In reality, Fiona didn't feel that it made any difference whether she had a father or not. However, she had to address the root of the problem."Fiona, you're still young... you...""You're not trying to persuade me not to have children, are you?" Fiona looked surprised.Janna looked at her and continued with care, "If it wasn't Darwin's children, I wouldn't advise you...""Grandma Rhoads, the babies in my belly is my only blood relatives in this world. I won't give up for any reason!" Fiona suddenly became serious."No!" Tears fell from Janna’s eyes. She thought how could Fiona say that only the babies were her blood relative? She had so many other loved ones!Stuart came in with a prepared fish soup."Alright, let's not talk about this anymore. Your health is the most important." Fiona took the soup from Stuart's hands and fed it to Janna. "You haven't found your granddaughter yet, so you can't give up like this."Janna Rhoads nodded.Fiona fed Janna the soup, by the spoonful, gentl
Darwin took Lilian to the hospital. Shortly after, Lilian's friend Mia also arrived in a rush."I knew she came to find you!" Mia looked at Lilian, pale-faced, wiping away her tears. "Actually, she came back a while ago, and as soon as she returned, she wanted to find you. But the news of your engagement spread the next day. You know her, she has a kind heart. Knowing that you were getting married, she couldn't disturb you anymore but she lost her will to live as well."Darwin looked at Mia. "What do you mean?""On the day of your engagement, she probably couldn't bear it anymore and swallowed a bottle of sleeping pills. Luckily, she was discovered in time.”Darwin clenched his fists."The reason she came to see you this time is because she knew you had called off the engagement," Mia continued. "Mr. Solomon, you may not know how much Lilian loves you."Darwin remained silent.After a moment, a nurse came and asked about the patient's medical history."She has severe depression and a
Mia watched as Darwin walked away."You're overthinking it, aren't you? He's usually cold and indifferent, but today he's been sticking to you like glue, hardly eating anything." Lilian sneered."But he's been absent-minded," Mia said. "Maybe he's thinking about how to deal with that stand-in? After all, the true main character has returned," Mia mentioned the stand-in with a disdainful expression.Lilian remained silent and walked towards the residential area.During the night, a drizzle of cold rain began to fall. The cold air penetrated to the bones. Darwin parked the car by the roadside and sat inside, smoking cigarette after cigarette. It continued until late into the night. Only then did Darwin start the car and drive, aimlessly, until he arrived near Fiona's apartment. For so many years, Fiona had always been a source of comfort for him. He parked the car. With weary steps, Darwin made his way to Fiona's apartment. Thinking that Fiona wasn't home, he directly unlocked the doo
Fiona looked at Darwin in utter surprise, and all her lingering doubts vanished. She caressed Darwin's cheek, and he immediately leaned into her palm like a big, affectionate dog."I have been planting trees for five years, and now it's time for me to enjoy the shade for a lifetime," Fiona replied."So, Fiona, do you also like me?" Darwin urgently asked.Fiona gazed at Darwin and shook her head. The smile on Darwin's face visibly faded away. But then, Fiona said, "Darwin, I think... I love you."Darwin froze. "If you love me, why did you leave me before?" Darwin asked."I love you, but I can't be a mistress," Fiona retorted with a huff. "And besides, someone had previously set a rule for me not to fall in love with you, right?""Someone is such a bastard!" Darwin cursed.Fiona looked at Darwin, thinking, Darwin, I have poured out my heart to you. I hope you won't disappoint me."I'm so happy!" Darwin hugged Fiona tightly and kissed her cheek again.Fiona couldn't help but laugh and cr
"Is that enough?" Darwin smiled, his eyes twinkling with stars.He leaned down and deeply kissed Fiona, saying, "This is enough!"Fiona blushed. Even when she and Darwin were more intimate, they had never been this affectionate.Back then, the Darwin on the bed and the Darwin off the bed were two different people. He could sweet talk her in bed, calling her baby, but once off the bed, he was a different man."This is for Liu, the assistant." Fiona took a paper bag from the foyer.Darwin frowned, "What is it?""Breakfast." Fiona added before Darwin could protest, "According to the usual time, after Liu picks you up, there is time to buy breakfast. But today, you wasted almost an hour, so this is compensation.""You made it yourself?""It's not as delicious as yours." Fiona cajoled like she was with a child."Hmph."Darwin didn't know if he was pleased or not, but he at least took the breakfast and walked out the door.Fiona worried, standing at the doorway, and reminded Darwin, "Don't
There were similar speculations going around. Rupert Wells, who had been following Fiona and Ashton, had made his appearance. After buying baby clothes and shoes and feeling tired, the two of them were preparing to head back. Just as they found their car and were about to get in, Rupert Wells rushed out. He grabbed Fiona's wrist tightly."Oh my god!" Ashton exclaimed, rushing over from the driver's seat and grabbing Rupert Wells' hand. "Let go of her! What are you doing?""I should be asking you, Ashton. What are you up to?" Rupert Wells glared at Ashton fiercely, disappointment written all over his face. "I thought you genuinely cared for Fiona, but it turns out you've also been swayed by Darwin's money, haven't you?""Shame on you!" Ashton spewed angrily at Rupert Wells. "Look at the car I drive and the clothes I wear. Do I look like I need money?"Fiona nearly burst into laughter at Ashton's words. "Exactly, you don't lack money, so why would you push Fiona into a pit?" Rupert Well
