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44 Have You Been Drinking?

Author: FancyZ
last update Last Updated: 2025-03-03 15:09:30

Adela’s older brother, Liam Walton, helped his grandfather into the car outside the airport, feeling as though the entire day had sapped his energy. Yet he wasn’t the only one weighed down by conflicting emotions. Far across town, in a quiet, dimly lit bar, Liam’s close associate and friend—though “friend” might be too strong a term—Layson Norman was sitting with a glass of whiskey. The low hum of jazz music filled the background, and the faint chatter of other patrons hung in the air.

But even that subdued setting paled in comparison to the somber mood of another man who was already deep into his own drink: Liam Walton himself had chosen to meet someone in a bar, but not Layson. Instead, he had shown up in response to a spontaneous call from Dexter Norman… or so Layson had assumed at first. In reality, it was Liam who was meeting with Layson, and the location was a sleek, private lounge near the city center.

Earlier that day…

After visiting Evelyn’s small apartment, Liam had left wit
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  • Reclaiming His Runaway Baby Mama   45 Who’s the Baby’s Mother?

    Layson Norman pushed open the front door of his house, only to be greeted by a piercing wail from down the hallway. It was so loud and inconsolable that he couldn’t help but furrow his brow in worry. Even from this distance, he could tell his son was crying harder than usual. The two-month-old had been fussy before, but tonight seemed different—more intense, like he was in genuine distress.Quickening his pace, Layson strode toward the nursery, his footsteps echoing across the polished marble floor. When he walked in, he found the nanny standing there, gently bouncing the baby in her arms with an anxious look on her face.“What’s going on?” Layson asked, trying to keep the impatience out of his voice. He wasn’t angry with her, but the child’s frantic sobs were getting under his skin. He had never been one to handle chaos well.The nanny, who looked both worried and a little intimidated, bowed her head slightly. “I’m not sure, sir. He’s been like this for hours, just crying nonstop. I’

    Last Updated : 2025-03-03
  • Reclaiming His Runaway Baby Mama   46 He Needs to Come Back

    The early morning sun cast a warm glow through the tall windows of Layson Norman’s home. Diana—his mother—lingered near the living room, already occupied with cooing at little Ralph, who was gurgling happily in the nanny’s arms. Layson, having just come downstairs, greeted them with a slight nod before continuing on his way. He had a long day ahead, but first he needed to handle a few family matters.Far across town, another corner of the Norman family was stirring. Diana had come to check on Ralph, but her real aim had been to talk to Layson about Dexter Norman, who was still stubbornly living on his own. To her surprise, the conversation took a quick turn when she realized Layson had even bigger problems—like the unexpected child he was caring for.“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” Diana asked in a low voice, arms folded over her chest. She was more than a little upset that Layson had kept the baby a secret for so long. Despite having lived in the Norman family for decades, she somet

    Last Updated : 2025-03-03
  • Reclaiming His Runaway Baby Mama   47 Dexter in Trouble Again

    Adela had just settled into her new life in England, but the excitement of being in a foreign country was tempered by her struggle with jet lag. She found herself lying awake at odd hours, staring up at the unfamiliar ceiling of the cozy bedroom her elderly landlady had set up for her. She couldn’t help imagining what was happening back in New York—life was still rolling on without her, and she felt both relieved and apprehensive at having left so much behind.Determined to build a new future, Adela climbed out of bed early. The sun was barely up, but she was wide awake, so she decided to head over to the university. Although Layson Norman had pulled many strings to help her settle in—arranging her admission and even suggesting a few housing options—Adela wanted to handle the rest herself. She needed to prove her independence to herself as much as to anyone else.She chose to major in jewelry design, a field she had always adored from afar. Her fascination with delicate gemstones and

    Last Updated : 2025-03-03
  • Reclaiming His Runaway Baby Mama   48 One Thing After Another

