"Do you know where Maya Lin is?" Samuel asked upon receiving a call from Manager Chen about Maya's sudden departure."No, Young Master, I think something has happened. Especially since that number is not registered. It's my fault; I should have blocked it.""Do you remember the number?" Samuel persisted, staying calm."Yes, the number..." Manager Chen mentioned the number. Samuel's face began to harden."Assistant Jung, have someone trace the location of this number. I'm sure that person is behind all this. Ask them to do it quickly," Samuel instructed his assistant.Assistant Jung began contacting someone. "Young Master, we have found its location!""Let's go there right away!" Samuel said.Assistant Jung informed the driver of the address they were heading to. "Drive fast. We need to get there quickly," Samuel ordered coldly.***Maya stared at the small bottle. She was sure it contained poison."Mama, don't drink! I beg you!" Stelio tried to rebel, but he was too small to break free
"Mama!"Out of the blue, a little boy darted toward a stunning woman in the midst of an interview. The lady instinctively gazed downward, finding a 5 or 6-year-old boy wrapping his arms around her waist. The radiant smile that had adorned her face earlier quickly faded. Her eyes widened momentarily upon seeing the boy's face. "Why is he...?" Her voice dropped, tinged with astonishment.They locked eyes. The matching eyes and hair color raised suspicion among the onlookers. Reporters immediately inundated her with questions. "Miss Maya Lin, is this your child?""When did you tie the knot? Who's the father of this lad?""Miss Maya Lin, why have you concealed your son?"Maya Lin turned pale. She gently pushed the child away with her hand. "N-no, he's n-not my son." Her voice wavered, and she hastily distanced herself from the young boy, evading the reporters.The abandoned child couldn't escape the reporters' pursuit. A bespectacled man stepped forward. "Sir, is he your child? Are you wed
"Meet me at Hotel X right now. I've already sent a car for you. You have less than 30 minutes to arrive if you still want my help with your career!" A cold voice of a man with a bossy tone."Samuel, you must be out of your mind to ask me—Hello, hey!" Maya didn't finish her sentence as she heard a beep on her phone.Maya's face was filled with anger, her fists clenched. "Meeting at a hotel? What does that man really want?"Maya really didn't want to get involved with him again; the cold gaze and tone of the man as they parted still haunted her. Now, he was asking to meet her and offering help?"He's not just talking nonsense to toy with me, is he?" Maya wondered silently. But she didn't know how to deal with this situation.Maya exited the restroom, moving stealthily like a thief, scanning her surroundings vigilantly. Until someone suddenly tapped her back. "Mrs Lin, come with us to meet CEO Ren."***Maya stepped out of a luxurious car that had stopped right in front of the five-star
"Samuel, are you crazy offering that? I'll never accept such a foolish offer," Maya rejected."But my son requested—""That has nothing to do with me," Maya interrupted."You'll regret it if you refuse. I'll give you time to—""I'm leaving. There's no point in persuading me!" Maya left the room and quickly hailed a taxi.***Maya ignored her phone's ring due to her chaotic thoughts. She'd be lying if she said she wasn't affected by the threat. Her gaze wandered aimlessly through the still bustling city streets, which grew quieter as the taxi came to a stop. Maya exited after paying, her feet leading her through the vast area."Baby, Mama's here!"Maya's current appearance was too glamorous for a place filled with graves and photos of the departed. However, who would notice her attire on a late night like this? Her feet kept moving until she spotted a photo. "Finally, I meet you!"Maya gazed at the picture of a baby, still red-skinned and stiff. Beneath the photo was Mario Lin Ren, a n
Maya expected the news reporters to be less relentless. They managed to find her and invade the late-night cemetery. Cold breath brushed the outer layer of her ear, and a chilly voice penetrated her ear canal as Samuel whispered, "Don't worry, I won't let them harass you."Samuel Ren pulled Maya Lin, forcing her into the car to evade the news seekers trying to get information from her. The luxury sport car sped away, followed by several other vehicles. "They won't be able to catch us now. You should be grateful I'm here, allowing you to escape them. There's no choice but to come back with me," Samuel said with a sly smile."Stop the car!" Maya shouted."No," Samuel refused."Stop, or I'll jump out of this car," Maya threatened. Her hand was even holding the latch that would open the door.Samuel quickly shifted the car into autopilot mode and grabbed Maya's arm. "Maya Lin, do you want to die?" he yelled angrily and panicked."Let me go. I don't care anymore," Maya struggled. "I'd rathe
"Hopefully, this way will work. That man won't force me again," that's what Maya Lin had in mind. She calmly exhaled. Her body felt comfortable on this soft bed, and most importantly, the constraints that held her were finally gone.When Maya admitted she was pregnant, Samuel immediately caused a scene at the hospital to verify the truth. Maya Lin was lucky because the doctor there was an acquaintance. "It seems luck is on my side.""Maya Lin, are you so happy to lie?" Samuel suddenly entered her room."Lie about what? Haven't you heard the doctor's explanation about my condition? I'm really pregnant," Maya Lin hid her panic."The doctor confessed that you instructed him to make up a story that you're pregnant. I didn't expect you to be so cunning and keep wasting my time," Samuel stared straight at her, his gaze filled with disdain."Damn it! How could he betray me like this?" Maya muttered to herself. She paused for a moment, trying to find the correct answer.While Maya was lost in
