"Never meet Gale alone again, always keeping a distance of two meters from her."That was Shawn's only requirement. He was generous enough to give Aurum a last ounce of dignity. Shawn would have ruined him long ago if it were anyone else!Aurum did not believe it for a moment. "Who are you? I know very well who you are, Shawn. I nearly tainted Gale. Would you let me off so easily?""Because you are Gale's friend," Shawn replied simply.That was Shawn's reason for forgiveness. If it were just their personal vendetta, Shawn would have taken severe action against Aurum, ensuring he had no chance for redemption with violent methods. He was lucky it involved Gale.The thought of Gale flashed through Shawn's mind like a breath of spring wind, smoothing away all his resentment, anger, and hatred. He had to consider Gale."I have no way out now. From the moment I decided to compete with you for Gale, I never considered a peaceful resolution. Either I get her, or I lose her completely!" A
What a clown."Did you arrange for the paparazzi to take intimate photos of Ivy and me, Aurum? Were you hoping that a few pictures could break Gale and me apart? Your plan failed," Shawn asked."Yes, it was me!" Aurum seized the opportunity to voice his doubts. "Why does Gale trust you so much?""Because she and I are married, bound together through thick and thin, for better or for worse, till death do us part. Aurum, you've never experienced marriage, so you don't understand how important trust and responsibility are. That's why you foolishly thought a few photos could come between Gale and me.""But why did you tolerate seeing Gale and me lying together on a bed in the hotel?"Shawn replied calmly, "I know she wouldn't betray me. Even if, by some chance, something did happen, she would be innocent, a victim, manipulated. The more so, the more I need to stand by her, support and rely on her."He paused, looking at Aurum with profound pity. "You will never understand."Aurum wa
His fingernail grazed Ivy's cheek. "What if I ruin this pretty face of hers? How about that?"Ivy showed no expression.Shawn did not feel threatened either. "By ruining her, you're also ruining yourself. Do you think Gale won't notice the scars on her face? How will you explain that?""Stop using Gale to pressure me!""I never need to use my woman to suppress others! I'm just reminding you that every wrong step you take now is hurting Gale, ruining her trust and feelings for you!" Shawn responded with overwhelming authority."Does she have feelings for me?""Friendship is still a feeling and familial affection is even more so."Aurum fell silent, thinking.Indeed, holding Ivy hostage was not a long-term solution. Ivy had already revealed her stance. She was on Shawn's side and would not be used by Aurum. Keeping her for another day would only count for another day. What about after that? What would happen next?Was he supposed to just watch Shawn hand over the recordings to G
After speaking, Aurum looked at Shawn. "Do you want to see them? So you don't think I'm lying."Shawn's face darkened. He had not expected that Aurum would have taken compromising photos of Ivy. If those photos were posted online, they would be devastating for Ivy. Not to mention the impact on her career; public scorn alone could destroy her. As a woman, how could she endure such severe online harassment? Seeing the change in Shawn and Ivy's expressions, Aurum finally felt he had the upper hand and more confidence."Think it over carefully. If you insist on giving the evidence to Gale, then I'll post all of Ivy's photos online, ruining her completely," Aurum said.He did not believe Ivy could ignore her reputation. Moreover, Ivy was the spokesperson for their jewelry brand; if she had any links to negative news, it would also affect the brand. With this tactic in hand, Aurum finally felt confident. Shawn did not speak. He certainly could not sacrifice Ivy! She had already done so mu
Aurum gestured, and the bodyguards stepped back, releasing Ivy. She stood still, glancing at Aurum. Ivy had acted in many roles, experienced numerous characters, and lived different lives through scripts. Almost every director and actor she had worked with praised her for her acting skills, especially her expressive eyes that could convey complex emotions in a few glances, captivating the audience. However, that was acting. When the camera shut off, and the director called cut, she would step out of her role and return to her own life.However, looking at Aurum now, Ivy did not know how to express her emotions. She felt a mix of love and hate, laced with disappointment and disgust. In her heart, Aurum was such a hypocritical and complex person."There's something I've always wanted to ask you. The first time we met, outside the Wood Group, a boy on a skateboard lost control and came rushing toward me, and you saved me..." Ivy said, looking at him."Yes. What about it?""Was it a co
"I hate him deeply. Apart from acting, no one has ever slapped me. Aurum was the first," Ivy said.She would remember that slap and the pain it brought forever. It hurt her heart and left a scar."I'll take you home first. I'll arrange for bodyguards to follow you around the clock to protect you from any of Aurum's tricks," Shawn said."Thank you, Mr. Wood.""No need to thank me. I should be thanking you. Without you, we wouldn't have that solid evidence. Both Gale and I owe you our gratitude, though she will never know about this."If Gale knew the whole story, she would certainly feel heartbroken over the grievances Ivy had suffered.Ivy gazed at the road ahead. "Are you really going to keep the evidence to yourself, not go public, not tell Gale, and keep her in the dark?""We have no choice. Otherwise, the photos...""I said I don't care. I'm safe now, no longer under Aurum's threat. My life is secured. I'm not afraid of him anymore," Ivy said.Surviving and getting out of
"Kids shouldn't intervene," Shawn said firmly.Joshua was stunned. When he was needed, he was praised for his actions. Once he was no longer needed, he was dismissed like a child. "Shawn, you can't treat me like this!" Joshua wrapped his arms around Shawn's waist, jumping onto him and clinging like a koala.Shawn looked at him expressionlessly. Joshua just hung there, staring back."I've made significant contributions, haven't I? Haven't I done great things? And now, I don't even have the right to know?" Joshua said."What good is it for a child to know so much?""Maybe I can help! Don't underestimate me. Remember, I was the one who helped deal with Natalie, that bad woman. Today, when Ivy was in danger, it was me who saved her!" Joshua replied proudly.Shawn reached out and scooped Joshua up into his arms. "Yes, indeed. Thanks to you for staying calm and not acting suspiciously, you safely handed me the bugging device. Well done. I commend you."Joshua looked disappointed. "J
"Mommy is number one, Nicole is second, and Grandpa and Grandma are tied for third, and..." Joshua trailed off.Shawn raised an eyebrow. "I'm not even in the top three?""You... barely make fifth. Fourth is Great Grandpa," Joshua replied. "Just because you bought me a star.""Thank you so much.""You're welcome, Shawn. By this calculation, Uncle Aurum ranks sixth."Shawn let out a cold laugh. "In your heart, he's just behind me.""For now, that's the order. You need to work hard and strive to get into the top three. Keep it up," Joshua said, patting Shawn on the shoulder. Shawn did not even glance at him and walked straight into the living room.Gale watched this scene with amazement. "You two are so oddly affectionate today. Did your relationship suddenly improve?"Joshua eagerly wrapped an arm around Shawn's neck. "We just collaborated on something big!""What big thing?""We..."Shawn suddenly coughed twice."Secret. Can't tell you." Joshua quickly changed his tune.