Ivan's brows furrowed even deeper. "You're taking lessons here at the Winston family estate?"
There was a distinct impatience in his tone.Emily took a deep breath, striving to remain composed. "As you know, my grandmother isn't well, bedridden for many years. Practicing at the DeRoss estate would disturb her rest. Besides, Keith arranged for this piano teacher, and I'd like him to supervise my practice."Finishing her explanation, Emily gazed at the man on the sofa, her eyes shimmering. However, Ivan didn't spare her a glance, merely surveying the piano with a knitted brow.Keith's decisions were something he rarely interfered with, and even though it went against his personal preferences, he would not voice any objections.Emily let out an inward sigh of relief. She had feared being publicly humiliated if he had demanded she remove the piano.Just then, Keith descended from the second floor and noticed the new addition to the living room corner. "Mother, whAlice was thirty-two this year, at an age where a woman's charm and grace are fully bloomed.She had golden hair, with her golden curls cascading over her shoulders. Her green eyes, pronounced nose, and her entire being exuded elegance.Ivan was ready to leave, contract in hand.He had no interest in Emily's endeavors; if she wanted to practice piano during the day, he simply wouldn’t come home.As he was about to step out, he caught a glimpse of Alice entering.Surprise flickered across his face.Keith had found Emily a globally renowned piano prodigy as a teacher...He had been astounded by Alice's performance when he once attended her concert...Retracting his step, he extended a hand toward Alice. "Miss Alice."With a gracious smile, Alice responded, "Mrs. Winston, I've heard so much about you. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you today."Seeing the scene unfold before her, Emily couldn’t help but feel a trace of surprise. She had been
Suddenly, she felt an urge to give up.But, turning her head, her eyes fell on Ivan, seated on the couch.The man who had been engrossed in reading documents was now attentively listening to Alice as she spoke.It was clear that Ivan had a keen interest in the piano.With eyes closed then slowly opening, Emily asked, "Master Alice, may I try once more?""Of course," Alice responded with a smile. "First, you need to relax, let your whole body loosen up. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere the music creates. Once the emotions start to brew inside you, let them flow through your fingertips like water, pouring into each key…."Emily nodded and took her place at the piano once again.Back in her teenage years, when she was still on good terms with Haley, Haley had patiently taught her piano practice techniques.But how could she embrace the tips from Haley, someone she despised and couldn't stand?Only now did she realize that Haley’s words bore a striking resemblance to what Alice was sayi
Another surge of joy swept through Emily's heart. She had known Ivan for over four years, but this was the first time he had asked her something so personal... Did it mean he was starting to take an interest in her?She took a deep breath and said with a soft smile, "Yes, I was admitted to the Central Institute of Cuenca with the highest grades in the city..."She and Haley had shared the top spot...Ivan nodded calmly. "Did you ever study piano?""My preschool teacher noticed that I had a knack for the piano, so my parents sent me to take lessons. I've been pretty busy since college, haven't touched a piano much for a few years," Emily said nonchalantly, but her tone couldn't hide her pride. "I can't believe after four years without practice, I still managed to impress a master like Alice..."Ivan twirled his fingers thoughtfully. "Did you ever play the piano at Central Institute?"Emily didn't understand why he was asking, but she told him the truth, "Sometimes, when I couldn't make
At first, Emily playing the piano was something he could begrudgingly tolerate without making a fuss.But then, the woman started to draw Daddy’s attention.And Daddy was looking at her with that look!If Daddy fell for the awful woman, she would surely be brought into the family, and then he’d have to call her ‘Mom’.He wanted Haley to be 'Mom'!The more he thought about it, the angrier Owen got. He yelled, “Stop playing piano to seduce my dad! I can’t stand you the most!”Those cold words from Ivan followed, his gaze turning icy.The word "seduce," especially coming from a four-year-old, was jarring.He rose, his voice chilling, “Come downstairs and apologize to your mother.”“Let it go, Ivan. Owen's just four; he doesn’t understand, he’s just been spoiled...” Emily’s voice trembled as she tried to diffuse the situation, “If he hates me this much, it must be something I’ve done wrong as a mother…”Keith fiddled with his fingers beside them.His mother's words seemed to defend Owen,
Sunshine Preschool was basking in the gentle glow of a late autumn sun as the kids ran around the playground, their laughter mingling with the crisp air. Todd and Angela found themselves surrounded by a dozen eager children."Hey Todd, can I hold Angela's hand? I really wanna be friends with your sister!" one of the kids pleaded."Angela's hair looks so pretty today. I just love her! Come on, Todd, let her play with us!" another chimed in."Please, we all love Angela and we won't hurt her," added another, their innocent eyes pleading.The children were mesmerized by Angela's doll-like appearance, crowding around her, reluctant to leave her side. Todd couldn't help but feel a surge of happiness seeing his sister so adored.He turned to Angela and asked, "Angela, wanna play with them?"The little girl blinked her big, bewildered eyes, her gaze slowly wandering across the innocent faces around her. The simplicity and honesty of the children were on full display, their emotions unguarded
For someone who fussed over his mom and sister, Todd won’t choose to be nice to him!Owen ran all the way to the main street without stopping.Then, he spotted a familiar car."Whoa there, Owen, stop running..." Alfred emerged from the car, his face wrinkly.Every week Owen staged his little “prison break”, and it was too much for Alfred's old bones.When Mr. Winston got home today, he'd insist he hire more bodyguards to secure the Winston family estate..."Owen, stop right there, there's traffic ahead!"Alfred watched, heart nearly leaping out of his chest, as a car headed straight for Owen. Thankfully, it came to a stop just in front of him, avoiding disaster.Owen yanked open the car door and plopped himself down inside.Kicking up dust, the car sped off."Hey, wait! Owen, for heaven's sake, stop!"Alfred, out of breath and clearly spent, made an executive decision to return to his car, ordering, "Hurry, follow that car, we can't let Owen get away again!"Owen peered into the rear
Haley had come to the DeRoss Group to discuss the Roscente Group’s project and was about to drive away after finalizing the details.That's when the jarring sound of brakes filled the air.She whipped her head toward the sound, only to see a silver sports car in motion and a four-year-old child sprinting in front of it.Hearing the honking, the kid froze in his tracks.But the silver car couldn't stop in time and collided straight with him."Owen!" Haley's heart nearly leapt into her throat.In a reflex she didn’t even fully comprehend, she kicked her car door open and dashed into the street.The streets were congested heavily, and by the time she made a run for it, Owen was already airborne from the impact, crashing heavily onto the ground.Surrounding car horns abruptly faded into meaningless background noise, buzzing incessantly in her ears.Haley moved as if in a daze, her stride uneven and stumbling as she approached and crouched before Owen. "Owen, how... how are you feeling, do
With Owen hurt in a car accident, there was no time to waste after all. This hospital was the closest one, so it would have to do for immediate treatment.Trembling, Alfred opened the car door and stepped out, yet couldn't bring himself to enter the building. The thought of Owen, bloodied and injured, made his legs quake; he could barely stand, let alone walk...He stayed at the entrance, pulling out his phone. "I'll contact the blood bank. You rush in and take care of the hospital fees," he instructed the bodyguard, who nodded, understanding Alfred's age made him sensitive to such shocks, and went inside.Alfred contacted the best hospital in Cuenca. Owen had an Rh-negative blood type, the kind this tiny hospital surely wouldn't have on hand. The blood had to be dispatched posthaste."Last night, we had an emergency with a mother who shared Owen's type. We used up all 4 pints we had," the blood bank manager's voice came over the phone, causing Alfred's vision to blu
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