Share

Chapter 460

Author: Trina Duo
last update Last Updated: 2024-10-29 19:42:56
Aster's bruises not only showed no signs of fading but had darkened even further after a full day had passed. The two police officers were taken aback when they saw the bruises, revealing a mix of surprise and sympathy in their eyes.

"You gotta take his shirt off, so that we can snap some pictures," one of the police officers said to Larissa as he pulled out his phone.

Larissa helped Aster in removing his T-shirt and made him stand upright. The police officer circled around Aster, and the sound of the camera shutter clicking away could be heard.

"Yesterday, when I entered the room, I saw Ruby really going at it. She was kicking my son with all her might, trying to do him serious harm. I rushed over and pinned her down on the bed to stop her from putting up a fight. I never laid a hand on her throughout the whole ordeal. Obviously, I don't have any proof of that, though," Larissa explained. There was a hint of regret in her voice; she wished she had recorded everything. But her focus wa
Locked Chapter
Continue to read this book on the APP

Related chapters

  • Sweet Subterfuge   Chapter 461

    "This is a shitty game!""Its client computing is so huge! What a waste of my computer's memory to download it!""I would have given it half a star if it weren't for the minimum one-star rating!""Microworks Corporation should just stick to buying and operating games from other companies! They shouldn't develop their own! It completely tarnished their reputation!""Well, they probably don't know how to do anything else besides copying!"…Peter reported to Kevan, "These paid posters' accounts have been registered for a while, but many of them have similar registration times, and the initial segment of their IP addresses are the same. So, they're likely from the same company that hires paid posters. The IP addresses indicate that they're from Hilibane, which is quite far from Bartham. We can't pinpoint the exact location, so we can't figure out who's behind all this mischief.""No need to investigate," Kevan replied. He smirked, his eyes gleaming with coldness. He knew exactly who was c

  • Sweet Subterfuge   Chapter 462

    Larissa left work early to honor her promise. Her initial plan was to take Aster somewhere nearby for dinner, but he seemed to have his eye on a specific restaurant and insisted on going to Starhill shopping mall.The shopping mall was always crowded, so she wasn't particularly thrilled about going there. However, her son had made up his mind; she had no choice but to go along with it. The pizza place he chose was quite popular, but luckily they arrived early and didn't have to wait in line. The server seated them by the window and promptly disappeared after handing them the menu. It didn't take long for the waiting area outside to start filling up with people.Aster pointed outside out of the blue and exclaimed, "Mommy! Look! It's Uncle Kevan!"She turned and spotted Kevan in the waiting area. He appeared to be alone, sitting behind a group of young girls. He looked absorbed in his phone. His slender frame and cool, confident aura made him the center of attention, even though he was

  • Sweet Subterfuge   Chapter 463

    However, Larissa couldn't shake off the lingering discomfort in her heart, so she felt a subtle unease. It wasn't that she couldn't see how much Aster yearned for a father figure or grasp how much a father's presence would contribute to Aster's growth. But she couldn't move past what happened before and was paralyzed by the fear of taking that challenging first step.…The restaurant was packed with people, which caused delays in serving food to the table. The pizza was the first to come. It was probably hot out of the oven—the melted cheese was oozing and emitting a tempting aroma. Even Larissa, who was not particularly keen on pizza, couldn't resist her mouth from watering. Of course, Kevan picked up on this detail, as well as her fixed gaze on the pizza. He handed her the first slice.She was taken aback by his action, so she looked up and found him calmly placing the second slice on Aster's plate."Come on, dig in," he encouraged Aster. "You can protect your mom only when you get t

  • Sweet Subterfuge   Chapter 464

    Larissa was stunned. She collected herself a few seconds later and glanced at Kevan subconsciously. He was also looking at her, seemingly waiting for her response. His gaze was intense, causing her to avert her gaze. She was more than willing to take her son to the movie, but she found herself in a predicament when it involved Kevan."It's getting late today, so …" She crouched down, trying to reason with Aster, saying, "How about we wait until I'm free, and we can go together then?"Naturally, Aster disagreed. "But I want to go today!" He resorted to tactics children his age would use—throwing a tantrum. However, it was the first time he did that, so he wasn't very skilled. He looked funny when he was contorting his little body and making faces.She couldn't help but laugh upon seeing that. Kevan chimed in, "We're already here, and it's not that late yet. Aster doesn't have to go to school tomorrow. So, let's just make his wish come true."Aster intensified his effort after seeing Kev