    When Diana’s call came through, Layson Norman was on his way to sign a contract with a real estate developer. Over the phone, Diana sounded distraught and tearful, begging Layson to come back and help with Dexter. This was the first time Diana had ever pleaded with Layson in such a manner, because she honestly had no other options.“Layson, please come home. Your father locked Dexter in the study. I have no idea what’s going on in there, and he won’t let me in. I’m at a total loss here.”Hearing this, Layson frowned slightly, pausing in front of the elevator doors. “What happened?”Diana stood outside the study, watching the closed door anxiously. Her worry only grew deeper. She knew how Richard could be when he was angry—he cared about nothing else, and over the past few years, his temper had only gotten worse.“He found out that Dexter beat someone up, landing them in the hospital. He must’ve run into Dexter at the police station today, and I guess he was furious.”Layson, now stepp

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  • Reclaiming His Runaway Baby Mama   49 A Life Under Watch

    Richard had collapsed from high blood pressure and was now lying in a VIP hospital bed. After a lifetime of being decisive and commanding in the business world, he had unexpectedly been laid low by family matters. The shock of learning so many big secrets at once had overwhelmed him. Now, with tubes and monitors tracking his vitals, he seemed both fragile and furious, though he was currently unconscious.Diana sat at his bedside, gazing at the stark white walls around them, her brow creased in worry. Ever since Richard had stepped down from his position as chairman, his health had deteriorated, and his temper had grown worse. Perhaps it was the fear that, without him at the helm, the Norman family empire could crack under pressure from uncles and cousins all eyeing the vast inheritance. Richard had always relied on the authority he radiated, but now he felt that authority slipping through his fingers. And while Layson had proven himself adept at steering the Norman conglomerate, the p

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  • Reclaiming His Runaway Baby Mama   50 Understanding, Finally

    Adela returned to her room and stared at the envelope in her hand for a long time. She was curious about its contents, but she couldn’t bring herself to open it. Something about it gave her an uneasy feeling. After a while, she sighed, deciding it was better to leave it for now. She slipped it into her drawer and shut it, trying to push the uncertainty out of her mind.After a refreshing shower, Adela sat at her desk and began to paint. Each stroke of the brush brought her a small sense of joy; she finally felt like she had found something she truly loved. What she needed now was to perfect it. Adela was deeply grateful for the second chance life had given her.Meanwhile, Layson Norman had been waiting at the hospital for hours for his father, Richard Norman, to wake up. Piles of documents had accumulated on the table in front of him. Suddenly, the door creaked open, and Layson looked up to see a doctor who looked to be around his father’s age. Layson put the papers down and stood up.

    Last Updated : 2025-03-03
  • Reclaiming His Runaway Baby Mama   51 Ralph's 5th Birthday

    Five years later. The Norman Family.The spring garden was decked out with balloons and plush toys that children loved. The whole yard was filled with people, all wearing broad smiles. Children were running around, their laughter echoing through the air, blending perfectly with the flowers blooming in the garden. Diana walked out of the house, beaming with joy as she greeted the guests."Hope you’re all having fun!"Today was Ralph’s 5th birthday, and the Normans were throwing a grand party for their little prince. The guest list was full of high-society figures, all eager to win favor with the influential Norman family. Given this golden opportunity, how could anyone refuse?Three years ago, Layson Norman had shocked the public when he suddenly appeared with a two-year-old child. This stirred up a flurry of speculation about Layson. Some said Layson had secretly married a commoner, while others believed the child was the son of a famous celebrity—one the Norman family had forbidden f

    Last Updated : 2025-03-03
  • Reclaiming His Runaway Baby Mama   52 The Woman in the Photo

    At the Airport.Layson Norman stepped off the plane, his black suit exuding the maturity of a man who had grown even more imposing over the past five years. He moved with purpose, and there was no doubt that he had become even more confident and authoritative since the last time he had been in the public eye. As he exited the terminal, someone was already waiting for him.Barnes quickly approached when he spotted Layson.“Mr. Norman.”Layson handed his suitcase to Barnes, then smoothly took the stack of documents from Barnes’ hand, without missing a beat. Flipping through them, he glanced at the title and immediately handed the papers back.“Cancel it. This project is meaningless.”His voice was firm and decisive, and there was no hesitation in his words. Over the past five years, Layson had become even more ruthless and efficient in business. He was now a man who could truly stand on his own, representing the Norman family with ease. He glanced at his watch—it was just in time—and th