Ashton wasn't in a good mood in the end, all because of the interruption by Rupert Wells."He must have been following me!""It's fine, I'm not hiding from anyone!""I can't feel at ease until Darwin knows you're pregnant," Ashton furrowed his brows."Sweetheart, just relax," Fiona reassured."Don't call me sweetheart. Last time at that mansion, when you called me sweetheart, Darwin's eyes nearly dug my grave!"Fiona laughed.Ashton escorted Fiona back to her apartment and, in the process, took a look upstairs as well."I used to worry that you wouldn't eat well or have a good place to stay!" Ashton strolled around, grumbling but visibly happy.After the walk, she took out her iPad and started planning tomorrow's layout by sketching on the spot.Ashton had a touch of romance in her, meticulously arranging everything from the entrance to the small study in the bedroom."We'll put the baby crib here once it arrives.""I want to keep the baby's little shoes and clothes in there," Fiona s
Early the next morning, a breaking news story made its way to the top of the hot search list, going viral."#Solomons and Ross Family Peacefully Break Off Engagement#"Clicking into the article, the reason for the broken engagement was revealed. After spending time together, the couple realized they were incompatible. Both parties chose to end the engagement and continue their relationship as friends. The ongoing alliance between the Solomons and the Ross Family would not be affected by the breakup.Ashton saw the news and immediately called Fiona.Fiona was still asleep, groggily answering the phone. She heard Ashton's excited voice on the other end, "Sweetheart!! Are you still sleeping? Wake up! Darwin and that foreign lady have broken off their engagement!"Fiona took a moment to react, then opened her eyes and asked, "What did you say?""I said Darwin really broke off the engagement!" Ashton exclaimed.Fiona sat up, put the call on speakerphone, and checked her Weibo. Sure enough,
As Ashton was sorting through the gifts, she too was reflecting on everything."Isn't my life just a series of bizarre twists?" she mumbled, looking down. "Finding out Chris was secretly going on blind dates behind my back, then breaking up. Watching him get engaged, and seeing my own mom take his fiancée's side, leading to our fallout. That should have been my rock bottom, right?"Fiona nodded in agreement.The day Ashton cut ties with her mom, she'd even bought her a plane ticket. She wanted to send her to some tranquil getaway for a much-needed vacation to relax and rejuvenate."Who would've guessed? Right after the falling out with my mom—a spur-of-the-moment decision—I ended up marrying Kenny. I was so down on my luck, I thought, 'How much worse can it get?'” Ashton chuckled ironically, then softened a bit. "But, who could have predicted how good Kenny would turn out to be? How he'd respect every single wish of mine."It was a kind of care that she hadn't felt since her dad had l
Fiona was actually surprised. After all, she wasn't a saint without desires. It all made sense to just go with the flow and do what naturally came next. She might only berate herself later for succumbing to her cravings. But Darwin stopped, and that was beyond her expectations. In the past, this would have been unthinkable. It seemed as though... he really had learned to respect her.She pressed a quick, rewarding peck onto Darwin's lips, smiled, and teased, 'Mr. Solomon, maybe you should head to the bathroom?”Her smile was captivating and bright, causing Darwin's past five years of distressing memories to resurface. He pulled her into his arms again."Wife, I miss you so much, I'm starting to lose my mind," Darwin's voice shook, betraying his emotional turmoil. "I keep seeing your shadow at home, but when I chase after it, there's nothing... Thank goodness... this time I've really got you in my arms."Fiona listened to his voice laced with sobs, her heart aching with each word."Ser
Darwin had always been self-centered in matters of intimacy. Whenever he desired, she couldn't refuse.In her haziness, Fiona felt like she was back in those times again."Don't be afraid."Sensing her anxiety and unease, Darwin softened, kissing her lips again and coaxing her with his gentle voice, "I won't force you. I'll wait until you're ready to truly accept me."In Fiona's misty eyes, desire began to cloud her vision. Her gaze often seemed distant and disconnected. As Darwin kissed her, her mind turned into mush, instinctively she kissed him back softly.Mr. Solomon just stood there, silent, his towering frame taut."You know exactly how to torture me," Darwin groaned, voice hoarse, as he peppered her neck with more fervent kisses."Be gentle..." Fiona clenched his hand. "You'll leave marks!"Darwin chuckled lowly, then tilted her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze, "Why fear my marks? Scared that man will see and get jealous?""No, it's not that…" Fiona turned away with a sligh