  • Sweet Subterfuge   Chapter 465

    Kevan put the popcorn bucket in front of Aster and asked, "Want some?"Aster promptly pushed it away. "Give it to Mommy! She's crazy about this stuff."So, Kevan turned to Larissa, but she waved her hand and forced a smile. "I'm still stuffed. Can't have another bite.""Oh, okay." Kevan retrieved the popcorn.Aster grew frustrated looking at their interaction, almost thumping his chest in annoyance. "Uncle Kevan, Mommy's just being polite! She's not full at all!" He grinned sweetly, showing no remorse for exposing his mom's little fib. Larissa shot him an angry glare, but he did not fear her as Kevan was on his side.Kevan simply thrust the popcorn into her lap, saying, "Take it. No need to be shy." She had no choice but to accept it, as she grumbled, "Thanks.""You're welcome." Kevan smiled.Well, she indeed liked eating popcorn. To be exact, she loved anything sweet. Perhaps life was too bitter for her that she needed some sweetness to compensate for the bitterness.She was already

  • Sweet Subterfuge   Chapter 466

    Larissa rushed into the restroom. At this point, the movie hadn't ended yet. But regardless, it was still unusual to find the restroom empty since it was usually packed with ladies queuing up. She turned on the tap and splashed a handful of cold water on her face, soothing away most of the heat. She used a napkin to carefully dab off the water stains, gradually calming her racing heartbeat. She then applied a thin layer of foundation as she stood in front of the mirror, concealing the lingering blush on her face.Afterward, she adjusted her expression bit by bit until the previous nervousness and shyness were no longer visible. She then walked to the counter with her head held high and bought Kevan a can of carbonated drink. When she returned to the screening hall, more than half of the movie had already passed.Kevan leaned back, his body half-slouched, and he was propping his chin with one hand. He dimmed the brightness of his phone screen to the maximum and was engrossed in whatever

  • Sweet Subterfuge   Chapter 467

    The words Kevan said did not show much responsibility on his part. This made Larissa want to argue back, but she felt she had no right to do so. After all, Bethany wasn't her own daughter. So, why should she be concerned? She remained silent after thinking about it.…The car was parked downstairs. As Aster was sleeping soundly, Larissa couldn't bear to wake him up. Instead, she asked Kevan in a hushed voice, "Can you help me open the door?" She was holding Aster and couldn't move her hands easily.Without a second thought, Kevan unbuckled his seatbelt and got out of the car. He opened the door, leaned in halfway, and gently took Aster from her arms."He's quite heavy. Let me carry him," he said.She hurriedly got out of the car. "No, it's fine. I can handle him. You should go back and rest!" She chased after Kevan, wanting to take Aster back. However, Kevan wouldn't let her. "It's nothing." He calmly stepped into the elevator, pressed the floor number for her apartment, and said, "Y

  • Sweet Subterfuge   Chapter 468

    However, many seconds had passed, and Kevan still showed no intention of leaving the kitchen.Larissa looked at him in confusion. "Anything else?""Nah." He smirked, with a hint of amusement in his dark eyes. "It's pretty boring to be sitting alone outside, so I thought I'd hang out and chat with you."Once again, she was annoyed at herself for asking him the question. Being alone with Kevan was undoubtedly more difficult and agonizing than dealing with difficult clients. Worse still, she couldn't decline his offer."Alright, sure." She forced a smile.She ensured she appeared occupied—fetching water, boiling water, finding cups, and preparing tea. She kept her actions smooth without any pause, making it hard for Kevan to find an opportunity to talk to her. However, boiling water took some time.So, she turned and faced him. Before he had a chance to speak, she quickly added, "I'll go check if Aster is awake."Of course, Kevan was aware that she was intentionally avoiding him. He felt

Latest chapter

  • Sweet Subterfuge   Chapter 1009

    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

  • Sweet Subterfuge   Chapter 1008

    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

  • Sweet Subterfuge   Chapter 1007

    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

  • Sweet Subterfuge   Chapter 1006

    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.

  • Sweet Subterfuge   Chapter 1003

    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

  • Sweet Subterfuge   Chapter 1002

    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

DMCA.com Protection Status