Hayden being a woman was not a secret in the York family.When Grandma May pointed out Hayden’s identity as a woman with no outsiders present, Hayden showed no signs of displeasure and remained composed.“Aunt Ser, Aunt Ser.”Sonny’s crying voice came from upstairs.It was then everyone in the room realized that they had forgotten about Sonny.“I completely forgot about Sonny.”Serenity got up and said, “I came downstairs right after I called Zachary. I forgot to wake Sonny up to eat.”Sonny had gone upstairs to get some shut-eye with Zachary.They slept together initially, but later, Zachary carried Sonny back to the children’s room. He was afraid that he might sleep too soundly and accidentally squash Sonny when he turned over.Zachary followed Serenity upstairs.Sonny was already out of his room, crying and calling for Serenity as he walked.“Sonny, Aunt Ser is right here.”Serenity quickly ran toward her nephew once she got upstairs.Sonny stopped crying when he saw hi
Serenity followed them out of the house. She shouted after Sonny’s shrinking silhouette, “Sonny, don’t run so fast. Be careful not to fall.”“Aunt Ser, I won’t fall. I’ll go now.”Carrying a large bag of toys, Sonny ran off with a group of kids. Their voices echoed back from a distance.Serenity turned to Zachary, who had followed her outside, and said, “This kid is so outgoing. He gets along with everyone.”“Isn’t that a good thing? If he couldn’t and clung to adults all the time, we’d all have headaches.”Zachary replied with a smile, “It’s quite challenging being human, and kids do not have it easy either. They get criticized as mischievous for being lively. If they are quiet and reserved, they are called dull. No matter what they do, adults can always find a reason to criticize them.”Serenity was silent.It seemed like it was true.Being human was quite challenging.“Do you still need to catch up on sleep?” Serenity questioned.As soon as Zachary held Serenity’s hand,
Her abilities are not too shabby either. At least before Alvin emerged, everyone within the Daniels family believed that Jenna would be the successor to the group.“Zachary, take a look at this news article.”Serenity handed her phone to Zachary.Zachary corrected her, “Call me ‘honey’. When you call me by my name, I always get nervous, fearing that you’re going to scold me for doing something wrong.” With that said, he took the phone from her and asked while looking at it, “What news?”After glancing at it for a moment, Zachary returned the phone to his wife. His expression lightened as he said, “What’s so interesting about her news? I’ve said it before, the one who can handle her is her father. We don’t need to intervene. Her father will take care of her.”If Mr. Daniels could not handle Jenna, letting Zachary step in would surely harm the Daniels Group.Zachary would not have mercy on those who tried to disrupt his marriage.As for that person living in the same residential
Zachary chuckled and said, “Don’t worry, my dear. I absolutely won’t engage in illegal activities like murder or arson. York Corporation conducts lawful and legitimate business. Even if someone is my adversary, I only compete with them through business and slowly lead them to defeat.“If the opponent is formidable, it might take me years to bring them down. Look at me and your cousin, we were arch-rivals for years, but I couldn’t take down Stone Group, and likewise, Stone Group couldn’t defeat York Corporation.“The ability to bankrupt someone within the blink of an eye? Well, I do not possess that kind of skill.”Zachary admitted he was not as formidable as the male protagonists in novels who could bankrupt companies in an instant. Dealing with his enemies required a long process.“If you decide to take matters into your own hands, I will not interfere. I don’t have the energy to deal with such matters right now, but I trust you!”With her head resting on Zachary’s shoulder for j
Kevin handed her the bouquet of flowers and grinned. “My nana always says I talk too much, that I’m quite the talker. Meanwhile, you’re quiet and reserved, a woman of few words. That’s why she thought we’d make a great match so you wouldn’t feel lonely.“We call this complementarity. If both of us were introverted, our little home would be completely silent in the future. It would then be too quiet.“I didn’t say much, I was just admiring the loving relationship between Zachary and Serenity. Haven’t you noticed how beautiful her dresses are? Would you like to try one on? I’ve bought several new dresses for you that I think would suit you well.”Hayden had dressed up once in women’s clothing for him. She also mentioned that she had only done it for him.He should be content with that.Humans tended to be greedy.He had already seen how stunning Hayden looked in women’s clothing and he wanted to see her in it more often.Kevin stayed by her side after leaving the main house, prais
Hayden pushed his hand away and said, “I don’t want anything, you don’t have to give me gifts.”The gifts he gave were all things that girls would like.Even though she was a woman, she did not care for girly gifts.“I won’t give you gifts then. How about you gift me something, Hay? I rarely receive gifts from you.”Kevin followed closely behind Hayden, walking with a big smile on his face. “If you give me a gift, no matter what it is, I’ll like it.”Hayden could not be bothered to respond to him.Zachary and Serenity watched from the pavilion as the two of them walked one after the other. Serenity smiled and said, “They’re quite lively.“Kevin talks a lot, while Hayden is more reserved. When they’re together, they really complement each other.”Grandma May had chosen their spouses based on their personalities. As long as they spent some time together, they would gradually fall in love with each other.Zachary embraced Serenity as she leaned on him. The couple gazed into the
