Rose heard the constant praise from the crowd and the flashing cameras of reporters. She loved the feeling of being looked up to and admired by everyone. Her smile grew more radiant.
She should have had that bitch Emily come so that Emily could see the difference between them. Now, Rose was no longer the shadow behind Emily. Their positions had been reversed. "Miss Hopkinson, will Mr. Scott be here today? Why didn't you attend the dinner party together?" Rose's face darkened. Derek didn't answer her calls, so she didn't even know if he would be here today. "Well, Derek said he would give me a surprise, so I can't answer your question for now." This implied that it was a little secret between her and Derek. People around gave knowing smiles. "I was wondering who was blocking the door. Turns out to be you. Then I'm not surprised since you never think about others." A melodious female voice stood out among a chorus of complimentAfter the banquet, everyone hadn't recovered from the shock yet. In the car, Laura noticed that there was blood oozing out of Rose's tightly clenched hands. "Relax! It's not a big deal. Carlos said that because he was fooled by that bitch Emily. She's now a disowned daughter of the Hopkinson family. Compared to you, she is nothing." Laura knew that things were not that simple. No one in the business world would hand over their interests for this reason. She just wanted to calm Rose down for now and deal with the rest later. "Really? Laura, am I better than Emily?" "Of course. She's just an ordinary person with a ruined reputation." Laura felt sorry and put a band-aid on Rose's wound. "What's the point of hurting yourself like this? It will only make Emily happy," Laura scolded her. "You are right. I won't give her what she wants." In the meantime, Carlos and Emily were traveling in a different car while Andrew stayed with the driver
Derek looked at the materials in his hand and remembered Emily, whom he loved and hated at the same time. He couldn't sleep. Women would fight to get into his bed for a guy like him. However, Emily ignored his invitation card. No one had ever hurt his dignity like this before. Derek turned over as he thought of himself waiting anxiously like a fool that night. However, he felt happy that Emily fought back when Rose and Laura intended to mess with her. At this moment, he was without his sophisticated disguise. When it came to love, he was still a newbie. He sat up from the bed and walked up to the mirror, carefully examining himself. "Very good. Tall. Long legs. Muscles that were built from working out. Handsome facial features. I should be attractive to Emily, right?" Derek was not quite sure. He was so frustrated that he smashed his head into the pillow. Meanwhile, Emily slept soundly, but she never knew that Derek ha
Laura was interrupted in her conversation with Ash, and she looked annoyed at Rose.In the midst of Rose's messy sobbing, Laura learned the ins and outs of the matter in her mind."Laura, is what that nasty bitch said true? What exactly does she know?" Rose was frightened."Emily's purpose of return is surely not simple. How could you be frightened by her just like that? Do you still want to defeat her?" Laura's reprimanding calmed Rose a bit."You should listen to her. She's doing everything for your good." Ash patted Rose's shoulder and then walked out.He left the room to Laura and Rose.After Laura comforted Rose, she asked casually, "Rose, how's your assistant?""My current assistant? What is her name? Never mind. It's not important. She's alright, just a bit slow.""Then I'll find you a new one.""Okay."Rose didn't mind. Anyway, she didn't like Reed, and Laura would find someone better for her. Reed sat uneasily at her desk. After a few days with nothing unusual happening, she
While Derek and the others were having fun, Rose called the home telephone in Derek's villa, and the butler, Charlie, answered it. Rose learned from Charlie that Derek took his two children out for fun. These days, Rose had been worried that Emily would do something to her. Moreover, Emily was strict in overseeing every aspect of the company, and Rose couldn't find an opportunity to take action. If Emily completed the project smoothly, her ability would be recognized by the shareholders, which was a great threat to Rose. So, Rose had been trying to get in touch with Derek, hoping to get his support, but she was unlucky every time she called Derek. She had no choice but to ask Charlie to pass on the message to Derek that she wanted to invite him to dinner tomorrow night. When Derek returned home, he first settled Ian and Aaron. After they washed up and fell asleep, he went back to his study to work. Charlie conveyed Rose's mess
The streetlights were on. Louise was picked up by her family, while Carlos insisted on sending Emily home. "I had no idea you were so cute when you were young," Carlos reminisced while driving, recalling what he had heard today. 'I wish I'd known Emily when I was a kid', he thought and turned back to look at Emily. Emily was stunned by the tenderness in his eyes. She wasn't a fool, and of course, she was aware of Carlos' feelings for her. However, she just wanted to take good care of her children, reclaim her inheritance, and find out how her father died. There was a list of tasks she must complete, so it wasn't the time to fall in love with someone. Maybe someday in the future. But for some reason, Derek's face emerged in Emily's mind. She shook her head and figured that it was probably because she had just seen him with Rose. "Are you alright?" Carlos looked at her with concern. "It's a bit stuffy in the car. I need some air."