    Last Updated : 2025-03-03

Latest chapter

  • Reclaiming His Runaway Baby Mama   200 Doubts in Her Heart

    In the meeting room, Layson's gaze remained fixed on Adela, unnoticed by anyone else except for Cici, who was closely observing the subtle interaction.However, Marah couldn't help but scoff softly. When she saw that Layson had eyes only for Adela without sparing her even a glance, she felt a surge of jealousy. Taking a deep breath, she managed to suppress her irritation.As soon as the meeting ended, Marah approached Adela, feigning gentleness, her face adorned with a friendly smile.Cici, who had been keeping an eye on Adela the whole time, immediately noticed her low spirits after leaving the meeting room. Before Cici could ask, she was astonished to see Adela actually inviting Marah out for dinner, leaving her feeling irritated.But Adela seemed determined, smiling softly at Marah, "How about dinner tonight? It's my treat."Marah was still pretending innocence, gently nodding her head with a sweet smile. "Sure, I'd love to!"Cici couldn't hold back her dissatisfaction. Seeing Adel

  • Reclaiming His Runaway Baby Mama   199 The New CEO

    Worried?Adela wasn't sure herself."If I said no, I'd probably be lying," Adela replied honestly. "But there's no point worrying. Let's just finish our autumn designs quickly; maybe the new boss will appreciate our work."Hearing that, Cici nodded seriously. "True. I should get back to work, then."Adela continued adjusting the details of her designs, fully absorbed until almost five in the afternoon when her phone buzzed lightly on the table. Glancing down, she saw a message from Layson."Let's have dinner together. I'll wait for you downstairs."Seeing his message instantly lifted her spirits, chasing away the gloom that had been hanging over her all day. She quickly typed a reply.Just as she was packing up, Marah walked over to her desk with a friendly smile. "Adela, do you remember last time when I mentioned having dinner together? Are you free tonight?"Adela was a little surprised. She hadn't expected Marah to be serious about that offer. But she'd already agreed to meet Layso

  • Reclaiming His Runaway Baby Mama   198 Everything Has Changed

    She hadn't slept the entire night.When the sunlight finally poured through the window, illuminating every corner of the room, Cora’s dry eyes immediately filled with tears. She sat motionless on the sofa, like a lifeless doll, completely oblivious to her surroundings.Ever since seeing Leopold’s lifeless body, her heart had stopped beating too.The doorbell rang repeatedly, more than a dozen times before she finally regained some awareness. Slowly, she dragged her heavy feet towards the door, stumbling a bit as she opened it.Outside, Adela was anxiously pressing the doorbell with one hand, holding breakfast in the other. The worry in her clear eyes was unmistakable.When the door finally opened, Adela visibly breathed a sigh of relief. Seeing Cora’s pale face, cracked lips, and red, swollen eyes, Adela felt a sharp pain in her heart. She quickly supported Cora and guided her gently to the dining table.Firmly placing her weak friend into the chair, Adela spoke clearly and earnestly,

  • Reclaiming His Runaway Baby Mama   197 Whose Fault?

    Looking at the lifeless body lying there covered in blood, Cora could no longer hear the voices around her. No matter how much Mrs. Davis cursed or blamed her, Cora didn’t care anymore.She moved slowly toward the man lying motionless on the hospital bed. Mrs. Davis noticed her movement and immediately began shouting, "Stay away from my son! You have no right to touch him!"Mrs. Davis rushed forward, pulling Cora away from Leopold's side. She even raised her hand to strike her, but Layson quickly stepped in and stopped her."I'll handle this. Stay here and don’t move," Layson instructed Adela gently. He was worried Mrs. Davis, in her current state, would harm Adela as well.Cora didn't even notice how she’d reached Leopold's bedside; she just stared blankly at his pale face. Mrs. Davis grabbed Cora's arm so forcefully that she nearly lost her balance, trying desperately to get closer to her son again."Don't touch him! You're not allowed near him anymore!" Mrs. Davis screamed hysteric

