After Sonny spoke, he looked toward Zachary and asked, “Are you angry, Uncle Zak? That Aunt Ser doesn’t have a baby girl.”Zachary sat on the sofa with Sonny on his lap. He answered the boy’s question after Serenity sat beside him. “I’m not angry. Although I yearn for daughters, a son doesn’t sound bad either. It’ll be great if Serenity gives birth to an adorable son like you.”Actually, Zachary had little hope. It was only when they had their future told by Grandma May’s psychic that they started betting on having a daughter.Serenity also said that the baby’s gender did not matter. They only got pregnant after trying for a year. The baby would be precious regardless. Sonny sighed in relief. He slid down Zachary’s thighs and went to Liberty. He said, “Uncle Zak and Aunt Ser aren’t angry at me, Mom. You shouldn’t tell me to lie anymore.”Everyone laughed. Liberty blushed as she grinned. She lightly pinched her son’s face and said, “Go play outside, but don’t go too far.
Duncan smiled. “I’ve been busy.“You and Serenity are on your honeymoon too. I didn’t want to disturb you guys.”Although Zachary and Serenity did not travel overseas for their honeymoon and settled with a drive within Wiltspoon, he wanted to refrain from intruding on their time. If he and Liberty were to get married, he too would prefer some uninterrupted time during their honeymoon. He would want to travel with his wife and watch the sunset or sunrise. Those kinds of days sounded amazing. After the butler had taken Sonny to Rowan, he saw Josh and Jasmine while on his way back. He entered the main house and informed Zachary, “Mr. Bucham is here, Mr. Zachary.”Tania beamed. “Speak of the devil.”Serenity continued, “Luckily we weren’t badmouthing him.”Everyone burst out laughing. Josh entered the house with Jasmine. He brought gifts too. “Jas.”Serenity waved at her best friend when she spotted her. Zachary got up and walked to Josh. He accepted the gifts from Josh and
Serenity smiled and said, “Zachary is not a hen-pecked husband. I don’t nag him that much.”“But he always uses Serenity as an excuse for things he doesn’t want to do. He often says things like, ‘My wife doesn’t like me smoking,’ ‘My wife doesn’t like me drinking,’ and ‘I can’t socialize because I have to go home and be with my wife.’ Basically, he always uses his wife as an excuse.”“Josh.”Jasmine scolded her husband playfully, “No one will think you’re a mute if you stay silent.”Josh laughed, “I’m just afraid people will mistake me for a mute, so I have to say something.”Duncan teased him, saying, “You make it sound like you’ve never used your wife as a shield. The people in Wiltspoon all know that you and Zack are both doting husbands, overly devoted, and famous for being wife-obsessed.“It’s just the pot calling the kettle black.”Josh chuckled, “Duncan, you’re biased. You’re siding with Zachary and ganging up on me with your brother-in-law.”Duncan blushed from the teas
Who knew if this young lady might be a suitor for one of the young masters?This young woman was Carrie.After getting out of the car, she walked directly to the security booth window and began hitting the guard with her phone.He did not expect her to become physically aggressive, so he was not prepared. He received a light tap from her. Once he realized what happened, he quickly stood up and backed away, avoiding a second attack from Carrie.“Why did you hit me?”“I hit you just because you’re a watchdog, what’s the matter? Let me tell you, let me through immediately! Do you know who I am? I’m Camryn’s sister, her own sister! I’m the sister-in-law of Callum York. If you dare block me and prevent me from going up the hills, you’re asking for a beating!”Camryn’s sister?In the past, the Newman family did not have much interaction with the York family. Most of the staff at the villa only knew that Camryn had a brother who was in college. There had been no mention of a sister by
Despite that, one of the guard dogs managed to bite Carrie on the foot.Camryn was not at home. Without her permission, the butler did not allow Carrie inside. Instead, he gave her some money to get vaccinated at the hospital.Terrified by the encounter with the dogs, Carrie grabbed the cash and quickly fled. Before leaving, she made it clear that she would settle scores with Camryn.This morning, with the company of her two cousins, she returned to the Newmans’ villa. Only then did she find out that Camryn had gone to spend the weekend at Wildridge Manor with Callum.Carrie was furious.On the spot, she set out with her two cousins via a taxi and headed straight for Wildridge Manor.Carrie had let her be bitten by the guard dogs, and she was determined to hold Camryn accountable. She also planned to report to the few Mrs. Yorks, exposing Camryn’s cruelty beneath her seemingly benevolent exterior.After all, they were still biological sisters from the same mother despite their po
A few minutes later, the taxi driver dropped the three of them off at the entrance of the manor.“Here you go, folks, we’ve arrived. Who’s paying the fare?”The two cousins got out of the car, lost in their own thoughts.They were only there to bolster Carrie’s confidence, so they did not want to reach into their own pockets to fork out more expenses.They were no longer the pampered young masters of wealthy families. They had bidden farewell to their days of extravagant spending. Now they worked regular jobs, earned a few thousand bucks a month, and had to support their wives and children. They needed to be frugal.Unlike Carrie.Despite her bitter feud with Camryn, she was still a young lady of the Newman family and had a share in the family’s wealth.Once she returned to the Newman family and reclaimed her bank cards, phone, and car keys, she would have endless wealth. This taxi fare had to be on Carrie.Observing her two cousins getting out without any intention of paying
