Rowan hesitated to confront David directly about his sudden display of affection, unsure if her assumptions were correct. She meticulously typed and erased sentences, struggling to find the right words, and remained in a state of indecision for an extended period without managing to send even a single message. In this uncertain moment, her phone unexpectedly rang, displaying the improbable caller ID: "Mom." Rowan blinked, needing a moment to confirm that she had read it correctly. It was indeed her mother calling. Without further thought, she pressed the answer button. "Hello?" "Rowan, it's me!" Her mother's voice sounded slightly anxious through the phone. "Your cousin showed me several news articles about you this morning, claiming you were caught stealing something yesterday. How did you respond? What's going on?" Rowan explained calmly, "I didn't steal anything; I merely cooperated with their investigation. I returned home yesterday afternoon." When her mother heard the news,
Rowan offered a self-deprecating smile and replied, "It was my mother." James had heard Rowan mention bits and pieces about her family, but she had never delved into the details. In contrast, Rolland seemed to know everything and had a tendency to share everything about her family history at the drop of a hat, making James quite familiar with their family affairs. So, when Rowan mentioned it was her mother calling, James had a fairly good idea of what had transpired. He had comforting words on the tip of his tongue, but he didn't get a chance to utter them. Rowan spoke up again, asking, "Did you see those ridiculous posts too?" James was momentarily taken aback and then softly replied, "Yeah." "It seems your mother called you because of this incident," he added. Rowan's expression soured. "Yes, but she's more concerned about other things now." James looked genuinely concerned for her and reached out to hold her slender hand, which was resting on his thigh. However, she deftly av
Rowan settled into a comfortable seat by the expansive floor-to-ceiling window, silently observing the ebb and flow of people on the bustling street outside. The store exuded an air of simplicity and cleanliness, with each table adorned by a small cluster of daisies in full bloom. Conversations were hushed, and the soothing, soft music playing in the background gently caressed the ears, creating an atmosphere of relaxation that seemed just perfect.Despite it being Rowan's inaugural visit to this place, she found herself surprisingly at ease amidst this tranquil environment. Her nerves had no room to flutter.A gracious waiter approached, offering to replenish her glass of water. Rowan responded with a polite smile and a heartfelt "thank you."As she looked up, her eyes locked onto a familiar figure who was following closely behind the waiter.For a brief moment, his deep, penetrating gaze hung in the air, fixated on Rowan, before quickly darting away.Rowan's discerning eyes didn't c
Chapter 153 I will never agree As the president of the Oregon Group, a prominent figure in the business world, it was surprising that David I couldn't seem to grasp the numerous flaws in his plan. It left one wondering how such a savvy leader could overlook these issues. In the midst of his own internal conflict, Rowan fearlessly confronted him, causing his facade to momentarily freeze. After a brief pause, he finally inquired, "So, what do you suggest we do?" Without hesitation, Rowan addressed him directly, "David, I won't involve you in this child's life, nor will I reveal his biological father's identity to anyone. It's best for us to part ways and not disrupt anyone else's life due to our conversation today." David was far from accepting this proposal. He sneered, "Are you planning to have James raise my child? Does he have no qualms about it?" Rowan felt a sharp pang of anger in her chest. "What does James have to do with this? Let's not involve outsiders in our private mat
Rowan sheepishly set down the cookie and chuckled twice."The little cake is just too adorable, I couldn't resist," she admitted.Jessica lovingly tucked the quilt around Rowan and asked in a hushed tone, "I heard James mention that you two first crossed paths because of cookies.""Yes!" Rowan confirmed.Rowan finally managed to sneak the cookie away, stepped into the house, and gently closed the door. Initially, she had intended to assist Jessica with some tasks, but upon scanning the room, it seemed there was nothing needing her help. Consequently, she opted to sit on the edge of the bed and engage in a hushed conversation with her friend."At the outset, my love for cookies was so intense that I shamelessly tagged along with him every day when he walked his dog."Jessica wore a warm smile as she listened, her eyes sparkling with amusement. She had the distinct impression of indulging a child proudly sharing their accomplishments. Something was endearing about Rowan's unwarranted se
It’s your son anywayJessica hung her head and remained silent.The stranger and Jessica stood there, locked in a heavy silence. In contrast, James, standing to the side, displayed a pleading expression and softly called out, "Sister Jessica..."Jessica seemed momentarily taken aback, then smiled quietly, almost as if resigning herself to the situation. In a hushed tone, she whispered, "Go ahead and see him; he's your son, after all. I can't stop you."The man gazed deeply into her eyes and extended his right hand, clasping her slender hand that hung by her side."Come with me," he said decisively.Jessica reacted as if she had been shocked, swiftly attempting to pull her hand away, but the man's grip was firm, and she struggled unsuccessfully."Let go!" she demanded.Instead of releasing her, the man extended his left hand, wrapped his arm around her shoulders, and held her close.Rowan watched the scene with wide eyes, torn between wanting to intervene and understanding that if Jessi
The atmosphere between Rowan and James was becoming increasingly ambiguous. Rowan turned her face away, avoiding eye contact with James, fearing she might see the expectation in his eyes, something she wasn't ready to face.James, being as considerate as ever, didn't press her for an answer. Instead, he smiled good-naturedly and said, "Go to bed early. You have to get up early for work tomorrow morning."Rowan practically leaped up from her seat as if she had been granted a reprieve. "Okay!"James escorted her to the guest room, a reasonably spacious room conveniently located next to his own bedroom. Rowan glanced around and noticed, as he had mentioned, that the bed was neatly made, and everything she might need had been thoughtfully prepared.This small act of consideration warmed her heart. She didn't know how a grown man like James could be so meticulous in just a few minutes. She softly thanked him.James had never entered the room from the beginning. He stood with his arms cross
James took the initiative to stand up, telling Rowan in a deep voice, "You continue eating, I'll go check."Rowan had lost her appetite at this point, so she also got up and followed him towards the door.James led the way, and Rowan followed a couple of steps behind, trying to keep her composure.When James opened the door, he paused, and Rowan caught up, standing a few steps away from him.From the front, it appeared as if they were standing shoulder to shoulder, closely together. Thus, when the door opened, the person on the other side narrowed his eyes dangerously upon seeing this scene.After scrutinizing them for a moment, his brows furrowed even further.To be precise, there were three individuals outside the door: Jessica, Steve, who had unexpectedly arrived last night, and David, wearing a stern expression.The sight before Rowan was beyond her wildest imagination. She remained in a state of shock for a few seconds, staring blankly at the people outside.Steve, who stood outs