Once finished, the anxiety within Lilian began to subside.Just wait a little longer, Lilian. All these nuisances will soon vanish.And then, you'll be there for Darwin with all your gentle warmth. He’ll eventually be moved, realizing you're the one for him...Lilian took a deep breath and exhaled.On her way out, she passed by the flower shop where Darwin made his purchase. From a distance, she had only glimpsed the type of flowers Darwin had bought and decided to buy the same kind.Inside the apartment, Darwin silenced his phone and tossed it aside."Why didn't you tell me? Worried I'd take Lilian's side?" he pulled her close and asked earnestly.For five years, she had lived in Lilian’s shadow, a daily reminder that she was merely a stand-in and that Lilian was the more important one—a notion that had likely seeped into her very marrow.This realization made Darwin wish he could travel back in time to give his younger self a good thrashing.He
"The only person I've ever schemed for was Solomon. What could possibly make you believe I'd harm someone I don’t even know, like Miss Rhoads?" Lilian asked. "If that's truly how you see me, maybe it'd be better if you just kicked me out of Solomon's life..."Darwin had promised to protect Lilian.Hearing her say this, he felt a twinge of guilt.But...Darwin feared even more that because of the thorn that was Lilian, his wife’s heart, which had just started to soften toward him, would turn cold again.He was walking on eggshells just to avoid pushing her away.So..."I'm sorry, Lilian," Darwin said flatly. "There's no room for discussion."Lilian sat frozen in the car, as if her blood was slowly turning to ice.Even in her early days back in the country, Darwin had never protected Fiona like this.He used to drop everything to be at Lilian's side whenever she needed him, leaving Fiona behind.Now...Even when she tried to befriend Che
Fiona gazed at Darwin, his face inexplicably brimming with pride."Lilian places great value on the RH Company project." She kept to herself the fact that Lilian had plagiarized her proposal, but Fiona wasn't about to let it slide.This was simply a clash of interests, and she felt no need to drag Darwin further into the fray, avoiding the mess of tangled priorities."Hmm," Darwin's smile faded slightly, "Her proposal is indeed impressive, but it pales in comparison to yours."Fiona studied him intently, searching his face for any hint of romantic sentiment towards Lilian.Her search ended in vain."What are you looking at?" Darwin pulled her closer by the waist, gazing up at her.Fiona brushed her fingertips gently across his cheek, causing him to nuzzle into her hand like a kitten seeking affection."Don't stay away too long, come back soon," he whispered softly, his voice barely a murmur.What he truly wanted to say was, "Don't leave."Thei
Darwin had no clue about the sunny-side up egg story. Upon hearing it, his gaze immediately sought Fiona's.Fiona was clutching her burger too tight."Oh, why bring that up, mother?" the daughter-in-law chided softly, "I'm sorry about this.""It's fine," Fiona shook her head gently.Seeing Granny distressed, she excused herself to rest.Fiona stared at her burger, lost in thought.She had never imagined it.Her death had cast such a shadow, not only over her loved ones, but over those beyond her immediate circle.“It’s okay.” Darwin soothed her gently.Fiona cast another glance toward where the Hamburger Lady had disappeared and bowed her head to eat slowly.If the Hamburger Lady was so affected...What about Darwin?She had never been fully convinced of Darwin's love for her. It always seemed to her that his treatment of her was nothing more than possessiveness.Like an old belonging he didn’t want to discard, nor did he want anyo
Darwin sat in the treatment room with Fiona sitting beside him, scrolling through messages on her phone, while a doctor attended to Darwin's wound."The wound's not too deep, but it's not superficial either. You'll have to watch your diet," the doctor advised after dressing the wound."Got it, thank you for your help," Fiona put away her phone and politely thanked the doctor.Then they left the treatment room together.Darwin's face was brimming with relief, "We really didn't have to come to the hospital for this."Fiona didn't look at him.Leading the way, she said over her shoulder, "I'm here to prevent someone from using their wounds as an excuse to get me to come back."At that,the joy visibly drained from Darwin's face."I would never do that," he murmured softly.Fiona finally stopped and turned to look at him, "Mr. Solomon, you're becoming shamelessly unprincipled. Aren't you embarrassed to say such things?""Hungry?" Darwin steppe
“Monsoon Investment and I have always held deep respect for traditional industries. We hope that while guiding these industries through current challenges, we can also preserve the essence of the company's original culture as much as possible. Furthermore, we aim to highlight the significant contributions that RH Company has made to Armie Country and its citizens during challenging times. Monsoon Investment sincerely wishes to join hands with the esteemed shareholders of RH Company, to usher in the next era of brilliance,” Fiona concluded her address with a respectful bow.As she stepped down from the podium, the auditorium was quieter than expected.In contrast to the heated reactions to Lilian’s proposal, Fiona’s approach landed like a heavy punch right at the heart of RH Company’s shareholders. Lilian's face turned particularly sour.Chelsea's new strategy represented a complete shift.While the first proposal seemed, at first glance, to have a stronger pull on pe