In the beginning, as Thomas set up their new home, he intentionally prepared two children's rooms next to the master bedroom.One room was decorated in calming blue, like an underwater world, while the other had a princess castle theme with pink shades.This was Thomas' heartfelt wish: for Esther and Bradley to live in harmony, raise their children, and enjoy a happy life together.As Bradley walked past the room with the pink princess castle, meant for a little girl, he instinctively peeked inside. Thoughts of Tinkerbell's DNA paternity test crossed his mind, causing a dull ache.Tinkerbell was gone, but Pixie was still around. Someday, the right owner would claim this pink princess castle.Primus Mansion welcomed its young owner for the first time after renovation. Felix, the young owner, pushed open the bedroom door and exclaimed, "Wow! Mommy, Daddy, is this my room? I love it!"Felix was like a joyful elf exploring his room.Tilting his head, Felix gazed at the sparkling sta
Felix was startled and bit Bradley's arm hard.Bradley quickly came to his senses. He let go of Esther's delicate neck as if he had been shocked and avoided her teary eyes. "I didn't mean to," he said hoarsely.Felix looked at the red mark on Esther's fragile neck caused by Bradley's grip. Tears welled up in his clear eyes, and his heart ached. "Mommy, does it hurt?"Esther felt the throbbing pain in her neck, but she softly reassured Felix, "Mommy is not hurt.""You're lying!" Felix looked at the red mark on her fair skin and couldn't help but shed tears. "It clearly hurts a lot. Daddy is a bad guy!"Esther hugged Felix and gently explained, "Daddy was lost in thought. When Mommy suddenly appeared, Daddy thought she was a bad person, so he defended himself."Tears rolled down Felix's little face. "Daddy, is that true?"Bradley looked at the affectionate scene between Felix and Esther and nodded gently. "Yes.""Daddy, you can't treat Mommy like that anymore. Mommy is Mommy. She
It would turn into an unsightly bruise if the ointment was not applied in time."Daddy, I'll go with you," said Felix."You should familiarize yourself with your room first," said Bradley.Bradley's gesture of putting a hand around Esther's slender waist to lead her to the master bedroom was dominant, leaving no room for refusal."Does it hurt?" Bradley's deep gaze carried a hint of apology.Esther bit her lip and nodded gently. "It does."Bradley opened the medical kit and found a spray bottle. He looked at Esther's fair neck, then glanced at the instructions on the spray bottle. "It might sting a little after the spray. Bear with it.""Okay."Bradley sprayed the medicine onto Esther's neck, and a strong herbal scent filled the air.The misty liquid formed tiny droplets on Esther's neck, slowly sliding down onto her blouse.The pain from the spray was more intense than Esther had expected. She teared up, looking pitiful and delicate."Does it hurt a lot?" asked Bradley.Es
Bradley looked at Esther, who had become sensitive due to her worry, and said firmly, "Stop overthinking.""It's not a dream since you say it's not. I trust you!" Esther wiped away her tears and smiled. She then quickly changed the subject, feeling a bit uneasy. "What do you feel like eating tonight? How about ravioli?""It's too much work!" Even though Bradley had never personally made ravioli, he knew it was quite a hassle."It's not," Esther said, her eyes brimming with happiness. "Seeing you all finish the meals I prepare gives me a great sense of accomplishment."Esther tidied up her hair and walked while speaking warmly. "I can make three types of fillings..."Bradley grabbed Esther and reminded her, "You need to change your shirt.""Oh, okay." Esther casually walked into the wardrobe and selected a white T-shirt to wear.As she put on the shirt, her city-woman elegance radiated. The pure white fabric revealed a hint of her slender waist, peeking out between the T-shirt
"Wow..." Felix excitedly climbed onto a high stool next to the kitchen island and sat down, saying cutely, "I really love ravioli!""What kind of filling does Mommy's good boy like?" Esther made ravioli with spinach and cheese while speaking gently. "Mommy will make whatever you want for you.""I like it as long as you've made it."-While the family of three was harmoniously making ravioli in the kitchen, Clark received the DNA maternity test result his friend sent.The moment the document arrived in Clark's hands, he immediately opened it.Ever since listening to the recording between Liliane and Esther, he had been feeling uneasy. The main reason he had not told Bradley about Felix's true identity was that he did not have concrete evidence. He worried that if he revealed Felix's true parentage, Bradley would not believe him, and the truth would alarm the enemy.Clark flipped through the pages of the maternity test result, and he was shocked and filled with doubts as he looked
Shane stood on the steps, watching Clark walk into the parking lot outside the hospital. After confirming that Clark was the butler of the Warners, he quickly stepped into the security room of the prison hospital."Mr. Hoyer," greeted the security guard.Shane was friendly as he threw a pack of cigarettes to the security guard in the room, saying, "Take these cigarettes and enjoy them."The security guard received the cigarettes with a smile and looked at the logo on the cigarette packet, shocked. "Mr. Hoyer, these are good cigarettes.""I don't smoke, so I can't appreciate them."Upon hearing Shane's words, the security guard joked, "Mr. Hoyer, these cigarettes are the best of the best. I'll try them."Without waiting for a response, the security guard opened the pack and took out a stick to breathe in the scent.Shane coughed uncomfortably, and the security guard, sensing the atmosphere, said, "I'll go outside to smoke."Taking advantage of the security guard's break, Shane d
"Make a copy of the contents in this USB drive and investigate the events of Mr. Thomas' hospitalization five years ago, the videos of Esther, and what happened to her in prison and during childbirth," Clark instructed, his mind filled with thoughts of the recorded conversation. "Pay special attention to Liliane's matters."Hoyt began copying data from the USB drive while sharing some gossip he'd heard with Clark."I heard Bradley's planning to marry Ms. Anstey. Investigating her privately like this, isn't it—""Our young Mr. Felix isn't Liliane's biological son; he's Esther and Bradley's..."Despite being a private detective who had witnessed many dark family secrets among the wealthy, Hoyt was left in shock."Are you saying..."Clark took a sip of his high-quality coffee and calmly stated, "I don't know all the details of what happened back then, but I'm confident Mr. Thomas' death had nothing to do with Esther.""If Mr. Thomas' death truly isn't connected to Esther, then that
Shane arrived at the hospital, made his way to Scott's office, and greeted him. "Scott."Scott was pleasantly surprised. "Shane, what brought you here, my friend?""I was just passing by the hospital on business and thought I'd drop by to see you." Shane placed the gift he was carrying on Scott's desk and smiled. "I heard you've made new discoveries in the field of artificial hearts. Congratulations!""It's a bit early for congratulations now. Wait until I develop an artificial heart that can truly be implanted in the body, then you can congratulate me," Scott joked with Shane.The atmosphere was lively from the banter of two clever people.Scott thought about how Shane had once shown an interest in the goddess he admired and how he had grown close to her over the years. He felt a sense of pride.After all, the goddess who was once out of reach now actively contacted him because of her child. He thoroughly enjoyed the way the goddess tried to please and get close to him."Shane,
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