Todd's fingers tightened.
This was the first time, as far as he could remember, that Mommy spoke to him with a reproachful tone.All because of Owen.Todd pursed his lips and lowered his head, admitting his mistake,"I'm sorry, Mommy, I was wrong.""Todd, you go downstairs and tell your sister a story. I'll help Owen with his shower."Haley carried Owen into the bathroom and closed the door behind her.Todd stared at the door for a moment, then turned around and went downstairs.Ten minutes later, Haley came downstairs, holding Owen who had finished his shower. "Todd, I let him wear your clothes. You don't mind, do you?"Todd obediently responded,"Owen, this outfit suits you well. Consider it an apology gift from me."Owen turned his head away.He didn't want to wear Todd's clothes at all, but if he didn't, he would either be naked or have to wear Angela's skirt.Haley lightly tapped his little head,"Todd has apologized to you. What shouldIvan stood outside the villa.From his angle, he could see the living room perfectly.Under the dim warm light, the three children sat on the playmat, playing puzzles together.Haley sat on the sofa, tapping on her laptop, occasionally looking up at the three children, a gentle smile on her lips.This scene was too heartwarming, and Ivan couldn't bear to disrupt it.He pressed his lips together and still pressed the doorbell."Ding-dong—"Haley looked up and put down her laptop to open the door.She looked at the man in front of her, dressed in cold attire, and paused before saying,"Mr. Winston, this is the second time your son has come to see me."Ivan didn't say anything.If he calculated carefully, this must be the seventh or eighth time.There were a few times when Alfred intercepted him, and a few times when the kid came over when no one was home...However, he wouldn't say these words to this woman.He stood at the door and s
He had never spoken to him in such a gentle and patient tone... If his father could be so kind and patient with him, how could he think of running away from home every day?However--Owen glanced at the beautiful little girl, and he was instantly at a loss.If only he were one-tenth as good-looking as Angela, his father would surely like him too.Who let him be so ugly?Angela let go of the puzzle piece in her hand and stood up. She looked at Ivan and took a hesitant step forward.But just as she took a step out, she hesitated and took it back.She lowered her eyes and cautiously glanced at Todd.To others, this glance meant nothing.But Todd saw through it perfectly.Because he had told his sister that this man wasn't worth their liking, she had hesitatedTodd's emotions became incredibly complex.He stood up, took Angela's hand, and said in a low voice,"Angela, you can go wherever you want, I'll accompany you."The little gi
The autumn night wind blew through the courtyard, making the camphor tree leaves rustle.Outside the house, the wind whispered, bringing a tranquil ambiance inside.Silence prevailed, to the extent that the sound of a falling needle could be heard.It was so quiet, impossible to mishear.Haley struggled to form the words,"Angela, you can really speak..."She purposely ignored the two words Angela had called out."You're amazing, little sister!" Todd's dark eyes were filled with delight. "No one will dare laugh at you for not being able to speak again!""Wow, Angela, you're so amazing!" Owen exclaimed, dancing with joy. "Hurry up and call me brother, I want to hear you call me brother!"Angela's voice was so pleasant, as if milk candy had rolled in desiccated coconut, irresistibly sweet.Suddenly, Ivan paused,"Angela, did you just... call me the wrong name?"This was her dad, so why couldn’t Angela also call him dad?Did he mishear it, or d
Todd stood on the side, his eyes filled with darkness.He pinched his fingers and resisted the urge to go over to his sister.Although this man didn't deserve to be their father, he was indeed their father.With Ivan around, Angela's autism had improved significantly.He couldn't selfishly make choices for his sister anymore!Todd turned his head and refused to look at the scene that made him extremely uncomfortable.Haley, who had been covering her face due to a sudden headache, walked over to pick up AngelaBut unexpectedly, the little girl became as stubborn as a bull, and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't pull her away."Haley, can I stay here with daddy tonight?" Owen blinked his eyes. "Angela likes daddy so much, she won't want daddy to leave...I can sleep on the floor!"Ivan said faintly,"Miss DeRoss, I've never stayed overnight at someone else's house before, but today, I want to make an exception for Angela."Haley: "..."
Owen clenched his hands tightly under the covers. He was extremely nervous, his eyes fixed on Haley, afraid to see her shake her head. Haley pondered for a few seconds. To be honest, she still couldn't understand why Angela called Ivan 'Daddy.' and why did Angela sneak all the way to the Winston Group from preschool last time? Did Ivan give Angela some kind of potion? Thankfully, Angela could already speak, and she believed that soon enough, Angela would tell her the answer herself. Coming back to her senses, Haley met Owen's gaze and softly said, "Angela doesn't understand what 'dad' means, so she called him the wrong name. But you should know what 'mommy' means. I'm not...""Your mommy,” Owen finished for her.“Besides, don't you already have a mommy?" Haley asked quietly.Owen's eyes suddenly turned red.He bit his lower lip and replied stubbornly, "Even if I do, so what? I don't like her anyway. That selfish woman doesn't deserve to
He sighed,"Formal logic fallacies and informal logic fallacies."Ivan looked surprised.He had thought the child was just pretending to read books, but he didn't expect him to actually understand them.Books on logic were dry and boring, even less exciting than math. Being able to read and comprehend this book was not something an ordinary person could do.What's more, this child was only four years old.Ivan closed the book and said softly,"I have another question about logic for you."Todd's patience ran out,"I don't want this book anymore.""If you want to study logic, you can't afford to lack patience," Ivan coldly smirked,"The question I want to ask is related to your mommy."As soon as his mommy was mentioned, Todd lost his composure.He pursed his lips and said slowly, word by word,"You'd better stay away from my mommy, or else—""The question I want to ask is this," Ivan interrupted him,"If today you say to me,'Stay away from my mommy
Ivan waited downstairs bored for almost an hour before Haley leisurely walked out of Angela's room.When she saw him, Haley seemed slightly surprised, "Why haven't you gone to bed yet?"Ivan: "..."It was only ten o'clock, and he wasn't a child. Why would he sleep so early?He said calmly, "I just talked to your son for a while."As Haley walked down the stairs, picking up toys from the floor, she asked, "What did you talk about?""Your son is very intelligent." He paused and added, "Without exaggeration, he can be called a child prodigy."Haley's hand, which was collecting toys, paused for a moment. "How did you come to this conclusion?"In fact, when Todd was not even three years old, he showed a great interest in computer code and could make the code he wrote run.She was shocked back then and took Todd for an IQ test the next day.The result was that Todd's IQ exceeded that of his peers by at least twice.When Todd was almost four year
This man was either stupid or despicable, clearly still unwilling to take responsibility.Ivan simply felt baffled.He was earnestly discussing the issue of child education with her, so why was she suddenly looking at him with such eyes?As if he was a piece of dog poop that everyone despised on the side of the road.Ivan: "..." He took a deep breath and asked, "What's wrong?""It's nothing." Haley withdrew her gaze, calmly saying, "Todd is my son, and I will give him the best arrangements. You don't have to worry, Mr. Winston. It's already late, so you should get some rest."She turned around and went upstairs to the master bedroom, closing the door softly.Ivan sighed and touched his nose in frustration.He was always a man of few words, and this was the first time he had spoken so much at once.And this woman, didn't appreciate it at all.Why should he bother himself with Todd, who looked at him with hostility? Ivan had better things t
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