"Daddy, do you think Mommy looks pretty?" asked Felix.Bradley replied coldly, "She's okay."Felix widened his eyes and huffed. "No, Mommy, try something else. Daddy said it doesn't look good!"For one whole hour, Esther kept trying on the clothes Felix chose. From dresses to formal gowns to everyday styles, each different outfit gave Esther a different look.Looking at Esther, who constantly changed clothes, Bradley could not help but tell the manager beside him, "Send all the clothes she just tried to Primus Mansion.""Yes, sir," replied the manager.The sales assistants could not contain their excitement. They had just hit the jackpot with such a big customer, and their bonuses for this month would definitely be substantial.After trying on clothes for an hour, Esther was exhausted. She looked at Bradley and softly called out, "Darling, do I really not look good in all of them?"The word "darling" was like a kitty clawing gently at Bradley's heart.It felt ticklish and ting
Liliane embraced Leah tightly, screaming in anguish, "Mom, everyone's saying that Bradley took Mrs. Warner shopping! But he's supposed to marry me, yet he's taking that despicable Esther shopping! What will people think of me? They must see me as a joke all these years!"Leah was afraid that Liliane would be too agitated and have heart problems, so she quickly comforted her like she was coaxing a child. "Liliane, sweetheart, don't be upset. We're supposed to have lunch with Bradley today, right? I'll ask him then. Maybe it's just an accident!"Liliane's eyes were bloodshot, filled with a chilling, killing intent."Mom, I hate her! I hate her so much!"Leah was distressed looking at her daughter like this. She gently held Liliane in her arms and said, "Liliane, don't let anything external affect you now. You just need to be yourself. Trust me, trust Mom. I'll handle everything and won't let you suffer even a bit."She would protect Liliane, the daughter she had carried to full term
They arrived at Primus Mansion.Although Thomas had originally prepared Primus Mansion as Bradley and Esther's wedding gift, this was the first time Bradley had come here. Naturally, it was Felix's first time as well.When Felix saw the wedding photo in the entryway, his eyes widened in amazement. "Wow! Daddy and Mommy are so well-matched!" he exclaimed."Your father didn't cooperate at all during the photoshoot. Just look at how he's not smiling!"Esther held Felix's hand.Felix tilted his head for a glance, thinking of himself as the brave wingman, and said, "Mommy, Daddy's smiling. Just look at his eyes..."Esther ruffled Felix's hair. She could not tell him how impatient Bradley had been during the wedding photoshoot. She had carefully selected all the wedding photos hanging in this house from thousands of photos."Darling, play with Felix for the time being. I'll go to the kitchen—"Esther was about to enter the kitchen when Bradley grabbed her delicate wrist. "No need to
The current Bradley had no idea that Felix had already told him the truth so early on and that he missed the chance to confront it.Peeling garlic required technique, but fortunately, Felix was gifted and could remember anything after seeing it once. He earnestly battled with the garlic Esther had entrusted to him, peeling it until it was clean and beautiful."Mommy, I've peeled the garlic!" Felix held the peeled garlic and waited for Esther's praise.Esther looked at the well-peeled garlic and leaned down to plant a kiss on Felix's little face. "You're amazing!"Felix was elated by Esther's praise and instantly asked, "Mommy, is there anything else I can do?""Of course!" Esther handed Felix a bunch of scallions.Felix patted his chest and assured her. "Mommy, leave it to me!"Felix went to seek assistance with the scallions while Esther continued to work methodically in the kitchen. She peeled and diced the tomatoes, beat the eggs, cooked them in a pan until fluffy, added the
If Bradley had not witnessed it with his own eyes, he would have thought that Esther had ordered the delicious spread on the table. From his perspective, the dishes Esther had prepared were at least visually appealing. As for the taste, that could only be determined after trying them.Esther placed the plates in front of Felix and Bradley. She sat across from Bradley and skillfully peeled the blanched shrimps.Since Felix was a child and could not take spicy food, his condiment dish had no chili peppers. However, in the condiment plate prepared for Bradley, there was a small amount of colorful chili pepper."The taste might not be on par with a professional chef's. So, if you don't like it, don't force yourself," said Esther.Felix showed full support as Esther's biological son. He used a small spoon to scoop up a spoonful of tomato scrambled eggs, took a bite, and excitedly gave a thumbs-up. "Mommy, it's super delicious!"Esther's eyes sparkled as she asked, "Really?""Really."
