Heather was annoyed at the thought of it! She had never done this kind of work before! When she was young, she was fair-skinned, beautiful, and had long legs, which Matthew lusted after. He swiped his card for her and bought her everything she wanted. She lived alone in a high-end apartment by the river with a housekeeper and a maid, living a carefree life. Now, she finally experienced what hardship meant."It's hard for you. Heather, it's my fault. Now, you're the only one by my side... You may complain a lot, but you haven't left me, and I'm already content," Matthew said.Heather remained silent. She was impatient, thinking that Matthew had long been displeased with her, but she never expected him to have such thoughts.Gale chuckled. "How do you know she'll stay with you and not leave? Perhaps Heather has been scheming to get one last big score from you and then run away!""Leaving would be the right thing, it would be in line with human nature. She and I were originally immora
"Gale, I have only these two requests. I don't expect anything more. This shouldn't be difficult for you, right? Your hatred for me should gradually disappear with my death..." Gale looked at him."Why do you have to be so pessimistic when your surgery isn't that dangerous?" she asked."Because life is full of surprises, and no one knows what will happen in the next second. I need to take care of my affairs properly to avoid regrets and die without any worries," Matthew replied. "If you insist on thinking that way, there's nothing I can do."Matthew sighed. "Gale, I feel that I'm better off dead. I'm of no use anymore, only being despised by all of you. I would rather the surgery not go smoothly. That way, I can leave, resolve the grudge between you and your mother, and end everything here."If he really died, Gale would definitely fulfill the two tasks he had mentioned. If he survived, that would be more complicated, especially when it came to letting Heather go.Gale replied
"Then I'll leave on my own. Let her be."Gale smiled as she looked at Heather and said, "Look at Matthew, once a powerful man, now fallen from grace, but he still thinks of you at every turn. If he dies, he'll make sure to leave you a sum of money to guarantee your retirement. If he lives, he'll take you wherever he goes. He truly loves you!"Although Matthew had seen through Heather's true nature and found out that she only cared about his power and wealth, he still took care of her in various ways. If this isn't true love, then what is it? If Matthew was not her father, if he had not betrayed his marriage, hurting Mary in the process, Gale might even have respected him!How rare it was! In this modern society, who would think so much for another person? Heather also did not expect Matthew to be so considerate of her. She had always treated Matthew as her cash cow and her protector. So, when she was young, she used all kinds of means to capture his heart, submissively stayed with
Matthew, who has been enjoying a luxurious life for so many years, was suddenly brought back to reality.Matthew sighed. "I also want to see her, and I want to apologize to her. After all, we have been married for so many years. I let her down. I haven't been a good husband.""Just be a good lover to your new woman. My mom doesn't need your apology. She's better off without you!""Yes, I hope she gets better. Actually, I don't have the courage to see her. She probably doesn't want to see me either. But..."Matthew hesitated for a few seconds, but Gale had already walked out of the hospital room."Gale! Gale! I feel like your mom wants to see Natalie! She raised her as her own daughter single-handedly. Can she bear never seeing her again in this lifetime?" he shouted loudly.Gale pretended not to hear, continuing to walk forward.Matthew kept shouting from behind.She walked faster and faster until she could not hear him.Would Mary want to see Natalie?Maybe she did. She had
Matthew looked at her and suddenly smiled."Heather, for as long as we've been with each other, we have always understood each other. Even though we're not exactly good people, we know each other better than anyone else."Matthew understood Heather's calculating nature, and Heather also understood Matthew's male chauvinistic nature.People like Mary, who come from privileged backgrounds, have never worried about money and always could uphold their principles. They did not understand the struggles of people like them who have climbed the social ladder from the bottom up and who would do anything for a little profit.As long as they could have a better life, they would do whatever it takes!Heather walked to the dispensary. Before she left, she said, "Hang in there, Matthew. We've been together for so many years, and I still want to stay by your side. I might not be able to find someone new who can be as good to me as you. Besides, I'm not getting any younger.""Alright, I'll wait
"This is her on her first day in kindergarten for the first time, carrying a backpack, dressed in her school uniform..."Mary watched with delight, her eyes filled with affection. "Nicole is really beautiful. She takes after you!"That was her granddaughter.Previously, Mary had no idea when she would become a grandmother and would not even dare to dream about it. Now, all of a sudden, she had a five year old granddaughter! She was a sight to behold, cute, well-behaved, and bright as a button. However, as Mary continued looking at the photos, she noticed something was amiss.She pointed to one of the photos. "Wait a minute, Gale. Who is this little boy next to Nicole? Why is he in so many of Nicole's photos, and why do you have so many individual pictures of him?""Mom, he's your... grandson."Mary was dumbfounded, her finger frozen on the phone screen.Having a granddaughter was already a pleasant surprise, but she had a grandson too? It was a joyous occasion that one would n
