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Chapter 448
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Sweet Subterfuge Chapter 449
"Don't panic." She calmed herself down and comforted the assistant instead. "This isn't your fault. I don't blame you. Go around and ask if anyone has seen Aster. I will call the security department. Bye."She walked toward the main entrance even as she called security.There were only two places where one could enter and exit the hotel—a main entrance, and an emergency back exit. Under normal circumstances, the back exit was not open.If Aster had really been kidnapped, the kidnapper had to go through either one of those doors with Aster. She got security to retrieve the surveillance footage from the floor that the restaurant was on before getting them to send people to guard both exits."The moment you have anything, call me immediately," she said.Larissa kept her eyes fixed on the main entrance. There were a lot of people moving in and out. She stared at every child that passed her by—but none of them were her Aster. Nothing came from security either.The feeling of unease La
Sweet Subterfuge Chapter 450
The hotel's security happened to arrive at this moment. The sounds of chaotic footsteps could be heard at the door."Ms. Seymour!"A group of people rushed in."Take my son out first!" Larissa pointed at Aster, who was still curled up under the study table. A guard went over and picked him up at once, while the rest surrounded Larissa and helped her to pin down the woman beneath her.That woman resisted strongly, nearly shoving Larissa off and causing her to fall. It was thanks to the guards that Larissa did not crash onto the floor. Getting off the bed with that momentum, she pulled out her phone and called the police.Hearing her making a phone call, the woman screamed, "Don't call the police!"That voice …Even if it was largely different from how it usually sounded, Larissa could still keenly tell that it was—"Ruby Cole?"She moved over to the head of the bed and told one guard to take off the woman's cap. Ruby's face was exposed."It's really you!" Larissa should have k
Sweet Subterfuge Chapter 451
Ruby's vehement kicks to his body were still fresh in her mind. Larissa kissed Aster's tears, asking him softly, "Does it hurt bad?"Aster shook his head minutely. She was not sure if he really was not in pain, or if he was only doing that to comfort her.When they got to the first floor, Larissa raced out of the hotel as fast as she could and hailed a cab. They went to the closest hospital, which was the military hospital. Aster was heavily bruised from Ruby's kicks, but the fortunate thing was that he did not suffer any grievous injuries.The doctor asked Larissa, "How did this happen?" His stare was filled with condemnation and suspicion. Larissa did not say much—for the truth was too complicated to explain in just a couple of sentences.When they left, the doctor said pointedly, "Child abuse—even if it's your own biological child, is illegal."Larissa halted for a moment, but she still made no arguments to defend herself.…The image of Larissa rushing out of the hotel with
Sweet Subterfuge Chapter 452
This was the best excuse Kevan could think of. It gave him a justifiable reason to be concerned about them as well as removing the risk of the people watching over them getting exposed.It only took Larissa a few seconds to figure out the reason why they came."You've bailed her out?" Her heart felt like it was being choked from fear.She knew that she had no right to demand him to do anything, and she also knew his relationship with Ruby. Bailing her out was totally a normal thing, but she could not help but blame him for that. If Ruby could come out of this unscathed without needing to bear any legal responsibility, Larissa would definitely request headquarters to transfer her back to Westonia at once—no part of her career or future was worth her son's life."No." Kevan's answer gave Larissa reason to feel relieved. "I will not interfere in this matter," he promised her. "The police will have full power over this matter."If he left it alone, the chances of Ruby getting convicte
Sweet Subterfuge Chapter 453
Larissa found it a little difficult to carry him in her arms.Kevan hurriedly got up from the sofa and took the child from her."Aster …" He looked down at the boy, his heart aching greatly for him, and his voice unconsciously became hoarse too."Uncle Kevan." Aster greeted him politely, like the good boy he was, though the nasal twang in his voice was rather noticeable.Kevan gritted his teeth, doing everything he could to conceal the harsh anger in his eyes. How dare Ruby touch his son? She must have been having it too good these few years.Sitting down again, Kevan got Aster to sit on his lap."Does it still hurt?" He wiped Aster's tears away as he asked gently.Dylan pursed his lips discreetly as he thought to himself, "Jeez, father and son have great rapport for sure." Only Aster could get Kevan to get over his extreme clean freakishness by making him willingly touch something that was absolutely disgusting in his eyes.Aster nodded once.Because of this simple act, the t
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Larissa invited Kevan and Dylan to stay for dinner, but they surprisingly rejected her offer."We still have work to do. Maybe next time," Kevan said, before bending down to ruffle Aster's hair with a faint smile on his face. His eyes were filled with gentleness too."Goodbye, Aster." His deep voice was light and unexpectedly energizing.Larissa's heart felt like something had slammed right into it. She hurriedly looked down to hide the panic on her face.Dylan noticed her actions and tilted his head slightly to one side in pensive thought as he looked at her.Aster waved at Kevan and said reluctantly, "Goodbye, Uncle Kevan!"…Aster had no appetite, and he only ate a little bit of pasta before putting his spoon down."Mommy, I'm full." He watched Larissa timidly and emphasized, "Really, really full."Although Larissa and Wendy treated him generously, they never allowed him to waste food. He always did well usually, so Larissa naturally did not blame him for today's exception—