Derek was tired of the slow pace of the investigation, and there was now a faster way to confirm his suspicions. On his way back from dropping Emily off, he asked Eric to get his hands on it. "I want a DNA test for Rose and the two kids. And keep this a secret." Derek frowned. The thought of his speculation filled him with disgust for Rose. Eric paused for a second, and then he quickly adjusted his expression. He thought, 'When the kids got back, they had a DNA test, and they've been identified as being related to Derek. And now, Derek wants them to do a DNA test with Rose? Is he suspecting that she isn't the kids' mother?' Eric was too frightened to raise his head at the sudden revelation of such a juicy mystery. "OK." "Also, find out what happened five years ago. I want to get to the bottom of it. Who gave birth to the babies? Who was the one with me that night?" Derek emphasized with a dangerous tone. He was like a predatory lurki
A few days later, at Aaron and Ian's birthday party, Emily met Derek's parents.It was more like a family dinner than a birthday party.Derek has a close relationship with his family. They rarely hold banquets because they just want to spend special days with family members.Emily stood with Chris and Diane, feeling a bit nervous. She glared at Derek and blamed him for not explaining clearly.Now, she felt as if she was brought home by her boyfriend to visit his parents.Emily didn't want to think much about Derek's purpose, yet the situation was tricky.However, the kids were immune to that and were having a great time.Aaron was clingy to Emily and held her hand all the time. But later, Ian and Diane dragged him to play with Legos.Derek's parents were nice to Emily, so she was less nervous.She didn't realize that she was nervous not because they were strangers, but because they were Derek's parents. Adolf was a serious man, but when he looked at Emma, his eyes turned soft.Emma w
Derek's heart was torn with anxiety, but he didn't tell Emily immediately.He would only take action when he was fully confident in what he was doing.If Emily was not Aaron and Ian's mother, Derek wished to be the only one disappointed and did not want Emily to bear it."Find a way to get Emily's DNA sample."Derek flipped through the paternity test report, and his thoughts were not reflected on his face.Eric lowered his head immediately after glancing at Derek's expression."Do you want...""Check if there are blood ties between Aaron, Ian, and Emily."Derek crossed his hands beneath his chin and blocked his lips.Emily was also looking through the paternity test report."So, I was right about it."Emily had been skeptical about Rose's background. When the test report confirmed it, she was mad since it was outrageous.Andrew was both shocked and angry. He had been by Bennett's side for many years and had long considere
Time flied, and before everyone realized it, a year had gone by.During this time, Charlotte's life abroad appeared calm and routine. She woke up early every day for classes, diligently completed assignments, engaged in academic discussions with her classmates, and participated in various club activities. In the eyes of her friends, she was a positive and energetic girl.Only she knew deep down that she had been waiting, waiting for the one she loved so dearly, the prince who had promised to come back for her.Late at night, Charlotte often found herself sitting alone at her small dormitory desk, gazing out the window at the starry sky, feeling a lingering sense of loss and loneliness in her heart. She had asked herself more than once where Kingsley was and why he never wrote or called.On this sunny day, Charlotte went to the school library as usual, ready to work on an important paper. She sat by the window, her desk piled high with various referenc
Kingsley knew deep down that Charlotte wasn't that kind of person, but the beast suppressed within him was roaring uncontrollably, and the malice rooted in the marrow of his bones surged through him, causing even his blood to boil.His eyes turned cold and gloomy as he glanced towards Charlotte's siblings, emotions spiraling out of control within him.If without them...If...Kingsley suddenly felt a weight on his shoulders.He turned to see Freya's hand resting there, her expression hardened, eyes gazing up at him with concern.Charlotte pushed past Aaron and edged forward.Seeing Kingsley's obviously troubled eyes, her heart raced, her voice becoming raspy and hard to hear. "Wait... for me..."At the sound of her voice, Kingsley visibly froze, then the darkness in his eyes lifted abruptly as he stared into hers, his tone somewhat uncertain. "Charlotte? What's with your voice?"Charlotte's eyes reddened, but she bit her
On this day, Charlotte's siblings took her to the hospital to visit Kingsley at Derek and Emily's insistence.At the hospital entrance, Freya and Chris chatted as they walked toward Kingsley's room. Charlotte's footsteps behind them were eager, and Diana held her back, squeezing her hand to calm her.Charlotte glanced at her sister, understanding the concern in Diana's eyes, biting her lip to suppress the impatience in her heart.She couldn't be blamed for being eager; since witnessing Kingsley jump from the school building rooftop, she hadn't exchanged a word with him.Their closeness was stark, yet they were almost separated by life and death. The image of Kingsley jumping from the building was like a nightmare etched in her mind.Thinking about it brought back that choking feeling, making her breath quicken. She forced herself to endure it, following her siblings into the exclusive elevator that took them straight to Kingsley's floor.&nb