In the past, she had been very careful not to let the secret slip. However, Gale paid no heed to what others thought. Her main concern was how Shawn would react. After all, this man had a quick temper!"Talk to Shawn about it. He'll understand. Considering all that you've been through together, he won't be quick to blame you," Mary suggested."He won't blame me, but..."Indeed, he would likely take advantage of the situation to make various unreasonable demands for compensation. Gale could already envision the challenging life awaiting her. However, there was no point in dwelling on it at the moment."This weekend, I'll bring Nicole over. Joshua will come along as well. This way, you can meet your grandchildren, and they can finally see their grandmother!" Gale said, looking at Mary. Mary could not stop smiling. "That sounds perfect! We still have some time. I'll buy them some gifts.""No need for that, Mom.""I insist. How could I let the two children visit their grandmother a
Gale began, "Mom, you've wanted to see Natalie but felt awkward bringing it up with me, right?""Yes..." However, Mary quickly clarified, "I'm not looking for forgiveness. I simply want to see Natalie and have a chat with her. I raised her myself, and in my heart... I still can't let go of her.""I understand. Don't worry, Mom, I'm not jealous." Gale smiled.Mary finally felt at ease. "As long as you understand.""Let me arrange it; I'll have her come over right now."After all, they were bound to meet sooner or later, so why not now? Plus, Gale was already present.Natalie's fate had been sealed and would not change. She would pay for her mistakes for the rest of her life!Gale made the call, and the person on the other end immediately spoke respectfully upon hearing her voice."Ma'am, are you saying you'd like to see Natalie?""Yes, please bring her over; I'll send you the location.""Of course, please wait."The bodyguard hung up with Gale and promptly dialed Shawn's numb
Summer didn't know, but the more she said that, the more unsettled Gale felt inside. Everyone was telling her that Shawn wasn't that busy, didn't need to work overtime, let alone stay in the office until late at night. So, what was he doing that night? Did he have some secret that she couldn't know?Just as she was pondering this, several exclamations suddenly rang out in the office. "Wow! Look at this!" "Oh my god!" "This is so explosive!" "The hype is skyrocketing!"Several colleagues were glued to their computer screens, their faces full of gossip and excitement. Gale was puzzled and asked, "What's going on? What happened?"Summer immediately picked up her phone. "Let me see... Oh my god!"Gale grew even more curious. What on earth had happened? She hurried over and stared at Summer's phone screen.News stories flashed one after another, relentlessly. Gale quickly caught the most crucial information: "Ivy announced her withdrawal from her latest film, leaving the female
She wondered what Shawn was doing that night, that he came home only at dawn. Where did he go? Was he lying?Just a moment ago, Gale merely felt something was off, but now, she was overwhelmed with a strong sense of panic. Joshua's words about how women flocked to Shawn and how men would not be suddenly busy, suddenly flooded her mind.Even though Gale tried hard to tell herself not to overthink things, that it was impossible, and that Shawn deserved her full trust, she was having a hard time controlling herself!“Gale?" Summer called her several times. “What are you thinking about? You seem so distracted.”“Nothing,” she shook her head. “It’s nothing. I’m getting ready to work on the design. I really can’t delay any further.”She wasn’t in the mood to joke around with Joe and Summer anymore, so she turned and sat down in front of her computer. Her mind was completely blank. What on earth was Shawn doing that night when he came home so late? Clearly, there wasn’t any urgent matter
Summer chuckled, "Look at you, anyone who doesn't know might think I bully you just because my position is higher than yours. Gale, come on, show some authority. I heard from Joe that Shawn has all the shares...""Shh!" Gale quickly covered her mouth. This was a sensitive matter; it wouldn't do to discuss it casually. If someone with ill intentions overheard, it could lead to unnecessary trouble."Okay, okay, I won't say anything," Summer understood her meaning. "Let's talk about work then? Oh great designer, where's your design draft? It was due last week! You've been delaying for quite some time!"Gale looked embarrassed. "I... I haven't finished it yet...""Show me the draft.""I haven't even started the preliminary draft...""What?!" Summer looked shocked. "Gale, how did you become so lax?""There's so much going on, taking care of two children, and Shawn..." Gale's voice trailed off.At this moment, Joe suddenly appeared from nowhere. "Is Shawn clinging to you, or are you
