If he was unlucky, no treatment would be able to stop the spread of the cancer cells, and his death would come quickly. Shawn looked down, staring at the document folder.After a long pause, he slowly opened it, pulling out a thick stack of test results. There were too many words. Lacking the patience to read through it all, Shawn flipped straight to the last page to see the diagnosis. He double-checked it over and over, clinging to a faint glimmer of hope deep inside. However, reality delivered a harsh blow. After staring at the results for a couple of seconds, Shawn suddenly tore the diagnosis sheet."Mr. Wood..." The doctor watched him.Shawn kept folding and tearing the paper into tiny pieces stoically before throwing them heavily into the trash can.Then he stood up, uttering only two words, "Keep quiet.""To everyone?""Yes. If this gets out..." Shawn's eyes were filled with menace.He was crucial to the entire Wood Group, and if news of him having lung cancer got out, it
Why? If he were like any other rich man, Mr. Wood would personally fly abroad to undergo examinations and treatment, seek out specialists to devise the best treatment plan for him, prolong his life, and fight the disease. If, at that time, Mr. Wood discovered that he did not actually have lung cancer…The doctor was pondering this when the man in sunglasses spoke up, "Even if Shawn realizes something's wrong and comes after you, just blame it on the foreign doctors. Say they made a mistake, and it has nothing to do with you. You were just the messenger.""Either way, you're not at the losing end. You get to keep your life and make money."The man in sunglasses chuckled, swaggering out of the doctor's office. At the hospital entrance, Shawn reached for the car door, but it would not open. What's going on? Is the car broken? He tried several more times, pressing the key to unlock it, but the door remained firmly shut. Just then, the window rolled down, revealing the terrified face o
"That depends on what Shawn decides to do.""You're absolutely sure that Mr. Wood won't come back to the hospital? What if he actively seeks treatment?"Aurum countered, "Did you see him throw something away just now?""Yes.""Do you know what that was?""Medicine? It looked like a pill bottle," the detective replied.Aurum smiled triumphantly. "Do you think someone willing to actively treat and fight cancer would throw away their medicine?"Knowing your enemy guaranteed victory in every battle. Aurum knew Shawn too well. With Shawn's personality, upon learning he had cancer, his instinct would be to keep it a secret, pretending nothing was wrong. First, to prevent chaos within the Wood Group; second, to avoid causing Gale heartbreak; and third, because there were also the two children. Aurum had spent a lot of time and effort scheming to drive a wedge between Shawn and Gale, but all had failed. Their trust was solid. If outsiders could not separate them, Aurum would have to c
Joshua was just being a kid, spouting nonsense."Tsk, you don't understand men." Joshua shook his head repeatedly. "Mommy, you still need to stay vigilant. Don't get too comfortable and forget the dangers.""Go, go, go, quickly wash up and get to bed."By the time Gale had gotten the two kids to sleep, it was already past ten at night. She returned to the master bedroom. For some inexplicable reason, looking at the neatly made bed, she felt a sense of emptiness. Shawn had not been this late in a long time. He always left work on time and preferred to handle any work he could from home. He was very family-oriented and always wanted to spend his free time with her.Tonight must be something really important at the company.Gale lay in bed, tossing and turning, unable to fall asleep. She had long gotten used to falling asleep in Shawn's arms.After some thought, Gale picked up her phone and sent him a message. [Still busy? It's really late.]After sending the message, she waited, h
He would be gone forever, never to sleep by her side again. How would she endure the endless nights alone?Shawn had once experienced this kind of feeling. He had experienced the long nights, tossing and turning, being unable to sleep. When he thought Gale died, he went through four years like this. It was a time of pain and torment, something Shawn did not want to remember, much less go through again.Thinking about it, if he were to leave, she would have to face decades of lonely nights and emptiness. Just the thought made Shawn's heart ache."I'm on my way back now. Sorry, Galey, I was really busy today.""I didn't mean to blame you.""Good girl."Gale held her phone tightly. "Drive slowly and safely. I'll wait for you to come home before I sleep. Are you going to the office with me at the same time tomorrow?""Yeah, I still have things to finish.""Okay, after this busy period, make sure you get some good sleep."Ending the video call, Gale finally let go of her anxiety. H
When he was alone in the office, Shawn felt as though the whole world had abandoned him, drifting away from him. The profound sense of loneliness was indescribable. Now, seeing Gale, it was as if he had returned to the earthly realm. Entering the master bedroom, Shawn barely pushed the door open when Gale rushed over and embraced him."Why did you come home so late..." She pouted. "I've been waiting for you for so long.""You can go to sleep first.""I told you I can't sleep." Shawn wanted to hold her but then remembered something and gently pushed her away. "I just came in from outside, feeling cold. Don't freeze yourself."He remained considerate, still gentle. "Then go take a shower and go to bed early. I'll get your pajamas," Gale said. "My Galey is becoming more and more capable.""Yeah, you're so lucky." She nudged Shawn and turned to walk into the dressing room, deftly preparing his pajamas and slippers.Shawn treated her well, and in return, she treated him well too. Th
Gale thought to herself that it should still be early in the morning because Shawn always woke up early. She had only slept in the early hours of the morning, tormented by him, yet she felt surprisingly refreshed with only a few hours of sleep. Gale glanced drowsily at the clock. It was one in the afternoon. She was startled. It was already this late.Instinctively, she wanted to wake Shawn up, but seeing him sleep so deeply, she hesitated. He had been up so late last night. She thought he should rest a little longer. Gale relaxed into his embrace, obediently not moving to avoid waking him up. "Hmm? Awake?" Shawn murmured with a low hum. "What time is it?""One o'clock," she replied softly.He did not respond, just rolled over and pulled her in closer. "When did you wake up? I didn't make any noise to wake you," Gale asked. "I woke up when you woke up.""Really?"Shawn smirked, his eyes still closed. "It's time to get up; it's already afternoon," Gale poked his chest.
Shawn was unusually serious about his selections. Gale tugged at his sleeve. "Who buys clothes like this? You should at least try them on before buying.""They'll look good on you.""But I have to try them!""Okay," Shawn nodded. "You can try it in the next store."Gale sighed. For Shawn, there was no need to try on clothes. His suits were professionally tailored to his measurements, custom-made and perfectly fitted. Even when he went shopping, he sat in VIP lounges, where dedicated staff brought him the latest collections from top brands for his selection. There were even models who would try on clothes as human hangers for display. If he liked something, a nod from him would signal the staff to pack up the outfit.That was Shawn's way of shopping. Today, he wanted to accompany Gale, pass the time, and experience the simple pleasure of shopping like an ordinary person.Yet, just at the first store, they had already bought a huge pile of things. Their staff were carrying at least
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