Camryn looked at Trenton’s swollen cheek and asked, “Did she hit you?”Touching the side of his face that was slapped by Carrie, Trenton replied, “Yes, she slapped me. But I stopped her when she tried to do it again. She went to see our parents and found out that I had them transfer the family assets to me, so she came to settle the score.“Camryn, don’t bother with Carrie. She’s spoiled by our parents, doesn’t know her limits, and needs to face reality. Only through life’s experiences can she mature a bit.”Camryn tenderly touched the swell and said with concern, “She’s just a lunatic, spoiled by Mom. If she can’t protect her child for a lifetime and ends up raising a useless person, then she’s only harming the child.”Carrie was a victim of her parents’ indulgence; spoiling a child was akin to harming the child.“Go inside and apply an ice pack.”“Okay.”The siblings headed in together.Meanwhile, Carrie went back to her rented house, grumbling and complaining.When she open
The middle-aged man smiled and said, “My surname is Longbottom. Now, you've gotten to know me, Ms. Carrie.”His gaze was quite audacious. After Carrie approached, he shamelessly scrutinized her, finally displaying a satisfied look at Carrie’s figure and appearance.“Ms. Carrie, please have a seat. Let’s have a chat.”“Mr. Longbottom, this is my home. Don’t act like you’re the master here. You have illegally entered. Do you know that I can call the police on you at any time?”He laughed. Not bad looking for a man in his forties or fifties, presenting the image of a suave middle-aged man.However, his gaze was overly audacious, and Carrie did not like the way his eyes roved over her, as if scrutinizing prey.“Yes, yes, it’s our mistake. Apologies to you.”With that, Mr. Longbottom clapped his hands.A bodyguard stepped forward and handed a new handbag to him.Mr. Longbottom took the bag and then passed it to Carrie, saying with a sly smile, “Ms. Carrie, this is my apology to you
Carrie asked in confusion, “Why would I want to change my appearance? I’m satisfied with my natural looks and don’t want to change anything about it.”Mr. Longbottom smiled. “Ms. Carrie has excellent features. If you don’t want to go under the knife, then wear a human skin mask. Just wear it whenever you go out. I’ve prepared one that looks so real, even someone with the Eye of Ra wouldn’t be able to tell.“Also, I’ll give you a new identity. Until our alliance is complete, you cannot revert to your original identity as Ms. Carrie of the Newman family. I can assure you that once my affairs are settled, I will grant you all the properties you desire from the Newman family.“Your blind sister, I want to crush her like an ant. She’s not a threat, but I need you to cooperate with me. Once my goals are achieved, I can help you seize everything you want.”Mr. Longbottom’s words were extremely arrogant as if he possessed tremendous abilities. He spoke boldly about crushing Callum as if sq
Carrie’s face instantly turned ugly.“Mr. Longbottom, are you asking me to be your mistress?”She was only twenty years old, young and beautiful. With her background, marrying into a wealthy family and becoming a young missus was entirely feasible.This older man, even if well-preserved, should be around her father’s age, and yet he wanted her as his mistress!It was like an old man preying on a young girl.Mr. Longbottom chuckled. “Ms. Carrie, you lack special skills and are unwilling to bow down to reality, to work for a monthly income of a few thousand dollars. Tell me, how will you live? Relying on your brother’s monthly allowance of five thousand dollars for your living expenses?”Carrie was shocked.How did this man know about her conversation with Trenton?Did he have someone watching her, tracking her every encounter, every person she met, and the words she spoke?That would be terrifying.Even Zachary would not be able to achieve such a level of surveillance.“Besid
Mr. Longbottom laughed heartily. Then, he looked at her and said, “Ms. Carrie, this may not be up to you. It’s best if you agree. Even if you don’t agree, you’ll have to, because I’ve approached you. I can’t let you expose me. Otherwise, I’ll have to silence you.“I will also make you die a painful death. You’ve seen my men, there are more than ten of them.”Carrie’s face turned deathly pale.“Ms. Carrie, do you choose to be with me, or do you choose death? I’ll give you a few minutes to consider.”Carrie glanced at the dozen or so men in black.Then she looked at Mr. Longbottom. Who exactly was this man?He spoke of killing without hesitation.Could he be a serial killer?Carrie suddenly sank to her knees.“Mr. Longbottom, please spare my life. I don’t want to die. I’m only twenty years old, and I don’t want to die.”Her life had just begun.Mr. Longbottom stood up, walked over to her, and lifted her.Carrie understood his intentions. Her face grew even paler, but she made
Carrie asked in confusion, “Since you are targeting Mrs. Young-Johnson’s adopted son, why don’t you directly find someone to help you in Annenburg? The distance between Wiltspoon and Annenburg is quite far. Even if she and Serenity are close, they don’t meet often.”Mr. Longbottom sighed. “That’s the unavoidable part.”“There was absolutely no trace of Laurence in Annenburg. We only knew that Laurence was the adopted son of Ben and his wife. However, no one outside knew what the child looked like.“Moreover, Laurence rarely stayed in Annenburg. We did not know where the kid usually hides. “The Johnsons are protected by the Houstons and are in-laws with the Lafayette family from Meadspring. Plus, Tim’s wife is a disciple of a renowned doctor. I dared not provoke them. Previously, we investigated Laurence’s identity, but Ben found out that someone was looking into Laurence's background. “After that, we lost all relevant information about Laurence.”“It was only recently that they
Mr. Longbottom emphasized, “I’m not interested in petty revenge. But if you want to vent, my people can help you with that. As long as you follow and assist me, I won't mistreat you.“Moreover, those who have wronged you, by that time, I can help you deal with them.”Once he obtained the totem and became the true wielder of power, it would be his time to call the shots. On that day, he would not even spare the York family a glance.Except perhaps for the Bucham family.“What exactly is your background?”“I won’t tell you for now. You’ll know later. Anyway, if you stick with me, I guarantee you a life of luxury.”With that, he caressed Carrie’s face.“Alright, I won’t bother you anymore. I’ll leave two people here to protect you. If anything happens, they’ll contact me. I have to go back. There’s too much to handle.”After lightly patting Carrie’s thigh, Mr. Longbottom stood up, instructed two bodyguards to stay, and left Carrie’s rented place with the rest of his entourage.
