Shawn pressed the elevator button, and coincidentally, Aurum reached out to press it too. Shawn glanced at Aurum, mocking, "You're indeed just as I imagined, more concerned about Natalie." "Natalie is dead," Aurum said calmly. His tone sounded as if he was discussing the weather. He was well aware that Natalie, falling from such a height, had no chance of survival."She deserved to die. She got off too easily!" Shawn replied."She's already dead." "You were there; I don't need to explain to you what happened. You didn't say a word or lend a hand when it was needed!" Shawn said coldly.Aurum said with a sense of helplessness, "I can't do anything. I can't save Natalie, can't save Joshua. I can't save anyone; I can only watch from the sidelines. I... I'm so useless." He was like a spectator, watching scenes unfold one after another before him. Pearton descended from the sky, altering the outcome. Joshua lost too much blood and passed out. Pearton and Natalie fell together. Gal
The entire scene was eerily quiet, resembling a silent pantomime. In less than a minute, Pearton was rushed to the operating room. Meanwhile, the nurses were about to cover Natalie with a white sheet."No!" Heather rushed forward, throwing herself onto Natalie. "My daughter is not dead. She's not dead; she's just sleeping... Get away! Get away!" She pulled at the white sheet, forcefully tossing it aside. "No one can touch my daughter. I will protect her."Matthew walked slowly over. "Heather...""You too, go away! I don't want to see you!" Heather screamed. She cradled Natalie's head, all bloodied, a terrifying sight.Shawn observed coldly. After a while, he uttered, "God is fair." They both fell from the same height. Natalie died on the spot, but Pearton still had a chance of survival!Shawn would get the best medical resources in the entire city, sparing no effort to save Pearton. As long as there was a glimmer of hope, he would not give up. He wanted Pearton alive, as he was th
"Keep her in one piece. Consider it my request. Consider it a payment for all the favors I've done for her, she doesn't owe me anything anymore," Aurum said.Shawn raised an eyebrow slightly. Could Aurum let go of all the favor that Gale owed him for Natalie's corpse?"Fine. You can handle it however you want. I find her dirty anyway," Shawn agreed nonchalantly.Shawn turned and walked away. Nothing here mattered to him anymore because there was no one left he cared about!Aurum took a deep breath. He slowly walked to Natalie, knelt down, and reached out his hand. Heather pushed him away. "What are you doing! Don't touch her, no one is allowed to touch her!""I just want to close her eyes.""No! If she wants them open, they stay open because she's still alive. If she closes her eyes, she's dead!" Heather said.Heather seemed mentally unstable. The death of Natalie must have been too much for her.Aurum withdrew his hand, "Uncle Matthew, take her to the side."Matthew sighed. "
"Natalie, why do you insist on dying?""Is it so hard to admit your mistakes? Is it so hard to repent? To humble yourself... Is that more unbearable for you than death?"Aurum lowered his eyes, looking at the pool of blood beneath him. Natalie's blood stained his fingers.As the police approached, Aurum said, "Let me handle her body.""Okay, what relation are you to her?""I..."Aurum suddenly paused. Yes, who was he to Natalie? He was merely her former fiance.After a long pause, Aurum finally spoke, "I am entrusted by her parents to take care of her affairs. Her parents couldn't bear the blow and left just now.""Alright, sign here."Aurum nodded, numbly following the procedure. Others avoided looking at Natalie's corpse, reluctant to glance at her lifeless state.Aurum had no such reservations; he even personally wiped the dirt off her face. He saw the various wounds on her arms and chest, new and old.Shawn had his hands behind his back, standing by the window, observing
In fact, Joshua might even feel particularly proud of himself for saving Gale and coming out of it alive. "Understood. How much longer for the surgery?" Shawn nodded."Two hours. The wound on the neck is close to the major artery, it's really precarious."Peter wiped the corner of his eye. "Joshua has suffered so much. He's still so young... I wish she would stab me instead!""Peter, it's now over. There's no need to blame yourself anymore.""I... I'm okay, but Mr. Wood, Mary probably needs help."Mary's wanting to see Natalie led to that series of unfortunate events. Although Natalie's actions were unforeseen, Mary blamed herself, considering herself the culprit for everything that happened.Shawn pursed his lips and said, "I'll go see Gale.""Alright. I'll be here for Joshua. Don't worry. I know you're concerned about Gale," Peter responded.Gale had already been transferred from the emergency room to a standard room.Mary sat by the bed, quietly accompanying her.Hearing
What goes around comes around. Shawn held Gale's hand tightly, continuously placing light kisses on her lips."If only I had known that such a dangerous thing would happen, I would have never left your sight. Gale, I will never let you go," he whispered."Leaving you alone worries me. Look at what happened today.""I don't want to leave you alone, but you're always too strong and independent.""In the future, stand with me. I'll protect you, protect Nicole, and also protect Joshua."After this incident, Shawn accepted Joshua. Although he was mischievous and slick, he always showed up for the moments that mattered most.Shawn felt it would be a good idea if he entrusted Nicole to Joshua.A man who is brave, resourceful, and responsible and who stepped forward at the most dangerous moment is hard to come by!He could entrust his daughter to such a man without any worries. He would not be wronged or let down!The tender fingertips in Shawn's palms suddenly moved lightly."Joshua
Shawn nodded. "Yes, Pearton is still in surgery, and the situation is still uncertain. However, Joshua is out of danger; he just lost too much blood, and the wounds are deep, he just needs more time.""That's great, that's great. I thought Pearton... he...""He's still alive. Natalie is dead, proclaimed dead on the spot.""She brought this upon herself. Why should she try to harm an innocent life? Whether it's Joshua or Pearton, even a stranger on the street, no one should pay for Natalie's madness! Let her die; no one will vouch for her!"Shawn gently patted her head. "Don't get too worked up; you haven't fully recovered yet.""No, I'm fine now."Shawn held her hand, brushing the needle marks on the back of her hand with his fingertip, "They're swollen now because you keep moving around.""It's fine, I still want to go to the operating room."She did not feel at ease.Joshua got hurt because of her, and Pearton got hurt because of her as well!Shawn...Yes! Shawn got hurt t
When they arrived, everything had ended."Fortunately, Joshua is okay. Natalie is really insane. She targeted my goddaughter and my godson. Even if she's buried in the ground, I'll dig her up to beat her up," Summer remarked with a disdainful expression.Shawn narrowed his eyes slightly. "Godson?"Summer nodded. "Um... yeah." Was Joshua's identity not revealed when Natalie held him hostage? Why did Shawn still show a surprised expression?He glanced at Gale. "When did you consider him your godson? Did you get anyone's permission?""I got Joshua's mom's permission!" Shawn inquired further, "Do you know Molly?"Summer was almost choked. "Huh?!" Even Joe looked bewildered. What happened to Shawn? Why did he suddenly turn stupid?"I plan to acknowledge Joshua as my godson. I didn't expect you to beat me to it," Shawn said lightly.Summer and Joe exchanged glances. What was going on?"Well, Shawn, you should have some idea that Joshua is your son, right?" Joe rubbed his nose."I
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