Catherine's POV
After finishing work at noon, I suddenly thought of the important task Blake gave me. He wanted me to take Rowena to lunch and talk to her. On the way to work today, Blake walked me through Howard and Rowena's current situation briefly. It sounded like the two had been through quite a hard time. I felt bad for them with mixed feelings. Blake wanted me to find out whether Rowena still loved Howard or not. What a tough job! I was not very close with Rowena, yet I still called her and asked her for lunch. To my surprise, Rowena agreed without hesitation. We met at a restaurant. Rowena looked haggard and was in low spirits. It seemed that she didn't rest well. "You didn't go to work today?" I asked curiously. "I quit my job!" Rowena's words surprised me. Blake told me that Rowena worked hard, and she took her current job very seriously. Rowena took a sip of her glass of water. She laughed at hThird person's POV "What do you think? Should I jump off the building or cut my wrist? Which one is better?" "Maybe the former. At least it doesn't hurt, because you won't jump at all. Cutting your wrist is not good. It hurts!" Eda said. Howard thought for a moment and felt that Eda's words made sense. "Then I will go with the former. You've got to help me..." "I will. Don't worry. I'll shout at you while standing downstairs and urge you to jump!" Howard frowned. "Are you my sister or not?" "I'm just putting more pressure on Yvonne, so she will stop bothering me with your relationship issues." Eda laughed. She thought that since Howard still could come up with all these strange ideas, he had not given up yet. There was still hope for him. Howard put his hand on his forehead and said, "It's no fun being drunk. I've had a headache all night, and I'm still dizzy. I am so beaten up." "Of course, you feel that way!" Eda stood up.
Third person's POV "Eda, I know I have a bad temper, but I have been like this for years." Yvonne raised her head and looked at Howard, who was still standing on the roof. For the first time, she realized that she was such a loser and felt sad about herself. Yvonne had come to her senses. Eda felt sorry for her. She wiped Yvonne's tears with a tissue. "Why don't you go sit in the living room and leave this to me? I'll deal with the things with Rowena as well. Just stay out of it, alright?" Yvonne looked at Eda with a complicated expression. She wanted to say something, but she didn't. "Let me handle it. Trust me!" Eda stopped Yvonne from saying anything more. At last, Yvonne chose to trust Eda. Maybe it was because Yvonne saw the confident look on Eda's face, or maybe it was because Yvonne had realized that she was being bossy and selfish. She made a big mistake, which was almost at the cost of her son's life. She wanted to change. Eda hel
Catherine's POV I was stunned. I raised my eyes and gawked at Blake. "Why would you say that? We are mates. We are blessed by the Moon Goddess. Of course, our love will not change." "I know. I'm just afraid that something might happen in the future," Blake said ambiguously. I sighed and continued to lean against his shoulder. I said, "Whatever it is, we will face it together." "I'm so glad that you can think like this." Blake reached out and stroked my long hair. I did not know why he became so sentimental. The news that Blake was going to get married had already caused an uproar throughout Sayreville. Moreover, the business elites in New York were honored to receive his invitation. The location was settled, and the grand ceremony was in place. I didn't have time to think about work. Melinda was happy for me and gave me a long vacation. She asked me to focus on the wedding for now and get back to work after that. Moreo
Catherine's POV The next morning, I enjoyed my vacation lazily. The kids also wanted to stay at home, but Patricia insisted on sending them to school. After I had breakfast, I received a call from Leo's assistant, asking me to go over at noon today to talk about cooperation. I had nothing else to do anyway. I washed up and drove to Leo's company. Downstairs the company, I saw a male assistant waving at me. "Ms. Wyatt, it's a great honor to have you here." I smiled, "I'm glad to be here." "I mean it. Everyone is saying that you are about to marry Mr. Chavez. I didn't want to disturb you, but my boss urged me to do it. I had no choice but to call you here to sign the contract." I was a little surprised. Why was Leo in such a hurry? However, since it was an internal matter, I didn't ask much. Signing the contract meant I could get a lot of money, which was a good thing. The assistant and I discussed the details of the con
Catherine's POV After a long time, I finally said, "Since when did you have feelings for me? We don't see much of each other." Leo turned around and said, "That day, when I went to your company to look for you, I was deeply impressed by the way you reasoned with me. I don't know why I like you. I think I am just like that. There are things that I know I shouldn't do, but I just want to give it a try. At first, I didn't think my feelings for you were a big deal. I thought I could control my emotions, and I could get you out of it any time I wanted. I thought I could convince everyone around me with my acting skills as if I was in a show or something. But I was wrong. I am obsessed with you, and I'm trapped in it. Catherine, it hit me hard when I heard that you are marrying Blake. Only then did I realize that I couldn't get you out of my mind. I'm struggling. I don't know what to do now." As I listened to him, I was at a loss, too. If Leo hadn't said this
