"Give me an answer soon," Shawn demanded.Although Gale did not think much of the red wine, nor did she feel there was anything wrong, Shawn keenly sensed something was off. Given Gale's physical condition last night, she should have been very tired. Yet, she could not sleep. The wine seemed suspicious. Shawn needed to investigate. Hopefully, it was nothing more.Fiona nodded. "Alright. Also, Ivy's agency wants to meet with you. When would be convenient for you?""I don't want to go, arrange for someone else to handle it.""What if Ivy wants to see you?""Still no."Shawn had done what he could to help; if the agency was willing to transfer Ivy's contract, that was enough. He did not need to get involved anymore and did not want any more private dealings with Ivy. He learned enough from his last encounter with her. The stack of photos was more than enough to keep him away."Yes, Mr. Wood, I'll reject them. Anything else?" Fiona noted down."That's all."Shawn waved his hand an
Ivy stumbled, completely losing control and falling sideways. However, she did not fall to the ground, but the arms of a stranger. The person held her, stepping back several steps before finally managing to stabilize themselves. Once he regained his balance, Ivy heard him ask, "Are you alright?"She looked up at him. She saw a handsome man dressed in a suit, with refined manners, his eyes filled with worry and care, his features gentle. Even though Ivy had seen countless male celebrities in the entertainment industry, all sorts of handsome guys she had collaborated with, the moment she saw this man, she could not help but sigh inwardly. He looked like a proper gentleman.This kind of demeanor could not be cultivated in just a day or two. It was the aura of a rich, refined young man who had grown up in a life of luxury."I... I'm fine. Thanks to you." Ivy shook her head.She had actually been staring at this man the whole time, losing her senses. Now that she snapped out of it, Ivy
They stood there looking like quite a compatible pair.Although their hands only briefly clasped for a few seconds, there was an inexplicable intimacy. "You two don't know each other, so how come you're standing here together? I even saw you talking!" Aurum replied, "Ms. Ivy had a little trouble, and I happened to be nearby, so I gave her a hand." Ivy nodded. "That's right, thanks to Mr. Lefting, otherwise I wouldn't have been able to shoot my advertisement today." Gale could not help but laugh. "This is called fate. Destiny! People destined to meet will always come together!" Gale said.Ivy glanced at Aurum and then looked away. "I'll take my leave." She put on her sunglasses. "I have another shot to catch. Gale, bye, see you when I have some free time." "Okay, bye." Watching Ivy get into the car, Gale casually asked, "She looks even better in person than on TV, right?" "Yes, she's very beautiful." "Right, right, you think so too! She's truly beautiful and elegant,
Gale quickly concealed her excitement. Aurum had actually offered to send Ivy. Goodness! What did this mean? A man offering to escort a woman could only imply one thing: he was interested in her. Ivy was also taken aback. "Mr. Lefting, you'd send me?" "Yes," Aurum confirmed. Ivy hesitated, unsure if she should accept. Gale was practically bursting with eagerness. She was itching to agree on Ivy's behalf. Fortunately, after some thought, Ivy nodded. "If Mr. Lefting doesn't mind the trouble, I'd appreciate it." "No problem, it's conveniently on my way. I'm heading to a film and television production company to meet with a director," Aurum said."A director?" "Yes, the company is preparing to invest in a film or TV series, so I need to negotiate."When Gale heard this, she thought it was fate at work again. She immediately suggested, "Have you cast the lead role yet? Why not consider Ivy for it?" Aurum chuckled. "Ivy's company and mine have some business dealings. If it's suit
Affection would come with time!"Is Aurum getting involved in the film and television industry? Are you sure?" Shawn asked."He just said it himself. The director has already been confirmed. We're just waiting for the script to be polished and the lead actor to be confirmed; then this project can go ahead!" Shawn furrowed his brows slightly. Lefting Group's business had never included film and television. Why did Aurum want to do a project in the film and television industry? Especially now, when Gale and Ivy have only just met recently. Was it a coincidence or a careful plan?This reminded Shawn of those photos. For someone to instruct the paparazzi to stake out and even dare to send him the photos and still be undiscovered, this person must be powerful and familiar with him. This person was likely Aurum! However, that was only Shawn's suspicion. He lacked compelling evidence!"Shawn, Shawn?" Gale waved her hand in front of his eyes. "What are you thinking about? Why are you spa
"I'm an amateur, the director is a professional. The success of a film or TV production isn't achieved by me throwing money around and giving orders. That's art, something I don't understand. My role is investments only, so it's better not to interfere too much with the director's creative process," Aurum replied.Ivy nodded, her admiration evident in her eyes. "The director would also be pleased to have an investor like you." "It's mutual. He wants art, I want profit. He's the director, I'm the businessman." With that, Aurum turned to her, a slight smirk playing at his lips. "Ivy, are you hoping I'll use my so-called power as an investor to directly cast you as the female lead?" Ivy shook her head repeatedly. "That's not what I meant... you misunderstand. I..."Before she could finish, Aurum interrupted, "Actually, I hope you'll allow me to use that power to cast you." Her heart skipped a beat. The implications of his words were profound. Ivy was prone to overthinking, but she
Although Ivy did not turn back, she felt his gaze on her back. It was not until she entered the gate that it went away. Meanwhile, Aurum's car slowly drove away. He actually watched her safely enter the studio before leaving. He was indeed considerate and thoughtful. Was this attention to detail just part of his character, or did he genuinely like her? Could it be love at first sight? When Aurum rescued her from the skateboarder, she had no idea about his identity. She did not know that the man before her was the CEO of the Lefting Group, a film investor, and that he had the archetype of a sugar daddy numerous female stars would fall over themselves for.Ivy still remembered her first impression of Aurum, a classy and refined gentleman. At that time, Ivy did not know that Aurum had orchestrated the whole encounter. She was Aurum's prey! At night, at Temperley Hall's study, the phone rang. "Hello?" Shawn answered the phone. Fiona's voice came through. "Mr. Wood, I have some fin
If there was not enough evidence, confronting Aurum would give him a chance to argue and make his future actions more cautious, making it harder to gather evidence. Moreover, Gale trusted Aurum enough. After all, for her, Aurum, who had helped for so many years, was selflessly devoted without asking for anything in return and was still her childhood friend. How could he possibly do anything to harm her or betray her trust?It would be hard to make his case. Shawn suspected the photos were also orchestrated by Aurum. He decided to practice caution. Shawn got up and walked out. At this moment, there was a knock on the study door. "Mr. Wood." "What's the matter?" "Summer is here. She's downstairs with Gale and the kids," the housekeeper reported.It was quite normal for Summer to be here. She was the godmother of the two children and also Gale's best friend. He can tolerate her as long as Summer does not badmouth him in front of Gale. After all, he would have to deal with Summer
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