The next morning, sunlight streamed through the cracks in the curtains, spilling onto the carpet.Charlotte opened her eyes just in time to see Emily changing the water at her bedside. Emily was surprised when she noticed Charlotte waking up. "Charlotte, you're awake!"Charlotte nodded silently.There was a faint sound coming from outside the door. Charlotte glanced over, her expression puzzled. Emily explained beside her, "Ian and Diana are both back, and your father is outside interrogating them."Charlotte's expression shifted slightly at that news. She looked somewhat anxious.This matter was clearly her own problem, yet it seemed her father was pursuing it as if her brothers and sister were solely responsible, which felt unfair to them. The guilt inside her intensified as she thought about it.Seeing Charlotte attempting to get up, Emily quickly intervened, "Hey, Charlotte, don't move! Your injuries haven't healed yet!"As if sensi
The Scott family manor was brightly lit.After more than three years, the Scott family once again activated the first level of defense. The black-clothed bodyguards, who were early at the Scott family manor, stood firmly on guard, while the Scott family servants gathered in the hall and garden, heads lowered, waiting strictly.Vehicles neatly lined up and entered the gates of the Scott family, bypassing the open-air fountain and proceeding towards the main house.Chris's face was vaguely pale; he had learned from a phone call with Diana on the way that their parents had returned. Emily and Derek were already aware of everything that had happened.Judging by their current demeanor, one could see that Emily and Derek were genuinely angry. After all, they had kept the truth from Emily and Derek for so long, and now it was revealed after such a significant accident.Beside them, Charlotte remained silent and withdrawn. Her once clear and bright
It was hard for her to believe that the clean, even a little shy Kingsley she knew and the bloodthirsty, horrible person in front of her were the same person.She had always known that Kingsley's condition was serious, but it was only when she was confronted head-on for the first time that she realized just how horrible it was. Kingsley didn't even look like a normal person at this point."Kingsley!" Freya's expression changed; she became nervous and cautious as she slowly stepped forward. "Drop the knife and come here, let me see your wound."At this point, Theo's death was completely unimportant. If Kingsley is allowed to see more bloodshed or even directly kill Theo, I'm afraid his condition will worsen, and he won't be able to regain his sanity at all.In the face of Freya's coaxing, Kingsley did not react at all. Holding the knife in one hand, he pressed his other hand against Theo's neck harder and harder."Kingsley!" Freya was anxious, but she d
Outside the school, Charlotte was escorted to a waiting car. The vehicle was equipped with special materials, bulletproof and resistant to various thermal weapons. Even though the school's premises had been cleared of bombs, Theo had come prepared, and no one knew if he had any other plans lurking in the shadows. Chris wasn't about to let his sister take such a risk.The people at the school had no idea what kind of life-and-death disaster they had just narrowly avoided. They all emerged from the school, unaware of the danger they had faced. They got into various luxury cars and departed one after another. Originally, Carl wanted to wait at the door, but with too many acquaintances coming and going, he had no choice but to hide in the Scott family's car.Chris voiced his concern, "Are you sure Theo will keep his word?""Not entirely," Carl replied, taking off his gold-rimmed glasses and impatiently rubbing his brow. "But Kingsley had to take a gamble on whether Theo still had it in
When these words were spoken, all the bodyguards present were shocked. Theo was filled with disbelief."What did you say? You're going to declare war on me in the manner of the Livingston family?" Theo almost laughed out loud. "Do you know what you're talking about?"Carl's face hardened for a moment as well. "Kingsley, calm down!"Kingsley, however, paid no attention to him. He stared into Theo's eyes, showing no hint of hesitation or fear. He said, "I know exactly what I'm doing, so don't you dare underestimate me."This declaration made Theo's face darken, his expression obscure, filled with deep thoughts.Charlotte looked at Chris somewhat helplessly. She didn't understand what was happening. Was this a big gamble by Kingsley?Chris composed himself, looked towards Kingsley and Theo's confrontation, and softly explained, "The Livingston family has rules. Members can challenge each other when there are disputes or unavoidable conflicts. They fight one-on-one in a life-and-death due
Ben held Charlotte at gunpoint, then glanced at Theo, who sat calmly and inquired, "What do you want?""I know you plan to use her against Kingsley and the Livingston family. My request is simple: ten million dollars and a getaway car," Ben stated viciously."Oh? You're not seeking vengeance for your family?" Theo remained composed."I'm not naive! I know how to negotiate with someone like you for maximum gain. You never intended to aid in avenging my family, did you?"Theo chuckled softly. "Looks like you're still somewhat sharp, but... still an idiot!"At Theo's words, two black-clad bodyguards suddenly emerged, advancing toward Ben."Aren't you worried I'll kill her? Then you'd have nothing to hold over Kingsley!" Ben exclaimed in panic."Foolish! My aim was always to destabilize Kingsley mentally. If you did kill Charlotte, I'd owe you gratitude."Hearing this, panic flashed in Ben's eyes, and in his haste, he aimed his pistol at Theo.