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206 Relationship Goes Public
Dernière mise à jour:
2025-04-21 19:34:10
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Reclaiming His Runaway Baby Mama 207 Give It Up
Adela stayed quiet, still chewing over what Cici had just told her—Layson had actually gone public with their relationship.She knew the guy never did things halfway. When he made a move, it was fast and decisive. But she really didn’t think he’d go so far as to just… blurt it out to the world like that.That morning, before they left the house, he’d looked her in the eyes and promised, “I’ll handle this properly.” Well—guess this was his version of “proper.”She couldn’t even pin down what she was feeling. Angry? Nervous? A little embarrassed? Probably all of it mixed together. But most of all, she just kept thinking: How the hell am I supposed to survive at work now?Her gaze drifted, unfocused, until it landed on Cici’s round, slightly babyish face. With a low voice, she asked, “Do you think I should just quit?”She hadn’t been with the company long, but this place already felt like home. It was her first stop after coming back to New York. She really didn’t want to leave.Cici dug
Dernière mise à jour : 2025-04-23Reclaiming His Runaway Baby Mama 208 The Trap Dinner
Layson tossed his phone onto the table, lit another cigarette, and took a deep drag. He wasn’t even a smoker, but today he’d had more than he usually did in a month.Liam Walton raised an eyebrow, watching him with a strange expression. “That sounded like your dad on the phone. What’d he say?”Layson barely moved. His eyes lifted lazily. “He wants me to bring Adela home for dinner tonight.”Liam didn’t even need to meet Richard Norman to know he was a stubborn man. The way this was playing out—Layson had just gone public about his relationship, and now suddenly there was a family dinner? Yeah… this smelled like a trap dinner if he’d ever seen one.“I don’t think Adela should go,” Liam said flatly. “She has no idea what she’s walking into. Your family could crush her, and I’m not about to stand by while my little sister gets humiliated.”“She’s going to meet them eventually. Might as well get it over with,” Layson said coolly, tapping ash into the tray. “Besides, Ralph will be there. H
Dernière mise à jour : 2025-04-23Reclaiming His Runaway Baby Mama 209 Runaway
Adela kept her expression neutral. She’d already known Marah was Layson’s cousin, but she hadn’t realized she actually lived at the Norman family’s old estate. Still, it didn’t bother her much—Layson usually stayed at his apartment anyway.Watching Marah chatting so happily with Richard Norman, Adela didn’t try to join in or interrupt. In Richard’s eyes, that aloofness came off as arrogance.To him, Marah was being warm and friendly, and Adela wasn’t even pretending to appreciate it—not even a polite smile. It ticked him off instantly.He turned to Diana and muttered, just loud enough for the room to catch: “The Norman family’s daughter-in-law needs to be gentle and well-mannered—not someone who expects us to tiptoe around her.”That line caught everyone off guard. But the words “daughter-in-law” had people glancing toward Adela.Just then, Layson walked in from outside, carrying something in his hand. The moment he set it down, he caught the tail end of Richard’s comment. His tone wa
Dernière mise à jour : 2025-04-23Reclaiming His Runaway Baby Mama 210 The Jewelry Design Competition
When Adela got Layson’s call, she was still at the office. The moment she heard that Ralph was missing, her voice shot up several decibels.Marah, already paying close attention to every move Adela made, immediately walked over, her face full of concern.When Adela hung up, Marah gently asked, “Did something happen to Ralph?”Then she quickly added, “I wasn’t eavesdropping—I just heard you mention his name.”Adela was too panicked to analyze her words. Instead, she felt a wave of gratitude for the concern.“He ran away from home,” she said, voice shaky. “I need to take the afternoon off to go find him.”Marah was technically her team leader, so she needed her approval for leave. That’s why she told her.“Oh my God, then you should go right now! Ralph is only five—it’s serious. I’ll approve your time off. I’ll even head out and help look. I mean, I am his aunt, after all.”Hearing those words, Adela didn’t wait another second. She grabbed her bag and bolted—completely missing the flick
Dernière mise à jour : 2025-04-23Reclaiming His Runaway Baby Mama 211 The Car Accident
