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
Whenever he faced her, he would suppress all his hostility and temperament, revealing only his tenderness and thoughtfulness. He looked quite intimidating now.Gale swallowed hard. "When Joshua was held hostage, I told you you were his father. You didn't believe me. You thought it was a plot to trick Natalie into exchanging hostages.""I didn't have time to explain. I didn't expect you to not believe me. There was no brilliant scheme, just plain facts," she continued.She glanced at Shawn. He remained silent, his Adam's apple moving up and down."Now, you should believe me, right? Joshua is really your son. He's Nicole's older brother, born a few minutes earlier," mumbled Gale."Back then, I was carrying twins, Joshua and Nicole."Shawn looked at her. As they made eye contact, Gale could not help but shiver. His incredibly sharp gaze made her feel uneasy no matter how many times she saw it. His aura was too powerful."So... you're Molly. Is that right?" Shawn's eyes deepened.
The two of them turned around simultaneously. They felt fleeing was the best option since Summer also knew Joshua's identity long ago. The whole world knew, except for Shawn.Moreover, when Natalie revealed Joshua's identity, she directly told Shawn, but he still did not believe it. It could only prove that Gale concealed Joshua's identity too well. So well that even if Gale said it out loud, Shawn instinctively felt it was false!"Stop. Don't even think about running away," Shawn said. Joe and Summer's steps came to an abrupt halt."We're just causing too much trouble here. Shawn, we'll come back later..." Joe began, but Shawn interrupted, "When did you find out?"Okay. There was no escaping this. Joe turned around, looking at Gale. Gale shrugged. Shawn could not be mad at her alone! No one should think about running away! Let them all face Shawn's wrath together!"Well, you see, I wanted to tell you, but as an outsider, I don't have the right to tell you that Joshua is actua
"I was the first one to know. When you went to look for Molly, I found out that Joshua is Gale's son," Joe answered.Shawn narrowed his eyes, "You knew back then?"At that time, he did not even know if Galey was still alive, let alone he had a child! He was just looking for Molly.Joe nodded. "To be more precise, it was the day you had Joshua locked in the hotel room, using all sorts of threats and inducements to make him reveal Molly's whereabouts..."Shawn's expression became increasingly unpleasant."At that time, Molly... oh yes, Gale, Gale knew you took her son away, so she came to the hotel to look for her son. Coincidentally, I saw her the moment I opened the door.""I was shocked at the time and my mind was in chaos, so I didn't tell you..."Shawn certainly would not believe Joe's lies!Shawn coldly snorted. "I remember now.""It was your wife who wanted me to keep it a secret. I'm stuck in the middle, torn between two sides. It's not easy for me either, Shawn!""You
He was already in trouble, regardless if he said anything.Joe said, "I will admit everything. I also knew that four years ago, Gale didn't die when she jumped into the sea."Shawn's expression could no longer be described as unpleasant; it was carnivorous! He wished he could devour Joe alive."Four years ago, you instructed me to investigate why there was suddenly frequent communication between Aurum and Gale, whether they were planning something."Shawn nodded. "I didn't trust others, so I specifically instructed you to investigate. You kept saying you couldn't find anything, but actually... you found out that Aurum helped plan Gale's fake death by jumping into the sea, yet chose to hide it from me."Joe remained silent, confirming it.Shawn, smart and quick-witted, connected the dots effortlessly. He had figured it all out. Shawn's expression turned into a deep, oppressive cloud in the hospital room.He suddenly smiled. "Joe, what you've done crossed my boundaries and broke m
He reminded her they got together because of the bet.Shawn also knew about that. She had to remove herself from the equation to avoid getting implicated by Shawn. Shawn's gaze moved back and forth between them. After a while, he calmly said, "Joe.""Yes, Mr. Wood! Whatever you order!""In appreciation for your wholehearted efforts in keeping secrets for my wife, I want to express my gratitude."Joe immediately thought it was bad. Gratitude? After so many years of working together, he still had no idea what was going on in Shawn's mind!"No, no, it's deserved... No, I was forced… " Joe kept glancing at Gale, signaling desperately with his eyes.Gale helplessly replied, "I'm struggling to survive myself. I can't plead for you."Shawn was settling scores with Joe. After going home, he was going to settle scores with her! No one else could see the miserable state she was in or her pitiful appearance! It was unimaginable!Shawn smiled slightly. "I meant to thank you. Why are yo
Summer shivered, brushing off the goosebumps on her body. "Who's your baby?""Sigh, are you always so indifferent? You won't even pretend to miss me a little bit?""Go then! You said it yourself. Finally, I can have peace of mind!" Summer gloated, ecstatic.She was free too! She did not need to be his darn girlfriend! She was single, happy, and a person who could enjoy her life without any restrictions! Just thinking about it made her happy!Wow! Shawn exiling Joe to Samutus was just brilliant! She would have to thank Shawn properly for that!"Are you sure?" Shawn raised an eyebrow. "Summer, do you think you can escape?""Huh?" What did he mean? What was wrong with her?"Mr. Wood, I didn't betray you, deceive you, or hide anything like Joe. I am reasonably keeping a secret from you!" Summer hurriedly explained."Yes, I know." She breathed a sigh of relief. "That's good then." Shawn's smile deepened."So, I appoint you as Joe's deputy. You will accompany him to Samutus."Sum
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