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Larissa's heart ached at that, but she forced herself to show a stern expression as she said coldly, "Aster, tell me the truth.""I …" Aster opened his mouth and had barely gotten a word out when his tears spilled over. "I want a daddy too ..." he sobbed, his voice incoherent, but Larissa heard him.She suddenly remembered that the cartoon she played for him involved an orphan character, who unexpectedly met his biological father before deciding to recognize him as his dad. This was also the movie's biggest tear-jerking point. Wendy would be bawling whenever she watched it.Larissa herself felt nothing for it, probably due to never experiencing what fatherly love was like. She also held no hope of ever finding her biological dad. She was just worried that Aster would think too much after watching it.However, Aster never had a reaction whenever he watched this back then, so she thought that he was just like her in that he did not crave the existence of a father.Clearly, the truth
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If Larissa herself had not necessarily met Aster's biological father, who said Wendy would even know about him? Aster's question made her a little frantic, and she asked him in return, "Why are you asking about this?""I want to find my daddy," Aster said seriously, and Wendy was shocked. Her first reaction was to inform Larissa, but she still had to deal with Aster for now."Why are you suddenly thinking about finding your daddy?"This kid, having grown up to his current age, had never asked for his father before today. So … what on earth has happened now?"Because I want to." Aster bit his lip, some stubbornness shining through his forlornness. He had never spoken to Wendy like this before. If it were not for the fact that he was only five, Wendy would have thought that he was already at his rebellious stage."Well … you gotta have a reason for wanting to do something?" She tried to communicate properly with him.Aster was quiet for a while before he mumbled, "I … don't want Mo
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Wendy said, "You have to walk faster than this, Larissa! It's almost time! Your husband can't wait!""Alright!" Larissa quickly gathered up her skirts and followed her.The sun was out.Its golden rays shone softly on the red carpet through the rose petals.Larissa suppressed her desire to stay here for a little while longer and quickly walked toward the end.It was the door to the glass hall.Gary held Aster's hand and his cane in the other, waiting for her at the entrance.When he saw her, Aster immediately let go of Gary's hand and rushed toward her. "You're so pretty today, Mommy!"Larissa patted his head and smiled gently. "Thank you."Aster was her flower boy. Like Gary, he was wearing a tuxedo with a little bowtie.He was holding a basket that was proportionate to his body. In it were rose petals of various colors and shapes.The music suddenly began playing.Gary walked up to her and extended his arm toward her. "Let's go."He looked at her with a smile, his eyes g
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Gary and Lewis left Bartham after two days.Blue Star did not give them time off. They couldn't stay for long.Larissa's holidays were coming to an end as well. Half of the time, she was in the Rogers' villa.Because of the pandemic, most of the shops weren't open yet. She slept and ate at home most of the time and accompanied her family. It was quite nice.After the holidays, Kevan and Larissa went back to work.Aster was sent to the kindergarten that he'd been to before. Violet was the one who drove him to and fro.In fact, in order to better take care of him, the parents moved out of Rogers' villa and bought a house in Kevan and Larissa's neighborhood.The days passed in the blink of an eye.Blue Star's company in Bartham was quickly built. Lewis sent over a few loyal and trained employees to hold the fort with Larissa and hired people according to the company's needs. The company was soon on the right track, and the headquarters' work was moved over.Larissa grew busier an
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Violet had set aside Larissa's breakfast for her.Larissa ate with reddened cheeks. Kevan and Aster, who had been waiting for her, got up at the same time. Violet brought out a boxful of pie from the kitchen."Don't forget this." She put the box in Kevan's hands."Alright. Thanks, Mom." Kevan looked at Larissa and asked, "Can we go now?"Larissa wanted to ignore him, but in front of Violet, she couldn't express her emotions right now."Yes," she replied, pulling Aster toward her. She said goodbye to Violet and strode out the door.Kevan smiled in slight annoyance and followed suit.…Kevan had told Aster beforehand that they were going to see Great-Grandpa. Thus, all of Aster's questions on the way there revolved around him."Why is great-grandpa called 'Great-Grandpa'?""Is he Grandpa's dad?""Is Great-Grandpa fierce?""If he's dead, how is he going to eat the pie?"…Kevan patiently answered all of his questions.Meanwhile, Larissa looked out the window silently.Keva