“It’s already eight o’clock, and I noticed you haven’t come downstairs for breakfast. Alice, are you alright?”Alice habitually supported her protruding belly with one hand and smiled. “I’m fine, just been having some restless nights lately, so I decided to stay in bed. When Clive got up, I was already awake, but I didn’t feel like getting up. Haven’t you gone to the office yet?”“I'll go in a bit. There’s not much going on lately, so I’ll check in and then go to the bookstore. Jasmine is looking after the bookstore, and Seren is still on her honeymoon. She won’t be back at the company for this whole month.”After their wedding, although the newlyweds had not gone on a honeymoon or returned to work, they spent almost every day at Wildridge Manor, living a slow-paced and leisurely life, as happy as a pair of larks.Occasionally, Elisa visited the manor and saw the newlyweds enjoying their relaxed life, which made her envious.“Seren is still in her honeymoon period. Let her enjoy the ha
As they were talking, Alice furrowed her brows while cradling her stomach. She said to Elisa, “Elisa, I might actually be going into labor early. The pain is becoming more noticeable.”“I’ll take you to the hospital immediately.”Elisa started to get nervous.She helped Alice get up, but Alice stopped her and said, “First, go to my closet and get the pre-packed maternity bag I prepared a while ago. We need to take it with us to the hospital. Also, my prenatal checkup records are in the drawer of my dressing table, we should bring those too.”“Alright, you stay seated for now. I’ll go get them. Don't worry, don't be nervous, I won’t be long.”Elisa rushed out to get the maternity bag. She grabbed that along with the prenatal records, and in no time, she dashed down the stairs.Alice was still waiting for her, but to her surprise, once Elisa grabbed the maternity bag and her prenatal records, she dashed off without waiting for Alice or even asking her along.Alice was bewildered.
When Austin reached the door, he stopped and turned to say, “Ms. Isabella, I only care about my future wife. Other young women are simply strangers to me.“I’m polite to other women when I need to be. If they’re unimportant, I’ll ignore them. Even if that woman is my boss, I won’t cross any lines. If I do, there must be a reason behind it.“Get some rest, Ms. Isabella. You might have a headache when you wake up tomorrow. I’ll prepare a warm honey drink for you in the morning.”After speaking, Austin left. Isabella turned to look at where he last stood. What did his words mean?He said he only cared about his future wife.Aside from this lady, he would not step out of line with any other young woman, even if she were his boss. What did he mean by crossing lines?Was it showing concern? Did he mean that if his boss was a young woman but not his fiancée, he would simply do what was required of him without any personal feelings involved? Was that what he meant?If so, was
Isabella was cold sometimes, but that was not her true personality. She was a reasonable person. Austin was not worried that he would be mistreated as a live-in son-in-law. “Ms. Isabella.”Isabella looked toward him and waited for him to speak. He asked, “This may be abrupt, but may I ask what your ideal type is?”Isabella was stunned. Why did the question come to her? What was the type of man she liked?‘Someone like Austin,’ she thought. After a moment of silence, she said, “I like men who are capable, responsible, and have correct values. Even if his family isn’t as financially well-off as mine, I don’t mind so long as he’s honest, competent, and sincere about his feelings for me.“Of course, it’ll be great if we have the same social status. That way, we’ll have similar perspectives and more common topics. If we get married, we’ll be joining forces instead of it being a one-way financial aid.”“Although you can accept someone who isn’t from a similar family backgrou
After a moment of silence, Isabella said, “It’s okay. I know I was forcing it.”There was no point in asking Austin if he did not want to reveal anything. If he wanted to tell her, he would do so without her asking. However, her curiosity spiked with his silence. She was eager to know who his fiancée was. He was already so protective of his fiancée even though he had not met her before. It made Isabella jealous. It was her first time feeling that kind of emotion throughout her life. Although it was not a strong feeling, she still felt it. “You weren’t forcing me to tell you. You were simply curious. Most people have a curious side. It’s only natural for you to be inquisitive as well.”Austin said gently, “It’s not just you. Those who knew that my nana had chosen fiancées for my brothers and me were also curious about who the ladies were.“To be honest, we didn’t even know Nana had been choosing fiancées for us since a few years ago until she handed their pictures to us
