Ivan stepped out for a brief respite and upon his return to the banquet, found a circle of men entranced by a woman's allure.
Her complexion was luminous under the soft lighting, a rosy tint gracing her features. Her lips, a luscious red, gleamed subtly.Clad in a stark white dress that hugged her figure, she stood out in her elegance. Her legs, long and fair, ended in high heels that outlined her ankles and toes with an almost sculptural precision.It was then Ivan realized why some found beauty in the delicate structure of a woman's foot.With a sip of his drink, he averted his eyes, only to catch Haley, radiant as ever, amid a jovial crowd of admirers.An inexplicable feeling stirred within him, and before he knew it, he was on Haley's side.Ivan's presence was commanding, his silence and stoic face amplifying the intensity around him.The men, previously animated, now felt a sudden chill, a shiver creeping up their spines."Mr. Winston." greeted HHaley was perplexed. She knew Emily had a weakness for handsome men, and Mr. Robinson was far from fitting that bill. The man was bald, and according to Haley's knowledge of Emily's tastes, that simply didn't add up.Ivan's gaze on Haley grew colder, and he smoothly shifted the conversation. "How's Angela?" he asked, taking a casual sip of his drink. Since Angela had been whisked away by that woman, there hadn't been a single call, and concern edged his voice.Haley almost snapped that it was none of his concern, but she remembered Ivan's tenderness with Angela, how he had cared for her the last time they met. Her lips, parted slightly as she reluctantly admitted, "She's fine."Ivan leaned in, his voice dropping to a confidential murmur. "I know an expert in pediatric autism. Angela's started to speak, which is a sign of progress. We should act on this breakthrough..."Haley's eyes widened in disbelief. "Angela can talk?"Ivan looked at her, his expression a mix
Haley was perplexed. She knew Emily had a weakness for handsome men, and Mr. Robinson was far from fitting that bill. The man was bald, and according to Haley's knowledge of Emily's tastes, that simply didn't add up.Ivan's gaze on Haley grew colder, and he smoothly shifted the conversation. "How's Angela?" he asked, taking a casual sip of his drink. Since Angela had been whisked away by that woman, there hadn't been a single call, and concern edged his voice.Haley almost snapped that it was none of his concern, but she remembered Ivan's tenderness with Angela, how he had cared for her the last time they met. Her lips, parted slightly as she reluctantly admitted, "She's fine."Ivan leaned in, his voice dropping to a confidential murmur. "I know an expert in pediatric autism. Angela's started to speak, which is a sign of progress. We should act on this breakthrough..."Haley's eyes widened in disbelief. "Angela can talk?"Ivan looked at her, his expression a mix of surprise and reproa
She just couldn't understand why Owen kept pestering her...Looking at Owen's pitiful little face, she suddenly thought of what happened last night.Angela had sneaked out of preschool just to find Ivan.And Owen had sneaked out of his house to find her...But why?Haley racked her brains but couldn't figure it out.She brushed Owen's hair, which was full of rotten leaves and dust from the flower beds.Resigned, she picked up the little guy: "Your daddy should be here in twenty minutes. I'll take you in for a bath first."Ivan had bathed Angela; if she bathed Owen, they would be even.She had just stood up when Todd followed and said indifferently, "Mommy, he should be four years old. He can bathe himself."Owen, not wanting to let go of the comforting scent on Haley, hugged her neck tightly: "I can't bathe or undress myself, Haley, help me!""I'll help you."Todd spoke up, his voice leaving no room for argument.Haley set Owen down and said softly, "Owen, you're four years old now. Y