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Since Larissa had gone downstairs alone, it was natural to expect a few questions."Where's Kevan? Why isn't he coming down with you?""Where's Daddy? He said he would launch fireworks with me."Larissa walked over calmly and made up an excuse. "He's tired, so he showered and slept."The older people did not doubt her. Only Lewis stared at her thoughtfully."Oh … Why did Daddy sleep so early?" Aster pouted in disappointment."You can get him to launch fireworks with you tomorrow. It'll be the same." Larissa patted his head, keeping a calm expression on her face.Anthony and Violet gave the gifts they'd prepared to Larissa and Aster.Violet looked at them, tears falling down her cheeks."I have no regrets now," she said."Thank you, Mom." Larissa gave her a big hug.Violet was stunned, and she cried harder."Good girl." She hugged Larissa back, smiling widely.After Anthony and Violet, Gary and Lewis gave them their gifts. However, they were calm. Aster was so happy that he
Sweet Subterfuge Chapter 1005
"Happy Reunion Day!"For some reason, Larissa's eyes became a little moist. Her voice even sounded a bit choked up."What's wrong?" Kevan nervously held her face, urging her to meet his gaze. "Didn't you like the fireworks just now?"She shook her head. "No, I really liked them!""Then, why are you crying?" Kevan couldn't stand seeing her cry; it tugged at his heart."I'm just very moved."She buried her face in his chest, speaking emotionally, "Welcoming the big family reunion dinner with the person you love is wonderful."The corners of Kevan's mouth gradually curved up as he heard what she said.The hand around her waist tightened inch by inch."I love you too, Lari."He lowered his head and planted a kiss on the top of her head.She hurriedly pushed him away as she sensed his body's response. But she couldn't move him much."They're still waiting for us downstairs!" she reminded him.Lewis knew she was awake, and the fireworks were already over. If they stayed he
Sweet Subterfuge Chapter 1004
It was a rare occasion to have the entire extended family gathered together like this for the big family reunion dinner. In the evening, everyone was in high spirits, having enjoyed a bit of alcohol. Violet took advantage of the festive atmosphere and insisted that Gary and Lewis stay.Since Larissa woke up early after a day without proper rest, she was already feeling quite sleepy even though the reunion dinner TV celebration had just begun.Violet was understanding and told her to go to bed.Larissa tried to muster her energy to stay up."No, I'll at least wait until after midnight."She wasn't someone who adhered to rituals or traditions.In previous years, she wouldn't have stayed up late specifically to welcome the big family reunion dinner day.But this year was different.She had the companionship of her family.She was no longer a drifting, rootless plant in a foreign land.Kevan furrowed his brows slightly and gave her a gentle push."You should get some sleep.
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Larissa recalled that there was indeed such an incident.However, Kevan's excuse to her was that he needed to go to Westonia to handle matters concerning Edmund."Kevan knows how the customs work better than you! You're not even married. Yet, you're already taking his side!"Gary scoffed.His displeasure was quite obvious.Larissa chuckled awkwardly, then decided to come clean and reveal the whole truth. "Well, the truth is, Kevan and I never actually got divorced. I married him over six years ago."Gary hadn't heard this from Kevan.So, his emotions seemed conflicted upon first hearing that. He clutched his chest. It was as if he were experiencing some discomfort.Larissa and Lewis quickly approached him, asking with concern, "What's wrong? Are you okay?"In a sudden change of demeanor, Gary used his other hand to playfully tap Larissa's forehead.His expression instantly returned to normal. However, the tap was quite forceful, causing Larissa to wince in pain."If yo
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Larissa had to pick up Gary and Lewis early tomorrow morning. So, after having dinner, she returned to her room to freshen up and get ready for bed. As she lay down on the bed, she found herself tossing and turning, unable to fall asleep no matter what she did.Kevan had just managed to put Aster to sleep before coming into the room. He noticed that the lights were still on.He furrowed his brow and asked, "Why haven't you fallen asleep yet?"Larissa lifted the blanket and sat up abruptly. "I'm feeling very anxious right now," she admitted.Her hair was in disarray.There was a troubled expression on her face."Anxious about what?" Kevan inquired."Well, my dad is coming over tomorrow. What if he doesn't get along with your parents?" The mere thought of that possibility gave her a headache."Uncle Gary is a reasonable person. He won't easily give anyone a hard time," Kevan defended Gary.His words brought a smile to Larissa's face. "Are you saying he hasn't been gi
Sweet Subterfuge Chapter 1001
"Alright, then. We shall head out." Larissa gathered her belongings and pulled Kevan toward the exit."I'll come pick you up tomorrow morning. It's almost the big family reunion dinner day. "So, it's hard to find a cab on the road. You might even find yourself waiting for half a day without coming across an empty cab."Gary didn't refuse. Instead, he requested, "Then, you come alone tomorrow."Her steps hesitated a moment, and she sighed inwardly. Gary really hadn't changed."Alright," she agreed.…As soon as they closed the door, Larissa began complaining to Kevan, "I thought my dad had really come around! Turns out, he still has reservations about you!"Kevan tightened his grip on her hand and smiled."Take it slow; there has to be a gradual process."He didn't expect Gary to change his attitude overnight. But as long as things were moving in a positive direction, he was content.She shrugged upon hearing that."Well, it's not me who's being wronged here; it's y
