“Let them be, then. They’ll only be able to enjoy themselves this much today.”The old-timers would be leaving Wiltspoon tomorrow. Doc would head to FC Manor to spend the holidays with his disciple, while Patrick would remain with the Stones. On the other hand, Silver and the rest would return to their homes. After being away from home for a few days, they still concluded that nothing could beat the comfort of home. They wanted to go back. Since the year was ending, their disciples would be rushing back from different places.Although the ancients were not as lucky as Grandma May, who had many children and grandchildren, they had many disciples. When all their disciples were gathered, the atmosphere in their house would get even livelier than it had been in Wildridge Manor. Tania got up and walked out of the house. She had to welcome Audrey. When she reached the door, she saw Audrey exiting the car. “Audrey,” Tania called out. Although they had not interacted much i
Audrey and Tania were seated in the living room. Audrey asked, “Is Sonny with Old Mrs. York now?”“Yes. He’s attached to her like an accessory now. She brings him along everywhere she goes.“Seren has gone back to the office today as well. She said she had some important matters to attend to. After everything is settled, she and Sonny will head to FC Manor with Doc tomorrow.”Suddenly, Tania looked around before whispering, “Did something happen in Jensburg, Audrey?”Audrey maintained her expression. “Where did that question come from?“What happened in Jensburg? I didn’t see anything in the news.”She tried acting clueless. Tania glared at her and said, “You can fool youngsters like Seren, Audrey, but you don’t have to hide anything from me. Although I’m not as capable as you are, I’m still in charge of the York family’s internal affairs. I have my connections.“I can obtain information on anything I want to know.“Although I didn’t look into it, I find it weird that Zack
Audrey could hear that Tania was being defensive. She was not criticizing Serenity. She simply stated that Serenity was still young and less experienced than Tania was. However, Tania immediately started defending Serenity. Audrey was glad that Serenity had such a protective and reasonable mother-in-law. When Audrey first joined the Stone family, her mother-in-law was dissatisfied with her and constantly picked on her. Those days had been tough. However, her husband treated her well, and her father-in-law was reasonable and took her side. Not only that, she showcased her capability through managing Stone Group and got pregnant shortly after her marriage. If those things did not happen, she would not have been able to endure being in the Stone family.Thinking back, Audrey suspected Darrell was eager to have a baby back then to bind her to him. He might have feared that she would request a divorce because she could not stand her mother-in-law being overcritical.Luckily, her mot
“Liberty is doing well and safe in Jensburg for now. I’ll be going over with Uncle True tomorrow.”Tania asked, “Are you two going to reveal the truth?”After a moment of silence, Audrey said, “Yes. It’s time to settle the score. Madam Fisher killed my parents and grandparents. She also killed Aunt Alivia. She should pay for her sins.“Regaining control of the Fisher family isn’t a necessity, but we must make her pay and be punished.”The moment she, Uncle True, and the old-timers arrived in Jensburg would be the start of Belinda’s downfall.Audrey would bring reporters with her. She would expose Belinda’s cruel and ungrateful side. Belinda could even kill the sister who had raised her. She deserved to die. “Didn’t the masters say they were leaving tomorrow?”Audrey replied, “They are. Aside from Doc, who’ll remain in FC Manor, the rest will detour to Jensburg.”They wanted to create a fake impression that the masters had left. Tania asked, “Are you confident you’ll win?”