“Sorry, Gale, I'll be more careful next time.” He hugged her, lightly brushing her forehead with his chin.Gale wondered if she was overthinking things. It was just normal work busyness that made Shawn come home a bit late, and she hadn't really minded or dwelled on it. But, it seemed this issue kept resurfacing in her mind.Just as she was thinking, she suddenly felt lighter."Ah..." Gale exclaimed, "Shawn!"He scooped her up horizontally and headed upstairs in large strides. It was another night of intense entanglement. Gale was tired and sleepy. Her eyes were barely open, but just before drifting off to sleep, she managed to say, "I have to go to work tomorrow, on time... no more skipping.""Okay."With Shawn's response, she immediately fell into a deep sleep.She left everything else to him… She was going to fall apart! She didn't know what was going on with Shawn, these past two nights have been endless. Before, he might ask for too much, but he would care about her physica
The trip back home was serene and filled with warmth for Gale. Shawn in contrast, felt tumultuous. By the time they arrived home, the two little ones were already fast asleep in the back seat, slumped over in different directions."Just a moment ago they were chattering non-stop, now they're all curled up asleep," Gale chuckled. "No matter how clever they are, they're still just kids."They were her little darlings. She opened the back door and gently lifted Nicole out. For some reason, when she lifted Nicole, she felt a bit unsteady and swayed."Careful," Shawn noticed and reached out, pulling her and their daughter into his embrace.Gale leaned securely against him. "With you here, how could I fall?""No worries, maybe Nicole's just gotten heavier as she's grown. I'm having trouble carrying her now," Gale said."Let me."She tilted her chin. "You take Joshua. I can manage for this short walk, really.""I can handle both," Shawn replied."Yeah, yeah, I know you're strong."S
"Alright, alright," Joshua shrugged and said, "Old man, you do your thing. Actually, I hope you could be a bit busier.""You want me to be busier?""Yeah, just a bit busier than now. Not too much, just a moderate increase," Joshua gestured, "You're always so leisurely, it makes me uneasy, Shawn!"Shawn asked, "What makes you uneasy?""Your business. I'll have to inherit it in the future! If you continue being so idle and not managing the company well, when I take over, I'll be swamped! Shawn, can't you think about your son?"So that was Joshua's concern. He feared Shawn wouldn’t manage the company well and it would burden him in the future.Gale sighed repeatedly, "How did I end up with such... "She couldn't find the right words.Smart?Mischievous?Shawn replied calmly, "Joshua, do you now realize you're my son? I should consider you? Then let me ask you, what do you want to call me?""Daddy."Joshua smoothly said.Both Shawn and Gale were somewhat surprised.He actuall
"Joshua!" Gale turned around to look at him. "What's been going on in that little head of yours day after day?"Joshua replied seriously, "I'm thinking about you, Mommy. Shawn leaves work on time every day, never stays late. Suddenly he's busy until midnight. Don't you think that's a bit strange?"As he said this, Gale felt something wasn't quite right. But she trusted Shawn enough. The company was big, with lots of business, so the occasional unexpected situation was normal. Even if she pushed the thought further, what would Shawn do? Would he be seeing other women? Gale wasn't concerned at all because Shawn wouldn't give any woman a chance! He loved only her and she was confident that she held the only place in his heart."Alright, I think you've been watching too many dramas lately," Gale said. "Joshua, from now on, you need to cut down on your TV drama time!""No! I refuse!""Joshua, your protest is futile!"Joshua was getting frustrated; he really wanted to watch TV.After
Joshua reluctantly said goodbye to Ivy, "Bye-bye, Ivy. I'll come over again when I have time. You can come to my house too! Love you! Mwah mwah!"He kept blowing kisses."Shawn," Gale looked at him, "Does your son know no shame?""I'm starting to suspect he might have a genetic mutation."Both Shawn and Gale were quite reserved by nature, especially in expressing their feelings. They loved subtly and rarely voiced it openly. But Joshua was different. He worked his charm on everyone from the old Lucas down to babies. He could make anyone happy if he wanted to!The car moved along the road.Gale asked, "What do you think about Ivy's condition today?""What do I think?""Yes.""I didn’t observe closely," Shawn replied. "Why?"Gale couldn't help but laugh, "I allow you to look and give your opinion. It's fine. You don’t have to create your distance so strictly.""She's better than last time," Shawn said. "Beyond that, I don’t know."Even if he knew, he couldn't say.Gale reac
Ivy stared at Gale, her eyes bright and clear.“Gale, if I hold the truth in my hands, would you want me to reveal it?”Gale nodded firmly. “Yes!”“Do you want to know the whole truth?”“I do!”Ivy blinked, then suddenly smiled. “Okay, okay, Gale, I know what to do now.”“Can you tell me now?”“Not yet.”“Why?” Gale asked. “Have you been threatened?”She grew tense all of a sudden.Ivy shook her head. “No. It’s just too complicated to explain in a few words. But with your support, I suddenly feel stronger and know what I need to do!”Even if President Wood tried to stop her, she would expose it. She would vent her anger, punish Paul, tear off Aurum’s hypocritical mask, let Gale know Aurum's ugliness... Ivy decided to act on her own. She resolved silently.Smells of food wafted from the kitchen.“Dinner’s ready,” Ivy smiled. “Joshua, Nicole, did you wash your hands?”They replied, “We’re going now!”“I’ll take you.”“No,” Gale stopped her. “They’re big enough to wash the