Joshua looked mature. "Do you think that Uncle Shawn can be a good father?"Nicole nodded vigorously. "Yes!"Joshua said, "You are cute, silly, and sweet. You have already been subdued by Uncle Shawn at first glance. You are not firm at all, traitor!""No, brother, Daddy is really good. He will hug Mommy to sleep, and he looks at Mommy with love in his eyes, he can make Mommy not so sad and tired... The most important thing is that he is very rich! He can buy a lot of things for Mommy!"Joshua stroked his chin and thought for a while. "Anyway, Uncle Shawn has not passed this test with me."He still had not called him Daddy but still called him Uncle Shawn.Joshua has always remembered the bad side of Shawn after he locked him in a hotel suite and seduced him with a lot of delicious food.Thinking about it now, Joshua understood why Uncle Shawn had to find Mommy.It turned out that he was the father.What a dereliction of duty. Even Mommy could not bear it!Nicole asked, "Brot
Shawn also saw it.When she was at the gate of the playground, Nicole kept staring at Joshua.Joshua went to hold her hand. Not only did she not refuse, but she was very happy.Shawn thought deeply, 'Girls are too easily tricked, and it seems that they are not very reserved. Joshua has always had a lot of ideas, eccentric…'For some reason, Shawn suddenly had the feeling that his beautiful little baby daughter was getting tricked away by a naughty boy like Joshua!His precious daughter… Should the man she likes and sticks to the most not be him?However, Joshua seemed to be stealing his limelight a little bit."Then let them play together more. Nicole always stays with us, and it bores her. Children have more common topics with other children," Gale said.Now that they had 'met' so suddenly, she wanted to use this opportunity to let Joshua and Nicole stay together longer.If Joshua always stayed at Aurum's house, she would feel bad and she owed Joshua too much.Shawn said lig
Gale did not know how to explain, so she could only keep silent.It was Shawn who did not know their real identities!Nicole came over and said, "Mommy, I want to play on the pirate ship again.""No, this is a bit dangerous. There are many other rides in the theme park. Let's go find other fun things.""Hmm… Okay. Brother… Brother Joshua, which one do you want to play?"Afraid that someone would hear her call him brother, Nicole changed her words quickly.However, Shawn heard it.Although Joshua was a little taller than Nicole, so he really should be called brother, he just found it unacceptable.When girls liked to act coy, they would call boys 'Brother' too!Hey, it broke his heart!Joshua pointed at the tallest ride. "I want to sit on that one!"He pointed to the most thrilling roller coaster. "Let's do it!"Nicole looked at him with admiration and envy. "They are all very dangerous, brother Joshua. Even if I'm not sick, I wouldn't dare to play with them.""It's okay, I
Aurum wanted to say something, but Shawn glanced over.He also tactfully said no more.It was over.Shawn said, "Gale, Molly is Joshua's mother. Don't think too much about a woman I have never met before."When a man really loves someone, he will explain it for fear that the other party will misunderstand him."And speaking of it... I am just purely curious about her and appreciate her talent. If there is a chance, I would like you to meet Molly too."What the hell!Gale snorted, turned around, and left.If she did not leave, this topic would not end!'I hope Shawn's concerns are dispelled!' she thought.This trip to the theme park was really frightening for Gale.Joshua and Nicole did not leave until it was dark.Nicole shook his hand. "Let's come again next time, Brother Joshua. By that time, I won't be sick anymore, and I can play all the games with you!""Okay, you will definitely drive away the illness and restore your health!"Nicole threw herself into his arms joyf
Shawn frowned slightly and said, "What kind of magical power does Joshua have that makes Nicole like him so much? They just played together in the theme park, she can't be so easily bought.""Joshua spent at least one day playing with her, spending his time and energy. What about you?""I?"Gale replied, "That's right. You are the one who can easily buy her off."Hearing these words finally made Shawn feel a little relieved.He said, "Nicole doesn't need my surname. Whether her surname is Warm or Wood, she is my daughter."Gale looked sideways at him. "You don't care at all? You don't want Nicole to change her surname to Wood in the future?""No need, it sounds nice."She muttered in a low voice, "Only the man who married into a girl's family will have a child that bears the woman's surname for the child.""Get married?" Shawn suddenly leaned over, touching the tip of his nose to hers. "I'm willing to get married, do you want to?"Gale was startled for a moment, then backed a
He responded with a small smile, "Okay."The elevator doors closed slowly, and the family of three disappeared.In a corner not far away, Natalie and Winnie emerged from hiding.Natalie asked, "Did you see them? Is that them?"Winnie nodded and said, "Yes, it's them! They're still wearing their matching outfits! Natalie, that woman is Gale, and the little girl in Mr. Wood's arms is their daughter, Nicole Warm!""That woman is indeed Gale. It's her. She's back."Natalie also recognized her.Others cannot imitate Gale's temperament.If an ordinary woman were to marry Shawn, she would have climbed to the top of a wealthy family, only wear famous brand names, and be adorned full of jewels.However, Gale was very low-key, even plain.Shawn spent a lot of money to buy the Heart of the Deep Sea for her back then, but he could not even get her to smile.Gale was an unpredictable woman who was hard to please. She has a sense of aloofness that despises money.What Natalie hated the m
Meanwhile, in the ward.Just as Shawn put Nicole on the hospital bed, she woke up."Daddy..." She rubbed her eyes, sounding sleepy.Hearing this voice, Shawn's heart almost melted. "Well, Daddy is here, go back to sleep."Nicole sat up. "Where's Mommy?""She's gone to take a shower."Nicole stared blankly at the bathroom door, with a sleepy look on her face as she had just woken up.She seemed in a daze, but she was actually thinking about something."Daddy, do you like brother Joshua?" she said suddenly."Me?""Yes."Shawn pursed his lips deeply.'Do I like Joshua? It's a little more complicated than that.'The first time they met, Joshua climbed onto his lap and asked if he wanted to be his father.The second time they met, he rescued Joshua.When they met for the third time, he trapped Joshua in the hotel and pressed for Molly's whereabouts.Today was the fourth meeting.Joshua was as smooth as ever, even though he was a little kid.Seeing that Shawn did not speak
Gale pushed down the panic in her heart. Nicole said, "Mommy, if I can, I want to attend the same school as Joshua. It doesn't matter where it is."Gale patted her on the head. "Yes, I understand."In truth, Gale was thinking about Joshua's future as well.Joshua was incredibly intelligent and an amazing piano genius as well. If he kept on staying in that small city, his experiences and exposure would be limited. He would not be able to see the vast world.It was too small of a place, and it was way less developed than Sea City.Gale had planned on waiting until Joshua was older. She had planned on waiting until Joshua was in primary school. For the sake of her children's future, she could go to any city except for Sea City.Yet, fate loved to toy with her. Even after going through so much, she still returned in the end.…At the Lefting family residence, Joshua sat on the sofa with his chin on his little hand, staring into space."Joshua, here are some fresh cherries. Why
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