Caroline had been bullied while growing up in her adoptive parents’ house. Filling her stomach was good enough. She did not dare to be picky. Although she had managed to earn money, became a boss with a net worth of over ten million dollars, and tasted all sorts of delicacies afterward, she still was not picky about food. She accepted all foods regardless of their simplicity or quality. The food provided by the Fisher family was great. However, the kitchen never prepared the dishes Caroline liked as she was not picky. Despite not being picky, there were still some dishes that she particularly enjoyed. The kitchen staff was simply neglecting Caroline. Whenever everyone had a meal together, her mother’s favorite dishes would surely be served on the dining table. Celine’s would be too. There would always be at least one type of everyone’s preferred food. Caroline was the only person neglected by the kitchen staff. Caroline did not care. However, she included it in her observ
Hayden sighed. “Perhaps someone else’s child is always better.”Caroline laughed. “I understand, Mr. Queen. My mom’s the same. She always mentions how great other daughters are and says I’m stupid. She scolded me for being incompetent and useless.“My mom compares me to Celine often too. She said Celine was better than me and that she wouldn’t have trained me as her successor if it weren’t for the rules set by the Fishers’ ancestors. Anyway, she hates me in many aspects.”Caroline’s tone was nonchalant, but Hayden could sense the sadness in it. Although Caroline did not grow up by Madam Fisher’s side, they were still mother and daughter. It would be weird if Caroline did not feel hurt by the constant scoldings she received from her mother. “You’re a great girl, Caroline. You don’t have to care about what your mom says. I believe you’ll be able to inherit Fisher Enterprise from your mom.”Hayden consoled Caroline. She added, “Although Celine had grown up by Madam Fisher’s side
“She said she could take on an easy position and wouldn’t compete with me for power. I’m not afraid of her fighting me for power, but I’ll never take in idlers.“However, it seems like my mom wants Celine back at the company. I’m not scared of her even if she returns.”Hayden turned to look at Caroline. Caroline did the same. After some time, she said, “I never thought the person who’d see through me would be you, Mr. Queen.”“Other people’s opinion of you doesn’t matter as long as your mom understands and sees through you. The matriarch of your family has absolute power. That’s why you don’t have to mind other people if your mom knows you well enough.”Caroline’s smile faltered. “My mom? She’s always biased toward Celine.” Hayden did not say a word. Celine had grown up by Madam Fisher’s side. Madam Fisher had unknowingly showered all the love she had for her daughter on Celine. Therefore, despite finding out that Celine was not her real daughter, she could not let go of the mo
To think that Hugh had the audacity to dislike Caroline. Caroline did not even fancy him at all. However, Caroline was right. Hugh had too many close female friends from various industries. Who would believe him even if he said he was just friends with them?If he had a girlfriend, how would she be able to accept it?Caroline said, “I believe you when you said Mr. Hugh is faithful once he falls in love with someone. However, it’s difficult to make that kind of man fall in love. They’re used to enjoying a forest rather than staying with only one tree.”Since Caroline had no feelings for Hugh, it would be inappropriate for Hayden to continue talking about her younger brother. Who told her brother to look flirty all the time?From that moment onward, Hayden gave up playing matchmaker for her brother and Caroline. Hayden and Caroline strolled a few rounds around the garden. When Donald and the rest returned, Kevin cooked personally and prepared a delicious feast for everyone. O
Did the wild girl think he had no clue she admired his sister?Unfortunately, his brother was not a brother but a sister. Caroline was bound to be disappointed. Donald suddenly got up. He told his children, “Hay, Hugh, spend some quality time with Kevin. I’m taking your mom on a drive.”“I’m going with you, Dad.”Hugh did not want to be a third wheel. Donald glared at his son. He scolded, “Why are you going on your parents’ drive? You can go on one yourself if you want to. Don’t follow us.”Hugh said, “Dad… I’m your son. Your biological son.”Donald let out a hmph and said, “I’m only talking to you because you’re my son. If it were other people, I would’ve kicked them aside right away.”Hugh was speechless.He was certain that he was a free gift given to his parents. Donald and his wife left within ten minutes. Hugh found an excuse and sneaked out too. Hayden sighed as Hugh did. She knew her family was creating a chance for her and Kevin to be alone. Was she her parents’
Kevin paused. Then, he added in a low voice, “You have a secret passage. I do too. I can also ensure no one will find out about you going to the hotel with me.”Kevin hoped Hayden would be willing to announce her identity as a woman willingly one day. That would mean that she accepted him and was willing to return to being a woman for him. Therefore, even if Kevin knew she was a woman from the start, he still covered up for her when people were around and did not let them suspect she was a woman. “If you wish to go, we’ll depart now.”“Let me consider this.”It would be a lie to say that Hayden was not tempted. She wanted to enjoy a cool sensation in the hot weather too. However, if she allowed herself to enter the pool, she would have to spend time and effort to dress up as a man again after getting out. Usually, she would only remove the artificial skin mask of a man and revert to being a woman every night when she got home and was sure she would not be heading out again
