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
Aurum looked at the two of them, and he could guess roughly what Shawn would say. Shawn saw through him completely but was frustrated by the lack of evidence to expose his actions. In the future, Shawn would definitely speak ill of him in front of Gale. Aurum did not care. Let Shawn say what he wanted!Maybe Gale would even think that Shawn still minded what had happened in the motel and wanted to nitpick about her."Gale, I can't give you an exact time right now because there are many things I need to take care of and hand over in Sea City. Once I've settled everything, then I'll leave," Aurum said softly."On that day, I won't come to bid you farewell."I know you don't really want to see me."Gale looked at him. "Are you really leaving? Do you have to leave?"Aurum nodded. "It's the only solution."Gale sighed. "Your departure doesn't change what happened. Besides, why should you leave and resolve everything while I do nothing?""Because I want you to be happy. Gale, you mus
"Why am I not strong enough? If only I were stronger, if only I didn't have such a strong sense of shame, if only... I was a woman who could do whatever it took to achieve her goals..." Ivy murmured.She could not even stand still, eliciting sympathy. Her once aloof demeanor was now completely gone, replaced by that of an innocent and pitiful woman."Let's go inside and sit for a while." Gale supported her.She did not know how to comfort Ivy. All she could do was accompany her. Shawn withdrew his gaze. When he looked at Aurum again, his aura had completely changed. His presence was overpowering and threatening.He stepped forward, the heels of his shoes scraping against the cement ground, making a sharp sound.Aurum was not the same as before either. He stood tall, his eyes filled with a sense of determination. The two men faced each other."You finally reveal your true colors," Shawn said."I am who I am, always have been.""You kept your mouth shut, were you afraid to let sl
Aurum's body was nearly lifted off the ground by Shawn, but he remained calm because Shawn could not do anything to him."Don't speak too soon, Shawn. Even if you don't let her go, she'll leave on her own... What can you do about it? It would be just like four years ago when she leaped from the yacht. I could help her leave back then, and now, I can offer the same help!" Aurum replied.Shawn's eyes darkened. "You're dreaming! No chance! I won't give you that opportunity again!""We'll see."Aurum calmed down, taunting Shawn with a smile. He pried Shawn's hand off, took two steps back, and adjusted his collar slowly. "Shawn, you won't be able to keep her.""Nonsense!"Aurum just smiled. That smile fueled Shawn's anger. He thought of how he had almost killed Aurum that day."I know it's you. Just because I haven't caught you with evidence now doesn't mean I won't in the future!" Shawn said threateningly."What evidence? What did I do?" Aurum asked deliberately. "I don't understan
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