Gale had been most anxious for their relationship but she suddenly did not know how to react."Congratulations…" It took her a moment to gather herself, then she hastily added, "I always told you that the future holds infinite possibilities. You're bound to meet the right person!"Aurum just smiled. He glanced at Shawn. Aurum had more to say but hesitated. Perhaps it was because Shawn was present. How could Shawn leave? He would never allow Aurum and Gale to be alone together!Just as the atmosphere became awkward and tense, a cell phone rang. Shawn glanced at his phone, seeing it was for him."I'll take this call." He patted Gale's head and walked away.It was not far, and he could still see what was happening. This allowed Aurum and Gale to have some space for conversation while he could still observe their every move."Do you have something to say? Maybe it's not convenient with Shawn being here earlier.""It's actually okay if he hears, though with him around, there are some
It was just for a moment. He regained his composure immediately. Aurum exclaimed in surprise, "Did we... actually do anything? Gale, are you sure?""I'm sure, and so is Shawn.""Have you found evidence? I've been busy with the company and the movie shoot. Did I miss any important updates?" Aurum asked.Gale shook her head. "We haven't found evidence yet, just some clues. We repaired a surveillance camera. Considering the timing, plus the fact that we were both drugged, the probability of us having a relationship is very low, it is almost nonexistent."It sounded like she believed it was not possible at all, and even if something did happen, it would only be undressing. Aurum pursed his lips, remaining silent."Once we have sufficient evidence, I'll let you know." Gale sighed. "I really hope you and Ivy can be together. Aurum, it's time for you to settle down. I mean, did you really want Joshua to introduce a girlfriend to you?"She joked, lightening the mood.Aurum smiled. "Ye
Sure enough, Gale smiled happily. "Yes, you can't just leave when you feel like it. With Ivy around, you can't bear to leave.""I wouldn't." Aurum shook his head. "If it weren't for having something to tell you, I would have accompanied her to the interview and then watched her from afar.""If you were there, she'd be distracted, unable to answer the reporter's questions properly, all flustered and absent-minded.""No, Ivy wouldn't be like that. When she's working, she works hard. In private, she enjoys life to the fullest. She's a very clear-headed person, she has goals, and knows how to work hard. I understand her. That's one of the reasons why I like her."That was true. Ivy was not the type to be distracted by romance; she was very independent and assertive. Such a woman naturally attracted a man as excellent as Aurum!"Yes, you both understand each other very well. It's not my place to meddle. I don't want to worry about it anymore. Just remember, Aurum, I have always hoped y
"Finished with your call?" Gale trotted over to Shawn. "Such good timing, I just finished mine too." Her arrival conveniently interrupted the eye contact between Aurum and Shawn. "Let's go, it's time to head home. Staying here any longer will only cause trouble," Shawn said, wrapping his arm around her waist."Absolutely, today's trip was totally worth it!"Gale turned around, waved to Aurum, and said, "We're leaving now. Take care of your injuries. Well hey, you have someone to care for you now. Ivy will always be there for you. Bye!""Goodbye."As they were leaving, Shawn cast a meaningful glance at Aurum. Aurum also looked back at him. Their gaze was electrifying. Shawn saw the murderous glint in Aurum's eyes clearly earlier. What was going on? Who was the person Aurum wanted to harm? Was it Ivy? Or was it Shawn himself? Regardless of who Aurum wanted dead, Shawn would never let him succeed.Aurum stood still, finally able to reveal his true self. His expression was full of r
"You're quite the player, Gale," Shawn teased."Back in college, Summer and I were so obsessed with celebrities. We used to go to concerts and even meet and greet the stars at the airport." Now she was a wife and a mother, so she had dialed back to just looking at celebrities like eye candy. Truth be told, Shawn was as handsome as a male celebrity. However, seeing him every day could get a bit tiresome. She was secure in having Shawn, but the male celebrities were just out of reach. People liked what they could not have."You can also go to the airport now, greet the stars, following your imaginary boyfriend around the country," Shawn said. Gale immediately declined, "No, no, I'm too old for that now."Honestly, she wanted to go, but she did not have the guts because she was afraid her husband would disapprove. She could not indulge that male celebrity crazed side of her anymore."Good call."If Gale dared to go, he thought he would break her legs to stop her from going. On
His entire world revolved around his wife and kids. Joshua stood by, watching the 'drama' unfold.Suddenly, he sighed, shaking his head repeatedly. "Mommy, what does marriage really do to women?"Gale glanced at him. "Are you about to share some opinions again?""Marriage ties you down! You have no freedom!"Gale said nothing. She glanced at Shawn several times, then at Joshua, signaling him to be more careful with his words. Shawn was very sensitive. Joshua did not care at all."Look, in the past, there were so many guys. Today you liked this celebrity, tomorrow you liked that other drama lead. You got bored, and immediately switched your targets. You could always pursue anyone you liked.""Now? You only have Shawn. Tsk tsk tsk, you gave up a whole forest for a single tree!"Nicole disagreed.She retorted, "Joshua, according to your logic, Daddy also gave up a lot for Mommy."She was more inclined toward Dad's side. Every time her brother criticized Dad, Nicole would speak
He really could not find any reason to want a son.He thought that sons were meant for labor. A son would need to inherit the family business. Wood Group had thousands of employees under it. Managing it requires skill and ability. Having such heavy responsibilities was also exhausting as the rise and fall of the company would befall one's shoulders. He was certain he did not want Nicole to bear this hardship. Being a woman at work was already hard as it is. So, in the future, Joshua will manage the company, diligently guarding this family business, while Nicole will be carefree, live like a princess, buying whatever she wants.Sons are for labor, daughters for enjoyment. Shawn felt appeased with his logic and could accept Joshua's continued presence. Gale was not sure if she should laugh or cry. "Should I host a debate for both of you?"Nicole shook her head. "No thanks. I'm a sweet little princess, I need to keep up my beauty and grace."Joshua looked at her. "Beauty? Grac
"Yeah, he does. He just one today," Gale explained."Wow!" Joshua and Nicole exclaimed."Who's Uncle Aurum's girlfriend?" Joshua was all curious, his face lit up. "Is she pretty? Is she hot? Is she sweet? I've been keeping an eye out for Uncle Aurum, but I never found someone who's good enough for him! Turns out he could take care of himself!""Yeah, he found one himself. His girlfriend is actually my new friend," Gale confirmed."The lead actress, Ivy?" Joshua asked, trying to recall.Galey nodded. "Yep."Joshua's eyes lit up. "It's Ivy! She's so beautiful!"Nicole blinked. "Joshua, do you know her?""I've seen movies she acted in. Come on, let me show you," Joshua replied.Joshua skillfully searched for Ivy online and found her biodata. Given her fame, it was easy."Wow, she's really beautiful. She is fair, tall, slim, and she even has dimples when she smiles!" Nicole praised."Right? Right? Oh, she's perfect for him!" Joshua was thrilled.Gale knocked on Joshua's head
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