"Angela, do you know him?" Todd asked slowly. But there was no response.
The little girl's hand was scraping against the computer screen, as if she wanted to scratch this man out. Todd's cold eyes narrowed.He quickly captured the man's photo, entered it into the search bar, and soon all the information about the man came up.Ivan, twenty-eight years old, the president of the Winston Group. He was certain that Angela could not possibly know someone like him. So why would Angela involuntarily approach a stranger? Wait a minute!In a flash, the doctor's words appeared in Todd's mind. "Children with autism will reject all strangers except their own close family members..." Could this man be-- It's too incredible!Todd had asked about his father before, but Mom always diverted the topic, and he hadn't asked again. He had always assumed that his father was dead.But now... Todd carefully observed the man's face and noticed the resemblance between his sister's eyes and mouth and this man. If it was what he thought, then it was necessary to do a paternity test.The news about the DeRoss Group spread like a snowball and got bigger and bigger.Mr. DeRoss was extremely frustrated with handling the company's affairs: "It is clear that one of our competitors is behind this. You bunch of idiots can't even find out who the other party is. The company has wasted resources on you bunch of good-for-nothing!"The people in the conference room trembled and didn't dare to breathe."Dad, don't be angry. We should think about how to solve this now..." Emily spoke up."The technical department should hurry up and repair the official website, the customer service department should contact major clients for reassurance, and the public relations department should hurry to..."She calmly delegated the tasks, and everyone in the conference room got busy.Emily looked at her heavily frustrated father, Mr. DeRoss, and said in a soft voice, "Dad, do you know why the DeRoss Group suddenly encountered this kind of situation?""Why?""Haley has returned.""What did you say?!" Mr. DeRoss suddenly stood up, "Isn't that ill-fated star already dead?""I went to the Martínez Group today and saw my sister. She is alive and well," Emily bit her lip, "She even said she will take back everything that belongs to her one by one. The incident of the leaked client data today is likely done by her... Daddy, what I am most worried about now is that she knows the two children are still alive... She is their mother, and the children should be with their mother..." "But, the two children are also the Winstons.”"What would be the consequences, father, if Ivan finds out that the DeRoss family had been deceiving him for four whole years? The bloodline of the family, what do you think?"Mr. DeRoss took a deep breath.These past years, he had relied on being the grandfather of the prince of the Winston family to seek recognition at the Winston Group, but Ivan had never given him a friendly face.If Ivan were to find out that it was all a lie, he would be finished. The DeRoss Group would also be finished."Father, I have come up with a permanent solution, but I need your help..."On an early spring morning, a slight chill permeated the air. Haley entrusted her two children to Madam Martínez' care before heading to the cemetery.Just as she stepped out, Todd's voice rang out from behind her: "Mommy, be careful when you go out today."The young child furrowed his brows tightly, his eyes filled with worry.For some reason, he had a constant feeling of unease.Haley smiled at him gently: "It's okay, Mommy will be back after finishing her errands."She didn't tell Todd that she was going to the cemetery. The matter regarding those two children was the deepest secret buried in her heart. She didn't want Todd to know that he had two brothers who had passed away right after being born...Haley drove the car arranged by Madam Martínez and headed towards the cemetery.The cemetery was located in the most remote outskirts of Cuenca, and it took her over an hour to reach her destination.As soon as she got out of the car, she saw Emily walking towards her in a black dress."Haley, you finally came..." Emily's face was filled with extreme sadness, but in Haley's eyes, it seemed overly forced.Haley pursed her lips coldly: "Lead the way.""Sister, did you come alone?" Emily asked slowly."What if I did not?" Haley retorted coldly. She had been away from Cuenca for four years, and all of her past connections had been cut off.The only person who still protected her was her grandmother.How could she let her grandmother come to such a place to wallow in sadness?Emily hid her calculations well in her eyes, sighed, and said, "Oh, sister, we all thought you were dead, so we also erected a tombstone for you, right next to the tombstones of those two children... Since you left, Father has been crying every day. Last night, I told him that you were still alive, and he was extremely happy...""Is that so? If he was so happy, why didn't he come to see me today?" Haley ruthlessly exposed Emily's lie.Emily's face stiffened, but she still tried to maintain a sisterly