Celeste knew Lawrence would ask. She didn't avoid the topic and nodded openly. "I'm pregnant with my second baby. Lawrence, I already have one son." She realized she never posted anything on social media, so Lawrence probably didn't know about Leo's existence. She took out her phone and showed Lawrence a photo of Leo."I know Leo. He's a little genius," Lawrence unexpectedly said.Celeste was slightly surprised. Although they had occasionally communicated over the past few years, she had never mentioned remarrying and having a child."How did you know?" she asked."People have ways to know more about the things and people they care about," Lawrence replied frankly, showing no hesitation. In this regard, he hadn't changed much."Lawrence..." Celeste felt moved and a little guilty."It has nothing to do with you. It's just my personal choice. You don't have to feel guilty," Lawrence immediately reassured her, waving his hand. "I'm contented enough to call you my friend."Celeste d
Celeste had someone secretly tail Diego for many days before understanding what "different from others" meant.Although Diego came from a wealthy and influential family, he had no real power or status. No precautionary measures were taken to protect him from any surveillance. Of course, it may happen in the future, but Celeste seized the opportunity for now.Based on photos and videos, Diego's suburban mansion was home to many exotic pets. Snakes, lizards, crocodiles, and various other cold-blooded animals roamed freely. Celeste felt a chill as she noticed dozens of snakes with their mouths wide open and spitting venom.Most of these animals were not kept in cages; they were allowed to roam freely, and the servants of the Radcliffe family were dressed like zookeepers and animal trainers.But what truly caught Celeste off guard was the sight of monkeys. How he cared for these monkeys would surely raise eyebrows, even among the most lenient animal rights activists.Diego gave the mo
Celeste and Lawrence decided to have lunch together."I've had someone track Diego these past few days, and there's progress," she got straight to the point as soon as they met.Lawrence nodded. "Does it have to do with me that makes you feel uneasy?"Celeste was taken aback. Lawrence had matured a lot over these years. He had become more meticulous in his thinking and was no longer the slightly careless boy he used to be.It definitely shaped him after taking charge for so long and so well."Yeah," Celeste handed Lawrence the video of Diego and his mother.After watching it, Lawrence's expression became extremely grave. He remained silent for a long time, unable to find the words to speak."I thought this matter would affect the Radcliffe family's reputation, so I wanted to discuss it with you."If the Radcliffe family's reputation was further tarnished, Diego might just be criticized for his heartlessness and shamelessness. However, it would significantly affect Lawrence. Aft
"Okay, babe. Let's keep in touch!" Veronica made a phone call gesture to Celeste, then reluctantly followed Damon into the restaurant.This beautiful and vibrant lady had an unapproachable yet elegant face but a pleasant personality. Even Celeste would fall head over heels for her, let alone Damon.Celeste stared at Veronica's back, lost in thought. There was no way Lawrence would not notice the inexplicable look in her eyes."You two didn't interact as long as I imagined."He thought Celeste and Damon would be intertwined for the rest of their lives until the day one of them died.So, he thought Damon was Leo's father when he saw Leo's photo for the first time. When he heard that Celeste was pregnant with her second baby, he immediately assumed it was Damon's.He may have been wrong."Yeah. We could have interacted longer, but I don't want to," Celeste said absentmindedly.She pushed what was close to her away, creating an endless chasm between them.However, she felt dishear
Celeste encountered Diego at the Davies' home.Phillip Moore, Nicholas's grandfather, came from Marksville to Taverdale for retirement this year. It was coincidentally his 80th birthday celebration. Apart from those who came from Marksville, almost everyone from the upper class of Taverdale attended.Taverdale's upper-class circle had changed in recent years, and Celeste unexpectedly became one of its members. Phillip had helped her before, so she had to show up to celebrate him. However, she considered her relationship with Damon and thought it would be awkward to meet him. Therefore, she made an excuse about traveling overseas and sent a birthday gift in advance, saying she would visit him when she returned to the country.However, after politely refusing, Phillip called her and said, "Cece, how much business do you have overseas? I will reimburse you for it."At this point, Celeste felt she couldn't refuse further.Damon and Nicholas had been good friends for many years and wer
Celeste was overseas for several years. Her mind was a blur, but she never forgot Kenny's kindness. She would prepare gifts in advance and send them over without fail during every festive and Kenny's birthday. After returning to the country, the first thing she did was visit Kenny in Marksville without delay.The two of them had always been close. Coincidentally, Celeste had regarded Kenny as her godfather. After several years of interaction, they became like father and daughter."You should have told me earlier so I could bring Leo to see you and arrange a place for you to stay. If it weren't for me attending Grandpa's birthday banquet, I wouldn't have known you were here." Celeste pouted like a child.Kenny teased, "You're the mother of two now. Stop acting like a child."Yet, he couldn't hide the contentment in his eyes and noticed Celeste's change immediately."Why aren't you asking me about this baby?" Celeste asked. Kenny was someone close to her; he knew her and Sebastian.
Diego's face was pale. He looked unhealthy as if he was a skeleton in a suit. Celeste remembered Lawrence mentioning that he consumed drugs—he wasn't into substances that were prohibited now, but tobacco from the Opium War. He and every living creature that walked on two feet in his mansion consumed opium—Celeste's scalp tingled at the thought of it.The performance had yet to begin when she entered the theater. Diego looked up at her from his seat, his expression melancholic. His eyes were dark as ink and rested on his pale face like two empty holes, quickly drawing people in."Mr. Diego." Celeste's scalp tingled, but she still managed to greet him politely.Diego nodded slightly but did not speak.So, Celeste nodded back at Diego and sat behind him.Celeste went to the sixth floor to enjoy some peace and quiet. She wasn't particularly interested in any song. Before long, she found herself drifting off.On the other hand, Diego listened attentively throughout the show, even thro
"I have all the time in the world, so let's see. After all, you know I do not care much about dignity." Diego's eyes were cold, sending shivers down Celeste's spine.Celeste would be lying if she claimed she wasn't afraid. However, she was used to keeping her emotions to herself, making it impossible for others to notice something was off."What happened to your father has nothing to do with me. However, since you've intervened, there's no point in saying anything else." Composed, she looked at Diego, her eyes devoid of fear.Diego was slightly taken aback. He had known Celeste was a force to be reckoned with. His encounter with her today was living proof of it."From the looks of things, you're pregnant, Ms. York. I'm sure many would be curious to experience the wonders of pregnant women." Diego was despicably perverse even compared to his father, Jonah."Mr. Radcliffe, karma's a bitch. You may be okay now, but karma will hit you so quickly in the long run that you will suffer gr