"Why?" Darwin asked, puzzled.The villa was clearly safer and more comfortable than the apartment. It was his place.Before, Darwin had set rules for her, forbidding her from staying overnight here, just to prevent any misconceptions.But now..."Why?" Fiona smiled at Darwin.Darwin's heart sank."Because for me, there are too many unpleasant memories here," Fiona said word by word. "Do you know how inconvenient the transportation is here? It takes more than twenty minutes just to walk to the entrance of the community, and it's difficult to find a taxi in the middle of the night if you go out.""Do you remember when it was Miss Robbins' birthday one year, and you insisted on getting some lousy cake? When I bought it, it was almost frozen. What did you do?" Fiona pointed to the living room."You never even asked and just threw the cake into the trash.""So many times you've driven me crazy, and I had to get up and obediently leave.""Darwin, why do you think?" Darwin frowned.He walk
After Ashton finished venting, he slumped down, his teary eyes fixed on Fiona. "Fiona, what if you just stop worrying about everything and run away? I refuse to believe that Darwin would dare bring harm to innocent people! Doesn't Miss Ross care about him?"Fiona felt somewhat helpless. "He... indeed would." If it weren't for Fiona's understanding of Darwin's methods and his determination to follow through on his words, could she have been coerced?"I can't put you and the people I care about at risk," Fiona continued. Emotionally detached, she only had a few people by her side, and she couldn't let her troubles affect them. "But he's getting married. How can you continue..."Ashton anxiously interrupted, "So, I need to find a way that doesn't expose the people around me to Darwin's retaliation and allows me to escape safely," Fiona said contemplatively, her gaze deep."What can I do?" Ashton quickly asked.Fiona looked at her. "Right now, what you need to do is stay away from that id
"Where is it?" Fiona asked gently.“Over there!” The little girl turned back and pointed to a nearby fountain.Not too far. Fiona glanced at the old lady."Grandma, I'm going to help the little girl retrieve her ball. Can you wait for me here?"“Okay,” the old lady nodded, “Fiona, be careful.”"Yes!" Fiona nodded.Then, holding the little girl's hand, she went to the fountain to retrieve the ball. Suddenly, there was a cry from behind. Fiona turned around. She saw a boy laughing and pushing the old lady's wheelchair, running away."What are you doing?Fiona scolded and immediately chased after them. The boy didn't know if he was scared or what. They reached a downhill section and let go of the wheelchair. The wheelchair immediately plunged downward."Oh my God!"Fiona almost caught the wheelchair. At the critical moment, a tall figure rushed from the side and stopped the plunging wheelchair. Just a little more, and the old lady would have fallen to the ground.Fiona ran over. The old
"Jackie, did you check the surveillance footage?" Fiona looked up and asked Jackie.Jackie looked somewhat regretful, saying, "As soon as I heard about the incident, Mr. Solomon immediately asked me to check the surveillance footage to see what happened. But the hospital said that at the time of the incident, it coincided with the upgrade of the entire surveillance system, so..."“What surveillance footage?”At this moment, people began to come out of the ward.Fiona saw a middle-aged stranger, holding her arms with a large diamond ring that almost blinded the eyes. Even if Fiona hadn't interacted with those in the Solomon family who held positions in Solomons or were Solomons themselves, she recognized them. Even if they no longer held positions in Solomons or were Solomons themselves, Darwin would still ask her to prepare gifts for them on special occasions. If she found this person unfamiliar. Then most likely she was someone who Darwin despised."It's your fault for being careless
Hathaway's footsteps froze in place.She and Darwin had previously agreed to at least show respect and affection for each other in public. But what did he mean by this now?"You ungrateful child!" Anniston was so angry that her heart ached.“Sister-in-law”…" the unfamiliar socialite looked anxiously toward Anniston and frowned. She gestured to the bodyguards."Hathaway, I'll leave Grandma to you for a while. I'm not feeling well, so I'll rest in the lounge," Anniston weakly said to Hathaway. Hathaway nodded. Anniston called the aristocratic lady and went to the adjacent lounge.She closed the door. Anniston slapped the aristocratic lady in the face."What are you feeling guilty about? I initially didn't suspect you, but then you revealed your true colors!"The lady covered her cheek. Her eyes were slightly red."That Secretary Woods is so cunning! How could she suspect us like that!" the lady gritted her teeth.Anniston hadn't expected it either. Fiona was usually quiet and didn't se
"You shameless person!" Fiona gritted her teeth in anger. "In this world, only you have seen such shame from me," Darwin slowly fastened Fiona's buttons. The flushed area was hidden beneath the dark green fabric. Unsatisfied with the result, Darwin once again lifted Fiona's chin and left a small red mark below her ear. God knows how much Fiona wanted to bite off that guy's throat right now. "Alright," Darwin said contentedly. "Get lost!" Fiona tried to kick him with her foot. But Darwin easily caught her, lifted her leg, and propped it on his waist. Fiona's cheeks were so red that they might start bleeding. Affairs of passion and love were something Fiona had never been as good at as Darwin. It was probably because he was shameless enough and especially domineering. “Be good,” Darwin kissed her injured cheek, causing a faint burning sensation. “Regardless of what happens today, I will protect you,” Darwin coaxed softly. Perhaps this was how people who were wronged felt. Knowing tha
In the ward, the lady stood behind Anniston. Sweat trickled down her forehead. Anniston's face looked terrible, but she still remained calm. The door was pushed open. The old lady, who always whined, immediately looked towards the door.Fiona, disregarding Anniston and the lady, walked over and asked gently and apologetically, “Are you still scared?”The old lady looked very aggrieved, "Where did you go?"“Grandma, I went to find Secretary Woods for something,” Darwin also followed in.The old lady was even happier when she saw Darwin. She was happy for just a moment.Then she started complaining, "Why aren't you two married yet?"Darwin instinctively looked at Fiona.Fiona continued to smile, "Madam, I have told you many times, I am Mr. Solomon's secretary, we are not getting married.""Then who are you going to marry? My grandson is very good and obedient!" The old lady sounded a little anxious."Mom, haven't you met Hathaway? She is Darwin's wife! They are already preparing for th
"Who are you?" asked Darwin’s cousin, scowling and looking up the newcomers up and down. They didn't appear to be well-off, as not a single luxury brand item could be seen on them. Definitely impoverished, the cousin quickly concluded in her mind."This is the person who helped rescue the old lady today," Fiona said as she walked over. "Why are you here?"The silver-haired grandmother looked gently at Fiona. "I was visiting a friend and happened to see your people searching for the child responsible for the accident. I overheard a bit and it seems someone wants to cause trouble for both you and the caregiver. So, I came over."Anniston was already quite displeased, and now that someone had come to ruin her plans, she didn't have a shred of goodwill left. "Are you here to ask for money?" she glanced at Jackie. "Take them out and write a check."Fiona wanted to speak up, but the silver-haired grandmother patted her back, catching her attention. She then looked at Anniston. "The Solomon
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