The Chandlers and Joyners were willing to accompany Carrie and provide moral support with this sneaky plan. Carrie was much easier to manipulate compared to Camryn.They once thought Camryn was just a blind girl who liked to sell flowers and had underestimated her.Little did they know that Camryn was the most formidable among the three children in the Newman family. They had all been fooled by her.“Carrie, we are here to help you. Initially, we were doing well in the company. But Camryn somehow managed to manipulate a certain Mr. Mitchell, who then conspired with her to kick us out of the company. It was her tactics that landed her the company.“She is your sister by blood. After your parents were imprisoned, you weren’t home and Trenton was still a kid. She overtook the Newman Enterprise without resistance, and even the top executives had nothing to say because of this Mitchell guy assisting her.”“Uncle Cain had always had an eye for people, but this time he fell for the tric
“Ms. Carrie had been on a long vacation for most of the year, and she had just returned today. When she got back, she found no one at home, so she came over here to get the keys from her sister to unlock the door.”He crafted a little lie.Carrie preferred to keep her imprisonment a secret. When she was imprisoned, only the upper echelons of society were aware, and ordinary people would not have followed the details of Carrie's time in jail. That was why Derrick fabricated this story. The two security guards exchanged a glance.Ms. Camryn’s younger sister?They had not heard about Camryn having a sister.They had seen Camryn’s brother and cousins, but they did not match the appearance of the two men standing before them. These guards knew that Camryn had three aunts, but their relationships were not amicable. The two elder aunts had a poor relationship with Camryn and were not well-received, so they were never invited to the estate. Only Aunt Evelyn’s family had visited Wildr
“Zachary!”“Your Uncle Dylan is so noisy. I really want to grab a pair of scissors and cut off his tongue. He's been so loud that it's interrupted our father-and-son conversation.”Serenity lightly patted her husband's hand and said, “Stop teasing Dylan. I can see that he’s so anxious he’s about to jump up. He’s already been here for two days, and he still can’t get Nana to tell him the truth.”Dylan nodded repeatedly. “Exactly, Zachary, stop teasing me. I'm dying of anxiety. This is a very important matter—it concerns my happiness!”“What did Nana say?” Zachary asked.“Nana told me to pursue Imogen again.”“Then listen to Nana. Why are you still asking? Do you think Nana would do anything to harm you? I’ve told you before, she might joke around with us, but when it comes to our marriages, she’s more serious than anyone else. She won’t fool around.”Dylan finally got the answer he wanted. Zachary had not explicitly said that Imogen was Fox, but he had mentioned that listening to
“I am helping you. Didn't I already tell you? Let Sam prepare some gifts for the Doyles and you can bring them when you visit the family in Huntington. It’s the year-end holidays. No matter what, they won't give you the cold shoulder. It's the perfect time for you to go.”“Alright, I'll do as you say.” Dylan agreed to go with his nana’s arrangements. He immediately dug out his phone and booked a ticket to fly out in a couple of days.“Why not book a ticket for tomorrow?” Grandma May asked him.“I want to spend one more day with you, Nana.”Grandma May laughed. “I don't need you to stay. As long as you and your brothers are no longer single, and you all have someone by your side, that will make me happy.”Dylan was speechless.He had chosen to go to the Doyles on the day he arrived in Huntington. One reason was to spend more time with his family, and the other reason was to wait for his brothers to return tomorrow evening. He planned to ask for their opinions and get them to ana
“Dylan, I hope you know it’s all your fault I have so much white hair.”Dylan smiled as he wrapped an arm around his nana’s shoulders,“Yes, yes, it’s our fault for making you worry so much. Nana, I promise we’ll be doubly filial to you from now on.”Grandma May said dismissively, “I’m so old, who knows how long I'll live? Every day is a blessing. Don’t make promises about the future. I’m afraid you won’t be able to keep them and will end up embarrassing yourselves. If you really want to be filial to me, you should pursue Imogen again. I really like her and I simply must have her as my granddaughter-in-law.”“Nana, if you tell me that Imogen is Fox, I promise I’ll move to Huntington in a few days to start a new business there and chase her again. I can’t just do nothing else but tail her every day, now can I?”When the York brothers were pursuing their other halves, none of them did solely that. They all balanced their pursuits with their careers.“Even if I said that Imogen is C