However, Caroline had saved Liberty’s life. She bore the risk of betraying her mother and informed Liberty about Belinda’s plan, which allowed them to prepare and put their guard up against Belinda’s schemes.Audrey sighed internally. She had never expected things to escalate so quickly. She had hoped Liberty would establish herself in Jensburg first and gain a firm foothold before beginning to challenge Fisher Enterprise and gradually deal with Belinda to reclaim everything that rightfully belonged to them.“She, at least, hasn’t done anything illegal. I think God’s greatest gift to Belinda is a good daughter.”Regardless of whatever Belinda had done, Caroline was innocent. When Tiara met with tragedy, Belinda was still unmarried and naturally had no children. Therefore, Caroline had not known about it, much less involved. She was truly innocent, but because she was Belinda’s daughter, she had been forcefully dragged into the situation.The two madams chatted for a while and when
Tania wore a nonchalant look. “I don’t worry about them.”Audrey remarked, “You and your sisters-in-law have no need for worry. The daughters-in-law Old Mrs. York has picked for you lot are all excellent. I have to get her to pick one for my boy Anthony too.”“That’s very true.” Tania laughed. “My sisters-in-law and I are fortunate, marrying into the York family was simply a blessing. The only hard bit was the nine months of pregnancy. We didn’t even have to worry about caring for the child after they were born because my in-laws raised them so well.”“Tania, stop talking. If you keep this up, I might go crazy from envy.”Tania just laughed again.“I heard Austin went to Satbury to work as a chef. He’s already his own boss. Why go so far just to work as a chef?” Audrey asked curiously.Tania chuckled. “Didn’t I mention earlier that he already has a match too? His nana was the one who chose her. It’s the eldest daughter of the Satbury O’Connors. His nana’s judgment is excellent, b
A car stopped in front of the flower shop.Camryn, who was trimming a large potted plant, looked up at the car. It seemed to belong to Carrie. After Camryn regained her sight, Carrie came back and took her own car. Camryn remembered the license plate number.Carrie drove a BMW 7 Series. It had been a gift for her eighteenth birthday. Camryn recalled that Carrie had proudly flaunted the car keys to her, saying that Camryn would never own a car or be able to drive because Camryn was blind. Carrie’s boastful laughter from back then still echoed in Camryn’s ears whenever she thought about it.Now, Camryn had not just her own car, but several luxury cars. However, the fact remained that she still did not know how to drive. She had considered getting a driver’s license but could not find the time because she was busy with work and wedding preparations. After Christmas, she planned to review her high school subjects and retake her senior year later in the year before taking the university
Carrie accused, “The both of you always treat me like a beggar.”Camryn looked away and continued trimming the flowers, her attitude as cold and indifferent as ever. “You’re perfectly able-bodied. Why don’t you find a job and support yourself? I have the money, but I won’t give it to you.”“Camryn, I have a share in the Newman’s family assets! Don’t you and Trenton dream of keeping it all to yourselves.” Carrie shouted angrily, “Is this how you act as an elder sister? Christmas is approaching, and you won’t even give me some money for the holidays!“Everyone is going on holiday, preparing for Christmas. How am I supposed to find a job now? Even if I did find one, I wouldn’t get paid in time for the holidays. If I don’t get any money, I’ll starve. Hurry up and give me some money—I need it for rent, fuel, Christmas presents, and new clothes for the holidays.”Camryn, still refusing to look at her, replied coldly, “Trenton received a large inheritance from your parents and is quite we
“Sonny is still a child. As his aunt, you didn’t even prepare a Christmas gift for him, and you have the nerve to ask him for one?! Have you even prepared gifts for your mother and me?“Liberty is rich now because of her capability. Now that she’s well-off, you expect her to prepare Christmas gifts for you, her former sister-in-law? Who do you think you are?“She treated you so well in the past that she would buy and cook whatever you wanted when you visited. Though the money came from Hank’s earnings, if Liberty hadn’t been willing to do it, do you think Hank could have done anything about it?“She shouldn’t have been so good to you and allowed you to get used to it. You’re always trying to take advantage of others when she doesn’t owe you anything. Hank and Liberty are divorced now! But even if they’re still married, how do you have the gall to take so many things from us when you come home empty-handed?“Let me ask you—have you ever left empty-handed from here? Even a roll of to
