Gale looked down and saw that it was a rat!It was a massive one!Thankfully, Gale had already gotten used to sights like that in the mental hospital. So, she was not scared at all.What she was more worried about was who had kidnapped her!"Is there anyone? Is anyone here? Say something!" Gale started to knock on the wall.Who had she offended?Who would kidnap her?Normally, only Susan would hate her so much.However, Susan was whipped until her whole body was covered with blood. She had been thrown into the mental hospital to fend for herself with the dean. She had no way of doing this.As Gale was thinking about it, the cellar door suddenly opened.A rough man's voice was heard. "Shut up, just stay there quietly! If you shout anymore, I'll cut off your tongue!""Who are you?""That's got nothing to do with you. Just stay here obediently, and you'll suffer less!"Gale looked up and tried to work out what that person looked like.With a slam, the door was shut again.T
Susan raised her hand to touch her face. "Shawn gave me to the men. How else could I survive?! I had to make them hate me and not touch me, so I had to carve my face apart so they would be disgusted just looking at it!"She looked incredibly fierce, looking like she wanted to rip Gale apart!"How did you escape?" Gale asked."Haha, you don't have to care about that. Gale, you ruined everything for me. I'll make sure you suffer for it!" Susan answered."You did all this to yourself. Why are you blaming it on me?!""It was you! It was you!" Susan sounded like she was crazy. "I know that I'm out of options. Shawn won't let me die, but he'll make sure I suffer a fate worse than death! So I'll make sure to drag you down with me!""Hahaha, since Shawn loves you so much, I'll kill you! I'll make sure he'll never get the love he wants, that he'll lose you forever! If we're all dead, he won't be able to live happily!""Just wait, Gale. I'll call Shawn right now. He'll come to save you ve
She did it!"As expected of you, Mr. Wood, you're so smart. You got it straight away! That's right, I have Gale. Mr. Wood, how do you think I should deal with her?" Susan answered.Shawn coldly said, "You dare?!""Mr. Wood, please know your place. You should be begging me for mercy right now. How could you talk to me in this tone?""Hahaha, I'm already planning on dying myself. Why would I care about anyone else? My father is a complete cripple right now, and you should just let him die! Death would be a relief!"Shawn's expression sank.Susan was already out of options. She no longer cared about her well being.Since he could not power his way through, he would have to try a softer approach and talk to her slowly.He needed to stall for time for the moment!"What do you want? Give me your conditions! I'll agree to them all!" Shawn asked."Me? I want money. I want to live."He agreed without even thinking about it. "Of course."The first thing he needed to do at that moment
It got even colder, and Gale constantly shivered."How delicate. You were only locked for a few hours, and you look like you're about to kick the bucket." Susan dragged Gale out of the basement, tossing Gale on the ground on the first floor. "Did you hear my call with Shawn just now? He's coming here soon."Gale slowly opened her eyes when she heard that name.She clenched her teeth and said, "Yes, Shawn is coming. He will save me.""He won't be able to! You're in my hands right now. I won't let you go. I'll make sure you die with me! Do you even understand?! Stop holding on to any hope!" Susan shouted.Gale remained adamant, "He will save me."Susan got angrier as she thought about it, slapping Gale. "No one said you could talk back! Stop being stubborn!"After hitting Gale, she was still angry, so she sent another kick at Gale.She cursed, "If I didn't want to humiliate you in front of Shawn, I would have already killed you! Do you think I'm keeping you alive because I don't
A weakness!That would make things easier!"So you want money? That's easy. As long as you let me go, Shawn would instantly transfer you money. You can get any amount you want! After that, you can take that money and go overseas!" Gale said.Susan was stunned.Seeing that Susan was moved, Gale continued saying, "Death is the worst possible choice. Don't be impulsive. I can guarantee you that everything I said earlier can be done!"At that moment, an intense light suddenly shot in from outside.It was clear and incredibly bright. It shone so brightly that both Susan and Gale could not open their eyes.Gale held her hands in front of her eyes.Susan was incredibly quick to grab Gale's shoulders, hiding behind her. After that, she pulled out a knife and held it against Gale's neck. Susan shouted, "Who is it? Don't come closer! Stay there! Don't move! Don't come closer!" The light still shone through.Susan immediately pressed the knife against Gale's neck. "Turn off the light
"Do you think I'd believe that? I know you too well. You always do things incredibly thoroughly. You're a perfectionist… Furthermore, Gale's your beloved. You'd be worried about anything happening to her, so you would plan it out even more!"Shawn looked at her. "Gale's in your hands right now, so I wouldn't dare to act recklessly. I came alone because I wanted you to be more at ease. I came here to talk.""There's nothing to talk about!"Shawn stared right at her and said, "I can give you anything you want. As long as it's something I can give!""Really? You're willing to give me anything?""Yes!"Susan answered, "Gale told me the same thing just now. The two of you really do understand each other well!"Gale looked at Shawn's face.He looked even colder than usual, but looking closer, she could see the panic on his face.He was scared.He was scared Gale would be hurt. He was scared Gale would leave him forever.It was something he could not accept.So, he was willing to
Even though begging someone was not normally that impressive, it was practically impossible to see from Shawn.Yet, special circumstances called for special measures!He did not care about anything else!"Alright. I'll kneel down and beg you. Stop hurting her…" Shawn answered.He could not take another cut on Gale's face.At that moment, Shawn was far more humble than he had ever been!In order to save Gale, he did not care about anything else. He tossed his honor and his dignity aside.None of that was as important as Gale.Nothing was too valuable when it came to Gale's safety!"No, no. Shawn, how could you kneel to her?" Gale mumbled.He was Shawn Wood.The most powerful man in Sea City.Yet, because of her, he was kneeling down and begging…"Haha, he can choose not to. I could just add another cut to your face!" Susan said.Gale looked at Shawn and constantly shook her head. "Don't do it. Even if you do it, she won't let me go… You're so smart. How could you not know
Right after that was said, there was silence.Gale widened her eyes suddenly as she looked right at Shawn, who was on the ground.Even though he was kneeling, his back was still straight. His knees were full of dirt.The ground was full of gravel and mud. It should be quite painful.Susan repeated, "Trade you for her? Shawn, you're willing to die with me so Gale can live?""Yes.""You're willing to die?"Shawn answered, "I just need to ensure Gale is alive."Then, it would be fine if he died.She could live in his place.Susan's jealousy peaked. "Do you love her so much that you'd die for her?!"Tears filled Gale's eyes.She constantly shook her head. "Shawn, you don't have to do that for me…""Galey, I wish you a long and healthy life," he said.So, the most touching words of romance were not 'I love you' or 'marry me'. Instead, it's wishing the other one to continue living in this world.A long and healthy life.Even if he had to die.Tears fell across the wound on h
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