Adela didn’t show up at the office all day.Richard and Diana came by the apartment. Layson had already left for work, so she had to face them alone—and the atmosphere was colder than ice.“You’re the one who encouraged Ralph to run away, weren’t you?” Richard accused, voice full of mockery. “This is how you act as a mother? I knew you had some hidden agenda when you got close to Layson.”His sarcastic tone made Adela’s chest tighten with anger. But with Ralph still playing quietly in the study, she forced herself to breathe deeply and hold it in.“Mr. Norman,” she said evenly, “no matter what I say, you’ve already made up your mind about me. So I won’t waste my breath. If there’s nothing else, feel free to make yourselves tea. I’ve got work to do.”She stood to leave, but Diana quickly stepped in to play peacemaker.“You know how he is,” she said with an awkward smile. “Always blunt. Don’t take it to heart. We just came to bring Ralph home. He’s got kindergarten tomorrow.”Adela gave
Dernière mise à jour : 2025-04-24Reclaiming His Runaway Baby Mama 212 Deliberate Trouble
That morning, like many others before, Richard Norman got behind the wheel and set off alone, heading toward a countryside farm to meet an old friend.But fate had other plans.Out of nowhere, a van with failed brakes careened into the road, smashing head-on into Richard’s car. The collision was brutal. Both vehicles were left mangled, and the drivers were rendered unconscious with serious injuries.By the time Layson Norman arrived at the hospital, Richard had just been wheeled out of surgery. Diana sat outside the operating room sobbing uncontrollably, her face drained of color. Marah, standing nearby with reddened eyes, tucked a few loose strands of hair behind her ears when she saw Layson approach.“Cousin,” she said in a voice tinged with fear, “Richard will be okay, won’t he? I’m so scared.” She leaned toward him, clearly hoping to be held or comforted.But Layson didn’t stop.He brushed right past her, leaving her reaching out into empty space. Her expression darkened for a bri
Dernière mise à jour : 2025-04-24Reclaiming His Runaway Baby Mama 213 Public Disgrace
The moment Richard Norman spat out those entitled words, the faint smile in Layson’s eyes vanished without a trace. He was just about to speak when Adela tugged lightly on his sleeve.He turned toward her, focusing intently on her face, as if trying to read her thoughts through her calm expression.Adela looked at Richard and spoke evenly, “Mr. Norman, I’ll come by every day to take care of you. But not as the future daughter-in-law of the Norman family—only because you are Ralph’s grandfather.”Richard scoffed and said nothing. He didn’t care what reason she gave—as long as she complied. He was never concerned with process, only results.With no meaningful conversation left to be had, Layson saw no reason to linger. Barely half an hour later, he took Adela by the hand and left the hospital, leaving Richard fuming to the point of nearly passing out.Diana sighed and gently patted Richard’s back. “I can tell you care about Layson visiting you,” she said softly. “Why not say something k
Dernière mise à jour : 2025-04-24Reclaiming His Runaway Baby Mama 214The Theft
Despite Layson’s attempts to dissuade her, Adela returned to the hospital the next morning, just as she promised.Richard had been resting for days, and though his complexion had improved slightly, the toll of the accident was undeniable. The lines on his face had deepened, and his spirit had clearly dimmed—he looked significantly older than he had just a week ago.Though he didn’t openly say it, his resentment toward Adela hadn’t faded. He refused to let her feed him or assist him directly. Now that Dexter was home, Richard made it clear that only his son should take care of him.Adela understood and didn’t push. She simply sat quietly nearby, not even taking out her laptop while Richard was awake. If Dexter needed a hand, she’d step in without hesitation. Her quiet diligence gave Richard no reason to criticize her, though his coldness remained.Before long, Marah arrived, as she had every day without fail. Though she never stayed long, her visits were always perfectly timed and care
Dernière mise à jour : 2025-04-25
Latest chapter
Reclaiming His Runaway Baby Mama 217 The Warning