"What's going on with Bradley?" Billy was astounded. "I'm going to see him now!"Leah was also angry and resentful when she saw Esther's post and directed all her rage toward Billy. "Billy Anstey! Do you want Liliane and me, or do you want that despicable b*tch Esther? You decide for yourself!"Leah then embraced Liliane and said softly, "Liliane, don't be upset. It's not worth harming your health over it.""Mom..." Liliane was trembling with anger. She never expected that Esther would dare to taunt her in her social media post!The thought of so many people seeing Esther's post meant one thing—Liliane had become a laughingstock!"Don't be upset. Let's go to the hospital first." Leah helped Liliane up.Billy reached out to assist Liliane, but Leah pushed him away. "Get lost!"Leah helped Liliane into the car and made a phone call to Wilson while driving.-After they arrived at the hospital, Wilson conducted a full-body examination on Liliane. The results were not good.Leah
Bradley and Felix entered the kitchen.Esther wanted to help, but Felix pushed her out of the kitchen. "Mommy, Daddy and I are super capable! We'll make sure to wash the dishes really clean!"Esther looked worriedly at Bradley, who coldly said, "I can handle it.""You can put the plates and utensils directly in the dishwasher. Just clean the pots and stove top," said Esther."Okay."Esther went to the bathroom and checked her phone. She noticed that her most recent post had already received numerous likes and comments.After casually taking a shower and washing her hair, she changed into comfortable loungewear before heading to the kitchen.Bradley and Felix had already tidied up everything.Like a little mischief, Felix pretended to yawn as he was afraid that Bradley would take him and leave. "Mommy, I'm so tired!"Esther picked Felix up, gently saying, "Let's go take a nap.""Okay!" Felix let Esther carry him into the master bedroom.It was Bradley's first time entering th
Bradley sat on the sofa, casually crossed his legs, and spoke indifferently. "Mr. Anstey, please have a seat."Billy took a seat, visibly frustrated. He looked at Bradley, who exuded a powerful aura despite his young age, and could not help but worry for his two daughters."Mr. Warner, I don't want Esther and Liliane to become enemies because of you," said Billy.If possible, he, more than anyone, wanted Bradley to make a clear decision."Mr. Anstey, let me make one thing clear. It's not me who chose them, but they chose me." Bradley said, his expression cold with a touch of fierceness in his eyes. "As for me, I have only one choice, and that's Felix.""So..." Billy quickly reacted. "You've chosen Liliane? Then why did you cancel the appointment today?"If Bradley had chosen Liliane, why had he not turned up?"I'm still legally married to Esther. She remains my wife." Bradley raised an eyebrow. "Mr. Anstey, I don't need to explain my actions to anyone. I suggest you not show up
Bradley's brazen words made Gabriel raise an eyebrow, and his scrutinizing gaze on Bradley intensified.Unfazed by Gabriel, Bradley calmly stated, "Mr. Sinclair, when I visited Shane recently, he handed me some video footage. It showed Esther being assaulted and abused in prison, with the perpetrators claiming it was my order. I've always dared to own up to my actions. What I've done, I won't shirk from. What I haven't done, I won't admit."Gabriel had seen the videos online. Even though Bradley had obscured the protagonist's face in the footage, he knew it was Esther. He had believed entrusting Esther to Thomas would ensure her safety, only to discover how fate twisted things."Bradley, I'll assume your words are true," Gabriel began. "Then tell me, if those people who assaulted Esther in prison weren't influenced by someone else, who put her in prison? Have you forgotten how you, in your irrational madness, expected a woman carrying your children to pay the price? Or do you believ
When Bradley brought up his grandfather again, he felt utterly unfilial as a grandson."Your grandfather's greatest wish before he passed was for you and Esther to live peacefully and happily. Sadly, all he witnessed was discord and enmity between you as a couple."Gabriel understood better than anyone that Bradley, in his youthful arrogance, felt that everything and everyone should conform to his desires. When Thomas compelled Bradley to marry Esther, almost like an arranged marriage, his rebellious nature surfaced."I've failed my grandfather's hopes," Bradley admitted with a bitter taste in his mouth.During quiet, solitary nights, he revisited memories of the past repeatedly.He hadn't desired that marriage back then. However, since he had promised his grandfather to marry Esther, he should have genuinely treated her as a wife.Despite the subsequent events not aligning with his wishes, he was painfully aware that if he hadn't been arrogant and unwilling to listen to Esther's
Esther wasn't pleasant toward Bradley. If she had evidence, she would gladly send him to prison to experience the joy of life behind bars.Bradley gazed blankly at Esther's stunning face, a hint of indescribable sorrow in his eyes. Those deep eyes resembled a chilly cold spring."Not only do you want to chop off my hand, but you also want my life, right?"Esther gestured a slice across her neck at Bradley with her hand, then turned away to tell Logan, "Let's go. Don't waste time on this.""Okay."With languid steps, Esther walked into the elevator. Once they were inside, the elevator doors shut.Outside the elevator, Bradley watched Esther and Logan like they were two puzzle pieces that matched perfectly. Instantly, he felt an unbearable heartache, as if his heart was being torn apart.He instinctively reached out to steady himself against the wall, observing the numbers on the elevator panel decrease until it stopped at the ground floor.It took a while before Bradley recovere