“I just need your confirmation, Nana. Just one word. Is Imogen the Chameleon Fox?”“You should ask her. I’m not Imogen.”“Nana.”Dylan almost kneeled. “I regret my decision, Nana, okay? Can you tell me?”Grandma May poked his forehead. She said, “There’s nothing you can do to reverse time.“I might’ve been too bossy, Dylan. I chose you and your brothers’ wives without getting permission and forced you all to pursue them. I was in the wrong, not you.”Although she did it for the sake of her grandsons, it was considered overstepping. “Don’t say that, Nana. My brothers and I are willing to accept the choices you made for us. We’re blessed to have you to choose our future partners. Our parents are delighted as well.”His parents and uncles were glad and relaxed that they did not have to worry about the boys’ marriages. Grandma May had a good eye for people. The girls she chose were definitely outstanding. “Since you’re willing to accept my choice, why didn’t you do as I said
“I wasn’t this old when I chose Callum’s and Kevin’s wives. I still had energy, so I spent lots of time investigating the girls’ backgrounds. When it came to you, Peter, and Austin, I didn’t spend as much effort on background checks because I didn’t have the energy.“If Imogen is Silver’s student, it’ll only be more difficult to investigate her. It’s ‘the’ Silver we’re talking about. He’s in charge of the intelligence in the Imperial Force. He has the largest information network. Investigating his student is basically having a death wish.“Although he has retired, he has many successors. All of them have even surpassed him.“I’m bold, but I’m not gutsy enough to offend just anyone. How could I possibly offend the Imperial Force when I know just how formidable they are?“Now, we’re on good terms with the Imperial Force thanks to Zachary and Serenity’s close relationship with the Johnsons. Mr. Patrick is also the assistant of Serenity’s maternal grandmother. Those two connections gra
Dylan supported Grandma May as they walked back. He consoled her, “You have to look at it from another perspective, Nana. It’s only one day in the entire year that you’re unhappy, while you’re generally happy in the rest. Although you don’t have daughters or granddaughters, your sons and grandsons have married other families’ lovely daughters. “Don’t you feel great that other families’ daughters are accompanying you and treating you well?”Grandma May burst out laughing. “Now that you mention it, I do feel great. Your maternal grandmother must be the one who’s upset.”“Of course. Many people are envious of you, Nana.“For having such filial grandsons. The nine of us have never embarrassed you.”Grandma May smiled and said, “I feel like your lips are coated with honey, Dylan. Look at those sweet words coming out of them.”“I’m usually like this.”“Your words aren’t this sweet usually. Come. What do you want to tell me?”Grandma May knew everything, yet she pretended to be cluel
Since Serenity was also an owner of the villa, she assigned rooms to Hayden and Camryn before returning to the master bedroom. She kept feeling that something was missing as Zachary was not around.Carrying the baby bump around was tiring.Although Serenity was used to having Zachary by her side, she fell asleep quickly as she was exhausted. The night passed peacefully. New Year’s Eve had arrived. It was a busy day. After a family dinner in the evening, people who were close acquaintances of the Yorks went to Wildridge Manor to watch the fireworks. The atmosphere was lively. However, fun times would always go by quickly. Soon, it was the second day of the new year. It was the day when the York family’s daughters-in-law would visit their families. The fact that their families resided in Wiltspoon made the trip convenient. Zachary, Serenity, Liberty, and Duncan went to the Stones’ residence. Since Audrey was Serenity and Liberty’s aunt, they would visit the Stone
While Grandma May and her granddaughters-in-law had settled down, Zachary and his two brothers were still waiting for their wives. As the sky was getting darker, Zachary could not help but give Serenity a call. “Why are you and Nana not back yet, Seren?”“We won’t be going back tonight, babe. Nana said we’ll return after breakfast tomorrow. We’re staying in your villa in the high-end neighborhood now.”Zachary replied, “I already had a bad feeling when Nana brought you guys out.”As expected, Nana had “kidnapped” their wives.Serenity laughed. “Go to bed early. We’re singing now. Hayden is a pretty good singer.”“You should rest earlier. Don’t stay up too late. You’re still pregnant.”Zachary reminded her.“Mm. I will. I’ll hang up now. Let’s talk again tomorrow.”“Okay. Sonny came over this evening and asked where you were. I said you went shopping, and he said why you didn’t wait till he came and if you didn’t miss him.”Serenity smiled. “He called me afterward and told
Grandma May brought her daughters-in-law to Zachary's villa. The butler did not go home to celebrate the new year. Instead, he had brought his family over upon obtaining Zachary’s permission. Sam was a disciplined person. Although he had brought his family over, he would still watch over the house properly and not let his family enter the main house.He was Zachary’s butler and had his own quarters. He did not live in the main house. Sam was surprised to see Grandma May and her granddaughters-in-law coming over late at night.“Have you all come by yourself, missus?”Sam opened the gates for them and asked Serenity, who had lowered her window. He was worried that Mr. York might have made Mrs. York angry and that she had come over to escape him. It would be New Year’s Eve tomorrow. Logically speaking, Serenity should have been at Wildridge Manor. However, upon seeing Grandma May, Camryn, and the rest, Sam finally figured it out. Grandma May must have been feeling mischievo