Lily scrambled to recall the design’s theme, her mind spinning. Then she remembered what Layson had said—the diamond element was meant to represent him.Seizing on the connection, she confidently redefined the entire piece: the design symbolized love.Now that she had calmed down, her thoughts were more structured. She had decent analytical skills—she wouldn’t have made it into Starry Jewelry otherwise.Carlton listened without interruption, his face unreadable. When Lily finally finished, he shifted his gaze toward Marah, his expression now laced with unmistakable disappointment.Marah frowned slightly, sensing something was off. Carlton’s silent disapproval began to fill her with unease.The air in the conference room turned heavy and suffocating. Carlton tapped his fingers rhythmically on the table before turning to Adela.“When you created this design,” he asked, “what was its true meaning?”The color drained from Lily’s face. Her hands began to tremble.It was clear now—no matter
Reclaiming His Runaway Baby Mama 216 Termination
Adela had reached the edge of fury—but oddly enough, that brought her calm.She inhaled deeply, casting a cold glance at Marah before turning to face Carlton, her expression once again unreadable, as steady as still water.“Director,” she said calmly, “this design is indeed mine. I can explain every single line, every embedded meaning. Both my home desktop and laptop have versions of this design—the concept sketches, early drafts, and every single revision saved across different files.”After finishing, she no longer looked at Carlton. Instead, she turned to Lily, her gaze sharp and unwavering. “Tell me, Lily—how many revision records do you have on your computer? Don’t tell me this design came to you in one perfect draft.”Her words were laced with sarcasm, and the cold gleam in her eyes bore straight into Lily’s now-tense expression.Even master jewelers wouldn’t dare claim a design came to them fully formed. Adela knew Lily had copied her work. At best, Lily might have tweaked a fe
Reclaiming His Runaway Baby Mama 215 Who Copied Whom
The day before the final deadline for submitting design entries had arrived.Adela informed Richard that she needed to leave early for the competition. For the first time in days, he actually glanced at her directly.“You’re participating in that contest?” he scoffed. “Marah told me it’s only for top-tier designers. Do you really think you’re at that level?”Dexter, who was standing nearby, couldn’t take it anymore and was about to jump in, but Adela quickly spoke up before things escalated.“Anyone can register for the competition,” she said calmly. “It’s about growing and pushing yourself. Winning isn’t the only point.”Richard sneered but didn’t press further. “Fine. Go on then. At least I won’t have to deal with you hovering around me all day. Must be a relief for you, huh?”Adela clenched her jaw but didn’t rise to the bait. She gave him a slight nod and walked out of the hospital with her laptop, determined not to let his bitterness affect her any longer.Just as she exited the
Reclaiming His Runaway Baby Mama 214The Theft
Despite Layson’s attempts to dissuade her, Adela returned to the hospital the next morning, just as she promised.Richard had been resting for days, and though his complexion had improved slightly, the toll of the accident was undeniable. The lines on his face had deepened, and his spirit had clearly dimmed—he looked significantly older than he had just a week ago.Though he didn’t openly say it, his resentment toward Adela hadn’t faded. He refused to let her feed him or assist him directly. Now that Dexter was home, Richard made it clear that only his son should take care of him.Adela understood and didn’t push. She simply sat quietly nearby, not even taking out her laptop while Richard was awake. If Dexter needed a hand, she’d step in without hesitation. Her quiet diligence gave Richard no reason to criticize her, though his coldness remained.Before long, Marah arrived, as she had every day without fail. Though she never stayed long, her visits were always perfectly timed and care
Reclaiming His Runaway Baby Mama 213 Public Disgrace
The moment Richard Norman spat out those entitled words, the faint smile in Layson’s eyes vanished without a trace. He was just about to speak when Adela tugged lightly on his sleeve.He turned toward her, focusing intently on her face, as if trying to read her thoughts through her calm expression.Adela looked at Richard and spoke evenly, “Mr. Norman, I’ll come by every day to take care of you. But not as the future daughter-in-law of the Norman family—only because you are Ralph’s grandfather.”Richard scoffed and said nothing. He didn’t care what reason she gave—as long as she complied. He was never concerned with process, only results.With no meaningful conversation left to be had, Layson saw no reason to linger. Barely half an hour later, he took Adela by the hand and left the hospital, leaving Richard fuming to the point of nearly passing out.Diana sighed and gently patted Richard’s back. “I can tell you care about Layson visiting you,” she said softly. “Why not say something k
