddenly held no room for anyone else after Alicia's return. Those vows and sweet nothings he had professed earlier seemed pale and laughable at this moment. She truly pitied herself. Her youthful years had been squandered. Her wound from the incident still throbbed. It was only natural for her to feel such pain, though. She had unreservedly poured her most precious youth and deepest emotions, without holding back, into Julian, only for him to repeatedly drag her sincerity through the mud.She then smiled faintly, a sense of relief washing over her. She had chosen to leave, to give up what had once meant everything. She knew that she was the object of much attention, some offering sympathy, others merely seeking amusement. It didn't matter to her, though, as her
Though Willow had initially planned to refuse his invitation, Jeffrey suddenly said, "You should really come over, Willow. You see, Rosabelle is particularly looking forward to meeting you."In addition, Jeffrey felt indebted to Willow for entrusting him with Insight Corporation's affairs, which generated substantial revenue and a significant commission. Having given it some thought, Willow finally agreed to it.Her well wishes for Jeffrey and Rosabelle were genuine. Thus, on the following day, after a thorough and meticulous selection process, she chose a pair of his-and-hers watches valued at six million dollars as their engagement gift.It was after she had swiped the card and left the place that Caleb exclaimed, "How could you be so generous when it comes to spending on your lover? I merely make 12 thousand dollars a month, and you just blew six million dollars on your lover! It's six million dollars, for goodness' sake!"Willow glared at him and bellowed, "You should yell lo
Willow made no move to retreat. She walked up and met Julian's gaze. Her dark hair and white dress billowed in the sharp night wind, her striking crimson lips making the neon lights in the surroundings dim. She then said softly, "What's the matter? If it's about Caleb, I'd like you to know that I'm quite pleased with him. Thanks for sending him over."Julian's gaze hardened as he said, "If it pleases you, then that's all that matters."He seemed to have returned to his usual calm demeanor, no longer looking like the desperate man from before. He even added, "If you're pleased with him, then I'll find a few better ones and send them over to you tomorrow."Upon hearing that, Willow couldn't help but look at him differently, thinking that Julian was an absolute nutcase. Having thoroughly enjoyed the spectacle, Caleb reached out, pulled open the passenger door of the pink Rolls-Royce, and dramatically announced, "It's time to head home, Lady Harper."Julian furrowed his brow and aske
Charlie fixed Willow with a gaze of profound disappointment as he exclaimed, "You're just as heartless as your mother! How could you do this to Alicia? She's your sister, for goodness' sake!" Yet, before Willow could even respond to Charlie, someone tall suddenly sauntered into the office. He then tossed his backpack onto the coffee table, glared at Charlie, and barked, "Get out of the way!"Charlie raised his gaze, spotting a handsome youth before him. He felt a wave of disdain washing over him as he thundered, "Do you have any idea who you're talking to?"Caleb sat on the coffee table and continued chewing his gum, looking like a hoodlum as he exclaimed, "I know who you are! You're the one I saw at the fertility clinic a few days ago, right? I guess you're missing something important down there."Charlie's face flushed crimson with rage as he snapped, "Why, you! I'll sue you!""Go on, sue me! You can take it up with my father's attorney! Oh, and in case you didn't know—my fathe