If it were not for the fear that his mother would scold him when they got home, Lucas would have rushed over to have a go at Sonny. He would just wait until the adults were busy and their attention diverted settling the score with Sonny. It was just a two-day visit, but Sonny made it seem like he was the crown prince back from winning the war.“Sonny, didn’t you bring any Christmas gifts for your dad or Granddad and Grandmom? I’m really craving steak. Your mom knows I love steak, but she didn’t even prepare a big box of prime Kobe beef cuts for you to bring back.”Chelsea opened Sonny’s small suitcase and looked through it. Besides Sonny’s clothes, there were only a few toys. She was about to open the three gift boxes to check what was inside, but Hank quickly smacked her hand aside.“These are the supplements Sonny brought for me and our parents,” Hank said. He then hurriedly took the boxes back to his room. Chelsea was like a thief—if the things were not locked away in his roo
Luke and Olivia came over as well. Luke pushed Chelsea aside and said, “Move to the side. Don’t scare Sonny.”The old couple was all smiles when they turned to face Sonny. They fought over who to carry Sonny, but the little guy ultimately chose Luke. To him, his grandmom was the same as Aunt Chel. Granddad was much better. Luke sat on the sofa with Sonny in his arms. Lucas was also sitting on the sofa and eating snacks.Hank had bought those for Sonny when he returned. When Lucas saw Sonny, he did not greet or hug him like brothers usually do. Instead, he quickly took the plate filled with snacks away and said, “These are all mine.”Sonny frowned. Lucas was still as bossy and gluttonous as before. Whenever Lucas came to his house, he snatched his toys or food. ‘Oh, it’s Dad’s house,’ thought Sonny. It could not be considered his house. The place where he and his mother lived was his home. “Lucas.”Chelsea scolded her son, “Your uncle bought those snacks for Sonny.
Even Corey dared not do anything to Liberty, let alone the relatives. They were not fools.They would not incite arguments like Chelsea. Moreover, Liberty had the backing of the York and Stone families. The Wiltspoonians knew how much Serenity cared about her sister. Serenity would fight anyone who dared harm Liberty. If Serenity wanted to fight, Zachary would not sit still either. “I’m not my past self. I won’t get bullied.“Now that I think about it, I don’t know why I was so stupid back then. I was a housewife whose world revolved around my husband and baby. Even so, I was mistreated.”Liberty did not take care of her health as well. She let herself overeat to the point her weight became unhealthy. At that time, she thought she could afford to gain some weight since she was already married and had given birth. She also stopped dressing up. After the divorce, Liberty realized that women, especially married women, should love themselves. How could a woman expect oth
“You must come pick me up with Mom, Dunc. Okay?”“Of course.”Duncan could not bear leaving Sonny. He was already missing Sonny even though the little man was still right before him. Sonny slid down and returned to Hank’s side. Hank held his hand. He was about to say something to Duncan but ultimately decided against it. “Sonny and I shall head up now. His grandparents are waiting for him.”Liberty hummed in approval.She and Duncan stood and watched Hank walk away with Sonny. Sonny kept looking back and waving at them. Duncan tried his best to restrain himself from running forward to hug Sonny. He kept chanting mentally, ‘Hank is Sonny’s biological dad.’Letting the father and son reunite once in a while was perfectly normal. As a stepfather, he could not stop Hank and Sonny from hanging out together. Luckily, it was only for two days. Duncan was thankful that Liberty had brought Sonny to FC Manor right after winter vacation started instead of letting the Browns t
“Dad.”Sonny ran toward Hank when he spotted his father. Hank stepped forward and bent over to lift his son. He then kissed Sonny’s cheeks several times and rubbed his face against Sonny’s. They seemed close.Indeed, Hank had been treating Sonny well. Liberty only pushed Duncan over after Hank and Sonny were done.Hank’s gaze landed on Liberty’s face. She had a rosy complexion and charming eyes. Her expression was gentle, and she had a slight smile. However, it was not because she was being friendly toward Hank. She was simply in a good mood because she and Duncan finally got married and just had their wedding night. “Sorry for making you bring Sonny over, Liberty.”They initially agreed on having Liberty drop Sonny off at the neighborhood’s entrance, where he should have been waiting. However, he missed the timing because he was quarreling with Chelsea. Liberty had no choice but to bring Sonny inside. Hank knew she did not really want to return to the neighborhood, h
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