"Where are Charles and Chicago? Haven't they woken up yet?"
Janna was still holding a suitcase, and without asking, one would know that besides her luggage, the suitcase undoubtedly contained gifts for Charles and Chicago.Almost every time, Janna did the same thing.As they were talking, Charles came downstairs, shuffling in his slippers.Seeing Janna, Charles froze. He had originally planned to fly away tonight.Now that he had seen Grandma Janna, it seemed he might not be able to leave.Janna ran towards Charles and scooped him up in a hug.She smothered his face with kisses, "I've missed my precious so much, haven't seen you for so long!"After showering him with several more kisses, Charles called out to Grandma Janna and then looked at Fiona.His eyes were filled with a silent plea, "Help!!"Fiona couldn't help but laugh through her tears.After 'saving' her son, she said, "Go and get Chicago. She's probably still lying in bed, refus"What diamond?" Janna looked at Chicago with affection. "I bought a tiara that just happens to have a few diamonds on it, right Chicago?"If the tiara was from Mrs. Janna, one could count on that tiara to be completely studded with diamonds. Each of the main stones must be at least ten carats."That's a bit much," Ashton mumbled."And you," Janna said with a disapproving glance at Ashton, "I haven't seen you in months, and look what you've become."Ashton paused, taking in her current appearance. She had returned late and drunk the night before, exhausted and she fell asleep without even removing her makeup. Now, her eye makeup was smeared, the foundation was a mess all over her face, and her hair was a tangled lump..."I'm hungover!" Ashton said, then turned to run upstairs, "Wait for me a minute!""My dear, make sure you don't end up like Ashton," Janna turned back to tease Chicago.Chicago, with a dreamy smile, thinking about the wonderful dream she ha
After saying her piece, Miss Ford, with the poise of a queen, left the meeting room with the click of her high heels.Half an hour later, she submitted her resignation to HR, and soon after packed her belongings and left Solomon.Driving away from the towering Solomon building, Miss Ford paused at the roadside.She looked back at the imposing structure one last time.She had come to Solomon right after university and worked hard there for nearly a decade.Now it was time for her to embark on her next journey!Miss Ford started the car and merged smoothly into the traffic.The small incident had made its way to Fiona's ears by lunchtime. Ever since Laura's last encounter with Lilian at RH Company, Laura had become more vigilant. She'd found out that Lilian had intentionally arrived at RH Company early that day. This had raised Laura's suspicions, and she watched her even more closely.The incident that had happened earlier that day during Solomon'
Lilian looked at Darwin, her tears falling like a constant stream, her hands trembling non-stop.Darwin had never seen Lilian like this. It reminded him of her once bright and cheerful appearance. If it hadn't been for him, she wouldn't have endured such painful experiences, nor would she be in her current predicament.Seeing that Darwin remained silent, Lilian suddenly changed her demeanor, hugging her knees and shaking her head repetitively, "I'm sorry, so sorry! I shouldn't have said all that to you! Just pretend I'm under medication and talking nonsense.""Lilian, have you been seeing a psychologist lately?" Darwin walked over and sat down beside her.Lilian glanced at him, "I'm better now... I don't need to see a psychologist anymore, it's just that today, I've been a bit upset."In the last couple of days, Lilian had been fixated on one thought, If she were humiliated, would Darwin stand up for her as he did the last time he met Chelsea?As it happened,
Chapter 194 Engagement BanquetFiona was speechless. Then it seemed like she realized something." Grandma seems fixated on, now she's got her heart set on me getting married, and she's even considering someone from Chicago! I've got to have a serious talk with her!" Charles' lips pressed into a thin line as he pondered for a moment. "It seems like it was Chicago who brought it up first," he said. Fiona was slightly confused. "She brought it up?" "Yup," Charles nodded, "Chicago really liked the uncle who bought her painting last time. She probably wants to set you two up." After saying this, Charles lifted his eyelids, watching Fiona quietly, as if gauging her reaction. Fiona's face was a picture of shock, "She wants... wants that uncle to be her dad?" Charles nodded again. Then he added with a disdainful coldness, "He doesn't seem like a good person, I don't like him." Fiona looked at Charles, her hands cradling the back of his h