"I unexpect to come to this mansion again," Maya whispered to herself as she stepped out of the car. The mansion was luxurious and beautiful on the outside, but it concealed darkness within."What are you doing? Stelio has been waiting for you. Hurry inside!" Samuel ordered with a cold expression."It's still early, and the little one is still asleep," Maya hesitated.Samuel lacked patience and forcefully pulled Maya's hand. "Samuel, can't you be less rough?""Maya Lin, I can do more than this! Keep resisting, and you'll find out what I can do.""Cruel man! Are you like this with Mathilda too? No wonder she's dead—""Should I kiss you to make you shut up? One word out of your mouth, and I will punish you.""Another threat," Maya could only complain silently as she followed him inside.The servants lined up to welcome them, their sleepy faces apparent. "Welcome, Young Master and Young Mistress.""You can return to your rooms and give my wife a formal greeting tomorrow morning.""Certai
"We're a married couple; it's not unusual to share a room. Haven't you always insisted on sharing a room with me, and—" Samuel hadn't finished his sentence when Maya cut him off."No need to continue. Besides, apart from that one night, you've always refused to share a room. Our relationship is still—""You go back to your place!" Samuel warned the servant. As the servant left, Samuel opened the bedroom door."If you want to discuss this, come inside!" Samuel ordered."No. If I come in, what's the point of this discussion?""Maya Lin, didn't you read our agreement properly? Do you want to expose it to everyone? Do you have the money to compensate for breaching the contract clause?""Now you mention it. You've already exposed it." A smirk appeared on the woman's lips."You're unbelievable!" Samuel immediately lifted the woman. His hands held her legs and shoulders. This sudden action surprised Maya."Hey, put me down! Do you think I'm something you can touch as you please?"Samuel thre
"Do you know where Maya Lin is?" Samuel asked upon receiving a call from Manager Chen about Maya's sudden departure."No, Young Master, I think something has happened. Especially since that number is not registered. It's my fault; I should have blocked it.""Do you remember the number?" Samuel persisted, staying calm."Yes, the number..." Manager Chen mentioned the number. Samuel's face began to harden."Assistant Jung, have someone trace the location of this number. I'm sure that person is behind all this. Ask them to do it quickly," Samuel instructed his assistant.Assistant Jung began contacting someone. "Young Master, we have found its location!""Let's go there right away!" Samuel said.Assistant Jung informed the driver of the address they were heading to. "Drive fast. We need to get there quickly," Samuel ordered coldly.***Maya stared at the small bottle. She was sure it contained poison."Mama, don't drink! I beg you!" Stelio tried to rebel, but he was too small to break free
"Maya, if something important happens, I will request permission for someone to replace you," Manager Chen said, sensing Maya's anxiety.Maya shook her head. "It's okay, it's not something important."Maya was confident that without her interference, Samuel would find Stelio. As usual, she handed her phone to Manager Chen, letting him keep it during her shoot.Maya tried to remain cheerful during the shoot and socialize with other reality show members, but her mood was off. Many thoughts raced through her mind. "Has Samuel found him? How is the child? What made him leave suddenly?""We'll take a short break, be ready for the next session."Maya immediately went to her manager. She was informed, "Maya, there's a call from an unknown number. He's been calling repeatedly.""Let me check it!"With the phone in her hand, Maya received a call from the intended person."Maya, I'm leaving for a moment!" Manager Chen said, leaving Maya.Maya nodded, bracing herself to answer it. "Hello.""Oh,
Stelio's mouth dropped open wide as he read the name on the tombstone. Marion Lin Ren. "This person has a middle name that's Mama's surname and also Ren. Could there be a connection to the Ren family?"Things were becoming clearer for Stelio, especially after Maya's statement earlier. However, a part of him found it hard to believe. Numerous questions filled Stelio's mind.The small man looked at a photo of a baby repeatedly touched by Maya. Unconsciously, he felt a twinge of envy. Stelio turned around, his mind filled with complexity and headed home.Someone suddenly tapped his shoulder. Stelio's body jerked in surprise. He turned hesitantly, fearing it might be Mama."Little Master Stelio, it's time to go home," Stelio felt relieved as the chauffeur approached.***"Papa, do you have another child?" Stelio couldn't bear not to know. Samuel, focused on typing something shifted his gaze to Stelio. "No. Don't you know you're my only son?""Is Papa sure there's no other child with the l