Third person's POV In a nearby cafe. Howard and Rowena sat by the window. Rowena was staring at a corner of the park, while Howard was looking at her. "I heard you resigned. Why?" Howard stirred the coffee in his cup, asking her in a low voice. "No reason. I just felt tired and wanted to rest," Rowena replied. "Was it because of me? My mother exposed our relationship and made things awkward for you at work." Howard's voice was filled with guilt and self-blame. Though Rowena did not say anything or blame him, he knew. That was the reason she resigned. Rowena was silent. She couldn't get those humiliating words from her colleagues out of her head. "It turns out that she wants to marry into a rich family. How ambitious!" "That's right. I have no idea that she was secretly dating Mr. Twitty. She hid it so well. If Mr. Twitty's mother hadn't come to the company to make a scene, none of us would have known." "I heard that sh
Catherine's POV The night fell. I had been feeling like I was in a dream lately since my life had been so wonderful. Patricia and Emerson appreciated me, and Blake indulged me. He would surprise me from time to time to make me happy. Blake was a perfect mate. Wealth made him confident. And though many people also had money, they weren't as delicate and gentle as him. Therefore, Blake was simply attractive. I used to think he was arrogant and self-centered, but after I fell for him, I realized that Blake did have what it took to attract women. "Mommy!" Hedwig suddenly ran over. She asked me seriously, "After you and daddy get married, are you going to call him honey?" I was a little surprised that she asked so. I smiled, "Who told you that?" "I saw it on TV. A kid's mommy calls his daddy honey," Hedwig said, blinking her eyes like a curious baby. I chuckled. "Why don't you go and ask your daddy? I can't explain this." "
Third person's POV In the bedroom on the second floor, Catherine sat on the bed with a sad look. Blake sat beside her. He held her hand and said, "We will be your family from now on. Don't be sad anymore, OK?" Catherine closed her eyes and said, "Without the necklace, I'll have no connections left with my parents, right?" "It's just a necklace," Blake comforted her. "I know. But it was from my parents. I should have been more cautious with it," Catherine sighed. Blake promised to help Catherine find the necklace, but he didn't mean it. He hoped that Catherine would never see the necklace again. The next morning, the sun shone brightly. With his phone in hand, Benjamin pushed open Cedrick's office in a hurry. Cedrick looked up at Benjamin and said, "When will you learn to knock?" Benjamin put the phone in front of Cedrick and pointed at it. "Cedrick, is this you?" Cedrick shifted his gaze to Benjamin's pho
The situation took a turn for the better, with Sunny being kicked out by Leo.So, Tasha came over smugly to mock her.If she didn't vent on Sunny, she couldn't swallow her anger.Thinking of Sunny's past with Leo, Tasha was filled with indignation.Her idol had been with this woman, which felt like a knife to her heart. She considered it unbearable and thought highly of herself for not slapping Sunny."You were so confident. If you want to join his company as an artist, you can go anytime," Sunny said coldly."I could have, but now it's uncertain!" Tasha's tone changed abruptly, with a hint of anger. "You've offended Leo. If he finds out I'm your stepsister, he might not sign me."Sunny couldn't help but sneer. "Rest assured. If you can't get into his company because of me, I'll talk to him. I'll tell him I have nothing to do with you, so he won't blame you because of me."Tasha was skeptical. Sunny's sudden kindness seemed sus
"You could still meet with my father if you both have time. Blake and I wouldn't mind," Catherine suggested softly."There's nothing left to say between us," Abigail replied with a light laugh, her tone final yet tinged with resignation."Thank you, Abigail." Catherine's gratitude spilled out."Alright, no more formalities. I'm content now. Rest now—you'll need energy for tomorrow's flight," Abigail said with a gentle smile.Catherine nodded and quietly left. Back in the bedroom, Blake was sitting on the sofa with a strange look. On seeing her, he got up and walked over. "What did my mom say?""Nothing much. Just reminded me about Dad's medication," Catherine replied softly."Is he ill?" Blake's gaze sharpened."Old health issues," Catherine deflected, unnerved by his sudden intensity.Blake said no more and put his arms around her. "Let's rest early. The flight will drain you.""Okay. Good night." Catherine leaned
"I understand, but if I don't visit him during such an important festival, I'll feel guilty. On my engagement day, my dad gave me so many gifts—he gave me almost everything he had. He's truly a great father, and I want to be a good daughter in return."Catherine was in a dilemma.Blake knew Catherine had fully forgiven and accepted Halsey for abandoning her."Fine, I'll go with you to visit him." Blake made his decision."You'll accompany me?" Catherine was surprised since Blake had a grudge against her father."Yes. I don't want you to go alone, but as his daughter, you must visit him." Blake didn't want his past issues to affect her. She had the right to love her father."What about the kids?" Catherine asked suddenly."Leave them here. Let my mom and grandma take care of them." Blake didn't want to put the children in danger.Catherine agreed that leaving the kids behind would be safer.Given Blake's ongoing str
