She thought, 'What should we do about the brand endorsement? Should we continue?'Gale could not possibly tolerate a female celebrity who had an unclear relationship with her husband."Gale, what's wrong? You look terrible. Are you sick?" Peach asked with concern. She shook her head. "Nothing."Gale touched her face. One's emotions could not be hidden. No matter how much she tried to appear calm, her inner turmoil and disappointment showed.Plus, she might be pregnant.Gale glanced at her stomach. "Peach, have you ever experienced a significant delay in your menstrual cycle?" she asked."Yeah, isn't that normal? When I rush to finish designs at the end of the year, with the stress and hair loss, there are times when it does not come up. It's all very normal.""What's the longest delay you've had?" Peach tilted her head in thought. "About two months, I guess. I was planning to go to the hospital for a checkup over the weekend and take some pills, but it arrived on Friday. Gale,
She recalled that she had too much to drink yesterday and had dragged Joe to her apartment and chatted all night. She then fell asleep until her alarm rang her up for work.Summer usually does not remember what she said or did if she drank, but this morning, she remembered every detail of her conversation with Gale, her discussion with Shawn, and what happened with Joe. It was all etched vividly in her memory."Mr. Winter," Peach greeted.Joe nodded, then looked at Summer. "Feeling okay?""What's wrong? I'm fine," Summer replied."No dizziness or headache now? Were you not about to explode last night? You should have taken a day off today. Why are you here earlier than me?" Joe asked."You're the boss. I'm an employee. How can we compare? I have to work," Summer replied."I'll allow you to take a day off. Paid leave," Joe said."Tch."Normally, when Joe said something like this, she would just go along with it. Could not miss an opportunity for a day off, right? However, Summe
"Oh, no, you're the big boss, the major shareholder. How could I possibly manage you?" Joe quickly said, "Please, go ahead. Do you need me to arrange a driver for you?""No need."Gale refused him coldly."Over time, couples must turn into copies of each other. Gale's even picked up a bit of Shawn's cold ruthlessness. Tsk tsk, she used to be such a gentle and quiet woman!" Joe mused to himself.Peach replied, "Mr. Wood has also picked up some of Gale's gentleness. Before, he always had a grim face, but lately, he's been smiling more.""You're smooth."Peach stuck out his tongue.Gale walked out of the Wood Group.She headed straight for the cafe across the street. Ivy was waiting for her there.While in the restroom, Gale received a call from Ivy. Ivy invited her to the cafe to talk. Gale knew what it was about without even having to think.Alright, Gale agreed.After hearing Shawn's version of the story, she wanted to hear what Ivy had to say.Was it that she had misjudged
Gale hesitated for a moment, then asked, "That's it? Just for this?" Her question left Ivy momentarily stunned. After a few seconds, Ivy tentatively inquired, "I do not have anything else. Gale, do you have something else on your mind?"Gale withdrew her gaze, lowering her eyes, her mind filled with doubts. Ivy's reaction seemed like she did not know about the stack of photos. As one of the involved parties, how could she not know? Did Shawn not tell her? Or did the photos not reach her? What was going on?The atmosphere fell into silence and quietness all of a sudden. Gale did not know how to speak. She wanted to ask Ivy why she was wearing Shawn's jacket. Why was she falling into Shawn's arms? It made her seem like an aggressive wife confronting the mistress.This was not the person Gale wanted to be. She absolutely would not allow herself to become that pitiful woman. If one day, Shawn really cheated on her, she would just leave without looking back, divorcing in a dignified ma
Upon hearing this, Gale vaguely understood what happened. She asked Ivy, "You mean everyone at the dinner party was trying to set you up with Shawn?""I was seated next to him. The agency instructed me to wear a tight-fitting dress, which revealed my waist and shoulders. They even had me propose a toast during the dinner," Ivy replied."What about the contract?""Mr. Wood brought it up. He said that they have chosen me to represent the brand and that the endorsement would be a lifelong contract. He requested that my agency's contract be transferred to Wood Group as well," Ivy answered.Gale could not help but admire silently in her heart. Shawn had done it well; the approach was brilliant. She thought Shawn would discuss the penalty fee, lower the amount, or propose a mutual benefit exchange, promising the agency would receive a substantial project, far outweighing Ivy's penalty.Unexpectedly, he did not spend a single penny, only using his status and fame to force the agency
Ivy gazed at her with a steely look."No woman could stay calm in such a situation. Gale, Mr. Wood was just too charismatic. Even I, a woman with principles and boundaries, found myself having thoughts I shouldn't have.""Mr. Wood is the epitome of the perfect man by all feminine standards. Any woman who has been around him would inevitably feel a flutter in her heart. I thought I would be the exception, but I guess I overestimated myself."Gale listened quietly.Ivy chuckled self-deprecatingly. "I didn't sleep a wink that night. I tossed and turned, thinking that even though I knew Mr. Wood was a married man, I still wanted to be close to him and have him. It's truly shameless.""I managed to suppress that thought. When Mr. Wood left, I regained my composure. However, I still feel ashamed of myself for having such thoughts.""I'm sorry, Gale. I shouldn't have said these things, but after much consideration, I felt I needed to tell you. I would like to avoid unnecessary misunders
"Fortunately, last night's dinner was somewhat spontaneous. If paparazzi had gotten wind of my schedule beforehand and camped out in some corner of the hotel, catching Shawn and me alone, who knows what more they would have fabricated," Ivy said.Gale suddenly looked up at her. "You're saying there were no paparazzi last night?""Yes, my agency and I are very experienced in avoiding paparazzi. According to the original schedule, I was supposed to attend an interview with a fashion magazine, but I postponed it at the last minute to join Mr. Wood's dinner. So, they should have been staking out at the magazine's office."If that were true, then where did those paparazzi who took the photos last night come from?"How many people knew about your change of plans?" Gale asked."Only the driver and my assistant," Ivy replied.That was strange.Where did the paparazzi come from then?The photos were definitely taken and sent to the PR department.She saw it with her own eyes.Accordin
Ivy's eyes were filled with envy. When would she meet her destined one?Back at the Wood Group, Gale's mood noticeably improved. It was all just a misunderstanding. Whatever transpired between Shawn and Ivy was innocent; it was just exploited by someone with ulterior motives. But who could it be? Were they targeting Shawn or Ivy? It seemed more likely aimed at Shawn, since Ivy had not even received the photos. Threaten Shawn? Who would dare, and for what reason?As she was lost in thought, the elevator doors opened. Gale was about to step in when suddenly she felt a firm grip around her waist, pulling her away from the elevator toward another private one nearby.Once the door closed, shutting out all outside noise and sight, Gale looked up to see who it was and could not help but stomp her foot in frustration. "Shawn! You scared the life out of me!" She had thought it was some villain attempting to abduct her and was about to scream."Where have you been? I've been searching everyw
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