expression."Last night, father was so excited that his blood pressure suddenly shot up. He went to the hospital early this morning to get checked... He didn't come today because he was afraid of seeing you Haley, unable to control your emotions. After we finish sweeping the tomb, I'll take you to the hospital to see Dad."Haley did not deny her words and did not respond.However, Emily didn't feel the slightest embarrassment. As she spoke, she led the way, and the two quickly entered the cemetery along the main road.Emily didn't stop in the main area of the cemetery.In a low voice, she said, "According to our Cuenca customs, premature infants cannot be buried in the cemetery. Dad had to use a lot of connections to find a good spot in the cemetery. It's in that corner over there, sister. Let's go quickly."She took the lead and walked forward.Haley followed with a cold expression on her face.But the two of them kept wandering further away, and this corner was overgrown with weeds, clearly showing that no one usually comes here.And Emily continued to walk to an even more secluded place."Stop." Haley halted her steps, her cold eyes filled with a sense of coldness. "Where are you taking me?"Emily still smiled, "To visit the graves of two children.""This is already outside the boundaries of the cemetery." Haley sneered. "What are you up to? Just say it directly, I don't have time to go in circles with you.""I really didn't mean anything... Maybe it's been too long since I came, and I can't remember the way. Haley, don't worry, we'll find it slowly, we'll definitely find it." Emily gritted her teeth secretly.That little bitch, why doesn't she follow the rules?Impatience filled Haley's eyes.She was no longer the Miss DeRoss of the DeRoss family from back then. How could she not see that Emily had ulterior motives?Her purpose in dealing with Emily was just to find the tombstones of the two children as soon as possible.But it was evident that Emily wouldn't let her have her way.If that's the case, there's no need to waste time here.Haley turned around and left."Sister, why are you leaving?" Emily panicked. "I remember now, the tombstones of the two children are just ahead, not even a hundred meters away..."However, Haley's footsteps didn't stop.She could ask the cemetery staff, or she could ask the Martínez family to help her investigate. There was no need to deal with this disgusting person like Emily...Emily gritted her teeth with hatred.Everything had been arranged, and she couldn't afford to fail.She narrowed her eyes and coldly beckoned her hand.Just as Haley took a few steps forward, she heard a rustling sound, as if someone was walking.Even though there was no one on the road the whole way, why did the sound of more than a dozen people's footsteps suddenly appear?Could it be arranged by Emily?It seemed likely.Four years ago, Emily was able to set a fire that killed her, and four years later, she could do the same trick again."Clearly she wants her dead......Otherwise, why would Emily be so kind to bring her to the cemetery?"In an instant, Haley abruptly turned around and quickly stepped forward, tightly pinching Emily's delicate neck.Emily never expected that Haley would suddenly turn back.Nor did she expect her neck to be grabbed."What... What are you doing? Let go!"Her face turned pale, all the blood drained from it in an instant.Haley slowly closed her five fingers and coldly said, "I didn't expect you to bring someone here.""I didn't!" Emily denied adamantly.However, the DeRoss family bodyguards hiding in the shadows saw Emily being controlled and rushed out the next second, surrounding the two of them.Haley glanced over, nearly twenty people.The DeRoss family actually dispatched so many people to kill her. They really think highly of her.Although she had learned self-defense taekwondo during her four years abroad, she couldn't possibly deal with twenty bodyguards at once.Haley twisted her body, elbowing Emily's neck.She coldly said, "I've just returned and you're so eager to take my life. Are you afraid that I'll snatch away your position as the heiress?"With her neck being squeezed, Emily was in pain and almost passed out.Through gritted teeth, she said, "Haley, you're insane! How dare you choke me! Are you suicidal?""I died in your hands four years ago once. Do you think I'll just give up this time?" Haley's voice carried a strong chill, "Since you care so much about the position of the DeRoss family heir, then I will make you taste the bitterness of losing the thing you care about the most!"Emily's heart trembled.She suddenly felt that Haley was completely different from the DeRoss family's young miss four years ago.She also sensed that Haley really could snatch away the position of the DeRoss family heir.If this little bitch knows that the two children are still alive, then...Emily was engulfed by boundless fear.She didn't even have time to think much before Haley dragged her, grippi