The two babies were a few months old and they could already roll over and have baby talks with the adults.Laurence said, “I often see Clo-clo. She recognizes me, so of course she smiles at me. You rarely play with her, and since she doesn’t recognize you, she won’t smile at you. You can play with Connor. My little sister is fine with me.”From time to time, Connor’s little legs kicked Sonny’s hands placed on the stroller. This little one was restless; he was either quiet when asleep or constantly moving, crying, and wanting adults to hold him.Even handing him a toy to play with would only last for a couple of minutes before he threw it away and started crying.Chloe, as usual, did not like to cry. If the siblings lay together, Connor would keep crying, and Chloe’s little feet would kick her brother, seemingly disdainful of him being a crybaby.Sonny bent down to kiss Chloe, but Laurence blocked him.“You can’t kiss Clo-clo. Uncle Ben said none of us can kiss her, but we must pr
Hank pulled Sonny’s luggage over. Luke and Olivia had many bags in their hands too. They were presents they had prepared for Sonny and Liberty. Although the stuff they prepared was not as expensive as the supplements Sonny had brought back, it still contained their sincerity. “Liberty,” Hank called and handed the luggage over. “Sonny’s belongings are all inside. He can’t take that many toys, so there’s some left at my place. He said he can play them the next time he comes.“We bought him a few sets of clothes. They can’t fit into the luggage, so we put them in bags.”After speaking, Hank took the bags from his parents’ hands.Aside from the clothes and toys they had bought for Sonny, the rest were presents for Liberty. “My parents prepared some snacks for you. You can have them while celebrating the new year. It’s nothing expensive, just a token of our sincerity.“Although we aren’t husband and wife anymore, we’re still Sonny’s parents. We can still be friends or relative
Liberty and Duncan had only gotten their marriage license for a few days. They were newlyweds. Even with Liberty by his side, Duncan still wanted to have video calls with Sonny several times a day. He missed Sonny more than she did. He would worry about whether Sonny was eating and sleeping well at the Browns’ place.He also worried whether Chelsea’s son would bully Sonny.While Sonny had learned martial arts, he was not exactly skilled yet. Besides, he was taught well and would not fight under normal circumstances. Therefore, Duncan was worried that Sonny would be at a disadvantage. Liberty thought Duncan was acting more like Sonny’s biological father than Hank. “Sonny’s here,” said Duncan. He got up and walked toward Sonny, leaving his wheelchair behind. He could walk short distances. Liberty was anxious that he might fall. She quickly left her neighbors behind and followed him. She reminded him, “Walk slowly. Be careful.”They did not have their bodyguards with them
“Dunc is nice, Dad. He treats me well. He’s not a bad guy.”Sonny tried his best to clear Hank’s misunderstanding toward Dunc.Hank felt bitter, but he kept a smile on his face. He replied, “Mm. Duncan isn’t a bad person. He treats you and your mom well. I feel at ease knowing you and your mom are living with him.”No matter how jealous he was, he had to admit that Duncan had dedicated his heart and energy to Liberty and Sonny. Duncan was better than him, Sonny’s biological dad. Liberty had made a great choice marrying Duncan.Although Duncan was still in a wheelchair, he would eventually recover. Once he recovered, he could take on any challenge and be the pillar Liberty and Sonny needed. “Sonny, Sonny,” Olivia called out from the living area. Hank told Sonny, “Your grandmom is calling you. Go out and have a look.”Sonny hummed in agreement and left the room. “Grandmom.”Hank smiled when he heard Sonny saying that. He liked being with his son and parents. He truly
“I packed and checked everything, Dad. Nothing is missing,” said Sonny. He did not know that Hank was stalling. Hank did not want to take Sonny downstairs that quickly. “It’s okay even if I leave something behind. I’ll still come over to visit in the future, Dad. Didn’t you say this will always be my home?”Sonny thought he could simply take anything he left behind the next time he came. There was no need to ensure everything was packed.Wherever his mom and dad were would always be his home. Hank replied softly, “Yes. This is always your home. The doors will be open for you for as long as I’m here.“Go watch the TV with your grandparents first, Sonny. I’ll finish packing up soon. Your grandparents bought snacks for you. Remember to bring them with you.”Sonny did not lack anything when he lived with Duncan and Liberty. However, the things his grandparents bought for him held their sincerity. Hank hoped his son could get along with his parents and forget the fact that the