Throughout the entire night, neither Esther nor Logan had shut their eyes.Feeling their eyes strain, they applied eye drops. It wasn't until Esther noticed someone who shouldn't have been there on the surveillance footage."Logan, take a look at this."Perplexed, Logan asked, "What's going on?""Do you think this person looks like Shirley?"Esther was particularly sharp in discerning a woman's physique. She could immediately tell that the woman being supported by a man due to her intoxication bore a striking resemblance to Shirley."Let me see."Logan zoomed in on the surveillance footage, carefully comparing it with the footage containing Shirley. Physically, the two women indeed looked very similar.There was just one question... How would they confirm if she was Shirley?"Esther, stay here and keep watching the surveillance. I'll retrieve other surveillance footage.""Okay."Logan and Esther divided their tasks. Suspecting that the intoxicated woman might be Shirley, Est
Logan and Esther exchanged a glance. They fixed their intense gazes on Jason's face, unable to discern if he was smirking or provoking them."Mr. Taft, the evidence you seek will come."Jason scoffed. He seemed to transform into a different person as he put his glasses back on."Even if Shirley deceived me, I never wished harm upon her, let alone her death."I can consider your suspicions toward me as part of the investigation, but I hope that once everything is revealed, you can restore my innocence."I've said my piece. As long as Shirley hasn't divorced me, she remains my wife. I am obliged to cooperate in the investigation, and I hope you find her soon."Logan and Esther sensed something amiss with the first confrontation. They didn't say anything untoward until they exited the elevator and looked up at Jason's balcony outside.Jason stood on the balcony, looking at Logan and Esther and waving toward them.Logan and Esther looked at Jason before they turned and got into the
"She blocked me on all forms of contact at that time. I even tried contacting her through my colleagues' phones but found out she had blocked them, too. I thought she might be angry, so we should both calm down."Logan didn't speak and just listened quietly as Jason recounted the events of the case."I was angry that she blocked me. At my age, what's wrong with wanting a child? My parents were pushing for it, and I wondered if this marriage was what I wanted."Shirley is very beautiful. My friends and classmates say I'm lucky to have married her, but they don't know that beauty comes at a price."While my colleagues were buying properties, my wife kept changing bags. Her clothes, skincare products, shoes—everything was designer. To support her lifestyle, I work diligently, even taking extra freelance jobs to afford it."I thought I was a good husband and just wanted a child. What did I do wrong? If she had said that she didn't want a child after marriage in the first place, it wou
Gabriel took a long look at Esther, realizing more than anyone that Esther seemed to be heading toward a different extreme now. He wasn't certain if this shift in Esther's demeanor was good or bad.However, one thing was clear to him—the intersection of Esther and Bradley's lives resembled two lines crossing. After intersecting, they would drift further apart."Esther, you can investigate Bradley's criminal evidence. I won't object to that," Gabriel said with a stern face, emphasizing, "But ensure you complete your tasks on time and with quality.""Grandpa Gabriel, rest assured, I won't neglect my work."Gabriel nodded. "Go on then.""Alright." Esther stepped out of the office and approached Logan. "We can set off now.""Okay."Logan didn't inquire about Esther's conversation with Gabriel. Although they pretended to be engaged, Logan maintained a respectful distance from Esther. He wouldn't interfere much in her matters. However, he was aware that if she needed his help, he woul
Gabriel stated, "According to her husband, they argued before she went missing. He assumed she had returned to her parents' home and didn't inquire further since they often had cold spells for ten days to half a month. Their relatives and friends can testify to this."However, the cold spell extended to a month this time, which alarmed him. When he called her parents, they told him his wife never went home."Esther knew that the husband was often the first suspect when the wife went missing in cases like this."The wife bought a high-speed train ticket to her parents' home but didn't take the train back. The police traced her taking a ride-hailing car, and the driver claimed to have dropped her off on the street. The dashcam recording is proof. However, after that point, there's a blind spot in the surveillance footage. Usually, surveillance is kept for a certain period and gets overwritten after that."Logan asked, "What about the investigation on the missing woman's husband?""T
Esther rose, fixating on the distant scenery with clear eyes. "As long as he commits a crime, he'll leave traces."Logan was on the verge of speaking but was interrupted by the sudden ring of his phone."Hello, Mr. Sinclair."Gabriel's voice sounded grave. "There's a new lead.""Alright, we'll be right there."Logan stood up, turning to Esther. "We'll meet at the locker room entrance in ten minutes.""Is there a new development?""Yes."For most girls, ten minutes might not suffice even for basic grooming. For Esther, it was just right. The only issue was her long hair. Time was too short, and she lacked the opportunity to blow-dry it. Her damp hair draped over her shoulders, slightly soaking her T-shirt.Logan kept his eyes on the road. "I'll drive. You can use a towel to dry your hair.""Okay."As Logan drove, Esther sat in the car, patting her hair dry with a towel. Her hair was thick, posing a challenge to dry with just a towel.Nevertheless, Esther refrained from openi