Chapter 3 Shadows of the past

Four years later

A well-dressed man pounced on her and forcefully pressed her beneath him.

Haley’s clothes were torn apart, and every inch of her skin was ravaged without mercy, and she couldn't resist at all...

She desperately wanted to see the man's face, but it was obscured by a mist, and his face was indistinct, only his eyes could be seen.

Those were a pair of hawk-like sharp eyes, not a ripple could be seen even in the midst of the most intimate activity...

The gaze made Haley feel terrified.

Her heart skipped a beat suddenly, and then she opened her eyes with a gasp.

"Mummy, did you have a nightmare?" A soft voice sounded in her ear.

Haley suddenly realized that she had just had such a dream on the plane.

In the dream, it was the night of her 18th birthday, five years ago, when she was framed by her sister, Emily...

After so many years, she had long let go of that incident. She couldn't understand why she still dreamt of that man...

Looking into her son's clear eyes, she felt a sense of embarrassment: "Mommy is fine, just a little tired from the long flight."

Todd DeRoss poured a glass of warm water and handed it to her: "Mommy, drinking some water will make you feel better."

Immediately after, he brought out a soft pillow and placed it behind Haley's back: "This will be more comfortable."

Haley's heart melted, and she kissed Todd on the face: "Todd, Mommy's biggest blessing is having you two precious ones."

She looked at the peaceful and sleeping little girl sitting on the other side, with a satisfied smile on her face.

Four years ago, she had desperately escaped the fire and finally found a glimmer of hope.

At that time, both children were born prematurely and their lives were in danger. The hospital had issued several death notices.

Todd's health improved a bit, but Angela DeRoss was given up on by the doctors.

She had no choice but to take her children abroad for medical treatment.

Later on, Angela's life was saved, however...

Just as she was thinking, the little girl opened her eyes.

Her eyes were beautiful, shiny black, like sparkling grapes, and like stars in the night sky.

But upon closer inspection, one would notice that these beautiful eyes lacked any luster.

Haley suppressed her sadness and disappointment, and gently smiled: "Angela, wake up. Do you want milk or plain water?"

However, there was no response at all.

The little girl stared blankly at the white clouds outside the plane window, with her usual indifference and detachment on her face.

Haley bit her lip.

Angela's autism was getting worse.

This was also one of the reasons why she suddenly chose to return to her home country.

"Angela, I've made milk for you. Here, hold the cup like this and drink. Yes, be careful not to dirty your clothes."

Todd handed the milk to Angela, patiently teaching her how to drink it. Even if there was no response, he kept on talking.

Haley touched her son's head.

The biggest fortune in life is having a son like Todd.

If it weren't for Todd, she really didn't know if she could have persevered these four years...

"Mommy, if you keep messing up my hair, my hairstyle will be ruined." Todd complained discontentedly.

Haley burst into laughter, "You little brat, you're already caring about your appearance at such a young age."

The mother and son laughed and chatted, time passed quickly, and the plane soon arrived at Cuenca.

Haley held the children's hands and went to pick up their luggage.

Suddenly, there was a commotion ahead.

A four or five-year-old boy rushed towards her in a panic, and then dove into her arms.

This was a cool-looking boy, wearing a duckbill cap, a jacket, and small leather shoes. He looked like a young master from a wealthy family.

Haley didn't want to cause trouble, so after stabilizing the child, she took a step back.

However, the child held onto her hand.

"Someone is chasing me. If you help me, I can promise you one condition," Owen looked at the woman in front of him and lifted his delicate chin, exuding a commanding presence.

"Who is chasing you?" Haley asked slowly, looking into the child's eyes. For some reason, her heart suddenly felt a pang, as if something had stung it, causing a sour ache.

Owen was about to answer when a group of people behind him surrounded them.

"Master Owen, you can't run anymore, sir is very angry!"

"Master Owen, come back with us quickly!"

Several bodyguards pleaded bitterly.

Owen turned around and hid behind Haley, clutching the back of her clothes tightly.

"Don't pull my mommy's clothes!" Todd walked over and pushed Owen aside.

As soon as Owen was pushed out, he was caught by the bodyguards. "Master Owen, stop causing trouble. Sir will be here soon, and if you run away again, the consequences will be severe..."

Owen was held by the bodyguards and couldn't move.

He looked at Haley, not knowing why, but he wanted to see this woman again in the future.

He pursed his thin pink lips and asked, "Woman, what is your name?"

"What does it have to do with you?" Todd coldly replied, holding Haley's hand. "Mommy, our luggage is out."

Haley glanced at the unfamiliar child and then held the hands of both children, going to fetch the luggage. Soon, their figures disappeared into the crowd.

The usually mischievous Owen's eyes turned red.

He pursed his lips and said, "I can go back with you, but you must find out everything about that woman within three days."

Owen was taken to the VIP lounge by the bodyguards.

Sitting on the genuine leather sofa was a man with a powerful aura.

He wore a black suit, his brows and eyes cold and imposing. Even without speaking, the king-like aura on him could overwhelm everything.

His eagle-like gaze swept over and landed on four-year-old Owen.

"Didn't I tell you that you must not go out without permission in the future?"

Owen stubbornly straightened his back. "I was just going out for a walk. Can't I do that?"

"No, you can't," Ivan's voice was cold and severe, and his gaze was icy wherever it landed.

He stood up and walked step by step towards Owen. "Do you know how many people are watching you outside? By running out so recklessly, do you know what awaits you?"

"I don't know!" Owen turned his little head away.

He thought of the woman he had just encountered again. Once he found out information about her, he would secretly sneak out again...

"Ivan, don't be angry," at this moment, the woman sitting on the sofa stood up and walked over softly.

She was dressed in a fitted red dress, her figure wrapped in grace. She had put on delicate makeup.

The woman squatted in front of Owen and said, "Owen, your father is also worried about you getting into trouble, that's why he's so angry. Just listen to your father and don't go out to play anymore, okay?"

"No! Why should I listen to you?"

Owen pushed the woman's hand away rudely.