  • Reclaiming His Runaway Baby Mama   196 Death in a Car Accident

    "Adela, did you find Cora?" Layson’s familiar voice came through the phone, filling Adela with an unexpected longing."Yes, I found her. She’s with me," Adela replied softly.It took a moment before Layson continued, his voice unusually hoarse, clearly unwilling to speak of the tragedy. "Leopold Davis had an accident. He died in a car crash."The instant Adela heard this news, her first reaction was to look at Cora. The news was so shocking, so sudden, that it left her frozen in place. She'd just heard Cora express how she'd been waiting for Leopold to come to her, but now he was gone forever."Cora…" Adela called gently, unsure how to break such terrible news. Her heart ached deeply, knowing this revelation would devastate her friend."Where are you now? I'll come pick you both up," Layson's voice came again through the phone, steady yet heavy with sadness.For a moment, Adela didn't know how to respond. The news had completely overwhelmed her, but she quickly regained her composure

  • Reclaiming His Runaway Baby Mama   195 Finding Cora

    Early morning rain had left the old-fashioned street wet. Adela walked slowly along the road, her gaze drifting around uncertainly. It was her first time visiting this village.She had first heard about this place from Cora. This village was where Cora grew up and also where she'd first met Leopold Davis. So, when Cora disappeared, Adela immediately thought of coming here. Yet she wasn't certain if she'd really find Cora here.Although the village was small, locating one person wasn't exactly easy. Adela had been wandering for a while without any luck and was almost ready to give up when she suddenly spotted Cora sitting quietly on a small wooden bridge across a stream, her feet dangling in the clear water. She wore an absent-minded expression, seemingly lost in thought.Seeing her, Adela sighed with relief. She paused briefly, then walked towards the bridge and gently called out, "Cora!"Cora turned around slowly upon hearing someone call her name. When she recognized Adela, she seem

  • Reclaiming His Runaway Baby Mama   194 Move in with Me

    Early morning.When Adela opened her eyes, Layson was already gone. Bright sunlight streamed into the room, and she instinctively raised her hand to shield her eyes from the harsh rays. She wasn't sure how long she'd been asleep—her legs felt weak, and she didn't have the energy to sit up just yet.At that moment, the door opened, and Layson appeared wearing casual home clothes. Seeing Adela awake, he smiled warmly. "You're awake? Why didn't you sleep a bit longer—you were exhausted last night."As he spoke, he walked over and sat at the edge of the bed, affectionately running his fingers through her messy hair. Adela shot him an annoyed glare, thinking bitterly how he was responsible for her exhaustion, yet still dared to tease her about it.Seeing her blush, Layson chuckled softly, finding her embarrassment incredibly cute. The shy expression she'd worn last night was still vivid in his mind. "Come on, breakfast is ready."After saying that, he stood up. Adela tried moving her legs

  • Reclaiming His Runaway Baby Mama   193 Spending the Night at His Apartment

    Adela followed behind Layson until they reached the door of his apartment. She stared blankly at her hand, which was being gently held by him, and suddenly wondered how she'd ended up here with him. She tugged her hand away awkwardly and murmured, "Um…Layson, maybe I should go home."But since they'd already come this far, Layson wasn't going to let her leave now. Before Adela could react, he'd already pulled her inside, quickly closing the door behind them and wrapping his arms tightly around her waist. She felt his breath, warm and slightly rough, brushing gently against her ear. "Why so shy? It's not like this is your first time here."The dark room was faintly illuminated by lights from outside. Standing just inside the door, they remained in a warm embrace, creating an atmosphere filled with undeniable intimacy. Adela tried pushing him away softly. "Let go of me!"Layson didn't respond to her protests, instead chuckling quietly. "Didn't you say you missed me? Don't you think you

  • Reclaiming His Runaway Baby Mama   192 Layson, I Miss You So Much

    After parting ways with Cici, Adela didn't hail a cab home. Instead, she chose to walk alone along the street. Lost in thought, she wandered aimlessly, unaware of where she was heading. Just as she was drifting away into her thoughts, her phone suddenly rang, snapping her back to reality.“Hello?” she answered softly.A familiar voice spoke from the other end of the call. Today, hearing his voice at this particular moment felt strangely comforting, like stepping onto solid ground after floating in the clouds. "Where are you?" Layson asked gently."I'm..." She hesitated for a second, "I'm still near the company, on the street."He frowned slightly, glancing out his window. It was already dark outside. "It's late; why aren't you home yet?"His voice carried a hint of authority, but tonight, Adela found it oddly comforting instead of domineering. She bit her lip and smiled shyly, feeling playful and unusually bold. "Layson, I miss you so much."On the other end, Layson was momentarily ta

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