"Mr. Wood, based on the timeline of events, the testimonies, and the timing, I don't think..." Fiona paused. "Aurum didn't have the time to act. Our bodyguards found the hotel very quickly. We made such a commotion. Aurum couldn't have not heard it."After speaking, Fiona glanced at Shawn. She wondered if this answer satisfied Mr. Wood. Anyway, it was also truly what she believed.For Mr. Wood, his wife was his life, his love, and his sanctuary. She was sacred. Whoever messed with her would face death. Moreover, after Mr. Wood married, his temperament slowly changed. His wife treated the staff well, as she was a gentle and kind-hearted person. Good deeds should befall good people. They thought the couple would live happily ever after, never expecting such a monstrosity to occur. What's more, something that Aurum planned.Shawn remained silent throughout. Eventually, he just waved his hand, signaling for Fiona to leave. Fiona nodded. She knew Mr. Wood needed some time alone. Anything
"I'll stay with you for a while longer. I won't work. I'll come to the bedroom," Shawn said."Work...""Work isn't important, you are."Shawn bent down, lifting Gale, and carried her back to the master bedroom. He held her foot, reminding her, "You can't run around barefoot like this anymore. What if something cuts your foot? What if you catch a cold?"She had slippers right beside the bed, but she did not wear them. "I just couldn't wait to find you," Gale answered softly, but her fragile voice melted his heart."Silly Gale."Shawn lay down with her on the bed, accompanying her for a while longer. With him there, she felt safe. As they lay together, Shawn fell asleep first. He had not slept all night and had stayed up in the study. He was exhausted. Plus, with his beloved woman in his arms, he quickly relaxed.Feeling Shawn's breath gradually calming, Gale raised her head, watching him sleep.There was a hint of stubble on his chin; he had not had time to shave. It was a bit
"Who is it?""Mr. Lefting."Gale trembled. How did he end up here? The last person she wanted to see right now was him."Ma'am, do you wish to see him?" The servant, observing her expression, asked, "Should I decline, saying you're not at home?""I'm standing in the garden. He can see me."Gale sighed. She did not know why Aurum had come to see her. She did not need his apology. It would not change things. Aurum stood outside, silently watching Gale's silhouette. Just looking at her from a distance made him feel she was exquisite. The image of her sleeping next to him involuntarily surfaced in his mind. Gale exuded a faint fragrance, not from perfume. It was her natural scent that was intoxicatingly alluring. Her skin was fair and delicate. Aurum thought if Mr. Wood's bodyguards had arrived five minutes later, he would have truly been able to feel her insides. He had dreamt of tasting her. It did not matter. Everyone believed he had already had Gale, including Gale herself! On
Shawn never mentioned it to her, perhaps fearing it would upset her."A waiter? How could someone so insignificant do so much?" Gale asked.Just thinking about it made it seem unlikely. To be able to drug the tea, knock out Paul, and transfer four of them to a small hotel couldn't be done without careful planning and flawless execution. One small misstep and the whole thing would be exposed! Aurum's eyes flickered. He knew Gale would not believe it, and Shawn would not either. However, he could only get the waiter to be the scapegoat. He had already destroyed all other clues. No matter how hard Shawn looked, all clues would point to the waiter, and Aurum would be off the hook."I'm not sure about the specifics, but the waiter confessed..." Aurum replied.Gale asserted firmly, "No, it can't be the waiter. There must be someone behind him! There must be! Last time, Shawn and Ivy..."She was about to mention the intimate photos taken by the paparazzi but suddenly stopped herself in
The only solution would only be to prove that she and Aurum had not slept together. Only then could she feel a sense of resolution. Otherwise, the matter would remain pressing on her heart."I feel personally responsible for what happened. Gale, actually, I came to talk to you..."After a long pause, Aurum finally said, "Goodbye."Gale was shocked and met his gaze. "Goodbye?" What did he mean? Where was Aurum going? Was he leaving Sea City? Why?"Yes. I'm leaving, Gale." Aurum smiled faintly."To where? On a business trip?""No, permanently leaving Sea City."Gale guessed why Aurum was leaving. Sure enough, she heard Aurum say, "Since waking up last night, I've been thinking about what I can do to minimize the impact of this matter and to not affect your relationship with Shawn and your life together with him."Gale, you and Shawn have been married for many years, you have children together. You can't ruin it all because of this. Joshua has just been reclaimed by the Wood fam
"Well, you weren't sleeping by my side and sneaked away." Shawn tightened his grip on her. "Without you by my side, I can't sleep either."He could only sleep if he smelled her familiar scent and had her petite frame in his arms. He needed to be reassured to drift into slumber. He woke up only to find Gale was not there, leaving him grasping at air.At that moment, Shawn's heart sank. Where did she go? Did she quietly slip away?Shawn lowered his head to her ear and whispered, "Galey, I've told you don't leave me without a word. I'm afraid you'll disappear without a trace, like four years ago."Plus, considering what had just happened, Shawn was constantly in a state of worry and vigilance.Luckily, he saw her silhouette by the door. Shawn finally settled completely. She was still within his sight."I... just came out for a walk to soak up some sun. I didn't expect Aurum to show up, so I chatted with him for a bit," Gale said."Yeah, I heard." Shawn raised his eyes, looking at A
Shawn had bluntly cut off Aurum's plans. Aurum's face twitched, but he still tried to maintain his composure. After a while, Aurum said, "Will my departure really turn the page on this matter? If it can, then I'm willing.""I can't guarantee that. But if you stay in Sea City, it's definitely not possible for us to forget the matter." "Alright, I... will leave," Aurum responded.It had come to this point, so dragging it out any longer would seem suspicious to Gale. He would agree first, then see how things went. Gale probably would not agree to his departure. Aurum was betting that she would soften and ask him to stay."Okay! When?""I..." Aurum could not answer."Shawn, aren't you basically kicking him out? Please stop." Gale finally could not bear it.She tugged at his sleeve forcefully.He replied slowly, "He hasn't left yet, Gale."If Aurum really left, that would be another matter. Right now, it was just talk.However, she did not get what he meant.She explained, "I'm
Aurum thought Shawn was really open-minded; he could forgive Gale. However, was Shawn deliberately acting like he did not care, or does he believe that he had never touched Gale in the first place? Just as he was thinking, a sharp gaze swept to him. Shawn clearly saw the mockery and jealousy in Aurum's eyes. A person could fake expressions, but their eyes would not lie."Aurum, I think your proposal is excellent," Shawn smiled. "I'm pleased that you've realized this issue and took the initiative to bring it up. I agree with you leaving Sea City." Aurum could not directly refute this because Gale was there. He had to play along, maintaining his gentleman image! Therefore, Aurum carefully considered his words."Mr. Wood, you're being too kind. You're letting me go so easily," he replied. "You wanted to leave yourself; I'm just going along with your wishes, offering a bit of help.""Then I must thank Mr. Wood."Shawn's smile deepens. "When are you leaving? What time? Gale and I