"Why can't I open it? Did Samuel take the child home?" Maya said. This morning, she mustered the courage to meet Stelio after the heated argument."Excuse me, Madam. Is there anything I can help you with?" A neatly uniformed hotel employee approached Maya."Do you know the guest staying in this room?""The guest in this room checked out last night. Is there anything else?" the woman asked politely."No." Maya felt a bit relieved. Stelio must be getting better care in S city now.***A few days later, Maya had resolved her drama. She decided to return to S city. "Manager Chen, is there any schedule after this?""No. Even the schedules for this month, including both advertisements and dramas, have all been canceled," Manager Chen replied."What? Why suddenly? Isn't my popularity rising now? Has the company not assigned any projects to me?""No. I also don't know what happened. Maya, did you perhaps offend CEO Ren?"Maya didn't answer. Manager Chen quickly interpreted her silence. "Didn't
Stelio faced numerous negative comments, and even haters began resorting to cruel actions like throwing rotten eggs at him when he met fans. Maya couldn't stop it in time. She could see Stelio's displeasure, but a professional smile remained on his lips as fans expressed concern. "Don't worry, I'm fine. I just need to clean up."However, it wasn't as simple as that because Stelio's skin turned red. It seemed the eggs were laced with something causing skin irritation. Luckily, Stelio had completed his part. Maya couldn't bear to see this anymore."Stelio, you better quit after this!" Maya said sternly when they were in the room."No, Mama, I--""I can't take it anymore. You're always getting into trouble, and now your image is tarnished in the public eye. Plus, you have a lot of anti-fans; this will only reflect badly on me!""Mama, don't worry about it. Papa can handle all the internet news and annoying people--"Maya frustratedly cut Stelio off. "Enough! I don't want to hear it. How
Maya initially ran the shoot smoothly, but in a few days, everything changed. When the child suddenly arrived."Director, what's this? Why did the plot in the script change so drastically? Moreover, you've added a child character?" Maya protested about what was happening. She intentionally spoke privately with the Director."Maya, this isn't a drastic change. The writer just added it. Some scenes support it. Besides, we can capitalize on your popularity for this drama when it airs."Maya still suspected something. "Director, did my husband meet you and provide a significant investment with the condition that the story is altered to include a child?""Nothing like that happened. I chose to include it myself. Maya Lin, you don't need to worry about this. Just focus on acting. It should be easy for you to interact since he's your son, right? Don't complain too much; just do what's been determined."Maya left feeling disappointed. She was very sure that Samuel was behind all of this."Mam
Samuel gave flowers to Maya and Stelio. "Congratulations on completing this drama shoot!""Thank you, Papa." Stelio smiled happily.The crew and actors involved began celebrating with group photos."As a celebration, I'll treat all of you to a restaurant," Samuel announced, a statement that both actors and crew eagerly anticipated. "Come on, let's head to the restaurant I've booked right away."Everyone started getting ready. Samuel stopped Stelio, who was about to follow Maya and Manager Chen. "Stelio, you'll be in my car. There's something I want to talk to you about."Stelio looked at Samuel with confusion but still got into the car. During the journey, Samuel immediately posed a question."Are you close to Mike? What kind of relationship do you two have?" Samuel asked."Papa, didn't you want me to separate them? I don't have any relationship with him other than this," Stelio calmly replied."Are you sure that's all? Mike hasn't done anything wrong to you, right?"Stelio hesitated
"Stop looking for excuses. I know you're just talking nonsense to leave this place," Samuel said, not intending to let go of Maya."Samuel, can't you use your eyes properly? It's so obvious, but you didn't see it. Come on, we need to go to the eye doctor!" Maya said irritably.Stelio observed his parents arguing. He then shifted his gaze towards the door, his brow furrowed as if contemplating something.***Days passed, and Stelio's body slowly began to recover. He insisted on resuming shooting. Samuel was still concerned about his condition. "Are you sure you're feeling better?""Yes.""Alright. If that's what you want. Stelio, starting tomorrow, you'll have a guard to watch over you," Samuel informed his son.Stelio disagreed with Samuel's decision. "Why do I need a guard? Wouldn't it be safer if I'm with Mama? Dad, those guards could be one of the bad people like what happened at the party.""This time, I've chosen more carefully. Being with Maya is not too safe; look at yourself n
"Did Boss instruct you to do this? If anything happens to him, you'll know what we can do. Be aware, never touch the child recklessly," the person on the phone warned.The call ended, leaving Mike feeling anxious. Now, he had to ensure the child was okay to save himself. Mike immediately contacted someone he trusted to handle the situation.***"What the kid ate, I also had the same menu. If something's wrong, I would have experienced it too," Maya insisted."No, that's not necessarily true. Maya, you've always been careless about these things. Someone must have tampered with Stelio's food to harm him. Who's the lunatic daring enough to hurt a child?" Samuel felt frustrated."What about his condition now?""Lucky that the doctors could handle it, but Stelio hasn't woken up yet.""Samuel, you better reconsider your decision. Now you know the outside world is too harsh for a child. It's better for him to focus on school and play rather than pursuing a career as an artist like this!""I