Dylan took a flight back to Wiltspoon on that day. It was the day when Liberty and Duncan went to pick Sonny up from the Brown family’s place. Sonny was only visiting for two days, yet Duncan had mentioned him almost every moment. He even had to be on a video call with Sonny every few hours. For the video calls to happen, Duncan even became shameless and connected with Hank on social media. It was so that he could call Sonny conveniently. Not only that, he even uploaded many lovey-dovey pictures of him and Liberty to make Hank see them and get jealous. Meanwhile, in the Brown family’s house, Hank was packing Sonny’s clothes. He slowly folded his son's clothes to stall for time. Duncan could wait downstairs, who had insisted on coming along with Liberty to pick Sonny up but did not want to head upstairs. Therefore, he had been waiting downstairs. Liberty did not want to enter the Browns’ house either. She waited downstairs and chatted with her old neighbors. Through them
After a moment of silence, Imogen said, “I didn’t know either. If Dylan didn’t mention anything, I wouldn’t have known about this.“I met and talked to Old Mrs. York when I visited the Yorks with my teacher. She’s a nice old lady. It was a pleasure talking to her and not stressful at all. I wouldn’t have guessed that she was that formidable just by looking at her.“As expected of someone whom the Buchams respect. Even my teacher was humble before her and dared not be arrogant. He said Old Mrs. York used to be a badass when she was young. She has contributed greatly to the York family’s achievements.“Her capability is also evident through the eight grandsons she had raised with her deceased husband.”Leticia said, “Doesn’t the York family have nine young masters?”“Rowan York is the youngest. He was mainly educated by his parents as well as his elder brothers and cousins. Although Old Mrs. York did give him some guidance, we can’t say that he was raised by Old Mr. and Mrs. York.”
Dylan suspected that Imogen was Fox. If they were indeed the same person, then it was true that he had only ever pursued Imogen.“Was he okay after standing outside for more than half an hour?” Winston asked.Leticia chimed in, “Jen had Wendy make him a bowl of hot soup. Knowing that the boy doesn’t like spicy food, I made sure she added plenty of spice. It was definitely spicy. Wendy said Jen made sure he finished it before leaving.”Imogen had made Dylan drink such spicy soup, but he was still willing to drink it for her. He was clearly doing this out of consideration for Imogen, not wanting to make things too awkward between their families.“Lucky for him,” Winston muttered.Imogen was speechless.“Why did he come looking for you, Jen?” Winston asked in concern. “Was he here to ask to reconcile? If that’s the case, you mustn’t agree too easily. He has to pursue you again, and for at least two years, before you even think about agreeing to be with him. He needs to know how to
After deciding to go home and plead with his grandmother, Dylan did not stay much longer at the Doyle household. However, he still pinched his nose and finished the bowl of soup after Imogen persuaded him to.She personally saw him off at the gate.“Mr. York, remember to see a doctor when you get back. Take some medicine for a few days, don’t be careless,” Imogen said, following him out mainly to remind him to get treated once he got home, so he would not end up with a serious illness.People who were usually very healthy tended to get very sick when they did fall ill.“My health is my responsibility. If I don’t feel well, I’ll definitely go see a doctor. Don’t worry about me, Ms. Doyle. Even if I fall sick because of what happened today, it’s my fault. I won’t blame you or your family,” Dylan said, thinking Imogen was concerned he might blame her father.He could not bring himself to hope for anything beyond that.Imogen smiled. “Please send my regards to Grandma May and Serenit
“Mr. York, are you really not going to give up? Are you going to keep chasing after her? What is it about her that I lack?”Imogen really wanted to know why Dylan could not fall for her when she interacted with him as her true self but instead, he fell head over heels in love with her when she wore a different identity.“Ms. Doyle, you’re a great person, really—you’re wonderful. It’s just that I’m not worthy of you,” Dylan replied sincerely. “There’s nothing about you that’s inferior to Fox. I don’t even know why I fell for her. Maybe it’s because I kept having the same dream of her over and over.“Before I approached you, I had already dreamt of Fox many times, and then I actually met her in real life. I guess, if you had to ask why I fell for Fox and not for you, I can only say it was because I had already fallen for her in my dream. When the dream became a reality, it felt natural.”Imogen was silent.“Actually, I only met the real Fox after I started getting closer to you. I k