Samuel maintained a blank expression. "It wasn't me who took it."Maya furrowed her brows, responding with a short and indifferent reply.Samuel displayed indifference as if eager to leave. "Is there anything else? I still have work to do.""If it wasn't you, then who?" Maya gave him a disbelieving look. "Oh, was it Mathilda?" she asked, seeking confirmation.Before Samuel could respond, Maya jumped to her own conclusion. "I had a feeling it was her. Mathilda probably recorded the song and claimed it as her own.""No wonder the child said that," Maya continued, following the child's words. She spoke with certainty, "I'm sure you were fooled by her as well, right? That's why you told the illegitimate child that the song was made by his mom for him. You didn't believe it was the song you criticized and destroyed, did you? Mathilda is quite the deceiver."Samuel didn't deny it, but he also didn't express agreement. His face remained indifferent. "Are you done talking now? Will you change
"Mama!"Maya barely had a chance to say what she wanted when Little Mr. Stelio arrived. He rushed straight towards Maya.Samuel cautioned his son with concern, "Stelio, be careful. Don't let yourself fall."The young boy was too excited, unable to hear his father's words. To "Mama, you and I made a successful snack. Does that mean you're not mad at me anymore?""Um." Maya gave a brief response. She was still annoyed with the boy for constantly reminding her of that flawlessly performed song."Mama, please forgive me. I promise I won't sing the song you made without permission again. I've also introspected.""Good." Stelio then handed over a book. "This is all made by you, right, Mama? I've been using it for practice. I won't do it again."Maya opened the pages of the book. Her face darkened, making Stelio turn pale. "Mama, did I make the mistake again?" Stelio asked nervously."Stelio, it's already hard enough. Get a knife to cut it," Samuel redirected Stelio's attention.The boy wal
Maya couldn't shake her curiosity. "I'm sure I'm not hallucinating, but it doesn't make sense for him to appear in a crowd like this. Especially in those clothes," Maya thought."Mama, what's wrong with you? You've just been standing and daydreaming," Stelio, who had been playing with children from other wealthy families, chose to approach his mother."It's nothing. I have to go," Maya said briefly.Stelio showed a disappointed expression. "Can't Mama stay longer with me?""You're with your friends, right? I can't just stand here. Don't forget to come to your dad after playing!" Maya quickly walked away without waiting for the boy's response.Maya wanted to make sure if she was just hallucinating Mathilda's spirit tormenting her for trying to take her place or if it was someone who looked like Mathilda.Several women who saw Maya approached her, even offering her to become a Brand Ambassador for their products."I'll consider it with the company. Excuse me to greet others," Maya tried
Samuel closed the door and was immediately greeted by Assistant Jung, who stood in front of the door. "CEO Ren, why don't you just be honest with Mrs Maya? You were so worried that you called a doctor and a nurse specialist and transferred equipment from the hospital for her. But when Mrs. woke up, you were cold towards her.""Are you eavesdropping?" Samuel stared sharply at Assistant Jung. "Seems like you have a lot of free time. Do I need to give you more work?""No, CEO Ren, my staff is already--""You must have heard what my wife said, right? Find out the person she mentioned, interrogate the managers or people in the company involved in the incident that nearly took my wife's life." Samuel gave an immediate order."What do you mean by the person called a 'stalker'?""Yes. It could also be related to the person spreading vague rumors about my wife." Samuel's tone was severe."Sir, what about the person who resembles Mrs. Mathilda that Mrs. mentioned? Could it be--""You should inv
"Let it all go; there's no need for more care. Take away all those tools, except for the medicine," Samuel ordered, ushering out all the medical personnel he had brought to the hotel and the necessary equipment."What are you doing?" Maya inquired, observing the chaos unfolding in her room. "Can't you do this in the morning? It's already late."Samuel pretended to be deaf, ignoring what Maya was saying. This infuriated Maya. "Samuel! Are you listening to me?" She raised her voice.Samuel finally responded after the medical staff had left. "All the amenities you're enjoying right now, I'm taking them back. Tomorrow, you'll return to the mansion and sleep in the adjacent building."Maya's eyes widened upon hearing this. The adjacent building was where she had been confined, a dark and filthy empty structure. Her first memory was of her beloved husband punishing her for another woman."You want to lock me up there? Samuel, I've already suffered enough with the attempted murder that happe
"Papa, Nanny has some evil plan for our family!" Stelio explained to his father, pointing in the nanny's direction."Young Master, it's all not true. I haven't done what the Little Master is accusing me of. I've always been loyal to this family; how could I have a bad plan for them?" The nanny defended herself, panic in her eyes under Samuel Ren's gaze."Nanny, are you accusing my son of lying?" Samuel stared even harder at the young woman."N-no, I didn't say that. I just want to say that the Little Master has misunderstood. I—"Samuel didn't give her a chance to explain further. He turned to his son, "Stelio, can you tell Papa what really happened?"Stelio spilled it all out, "This nanny intentionally exaggerated reports to Papa to make you hate Mama. They've planned this to destroy our family.""Young Master, I did this for your sake, too. Young Madam prohibited me from telling the Little Master how badly she's treated you. If I let it be, it's the Little Master Master who would ge
"Damn it! Why won't any taxi stop for me? I can't just stand here and wait to get caught." Maya stood by the roadside in panic.She had no choice but to run as fast as she could. "I hope the guards are still fooled and don't realize I've escaped."If only she could contact her manager, but she didn't have her phone with her for fear that Samuel had installed a tracker.Maya panted. "It looks like I'm far enough from the hotel now," she thought to herself. She chose to sit at the bus stop.A man suddenly approached Maya. As a woman alone on the streets late at night, Maya, sensitive due to her encounters with Stalker and paparazzi, became suspicious of the man in a short-sleeved shirt with tattoos on his arms. His face couldn't see clearer due to his cap.Maya glanced at him discreetly, thinking, "This person doesn't seem friendly. I should get out of here quickly."She got up and moved away from the spot. Just as her feet took a step, her mouth and nose were suddenly covered by a hand
"Stelio, why are you here?" Samuel was surprised to see his son enter his office. "Did Assistant Jung bring you here?""Dad, please give me the key to that room."Samuel sighed. "Stelio, we've talked about this, right? You have to be firm. If you want your relationship with Maya to get better, you have to, Stelio, why did you come here? Do you need to let this punishment happen?""Papa, I know, but something bad might happen. I tried calling her, but there was no sound from that room. Papa, isn't it cold in there? And Mom just recovered. What if something bad happens again?""Stelio, you're overthinking it. Go back home now. Don't you have a class with your painting tutor?""I don't want to attend any classes. If you don't open the door, I'll stay in front of it no matter how long it takes, and I won't eat or drink either."Samuel rubbed his temple. "Stelio, can't you respect Papa's decision? I'm doing this for you.""No! Papa always says that, but in reality, it's for his own selfish
"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