This is Pink Seaside Club, a recreational place in the outskirts. Pink Seaside Club is where the high-ranking officials and wealthy people of Cuenca often gather for leisure activities.It’s not surprising to see them.Here, the people are wealthy and well-respected.A group of people are fishing by the river.“Ivan, what’s going on? Why are all the fish going straight to your fishing rod? The rest of us haven’t caught a single fish!”Louis Granger glanced at Ivan’s bucket and complained indignantly.Ivan sat calmly by the shore.He was wearing casual clothes, and the early spring sun shone on him, with a gentle breeze making him even more handsome.Luckily, there were no women here, otherwise there would definitely be screams of astonishment.Louis sneered, “Damn, you’re not allowed to come to my house anymore!”His little sister, only fifteen years old, was completely captivated by Ivan. What a disaster…Just as Louis turned his head, he suddenly froze and then shouted, “Holy crap,
Everyone was shocked, and nobody dared to stop her."Louis, are you alright?""I-I'm fine!" Louis struggled to stand up, paying no attention to the pain in his body.He said excitedly, "Did you all hear that? The beauty just said that I am still as shameless and low as before! That means she knows me. I told you, I must know her, I just can't remember at the moment!"Mark rolled his eyes, "Your reputation as Mr. Granger, the playboy, is well-known in all of Cuenca."Ivan walked over with an air of coldness.Mark pulled Louis aside, "This woman has caught Ivan's attention, you better be careful."Louis spoke boldly, "Caught his attention? Does Ivan want to find a stepmother for his two brats at home?"Ivan snorted.He had no intention of marrying even the biological mother of his two sons, let alone marrying a stepmother into the Winston family...Moreover, that woman seemed to have a daughter as well...He was just about to warn Louis to stay away from married women with children when
Haley's eyes flickered. She guessed that Owen should be a child from the Winston family when she heard his name.However, she never expected that he was Ivan's son.The child looked about the same age as Todd, probably around four years old.But when she was still in Cuenca four or five years ago, she didn't seem to hear about Ivan getting married...'I don't know where you heard about my son, but you better keep it to yourself,' Ivan's voice warned, 'Once I find out that you have leaked the Winston family's secret, I will not let you or your daughter off.'Upon hearing this, Haley almost laughed out of anger. No matter how he threatened her, she could remain indifferent. But this man should not use Angela as a tool for threats!She gently lifted her eyelids and coldly smiled, 'Mr. Winston, although the Winston family might have unrivaled power and no one dares to provoke you, as long as you dare to harm my daughter, I will make you regret ever learning the word "regret".'What's the
Haley returned to the Martínez family, soaking wet.Todd, who had been waiting at the door, quickly stood up, "Mommy, what happened? Why are you wet?""Mommy accidentally fell into the rock garden pond, but don't worry, I'm fine."Haley touched the little one's head and walked towards the bathroom.However, Todd furrowed his eyebrows tightly.There was a faint smell of river water on mommy's body. She clearly fell into the river.But there were no rivers or lakes near the Martínez Group at all. Where did mommy go and what happened to her?Todd bit his lip.He was still too weak. He couldn't protect mommy.He needed to grow up quickly, so that...Grow up a bit, so you can stand in front of mommy and little sister to protect them.Haley finished showering and Todd brought the hairdryer to help dry her hair.Angela sat on the nearby carpet playing with a puzzle, while Madam Martínez sat on the balcony sunbathing, creating a peaceful and beautiful atmosphere in the room.Only Madam Martín
Haley looked at the diamonds in her hand, clear and dazzling, radiating colorful lights. It was obviously an antique passed down from the previous generation.This priceless item couldn't be bought even with wealth. Grandma actually gave it to her.Haley felt moved from the bottom of her heart. "Thank you, Grandma."She put away the jewelry and paused before asking, "Grandma, will the DeRoss family attend tomorrow night's banquet?""Invite those despicable pieces of trash from the DeRoss family? Wouldn't that tarnish the reputation of our Martínez family?" Madam Martinez’s eyes flashed with cold anger. "Back then, they tried every possible means to take your life. Now, the more radiant and splendid you are, the more it slaps their faces!"Haley tightly held Madam Martinez’s hand, feeling a sense of tranquility in her heart....Night fell, and the lights were just beginning to illuminate.Before it was even 8 o'clock at night, a long line of luxury cars had already parked outside the
