Her voice became softer and softer, but her expression grew more excited.Shawn gently touched her long hair, accompanied by his thoughtful words. "Gale, your intentions are good. However, everyone has their own journey. Some bitterness must be tasted to be understood, and some detours must be taken to reach the destination."In life, whether in relationships or careers, there are no shortcuts. The destination one wants to reach requires one's own effort and exploration.Shawn and Gale had completely opposite views. However, their thoughts did not clash; instead, they respectfully heard each other out and understood each other.As the night deepened, Shawn's magnetic voice had a soothing effect on her. No matter what he said, Gale felt inclined to nod in agreement."You make sense, but I still want to try to help them avoid as many detours and pitfalls as possible, to find happiness a little earlier and a little easier.""Right, so we can offer advice and suggestions, but we can'
The morning sun rose, casting its radiance on the ground with a refreshing breeze blowing. Autumn had arrived, and there was still a hint of chill in the air. The servants were sweeping the fallen leaves, the gardeners were tending to the flower beds, and the kitchen was preparing breakfast. Everything was in order as usual.Suddenly, a car sped in. Then another car arrived, followed by yet another. Three cars in total, all parked neatly at the entrance of Temperley Hall. The housekeeper was taken aback. Who could be arriving like this? What was going on?Not until he saw who got out of the three cars did the housekeeper, with no time to think, hurriedly greet them!"Mr. Wood, Mr. Warm, Ms. Yarn, welcome, please come in, what a surprise to have all three of you here all of a sudden!" The housekeeper greeted them with a smile, politely addressing them.He thought these three elders had planned to come together.Lucas looked at Peter. "Hey, why did you come so early today?"He then
However, before she fell back to sleep, she heard the sound of Shawn's slippers shuffling on the carpet as he walked toward the door.Shawn opened the door. "What's the matter?""Mr. Wood, Lucas, Peter, and Mary are all here, having tea in the living room," the housekeeper reported."What? All three of them are here?""Yes, so I hurried to inform you both as well."The housekeeper dared not look into the master bedroom, only hoping that Gale was already awake and had gone downstairs to check.Shawn asked, "Did they come together or separately?""Uh... they came at the same time, but each in their own car. I'm not very sure about the details. They look quite normal though," the housekeeper said.That puzzled Shawn a bit. What could have prompted the elders to come so early in the morning and without any notice?"I see. I'll go down immediately."He was about to turn around when he heard Gale's voice behind him. "What? Mom and Dad are here? Grandfather too?"Gale had already g
Ah, women are always kept in the dark. She felt her heart ache for Gale.Mary glanced at Shawn beside her with scrutiny and disapproval.Shawn, being who he was, immediately noticed. What had he done? What mistake had he made to incur his mother-in-law's disapproval?"Mom, what's wrong?" Gale also found it strange. "You're acting as if I'm pitiful and suffered greatly."Every time Mom saw her, it was all warmth and smiles. Today, she sighed as soon as she arrived.Mary smiled, a bit forced. "Nothing. Just missed you and the two kids, so came over early. Sorry to disturb you and Mr. Wood, all three of us came before you were even up.""If you wanted to see Joshua and Nicole, why didn't you call me? I could have brought them over tonight for dinner. It's such a simple thing.""It's fine, you're busy, so I thought I'd make a quick and convenient trip."After saying this, Mary glanced at Shawn again. This time, her disapproval was even more apparent."Mom, Joshua and Nicole haven'
"You!" Lucas raised his cane. "Do you want me to spell it out, expose you, and give you no respect?""Grandpa, just say it outright, I can't guess.""Fine, I'll oblige you!"With that, Lucas pulled out the photos and slammed them on the table. The photos were scattered all around the table."Take a good look at them yourself, what is this?" Lucas pointed at the photos. "How could you be caught in such compromising photos? If Gale finds out, will there ever be peace in this family again?"They were left at my doorstep. It's a warning! Once they circulate, the reputation of our Wood family will be greatly affected. Have you thought about that?"The more he spoke, the angrier Lucas became."She's the one you wanted to marry. You sacrificed for her, remained celibate for four years, and decided never to marry for her sake, disregarding whether the Wood family could continue its lineage. Yet, this is how you treat her in the end?"Shawn, are you out of your mind?""You've been livi
All the elders came to Temperley Hall. Could it be that they all received the photos? The person behind this, seeing that the photos did not succeed in causing discord between him and Gale, was unwilling to give up. They just want to use these photos to disrupt the peace of the Wood family.Shawn originally thought that Gale trusted him and that he would not meet Ivy alone again after explaining the situation with the photos. He thought that was the end of it, but there was more to come."Explanations? Understanding?" Lucas could not quite grasp it. "You didn't cheat? You didn't have any dealings with this woman? Are the photos fake?" "No, the photos are real." Lucas became even more confused. Shawn explained, "The photos are real, but it's not the whole story. They were intentionally taken by paparazzi to create an intimate atmosphere. The woman in the photos is Ivy, whom Gale also knows." "So, this is a misunderstanding?" "Yes." Shawn nodded. "A misunderstanding. I've alr
The emotions among this big family can also create rifts and cracks, making everyone uncomfortable."The person who distributed the photos to you probably knew that these photos wouldn't cause any rifts between me and Gale, so they aimed at you guys. Even if it just makes us argue for a while, it's not for nothing," Shawn said casually.At least, it can stir up some trouble. People often could not control themselves when emotions run high and end up saying hurtful things. These words would become thorns in their hearts afterward, disrupting the harmony in the Wood family.Otherwise, the photos, painstakingly taken, would just be in vain. If they wanted to publish the photos online, it would be extremely difficult because the public relations department of the Wood Group is always watching, ready to delete any posts at the slightest hint of trouble. There was simply no way they could spread. If they were posted online, Shawn could easily track down and locate the person who sent the
Mary asked, "I don't know who sent these, and I don't know what's going on. But when I saw these photos, Gale, the first thing that came to my mind was you. What are you going to do?"Could Gale inherit her tragedy? Matthew betrayed their marriage and family. She was kept in the dark, only realizing now that the best years of her life had slipped away. This was Mary's lifelong pain and regret. If she had seen Matthew's true colors earlier, she would have divorced him without hesitation! So, when she received the photos, Mary could not wait to let Gale know about this. A woman must be informed! She cannot live in ignorance."Gale, I understand how you must have felt when you saw these photos. You must be very upset, but you have to face it, don't be afraid, don't be timid. I am always by your side, supporting you," Mary said.Gale flipped through the photos. Although she had seen them before, looking at them again made her feel uncomfortable. She collected the photos and threw them d
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