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.
Shawn looked at Joshua again. "Now do you understand how I felt when you ranked me fifth?"Fifth was bad enough, but he was so reluctant to even place him there and even ranked Aurum directly behind him. Ha! Now, with Nicole's help, Shawn had taken sweet revenge, delivering a blow that left Joshua reeling.Joshua clutched his chest dramatically, feigning distress. "It's okay, it's okay. Nicole, go on."Nicole blinked, puzzled. "Joshua, is this ranking so hard to accept? Usually, parents are ranked first and second."Nicole tried to comfort him. "If you want to be second in my heart, you can be."A glimmer of hope sparked in Joshua's eyes."Daddy and Mommy can share the first place, and you can be second," Nicole said happily. "How about that?"Joshua was speechless. What was so great about that? He was still behind Shawn.Nicole looked at Shawn, confused. "Daddy, what's wrong with Joshua?"She was a bit uneasy."Nothing. Don't worry about him. So, Nicole, who's fourth in your
Joshua turned away. "Here we go again with the PDA, hmph! Think of us single folks!"Gale laughed as she leaned into Shawn's embrace. Home felt so warm. This was what a complete and harmonious family looked like. No matter what challenges they faced outside, their home was filled with love and joy. Darkness and hatred had no place in this happy family."Oh, by the way. When you came back, you barely stepped inside before leaving again. Joshua said it was an emergency meeting at the company?" Gale said, lifting her head from Shawn's chest."Yes, that's right.""What was so urgent on a weekend?"Shawn raised an eyebrow. "Mrs. Wood is suddenly curious about my work?""Am I not allowed to care?""Of course, you can. After all, you are the major shareholder of Wood Group. I work for you and have an obligation to report to you anytime. You also have the right to inquire," Shawn replied.Gale laughed and tried to cover his mouth. "You and your smooth talk.""I'm serious." Shawn grasp
"I even know your bank account password."Gale frowned, feeling uneasy. "Shawn, be honest with me. Stop kidding around. Are you doing this because something happened? Or are you trying to prevent something in the future?" she said, pulling his earlobe gently.Shawn knew that such a sudden move would raise suspicions. Being evasive was not a solution. He glanced at their two children: one watching cartoons, the other tirelessly working on a Rubik's cube. It was a happy and heartwarming scene. Shawn cherished these moments with his family of four. He wanted to enjoy this kind of life forever and feared losing it.Shawn lowered his head onto her shoulder, "The Wood family has always been complex."Gale was taken aback. Since returning to Sea City with the children, she and Shawn had not discussed the Wood family in such seriousness.She asked, "Shawn, your stepmother and your stepbrother no longer pose any threat. Now, the main figures in the Wood family are your father, you, me, a
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