Could it be that tonight's banquet was the engagement party of the Martínez family's eldest son?The Martínez family, ranking in the top ten in Cuenca, and Justin being the prospective son-in-law, sought after by many affluent women in Cuenca, everyone wanted to see which prestigious lady was so lucky to become the fiancée of the Martínez family's eldest son.In an instant, the hundred pairs of eyes in the banquet hall landed on the woman beside Justin.Then, a gasp of astonishment filled the room.She was too beautiful!Where did this beauty come from? How could she be so stunning?Her appearance made all the socialites present feel ashamed of their own appearances."My goodness, where did the Martínez family find this fiancée? She's so beautiful, her looks are simply heavenly!""Her skin is so fair, her figure is incredible. As a woman, I am even mesmerized by her. Ah, ah, ah!""Don't you think the Martínez family's fiancée of the eldest son looks a lot like the eldest daughter of t
"Ms. DeRoss, how dare you show up in front of everyone after all the ugly things you did...?”These questions were more and more provocative.However, Haley had anticipated them when deciding to attend the banquet.There was not much embarrassment on her face, but her voice was as cold as a blade: "On this occasion today, I would like to announce that I, Haley, have no more relationship with the DeRoss family.""As for the scandalous photos from four or five years ago..." Her eyes glanced around, "Most of the ladies present here have boyfriends or fiancés, I presume. If I were to spend some money to have paparazzi follow you, I'm sure the headlines in Cuenca for the next half year would be the scandalous photos of all of you."Her words caused the faces of the high-class ladies present to change.They were all young ladies from wealthy families and usually had nothing serious to do, so dating was considered normal.And nowadays, it was not uncommon for dating to lead to intimate encou
After a thorough read, she folded the document and spoke up, her voice indifferent, "Kid, who drafted this contract?""Our young master did," replied Russell, “Ms. DeRoss, if everything looks fine to you, the contract will take effect once you sign it."Haley chuckled. She was striking, exuding a bewitching charm.And yet, within the depths of her clear eyes, there was a peculiar blend of innocence and mystery.Keith felt his defenses soften and his detachment give way when he saw her smile. It was as if a hole had been poked through his armor of indifference.Realizing too late that he had been staring at Haley for a while, frustration surged within him.This woman must have used that same smile to ensnare Dad and confuse Owen..."I see a problem," she said, her smile vanishing.She leaned forward, a sense of authority emanating from her.Looking Keith straight in the eye, her lips twisted into a disdainful curve, "You should be in school at your age, not out here trying to show off.
Transmedia Tech, an internet media company.Two years ago, there were rumors of its bankruptcy, and after being acquired, it suddenly came back to life and became a leading player in the internet industry.However, there is not much information about this company on the internet.Haley glanced at Transmedia Tech's profile and said lightly, "What time did they make an appointment?""Half past two, at Pennie Coffee."After finishing her work in the morning, Haley drove straight to Pennie Coffee.She arrived ten minutes early, ordered a cup of coffee, and began to read the information on the internet.She searched for the company again, but she still couldn't find much info, and even the investor info behind it had been removed.It can be seen that this company has a lot of connections.She just didn’t know why this company would take a fancy to her newly opened studio.Haley waited for about five minutes before she heard footsteps outside the private room.She straightened her collar an
Keith thought that Haley had also planned to gain the trust of the entire Winston family through Owen. This woman's quite a schemer. Keith knew he had to be cautious......Haley picked up the kids and went home. When she was cooking dinner, she received a video call from Owen."Haley, why didn't you come to see me?" Owen's voice was still weak, "I'm so bored here in the hospital all alone. Could you come keep me company? I want to hear stories..."Haley shook the ladle in her hand, "It's too late today; I'll come see you tomorrow and bring you some cookies I've baked.""You're the best, Haley!" Owen's enthusiasm was palpable.Haley’s lips curled into a smile, "Get some rest now, and don't stay up too late, okay?""How about a goodnight kiss, then?" Owen puckered his lips towards the phone screen, a bandage still wrapped around his head, looking both pitiful and comically adorable.Laughing, Haley pressed a kiss to her phone screen and then ended the call.Carrying the freshly stewed
"The timing is too perfect, isn't it?" Keith said slowly, "Owen got in a car accident, and Haley just happened to be there and then saved him by donating her blood to him. What a coincidence!"His voice was deep and raspy, unlike a four-year-old boy.Ivan's eyes narrowed, "You think Haley staged the accident?""She had a motive," Keith pressed his lips together firmly and continued, "Surely you're aware of the bad blood between Mom and Haley...""It wasn't her," Ivan stated flatly.He had already been briefed on the accident. It was indeed premeditated. Someone had the audacity to target his son. But that someone couldn't possibly be Haley."Dad, are you so certain it isn't this woman when the investigation is still ongoing?" Keith's voice chilled, "What if it turns out to actually be Haley?""She wouldn't hurt Owen," Ivan looked at him with conviction. "She saved your brother; you shouldn't suspect her."Darkness crept into Keith's eyes.His moth
