Ivy began pressing the button repeatedly, over and over, but the alarm device remained silent. The button must have run out of power.Despair washed over Ivy. Her momentary hope was crushed. What now? Should she resign herself to fate?Shawn would realize something was wrong when he noticed she had not gone to the set, had no schedules, and had stayed at the Lefting mansion all this time, right? He would come to rescue her, would he not?Ivy resolved to protect the listening device at all costs and get it to Shawn. It was evidence—proof of Aurum's crimes.It was a normal day at Wood Group. Shawn walked into the company with Gale by his side."Good morning, Mr. Wood. Good morning, Mrs. Wood," employees greeted them as they passed by."Shawn, I can go to the jewelry department by myself. You don't have to personally escort me to my desk," Gale said."What's wrong?""Nothing. I can handle it on my own. Even Joshua and Nicole manage to go to kindergarten by themselves. There's a si
Shawn sat in the back seat, raising his hand to rub his temples. This time, he did not bring Fiona to the hospital and had the driver wait at the entrance while he went in alone."Mr. Wood, is your throat still bothering you?" the doctor greeted him politely."Yes, I've been coughing up blood.""Has the medication not been effective?"Shawn replied, "The coughing is less frequent, and my throat isn't as itchy, but there are still symptoms."The doctor thought for a moment. "Shall we continue with the medication? Your condition can't be rushed; it needs slow, careful treatment. With the weather cooling down, it's easy to feel unwell and develop bronchitis."Shawn's expression was indifferent. "I can continue with the medication, but I want to do more tests.""Weren't the tests already done last time...""Do them again. And send the results abroad for diagnosis by respiratory specialists," Shawn insisted.The doctor nodded. "Alright, I can arrange that, but sending them abroad w
"There will be more in the future," Aurum said with a smile."There won't be a next time. I won't let you get away with this forever," Shawn retorted.Aurum shrugged. "You're talking like I've committed some heinous crime."Shawn could not be bothered to argue with Aurum. He had no interest in bickering. Men were confident in their own strength and power. In Shawn's mind, Aurum was always his defeated opponent and would remain so, never able to stir up trouble or take Gale from him.Shawn stepped forward, got into his car, and drove off. Through the rearview mirror, he saw Aurum staring at him."Heh," Shawn sneered, curling his lips. He would soon tear that deceitful mask off Aurum's face.As Shawn's car disappeared from view, Aurum's smile faded. Something was not right. Why would Shawn come to the hospital alone, without bodyguards or assistants? Given his status, he was always surrounded by people, especially in a place as specific as a hospital. Unless there was something Sha
Fiona could not quite grasp what was going on with Shawn and could only nod. "Well, I'll leave now. Let me know if you need anything."She quickly left.Shawn leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes, and took a deep breath.He could not afford to lose his composure. He was confident that his health would not have any major issues, but on the other hand, he needed to prepare for the worst. Only by planning for every eventuality could he avoid being caught off guard if the worst happened.Shawn called Joe, "Joe, come to my office." "Now?""Yes.""I'm in a meeting. Give me ten minutes," Joe said."Alright."After hanging up, Shawn dialed the chief lawyer from the legal department. "Come over.""Yes, Mr. Wood."The lawyer was puzzled by the sudden summons. Everything had been calm at the Wood Group recently.The lawyer quickly arrived."Mr. Wood.""Sit." Shawn gestured with his chin. "I need to consult you about the shares."The lawyer responded fluently, "Mr. Wood, curre
The lawyer left Shawn's office, his face spelled shock and confusion. Just as he opened the door, Joe appeared, about to enter."Joe, hey," the lawyer greeted, stepping aside."What did he call you here for today?" Joe casually asked."Uh... Joe, you can ask Mr. Wood about that. I've got something else to attend to. Gotta go."Joe glanced at the lawyer's retreating figure and raised an eyebrow. The lawyer was always composed and meticulous. What could Shawn have said to stun him like that?"Spill it. You don't usually drag me out of meetings. What's the matter?" Joe said, sprawling into a chair.Shawn looked at him and suddenly smirked. "I can tell things have been going well for you lately. Spring in your step, all smiles.""Ah, the honeymoon phase. You've been through it too."That triggered a distant memory in Shawn. Honeymoon phase? He and Gale went straight from marriage; where was there time for a honeymoon phase? There was only the phase where he realized he loved Gale
"Wait, wait, wait, Shawn, you're giving me the feeling that you're making arrangements for your death," Joe quickly interjected.Shawn was speechless. He was not dead yet. The test results had not even come out!Joe cleared his throat, realizing his mistake. "Ahem, I was just using an analogy. You know what I mean.""Even if I had final arrangements to make, would I really discuss them with you?""Right, you'd tell Gale first... Wait, no, Shawn, you wouldn't tell Gale at all!"In the past, Joe would not have thought about it. However, ever since he started dating Summer, he has come to understand the beauty of love and learned a lot about how couples interact. If it were Joe himself making final arrangements, he would not tell Summer. He could not bear it; he was too afraid to face her. The thought of leaving her behind in this world was too painful. He would keep it a secret, silently taking care of everything before revealing the truth at the last moment."Shawn..." Joe's voice
"If there's no problem, I'm outta here!" Joe slapped the armrest of his chair. "Can't stand hanging around here listening to your nonsense!"He stood up, casting several suspicious glances at Shawn. "Are you sure you're okay?""Do you really wish something was wrong with me?""Not really. Just feel like you're acting weird today."Shawn took a sip of his coffee. "Do I need to send you out of the country again to make me seem normal?"Joe immediately headed for the door. No way he was going there again! Once was more than enough!Back in the CEO's office, silence resumed. Shawn sat in his chair, unmoving, as if frozen in place.Truth be told, he was not sure what he was doing. He really was not feeling normal. Since returning from the hospital, Shawn had this strong sense of unease, as if something was about to happen. Maybe it was the persistent coughing up blood that was making him anxious.Shawn summoned his lawyer and transferred all his shares to Gale, ensuring her unpara
"Rock-paper-scissors?""No way, you're cheating!"In front of the TV, Joshua held the front end of the remote while Nicole gripped the tail. Neither was willing to give in."I want to watch Ivy's historical drama. She wears such beautiful clothes, with lovely accessories, her skirts fluttering. She's like a real fairy!" Nicole insisted.Joshua countered, "Modern dramas are better, closer to how Ivy is in real life like she's right here with us!""I don't care. I want to watch a historical drama!""No, modern dramas are better!"They continued to argue.Watching this, Gale shook her head repeatedly, sighing. What should she do? Whom should she help? Helping either seemed inappropriate."Ahem!" Gale walked over, her face stern. "Stop arguing. Neither of you gets to watch. Give me the remote."Joshua and Nicole did not let go."What? Are you both pretending not to hear me?" Gale frowned.Joshua replied, "Nicole, if you let go, then I will.""You let go first.""I let go, and