"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
"Some TV would be nice; any will do. Stop being picky, or there won't be any TV left to watch!"Gale chuckled in disbelief. "You guys really adore Ivy that much? Can't see her in person, but you'll let her take over the TV?"Joshua nodded earnestly. "Because she's pretty! Watching beautiful women keeps us happy, right, Daddy?"Shawn was puzzled at how Joshua directed the question to him. He was married and could not dare to look at other women. Besides, in his eyes, Gale was the most beautiful!Gale could not help but laugh. "Fine, fine, watch away. But once I turn on the TV, whatever I pick, we watch. Any objections?" she said.Joshua and Nicole chimed in unison, "No objections!"The minor disagreement was finally peacefully resolved. Once the TV was on, the kids instantly quieted down, totally absorbed in their show.Nicole squeezed in a question during a break. "Mommy, Daddy, when are we seeing Ivy again?""Didn't we just see her a few days ago?""I know we did, but I mean,
"I really love you, Galey.""I really love you too."Gale reached up and pinched his cheek absentmindedly, unaware that something was amiss. Ivy's drama had high ratings, and Gale thought she was truly born for this kind of success. It must feel nice to be favored by fate!At the weekend, on the TV set, the crew bustled around. There were cameras and equipment everywhere, and everyone focused on their tasks.Paul sat in front of the monitor, one foot propped on a chair, a cigarette dangling from his lips. Several assistant directors sat beside him.A voice crackled over the walkie-talkie, "Five minutes until shooting. All departments speed up preparations."At this moment, a small hand picked up a walkie-talkie and pressed the button. "Hello? Hello?"A child's voice echoed through every walkie-talkie on set."Hey! Kid! Don't touch things, put it back!" Paul shouted impatiently.Joshua glanced at him but obediently put it down. However, he stayed put.Politely, he asked, "He