Hayden allowed Kevin’s pestering, which meant he did not hate him. The butler said regretfully, “Mr. and Mrs. Queen as well as Mr. Hugh’s attitude toward this matter is devastating. Mr. Hayden is such an excellent person, but… If he were a woman, or if Mr. Kevin becomes Ms. Kevin, I’d support them in being together and give them my blessing. However, they’re both men!”Hayden’s parents were not worried, but the butler was. The bodyguards remained silent. They thought their young master could be a gay, just that no one knew about it because he hid it too well. Many women fancied Mr. Hayden, but none of them could win over his heart. Was that not indirectly implying that he did not like women?If he did not like women, did that mean he preferred men?…After returning from Queen Manor, Caroline saw her mother and Celine’s cars parked in the parking lot of the front courtyard. She knew they were home. She got out of her car but did not go into the house immediately. Instead,
Celine was dumbfounded. She only spoke one sentence. Was Caroline, who always rendered her speechless at home, actually upset?Caroline even ran into the house aggrievedly. Was she going to tattle to their mother?With that thought, Celine quickly jogged into the house. She could not let Caroline snatch the opportunity of tattling to Mom. Was the country bumpkin changing her strategy of fighting for affection?When Celine entered the house, she saw Caroline sitting beside Mom. Caroline was speaking, but she stopped when she saw Celine entering. It was obvious that she had been tattling on Celine to their mom. Their parents, brothers, and sisters-in-law’s expressions looked slightly off. “Mom.”Celine walked over quickly and squeezed herself between Caroline and their mother. She forcefully pushed Caroline aside. Next, she circled her hands around her mom’s arm intimately and said, “Mom, don’t listen to Caroline’s nonsense. I didn’t do anything to her. She was the one who
Liberty’s old neighbors even told her how terrible life had been for the Brown family for the past two years. A lady who used to be close to Liberty and Serenity pulled Liberty’s hand. She said, “The Brown family is unfortunate. Your living a better life than them is the best revenge.”Liberty smiled. “I don’t want to get revenge. I just want to live my own life. Whether they’re doing well or not doesn’t concern me.”“Of course. You’re kind and generous. There’s no need to stoop down to their level.”The lady caressed Sonny’s face. “Sonny has grown so much. He’s in preschool now, right? Getting more handsome as he grows. He looks just like you, Liberty.”“Hello,” Sonny greeted the lady. She smiled. “What a good boy.”Sonny had always been an obedient child as she recalled. The residents loved to tease the boy whenever Liberty or Serenity brought him out to play. What was the Brown family thinking? How could they not love such an adorable kid?Mr. and Mrs. Brown would rather
Sonny nodded. “I know, Mom. I’ll tell Dad to hide the box so Aunt Chel can’t find it. Why does Aunt Chel like taking stuff from Dad’s house?“Lucas used to take my toys too. I even cried. Grandmom said Lucas would return my toy after some time, but he never did.”Although Sonny was only two years old two years ago, he still remembered how his grandmom sided with Lucas. “About Chelsea… That’s something for the adults to think about. You’re still young. Don’t pay any mind to it.”Chelsea’s parents were to blame for her selfish behavior and habit of leeching off her family. Hank also played a part by allowing his parents to spoil his sister. Even he helped her out a lot in the past. Whenever Chelsea visited, he would get Liberty to prepare whatever dishes Chelsea wanted to eat, no matter how expensive they were. He also specifically asked for large portions to be made so that Chelsea could have her fill. Chelsea loved seafood. Her favorites were pricey ones like lobsters and crab
“Dunc picked me up. He’ll take me to Dad’s place afterward.“Are you feeling unwell, Mom?”Sonny got up and touched Liberty’s forehead, then his own. He even stuck their foreheads together. His mother and Aunt Ser always did the same thing whenever he felt sick. He simply copied what they did.“I’m fine.”Liberty could not tell Sonny that her waist and legs were sore. Instead, she glared at Duncan, who was sitting at the bedside. It was all his fault. He was insatiable. Duncan smiled apologetically. He could not help but indulge himself once he got a taste of pleasure after being single for so long. Liberty was the victim of his hunger. “Then why did you wake up this late? It’s already eleven. I wanted to wake you up, but Dunc didn’t let me. He said you were tired and that I should let you rest,” said Sonny.Liberty lied. “I was on an extended business trip and worked night and day. The things I had to do were endless. I’m too tired. Now that I’m finally on vacatio
