Leslie remained silent.Although Ivan hadn't specifically said it, she could guess that the condition behind his offer was far from simple.Ivan was not the type to propose a deal that didn't favor him.Ivan's gaze locked on Leslie's face as he approached her, saying, "Would you consider having a child with me?"This longing likely stemmed from the emptiness in Ivan's familial life, having been abandoned by his parents at an early age as they went on to start new families for themselves.He had always wondered what a happy and complete family might look like and decided to seek that fulfillment on his own.Leslie couldn't help but laugh dismissively upon hearing Ivan's request. "Ivan, there's no way I would allow my child to carry the blood of someone like you!""And whose blood would you prefer? Hugh's?" Ivan retorted with a mocking smile. However, a closer inspection would reveal the iciness in his eyes. It made him appear like a devilish figure under the streetlight's glow.
Hugh silently took his leave as the sky started to brighten.He had instructed the hotel's front desk to keep his involvement confidential.After all, he couldn't offer Leslie anything substantial, so the least he could do was refrain from nurturing false hopes in her heart.Upon waking up, Leslie found herself alone in an unfamiliar room. Her mind was clouded in confusion, and she had no memory of how she'd arrived there, nor did she have any recollection of checking into the room herself.Her gaze then fell upon the bandage wrapped around her foot.Was she injured? When had that occurred?Leslie couldn't recall. But she didn't linger on these thoughts either. She simply attributed the gap in her memory to a blackout from excessive drinking.After getting herself ready, she left the hotel and headed to her office.Just as she was approaching the entrance of the building, a figure hurried toward her.Leslie might have completely forgotten about Fiona if not for her sudden
"Les, how is this be a threat? I'm simply laying out the situation for you. If Hugh were to face disgrace or bear certain consequences because of you, wouldn't that weigh heavily on you?"Ivan's expression was one of feigned innocence. It was as though he was genuinely the considerate person he portrayed himself to be.Leslie couldn't help but laugh after hearing him. "Well, if that's your truth, then so be it."Was there even a point in continuing this argument with Ivan?It was only now that Leslie truly grasped the nature of the man before her.Ivan watched Leslie with a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Come have breakfast."He then tapped the seat beside him lightly.It might have seemed like a kind invitation, but Leslie could see the implicit warning in his gaze.Leslie's hands, which had been resting at her sides, tightened into fists. She felt tears welling up in her eyes, but she fought the urge and held them back.Crying in front of Ivan would be futile. After al
After watching the video, a storm of emotions engulfed Leslie.She had never imagined that this was yet another act by Harper. The dialogue between Fiona and Harper truly made her feel nauseous.According to Fiona, only Harper was deserving of a brighter future while Leslie was seemingly excluded from such considerations."They think they can deceive me without any consequences, but I refuse to let this pass," Leslie replied, her gaze cold with determination.Leslie had never harbored any intentions of disrupting the relationship between Hugh and Harper. Yet, it was Harper who persistently viewed her as a competitor.Fiona had approached her numerous times regarding the issue, and each visit only deepened Leslie's disappointment in her mother.As Leslie recalled Fiona's melodramatic act at her office this morning, she found the scenario even more ridiculous.She was playing the victim while simultaneously trying to tarnish her reputation?Leslie never sought to offend anyone,
"Given such a handsome and wealthy husband by my side, why should I pretend to be strong? If I say I can handle the project, then I certainly can," Natalie stated with confidence.Despite the common belief that marrying a rich husband like Henry and being cherished by him meant that she wouldn't have to worry for the rest of her life, Natalie refused to become too comfortable with such a life.She aspired to pursue her dreams and aimed to grow and improve alongside Henry.Henry laughed, his gaze filled with adoration. "Well, I see no reason to argue."Natalie harbored the hope that people would recognize her as Madeline in time, a competent architect, rather than merely Henry's wife.After all, being cherished by a man didn't mean she should depend on him entirely."Alright. Let's head back," Henry said as he turned toward Natalie.Natalie agreed that it was indeed time to return after checking her watch."Okay, let's go back." She nodded.When they reached home in the evening
Natalie cleared her throat to mask her momentary embarrassment.That wish seemed like it might be quite challenging to fulfill, didn't it?Five kids! Imagine that!Natalie just laughed it off."Let's start by cutting the cake! It might not look great, but it should taste pretty good. I've heard the cakes from this bakery are always praised for their flavor," Natalie spoke as she passed the knife to Henry.Henry then cut a big slice and offered it to Natalie.However, Natalie didn't immediately take the cake. Instead, she hesitated as she looked at it."This piece is too big, I'm afraid I'll gain weight," she said, sizing herself up from head to toe with a look of distress. "Look, I've already gained ten pounds since I got pregnant.""It's okay, a chubby Natalie would feel soft to the touch," Henry replied without a second thought.Natalie couldn't believe what she had just heard. "What did you say?" she questioned.Henry quickly resumed his serious demeanor and offered an inn
Although the house wasn't large, it was adorned with warm and inviting decor.A shelf nearby displayed a series of photographs charting Harper's journey from childhood all the way to adulthood, and some featured her alongside Fiona.This was a modest home, and it was also one devoid of any presence or memory of Leslie.Leslie reckoned that Fiona was probably oblivious to Leslie's childhood appearance and personality. And this highlighted to Leslie the extent to which people could exhibit favoritism, even among parents toward their children. Meanwhile, Harper was seated at the dining table and having breakfast.Upon noticing Leslie, she immediately put on her dramatic act."Mom, who is this?" she inquired, her expression a mix of fear and suspicion."Harpy, don't be afraid. This is your sister. She won't harm you, she's merely here to visit." Fiona reassured Harper before turning to Leslie with a forced smile.She then feigned hospitality and said, "Les, it so happened that I m
Harper's heart raced under Hugh's unwavering gaze, her clenched hands betraying her anxiety.The act she maintained seemed pointless now.Fiona was too afraid to make a decision and sought assurance in Harper's eyes. Then, with a reassuring nod, she finally left the suite.With every step she took, she cast anxious glances back at Harper.Once Fiona left, Harper quickly seized Hugh's hands and explained with a tinge of desperation in her voice, "Hugh, I'm actually fine now, but this has only been the case for a few days! I meant to tell you, I just… hadn't found the right moment yet…""When exactly were you planning to end this deception?" There was no trace of warmth in Hugh's eyes anymore.His disappointment had accumulated over time, and Harper's actions steadily crumbled Hugh's trust."I wasn't deceiving you, Hugh…" Harper said. But it was only to be interrupted by Hugh's emotionless demand. "I'm giving you one last chance to disclose any other secrets you've been keeping