"Who's bullying you?" Todd sneered coldly. "You can't run the water yourself, and you blame me?"In front of Haley and Heidi, he always behaved as a warm and sensible young man.But now, his demeanor was strikingly similar to Ivan's.A cold smile with a touch of cruelty, his eyes held a hint of mockery.Owen, usually fearless, now flushed with anger.He came to find Haley, not to be bullied!He was the little devil of the Winston family; no one had ever bullied him like this before.He stepped out of the tub and quickly went to pull the door.Todd blocked him: "Promise me one thing, and I'll let you leave."Owen was so angry he wanted to fight.But being naked, he lost half of his imposing aura.He gritted his teeth: "Haley is so gentle, how could she have a child as hateful as you!"Todd chuckled.Yes, he was hateful.He disguised himself with obedience and understanding, becoming everyone's good child in their eyes.But only he knew how despicable he was.He drove away Thomas.He di
Todd's fingers tightened for a moment.For the first time he could remember, his mom's voice carried a note of reprimand. It was all because of Owen.He pursed his lips and dipped his head, admitting his fault, "I'm sorry, Mom. My bad.""Go downstairs and tell your sister a story, Todd. I'm going to bathe Owen."Haley scooped up Owen and headed into the bathroom, shutting the door behind her with her free hand.Todd watched the door for a moment before he turned and descended the stairs.Ten minutes later, Haley emerged with a freshly bathed Owen in her arms, "Todd, I dressed him in your clothes. You don't mind, do you?"With a docile tone, Todd responded, "Hey, Owen, that shirt looks great on you. Think of it as a peace offering from me."Owen turned his head away. He didn't want to wear Todd's clothes at all, but if he didn't, he’d either be left in the buff or wear Angela's dress.Haley patted his head gently, "Todd has apologized, Owen. W
Ivan stood outside the villa.From his viewpoint, he could see into the living room where the three kids sat on the play mat, busily assembling a puzzle together.Haley sat on the couch, tapping away on her laptop, occasionally looking up at the kids with a tender, gentle smile playing on her lips.The scene was so heartwarming that Ivan hesitated to disturb it.But he pressed the doorbell regardless.Ding DongHaley looked up, put down her laptop, and walked over to open the door.She paused when she saw the somber man in front of her and said, "Mr. Winston, this is the second time your son has come looking for me."Ivan remained silent.By his count, this was actually the seventh or eighth attempt.A few times Alfred had intercepted him, a few times the boy had shown up when no one was home...But Ivan wasn't about to share that with her.He stood at the door and simply said, "Owen, come here."The second the doorbell had chimed,
Growing up, Owen had never heard his dad speak in such a gentle tone...If his dad had been that tender and patient with him, how could Owen ever conceive of fleeing home day after day?Yet—Owen cast a glance at the beautiful little girl and shrank inwardly.If only he were a fraction as attractive as little sister Angela, Dad would surely cherish him as well.Isn't it just his luck to be so unappealing?Angela let go of the puzzle piece in her hands and stood, her gaze fixed on Ivan as she tentatively took the first step forward, only to hesitate and draw back.She glanced down and cautiously peeked at Todd.To an outsider, the look held no apparent meaning.Yet Todd saw right through it.He had told his sister before that this guy wasn't worth their affection.So she hesitated.Todd's emotions were in turmoil.He stood up, took Angela's hand, and murmured, "Sis, wherever you want to go, I'm with you."The young girl pursed h
An autumn breeze whispered through the maple trees in the courtyard, rustling the leaves with a soft murmur.The whisper of the wind outside brushed the silence within the house where stillness seemed so profound that one could hear a pin drop.It was in this tranquility that Haley struggled to form words, "Angela, you really can speak..."She deliberately ignored the particular two words the little girl had uttered."Sis, you're amazing!" Todd's eyes sparkled with joy. "No one can tease you about not speaking anymore!""Wow, Angela, you're incredible!" Owen couldn't contain his excitement, dancing around joyfully. "Quick, call me 'brother'! I want to hear you say it!"Angela's voice was as sweet as a caramel apple, irresistibly delightful.Suddenly, Owen paused and asked, "Angela, did you... did you just call someone 'Daddy' by mistake?"That was his dad. Why had Angela also called him 'Daddy'?Had he misheard, or had the little sister misspoken?
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