Liberty smiled. “Not yet. Maybe you can continue sleeping in the car until the sun rises.“We’re home. Let’s get out of the car. Even if you’re sleepy, you should still take a bath first. The year is ending in a few days. The weather isn’t that cold now. I checked the weather forecast. It says it’ll rain a little on New Year’s Day, so the temperature might drop slightly.”Duncan sat up and touched his forehead. Indeed, there was some sweat. “It really isn’t cold. I’m even sweating.”Liberty did not turn on the car’s air conditioning. In that weather, it would be cold if the air conditioning was turned on and hot if it was turned off. Thanks to the wind, it was still cooling when the car was moving. However, once the car stopped, it became stuffy inside. Liberty got out of the car and went to the passenger seat to help Duncan. Duncan declined her help and insisted on doing it himself. Then, he held her hand and walked into the house slowly. After heading upstairs, he belatedl
Liberty did have a fatty liver back then. However, that was resolved after she lost weight. Indeed, having an unhealthy weight could bring about health issues. Purchasing plus-sized clothes was also a problem. Once she started maintaining a healthy weight, she looked fantastic in whatever she wore and often received compliments for having a great figure when shopping for clothes. Most people marveled at her healthy and youthful complexion. She did not look like she was already in her thirties with a four-year-old son. “Do you want to take a nap? There’s heavy traffic ahead.”Liberty saw a stretch of road highlighted in red on the navigation app, signaling slow traffic. “Aren’t most people on holiday and traveling? Why is the traffic still congested?”Duncan muttered, “Maybe there was a car accident.“I don’t need a nap. I’m energetic now. I won’t be able to fall asleep.”He was extremely excited. “If you think I’m too talkative, you can play some music. We can liste
Since Audrey would take care of Sonny, Liberty and Duncan were in a good mood as they exited the Stones’ residence. Duncan’s bodyguards were to return home instead of following him around. He had Liberty anyway. Besides, it was his and Liberty’s wedding night. They even left Sonny with the Stones, so there was no way he would be letting his bodyguards follow him home. Liberty was the one who drove as Duncan’s legs were still recovering. She would glance at him from time to time. She said, “You’ve been staring at me the entire night. Haven’t you seen enough?“It’s not our first time meeting each other. What’s there to look at?”“You’re beautiful. You’re the most gorgeous woman I’ve ever seen.”Duncan was particularly generous with sweet words that night. To him, his wife was the most beautiful woman in the world. “I can’t get enough of watching you. I controlled myself in Aunt Audrey’s house because I didn’t want her to laugh at me. Now that there’s only the two of us,
Sonny asked Liberty, “Mom, is it okay? I want to stay at Grandaunt’s house for one night. Tomorrow, you can come pick me up and take me to Dad’s house.”After receiving a call from her former mother-in-law, Liberty had already asked Sonny after he woke up that morning if he wanted to stay with the Brown family for a couple of days, to spend time with his grandparents. Tomorrow, she would take him to the Browns.Liberty smiled, “You can stay the night if you want. Tomorrow, I’ll come pick you up and take you to your dad’s house for lunch.”She planned to call Hank soon and let him know that she was not taking Sonny there early in the morning, so the Browns would not have to get up early to wait.Sonny jumped up happily and said to Audrey, “Grandaunt Audrey, my mom agreed! I’m going to stay here tonight and play with Elias."With that, he rushed upstairs. Elias was getting cuter. When he talked to him, the baby would respond with cooing sounds, which was really fun.“Aunt Audrey, I
After a long while, Jessica finally asked, “You have swollen eyes because Liberty is getting remarried? You’ve lost your chance to remarry her.”“Jessica, I’ve never thought about remarrying Liberty. That’s impossible. I’ll wait for you to be released. No matter how many years it takes, I will wait for you,” Hank quickly explained. “It’s true that I’m upset that Liberty is remarried, but it’s mainly because of my son.“In the future, Sonny will call someone else ‘Dad’, and I’m not around him often. I’m afraid that one day, he’ll only end up closer to his other dad and not me, his biological father.”Jessica quietly looked at him for a moment before coldly replied, “If you have time, you should spend more time with Sonny. Even a biological father and son need to nurture their relationship.”“Who did Liberty marry?” Jessica asked. “Is it Duncan Lewis?”“Who else could it be? It’s Duncan. He kept Liberty close, never letting anyone else near her. Whenever any other man got close to L
Why was he crying? He knew the reason deep down but could not bring himself to say it out loud. Instead, he simply slumped over the steering wheel and cried his heart out. After he was done crying, he finally started the car and left the city hall, heading to the prison to visit Jessica.When Jessica saw him, she noticed his eyes were red and swollen. Thinking something bad had happened in his family, she immediately grabbed the phone and asked, “Hank, why are you crying? Your eyes are all swollen. Did something happen to your parents?”She still harbored hatred toward Olivia and Chelsea, hoping something would happen to that mother-daughter pair. Ideally, she wanted the old woman to face judgment in hell.Back when she stabbed Hank and Chelsea came to the rescue, Jessica felt she should have made sure to stab Chelsea to death. It was because of Chelsea’s incitement that she and Hank ended up like this. The two women had torn apart Hank and Liberty’s marriage, and now that Liberty’s