Chapter 195 Will Love You Forever And AlwaysChris, who had been silent, spoke up calmly, "Auntie, Ashton has been doing well. She doesn't need your concern over her studies or work."Maria was slightly taken aback.Even Justin looked at his son in surprise."Chris is right," Justin quickly added, "you're too harsh on Ashton!"Maria came to her senses.She smiled awkwardly, "Is that so? If everyone feels that way, then I really need to reflect on this..."Ashton's appearance seemed like a brief interlude to their meeting. Soon, everyone returned to the topics they hadn't finished discussing.Meanwhile Ashton said to Chicago, "Loosen your grip, Chicago. Ashton can barely breathe."Yet Chicago continued to hold onto Ashton's neck."Why does Chris have to marry a woman he doesn’t know? If he marries a strange woman, what will you do?" Chicago couldn't understand.He and Ashton had kissed.Wasn't that a sign of affection?Why, then, in
She recognized the voice on the phone.That damned Chelsea had actually managed to hook up with Darwin.And Darwin's name for her... was Fiona.Had he really decided Chelsea was Fiona?The thought drove Lilian crazy!Initially, it was Darwin who couldn't forget himself and found Fiona to stand in for her.And now, he had abandoned her for Fiona!Was that fair?Before long, Darwin, who had just left, returned."Darwin, you forgot your phone," said Lilian apologetically as she handed him his phone, "There was a call just now. I was groggy and thought it was my phone, so I picked it up without thinking. But the person just stayed silent for a moment and hung up. You should call back quickly to see if it's something important."Darwin frowned slightly.He unlocked his phone.His expression darkened instantly when he saw Fiona's missed call."Was it an important call?" asked Lilian, feigning ignorance of the caller ID."Maybe," replied Darwin curtly, "You should rest."With that, he strode
"You really like Uncle that much, huh?" Janna poked Chicago's nose with a touch of jealousy.Chicago muttered in response, "Of course, he's great." He was so wonderful that Chicago wished he'd marry Mommy and become her husband, and Chicago's dad.But she couldn't say that out loud. It seemed Mommy didn't really like Uncle.While everyone was comforting Chicago, Charles was in a corner playing his game console, as though the noise of the world had nothing to do with him.Seeing this, Fiona squeezed next to him, "Charles, do you want to go with Chicago?""Where to?" Charles asked."The amusement park," Fiona replied.Charles's eyelids drooped, not bothering to lift them as he responded indifferently, "No."Fiona opened her mouth as if to say something, but ultimately remained silent.She just leaned against Charles, watching everyone fuss over Chicago.Chicago was quick to flare up and cooled down just as fast.In no time at all, Ashton had made her laugh so hard she blew a snot bubbl
No matter how much Chicago dawdled, the time for them to part arrived.In front of the nanny car, Darwin took out a box and handed it to Chicago, "This phone is for you, Chicago. I've installed a chat app and added myself to your contacts. Whenever you want to talk, just send me a message."Chicago took the box and finally couldn't hold back her sobs.Darwin hugged her with a pained heart."Be good, and I'll come to see you when I can," Darwin promised.Chicago didn't know how to tell Darwin.Mommy wouldn't allow her to see her uncle again."Uncle, I will work really hard on my painting and try to have an exhibition soon!"Then, when uncle came to her exhibition, they could meet again."Okay," Darwin patted Chicago's little head, "Get in the car now! It's late, and your parents must be worried."Chicago buried her head in the crook of Darwin's neck.In a muffled voice, she said, "Chicago doesn't have a dad."Darwin was startled, "What did you say, Chicago?""Chicago doesn't have a dad
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