“You can drink it now. It’ll turn cold if left aside for longer.”Isabella took the ginger ale and drank it with elegance. She put it down after drinking half of it. “I’m drunk, but only slightly. I can walk, and my brain is still alert. I know what I’m doing and saying.“I’ve had enough ginger ale.”She did not want to consume too much liquid late at night. “Which family is your fiancée from, Austin? Where is she? Do you mind telling me?”Isabella was insistent on getting answers. Austin had never told her when she had asked him about it before. He kept saying he would focus on working and that he was not in a rush to get married. After all, he was only in his twenties; Zachary only got married at thirty years old. If he was unsuccessful in wooing his fiancée that year, he did not mind waiting for a few more years. Isabella suddenly felt jealous of Austin’s fiancée, having had his heart without even doing anything. She wondered what Austin’s fiancée had done to cat
Austin stared into Isabella’s eyes. He could detect some feelings in her gaze, but it was not obvious enough. What she felt for him was still mostly admiration. It was not the right time for him to confess yet. He would continue to wait. “You’re the best and most outstanding lady in my heart, Ms. Isabella. I admire you more.”Austin added gently, “You give off a strict and cold aura sometimes, but you’re always a nice person in my eyes.”Isabella had treated him well ever since he became her private chef. It only got better after she discovered he was a young master of the Yorks. Austin believed her when she said she viewed him as a friend because her actions reflected it as well. However, he was not content with being just friends. He wanted to be her husband. He wanted her to trust him and love him forever. He would also reciprocate her feelings and trust. Isabella smiled. “Even my parents are scared and avoid me when I’m in a serious mode. Louis and Phillip w
Austin responded, “Don’t worry, Ms. Edith. I’ll take good care of Ms. Isabella.”Edith had come in a hurry and left just as quickly. The hidden meaning in her cousin’s words was not lost on Isabella, but she did not comment on it.She allowed Austin to accompany her into the house. The lights were still on inside, but the first floor was empty. Everyone else had already gone to bed.Since Isabella had not returned yet, the housekeeper had left the lights on for her.The house was warm, so once inside, Isabella took off Austin’s coat and handed it back to him.Austin accepted the coat and followed her to the sofa. After she had sat down, he asked gently, “Ms. Isabella, would you like some ginger ale for a hangover remedy?”Isabella rubbed her temples and said, “Yes, please. I don’t want to wake up with a splitting headache tomorrow.”Austin immediately went to prepare it for her.Isabella leaned back on the sofa and closed her eyes to rest. After some time, she heard Austin’s
Isabella’s bodyguard had only called out to her, not daring to touch her, so she had not woken up. However, when Austin gently patted her face and called her, she woke up almost immediately. When she opened her eyes and saw Austin’s handsome face, Isabella was momentarily dazed, thinking she was dreaming about him.She had actually dreamed about Austin. Had she developed feelings for him? If she had not, why would she dream about him? In all her life, this was the first time she had dreamed about a man. Isabella wanted to touch Austin’s face, but as she raised her hand, she realized she was not dreaming.Austin was real. She could smell the fresh scent on him because they were so close.He had showered.Isabella quietly lowered her hand, hoping Austin had not noticed her earlier intention, lest he misunderstood.“Ms. Isabella,” Austin’s warm and pleasant voice reached her ears, making her want to close her eyes and go back to sleep. With him around, she felt safe and secure.
Hunter had neither money nor power. What could he possibly use to save his sons?“Dad, go home. When the trial starts, we’ll send someone to pick you up so you can attend and observe.”Hunter stood up angrily and stormed off.After he left, Ellie asked Ava, “Are we really not going to do anything? My child is still young. Having a father in prison will always be a stain on their life.”“What can we do? Even if we wanted to save them, we don’t have the means. We know what Caroline is like. She’s not going to let this go lightly this time,” Ava replied. “Anyway, think about last year, when they were caught cheating. How did they treat us then?”Remembering the events from last year, Ellie said, “Let them serve a few years in prison, then. Ava, Caroline is in the hospital. Should we go visit her?”“We should. Let’s go tomorrow. We’ll call Emma and visit Caroline together. The Fisher family is full of terrible people, but Caroline still has some conscience. She’s always been kind t
Hunter was momentarily speechless. He did not have much money. When Belinda was alive, he never had more than five hundred dollars on him. After his children grew up, he secretly asked them for money. During that time, he had money to spend freely, living a lavish life outside.However, all that money had been spent. He had no savings, mainly because he was used to spending extravagantly.He had been unable to save money. He did not own any shops or properties either; Belinda had kept him on a tight leash.The house in their hometown had been built with Belinda’s money, but it was not under his name. It was under his three sons’ names.After Belinda’s death, his sons supported him. Each son gave him over a hundred thousand dollars a month for living expenses.Combined, that was several hundred thousand dollars a month, allowing him to live comfortably in Ashford. He had managed to save a little, but not much, just over a million dollars in total. Hiring the best lawyers for h