Taking a deep breath, he said, "Don't worry, Mom, I'll have someone look into it. I won't let anyone hurt Owen."After she voluntarily donated blood to save Owen, it's unlikely she'd attempt anything against him again anytime soon..." Emily's voice was husky and choked with emotion. "Now that she's gained your dad's trust, I’m sure she'll make her move... Keith, I’m really scared she’ll hurt you or Owen. I’d rather she came after me...""It won't happen."Keith ended the phone call.He turned to his assistant, Russell, and said coolly, “Check out that car accident near the DeRoss Group building. See what that was all about.”Russell nodded, “Will do, Mr. Winston.”He pulled out his phone and started making calls...Keith instructed his driver, "To the hospital."As the car glided smoothly down the road, they hadn't even reached the hospital when Russell received a call from the traffic police.The majority of the time, Maple Street is congested, w
Keith had been involved in the family business since the age of three.The company under his operation, Transmedia Tech, was a subsidiary that the Winston Group had planned to divest from two years ago.He took over the day before its planned bankruptcy.Now, after a year of shrewd management, Transmedia had become one of the top three most profitable subsidiaries of Winston Group.Keith, having just finished a meeting, felt a nagging unrest.He was usually a calm person, but his current anxiety exposed a vulnerability reflective of a four-year-old child."Young Master, you've pretty much wrapped up all your work for today. Perhaps you should head back and rest?" suggested his young assistant, Russell, with due respect.Keith shook his head.He sensed discomfort.Had something happened to Owen?He was about to reach for his phone to call Alfred when his phone began to vibrate.He glanced at it. The incoming call was from his mother.Ti
It seemed he didn't really mind the idea of marrying this woman...Haley, with her acute senses, caught Ivan's stare and quickly changed the subject.Her eyes shifted to Owen and she spoke with authoritative firmness, “It might not hurt now, but once the anesthesia wears off, you’re going to be in tears from the pain. You’ll understand then just how terrifying a car accident can be! Owen, if you ever want to see me again, just give me a call. I'll come pick you up myself. If you dare sneak out like you did today, I won't come to see you ever again!”Her face stern, she emphasized each word, her tone leaving no room for protest.Tears pooled in Owen's eyes as he looked at Haley with a plaintive expression, “I won’t ever do it again, Haley... I just missed you too much, I couldn't help myself. I just wanted you to hug and kiss me...”His big eyes were brimming with sorrow, making him look like a forlorn puppy.Haley's heart softened, and she bent down to plant
Chapter 181Ivan took a seat on the other side of the bed.He stated calmly, "Alfred, get some sports drinks, please."Alfred promptly went to carry out the request.In the hospital room, aside from the slumbering Owen, only the two of them remained, surrounded by the sterile scent of disinfectant.With a muted voice, Ivan said, "Thank you for this. Whatever you need, just tell me.""I have a soft spot for Owen. I was more than willing to save him, and…" Haley's voice faltered, a slight bitterness on her tongue, "he must have snuck out to find me. That's how he got into an accident..."Her voice trailed off, her gaze lowered, shielding all emotions.Ivan paused before saying, "He's really fond of you."A gentle smile curled on Haley's lips.Looking at Owen resting in the hospital bed, she couldn't help but reach out and gently touch his face. She felt an immediate warmth towards him when she first saw him at the airport. Owen kept coming back
His opened his mouth, about to speak, but his phone began to vibrate in his palm, displaying Alfred's name.The sight of Alfred's name sent a sharp pain through Ivan's heart.Whenever Alfred reached out, it was always a matter of urgency.With Owen in surgery and Alfred calling, could it mean…The typically composed man's fingers trembled, requiring two attempts to tap the answer button."Sir, Owen's going to be alright!" Alfred exclaimed, choked with joy, "The surgery's nearly finished and doctors say he should wake up by tonight if all goes well!"Ivan felt a great relief.He walked briskly towards the hospital, concurrently asking, "How was the blood resolved?"He'd made calls, but a resolution couldn't have come this fast."Sir, you might not know yet, but Miss DeRoss, Owen's aunt Haley — she's got the negative blood type!" Alfred rushed out his words, "When Owen had his accident, Haley was there, she brought him to the hospital, and she volun