Shawn could not be bothered to respond, and he felt a strength surging through his arm. Aurum was feeling weaker while Shawn drew closer. Aurum gritted his teeth fiercely, mustering all his strength to push Shawn away, feeling almost drained himself."Come on, let's fight like men!" Aurum wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, shrugging off his coat and tossing it aside. "Shawn, let's settle this like men!"He wanted a good, honest fight to see who came out on top. He had been wanting to do this for a long time!What gave Shawn the right to rule over Sea City, to look down on him while also having the woman he loved?"Alright, I'll indulge you and let you lose with dignity!" Shawn unbuttoned two buttons of his shirt, rolling up his sleeves. His eyes screamed murder. He was going to thoroughly beat Aurum up to alleviate his hatred.Beside them, the bodyguards watched with concern. "Mr. Wood...""Step back!""But...""Get lost! Don't interfere!"Aurum charged forward. The
"Get lost now. Since you dare to say in Gale's presence that you want to leave Sea City, I'll make that wish come true," Shawn spat."When the time comes, even if you don't want to leave, I'll make you leave!"Shawn withdrew his foot, looking at Aurum as if he were trash."I used to think highly of you, remembering how you had taken care of Gale. But now, Aurum, you're just like Natalie."You're both people who stop at nothing to achieve your goals, despicable and shameless!"Natalie always claimed she was driven to madness by love for you, and did so many crazy things out of love. Do you feel her love for you? Do you accept her love?" Shawn sneered, "How you view Natalie's love for you is how Gale views your love for her!"Aurum just stared at him. Natalie's love was crazy, extreme, and unbearable. His love for Gale was protective and comforting. It was not the same.Aurum denied, "How could I possibly be compared to Natalie? What kind of person she is, I'm not!"Shawn ret
"It's not only that. He even thinks that nothing happened between me and Aurum. He wants to find out the truth, to produce strong evidence," Gale said softly."How nice, he's always been on your side, looking out for you.""But I feel guilty for his trust. Now whenever I close my eyes, all I can think about is..."Ivy replied bitterly, "I'm in the same boat. I wish I could kill Paul, that bastard! But instead? I still have to work with him on the movie.""Can you not do the movie? Ivy, you're the only artist under the Wood Group. This is almost unheard of in the industry. I can fight for better resources for you, we can take on more scripts... We don't have to do Paul's film!" Gale asked seriously.Ivy fell silent."I can offer you more, I promise. You can even sue Paul. I'll get the head lawyer of Wood Group to help…"Before Gale could finish speaking, Ivy shook her head."Why?" Gale's voice was very soft. "Are you afraid? With me here, you don't have to be."Shawn protected
"Could it be...?" Gale thought of a possibility, but she hesitated to say it, afraid Ivy would feel embarrassed.Once again, Ivy saw through Gale's thoughts. "Yes, that's what you're thinking."Gale spoke directly, "Ivy, do you like Aurum?""It's just a feeling of attraction. A man like him is outstanding, courteous, caring, eloquent, cultured, polite, wealthy, and handsome... Which woman wouldn't be attracted to him?" Ivy replied."I understand. Aurum is indeed perfect in every way. In fact, he's more suitable for romance and marriage than Shawn, because he has a good personality, is gentle and caring, and knows how to take care of people," Gale responded."Yeah, Gale, do you think I am a fickle woman who flits from one man to another?" Ivy's eyes were downcast, and her whole demeanor was shallow."How could that be? I never thought that." Gale shook her head.Ivy sighed, pulling at her hair helplessly. "When Mr. Wood and I had dinner that night, he politely offered me his coat
"But I'm not pure anymore. Gale, Aurum likes you, doesn't he?"Gale's heart felt even heavier. Even Ivy could see it?"I did not mean anything else. The way Aurum looks at you is very different from how he looks at others, so I dared to make such a bold guess," Ivy explained.Ivy could not ignore how Aurum's eyes were filled with love for Gale. She thought Aurum loved Gale, even though they were just friends, and that it was so complicated."I'm married," Gale replied.She opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but her throat seemed to be choked up, unable to make a sound. Both she and Ivy were equally pitiful. How could she comfort her? She and Aurum were friends, but they had sex, and she did not know how they would deal with it in the future.Ivy and Aurum originally had a possibility, but Paul's actions had completely shattered Ivy's self-esteem. With Aurum's status and position, he should care about Ivy's purity a lot. They were just friends before, but now he might jus
She did not need to look to know who it was. "Shawn, you're here.""Yeah.""You heard everything between Ivy and me, didn't you?""Yeah.""I understand her feelings very well because I've experienced the same thing." Gale slowly lowered her eyes. "She envies me for having you supporting me from behind. She doesn't know that I envy her for being alone, so that she is free of guilt."Shawn embraced her from behind, enveloping her petite frame in his arms. He called out to her again and again, "Gale, Gale...""You tell me, do you mind?" Gale turned around, looking up at him. "What's your honest feeling? Shawn, I want to hear."He looked into her eyes, shimmering with tears. Shawn spoke in a deep voice, "I do mind, Gale. No man wouldn't mind, and I'm no exception."Gale's body began to tremble uncontrollably. He held her tightly. "What I fear more is losing you, Gale. You've been framed, you're not in control of yourself, none of this is what you wanted. You're innocent, you're alr
She had just suggested that to Joe before going to dinner with Ivy. Then, the most unexpected thing happened in her life. Gale was completely lost in confusion, completely forgetting everything else."Tonight, I'll get an answer. I have to give it my all. I can't let her refuse me again, and I can't accept a refusal... Success or failure hinges on this moment!" Joe said."What can I do to help you?"Joe leaned in, briefly explaining the plan.Finally, he emphasized, "Remember, okay? Don't mess up. Otherwise, if I fail, I'll blame you!""I got it." Gale nodded. "Don't worry."Joe seemed a bit nervous, rubbing his hands. "Then I'll go now. See you later.""Sure."While Gale responded, she picked up her phone, intending to send a message to Shawn. As soon as she opened the chat box, she noticed someone in front of her. She looked up, and Shawn was standing right in front of her."I was just about to look for you. Didn't expect you to show up." She smiled."As long as you need me
Oh well, everyone expresses love in different ways. He did not mind going to witness it. Truth be told, he just wanted to be with Gale more and to stay by her side. Shawn was thoroughly worried about her running around alone."Alright. But since you and Summer don't get along well, can you just quietly follow us from afar... is that okay?" Gale compromised.Shawn's face darkened."Today might be a day she remembers for the rest of her life. Shawn, just bear with it for a little while."He still did not say anything, so Gale took it as consent. Coincidentally, the door to Summer's office suddenly opened. Gale hurriedly pushed him, and Shawn reluctantly left."Huh?" As soon as Summer came out, she happened to see Shawn's retreating figure, "Gale, why aren't you going home with Mr. Wood?""He's busy with his own things, and I... am doing my own thing."Summer did not understand. "Your own thing? Where else are you going? You didn't come to the company this morning either. You're be
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