Three days passed in a warm haze for the Royal family—a rare stretch of uninterrupted togetherness amidst their perpetually busy lives.The family rarely gathered, as they were usually busy with work and chores. So, the time they spent together was precious.Blake and Catherine skipped elaborate vacations, opting instead to fill the estate with laughter.They built snow forts with the children, baked gingerbread cookies in the sunlit kitchen, and read bedtime stories by the crackling fireplace. For Noah and Hedwig, these simple moments became their first true childhood memories.On the third evening, as snowflakes settled like powdered sugar over the grounds, Catherine needed to discuss visiting her father abroad with Blake, but the words stuck in her throat like winter sap.Blake definitely didn't want her to go far away, but she couldn't be trapped here forever just because she was afraid of the dangers outside.That night, the snow
"It's different this time. They're interested in getting to know you. Your reputation has grown since those days; you're a celebrity now, Sunny. I'm not trying to hurt you. Won't you come back and see for yourself?"Moira was truly unaware of her husband's schemes. She simply wished for Sunny to emerge from her heartbreak, embrace life anew, rather than languish at home, like a soul hiding from the light."Mom, stop worrying about me. I'm fine now," Sunny offered a few comforting words, then abruptly said, "I'm not going back. Gotta go, bye!"And with that, Sunny ended the call.But her harsh refusal angered her stepfather.Patricia had invited Richard and Nick over for dinner, but they declined.In truth, Richard and Nick were in foul moods.Leo and Catherine's successful engagement felt like a bad omen to them, dampening their fighting spirit.As for Nick, since returning from the engagement party, he'd been like a lost soul,
"Grandma's right, Sunny and Leo are perfect for each other," Catherine agreed quickly.Sunny's face turned bright red. Why was everyone focusing on her?Abigail noticed Sunny's other hand hanging still and asked quietly, "Sunny, what's wrong with your hand?"Remembering the video of Sunny fighting the thugs, Catherine explained, "Her hand is injured. Sunny, are you feeling better now?"Sunny nodded. "Much better!"Patricia was shocked. "How did your hand get hurt? Was it that naughty Leo?"Sunny shook her head and explained what had happened.Patricia and Abigail listened with concern. Catherine pulled up the video, and after watching it, both Patricia and Abigail's faces showed worry."Sunny, I didn't think you had so much courage!""Did you practice martial arts when you were young?"Sunny answered all their questions. The two elders looked at her with new respect.They couldn't believe such a small and t
Hedwig's little face was covered with Noah's fingerprints, pink and white, and she looked cute. Her head was full of flour, and when she shook it, a cloud of dust came out.Patricia and Catherine were amused by the two kids. Patricia laughed so hard that she thought her grandson was naughty and her granddaughter was pitiful."Mommy, look at what I made! It's a little ball!" Hedwig couldn't make pies, so she just kneaded the pie crust into a round ball and proudly showed it to Catherine.Catherine didn't want to hurt her daughter's confidence and praised her immediately, "Hedwig, you're really hands-on! This circle is so round!"Hedwig, upon hearing the praise, decided to make another round shape.Catherine quickly moved the pie crust away and said with a smile, "Hedwig, this is for making pies. Why don't you go play with your daddy?""Oh!" Hedwig pouted, a little unhappy. Her mommy was so mean."Grandma's here!" After running out, Hed
"Aren't you supposed to have dinner at home? I need to go back too."Sunny recalled Patricia's call to Leo last night, where he promised to return early.She felt a tinge of sadness. Although she and Leo were back together, she still felt insecure. Celebrating Christmas's Eve would mean another separation."Are you going home?" Leo narrowed his eyes, staring at her dangerously. "What if your stepfather introduces another suitor to you? How will you refuse him?"Sunny was surprised. "How do you know about that?""Wasn't it? I know he's introduced five suitors to you. I didn't get that wrong, did I?" Leo sneered, his face turning cold."He treats you like goods to sell. Are you still going back to his place?" Leo's face darkened, as if ready to punch someone.This was Sunny's dark secret, something she had always feared and been hurt by.If Leo hadn't investigated her, she would have kept these secrets until old age, not letting
Third Person's POV"By the way, did you report this to the police? Any updates? Who would want to target you?" Jessica asked curiously."The police have identified the attackers, but they're still at large," Leo replied grimly, his expression darkening."They'll catch them eventually. Don't worry, Sunny—bad guys always get what's coming," Jessica reassured."I hope so. I just want to know who's behind this," Sunny said, frustration flashing across her face.Jessica hesitated, then turned to Leo. "Boss... do you think there's a mole in the company?"Leo's eyes turned icy. "You mean Samuel?""You suspect him too?" Jessica raised an eyebrow."His recent behavior makes it hard not to," Leo sneered.Jessica frowned. "I think he's been leaking company secrets to that new rival firm. Someone approached me recently—they knew details only insiders should—my project fees, endorsement rates... They even tried to o