Reclaiming His Runaway Baby Mama 212 Deliberate Trouble
That morning, like many others before, Richard Norman got behind the wheel and set off alone, heading toward a countryside farm to meet an old friend.But fate had other plans.Out of nowhere, a van with failed brakes careened into the road, smashing head-on into Richard’s car. The collision was brutal. Both vehicles were left mangled, and the drivers were rendered unconscious with serious injuries.By the time Layson Norman arrived at the hospital, Richard had just been wheeled out of surgery. Diana sat outside the operating room sobbing uncontrollably, her face drained of color. Marah, standing nearby with reddened eyes, tucked a few loose strands of hair behind her ears when she saw Layson approach.“Cousin,” she said in a voice tinged with fear, “Richard will be okay, won’t he? I’m so scared.” She leaned toward him, clearly hoping to be held or comforted.But Layson didn’t stop.He brushed right past her, leaving her reaching out into empty space. Her expression darkened for a bri
Reclaiming His Runaway Baby Mama 211 The Car Accident
Adela didn’t show up at the office all day.Richard and Diana came by the apartment. Layson had already left for work, so she had to face them alone—and the atmosphere was colder than ice.“You’re the one who encouraged Ralph to run away, weren’t you?” Richard accused, voice full of mockery. “This is how you act as a mother? I knew you had some hidden agenda when you got close to Layson.”His sarcastic tone made Adela’s chest tighten with anger. But with Ralph still playing quietly in the study, she forced herself to breathe deeply and hold it in.“Mr. Norman,” she said evenly, “no matter what I say, you’ve already made up your mind about me. So I won’t waste my breath. If there’s nothing else, feel free to make yourselves tea. I’ve got work to do.”She stood to leave, but Diana quickly stepped in to play peacemaker.“You know how he is,” she said with an awkward smile. “Always blunt. Don’t take it to heart. We just came to bring Ralph home. He’s got kindergarten tomorrow.”Adela gave
Reclaiming His Runaway Baby Mama 210 The Jewelry Design Competition
When Adela got Layson’s call, she was still at the office. The moment she heard that Ralph was missing, her voice shot up several decibels.Marah, already paying close attention to every move Adela made, immediately walked over, her face full of concern.When Adela hung up, Marah gently asked, “Did something happen to Ralph?”Then she quickly added, “I wasn’t eavesdropping—I just heard you mention his name.”Adela was too panicked to analyze her words. Instead, she felt a wave of gratitude for the concern.“He ran away from home,” she said, voice shaky. “I need to take the afternoon off to go find him.”Marah was technically her team leader, so she needed her approval for leave. That’s why she told her.“Oh my God, then you should go right now! Ralph is only five—it’s serious. I’ll approve your time off. I’ll even head out and help look. I mean, I am his aunt, after all.”Hearing those words, Adela didn’t wait another second. She grabbed her bag and bolted—completely missing the flick
Reclaiming His Runaway Baby Mama 209 Runaway
Adela kept her expression neutral. She’d already known Marah was Layson’s cousin, but she hadn’t realized she actually lived at the Norman family’s old estate. Still, it didn’t bother her much—Layson usually stayed at his apartment anyway.Watching Marah chatting so happily with Richard Norman, Adela didn’t try to join in or interrupt. In Richard’s eyes, that aloofness came off as arrogance.To him, Marah was being warm and friendly, and Adela wasn’t even pretending to appreciate it—not even a polite smile. It ticked him off instantly.He turned to Diana and muttered, just loud enough for the room to catch: “The Norman family’s daughter-in-law needs to be gentle and well-mannered—not someone who expects us to tiptoe around her.”That line caught everyone off guard. But the words “daughter-in-law” had people glancing toward Adela.Just then, Layson walked in from outside, carrying something in his hand. The moment he set it down, he caught the tail end of Richard’s comment. His tone wa
