As luck would have it, Zach returned to the room just in time to see the door slightly open. His expression grew stern. He turned to the bodyguard and asked icily, "Who's been here today?""Margaret came in after her trip to the market. No one else," the bodyguard responded.Unconvinced, Zach decided to review the surveillance footage. The image of the child on the screen caused his frown to ease. Dalton had slipped his mind; amidst the chaos of Madelyn's illness, Zach had overlooked the boy.In the mall, Serena was picking out gowns for the upcoming art exhibition. She tried on several but noticed they didn't fit quite right around her waist. For a moment, she toyed with the idea of breast augmentation but quickly dismissed it. Eventually, she settled on a white gown that flattered her shape with its revealing cut.One of the bodyguards thought of something and mentioned, "It's been two days with no word from Jardin Corporation. It seems you can relax now, Ms. Smith."Serena laug
Fred had watched everything from the door and was impressed with her bravery. Mya, on the other hand, was terrified from just seeing him. It was just like seeing Zach. Both of them were like villains to her.However, even if she wanted to leave the car, it was too late. Serena's bodyguards had caught up and surrounded the car. She dared not get out of the car at that moment.Mya shrank back, unable to meet Fred's eyes as she stammered an apology, "I'm so sorry, sir. Your car looked just like mine. I didn't mean to get in, really. And that woman... she's bad news. Please don't throw me out, okay?"Fred gave her a cool glance. He wasn't mad, but there was an intense edge to him that was undeniable, his scar adding to his fierce appearance.Outside, Serena's bodyguards appeared ready to attack the car. Fortunately, its tinted windows shielded Mya, allowing them to see out while preventing Serena's bodyguards from seeing in.Fred's deputy lowered the window slightly, revealing his bad
Fred had the woman sit on his lap, his fingers daring to explore beneath the soft fabric of her skirt. She caught his wandering hand, her voice a blend of reprimand and invitation, "Not here, Mr. Turner. Eyes are upon us."He inhaled deeply, the perfume enveloping her was rich and unfamiliar, a stark contrast to Mya's subtle fragrance. Fred was a man whose interest waned with the moon; no woman ever marked more than a week in his orbit before he found them as forgettable as the last.As if on cue, a partition ascended, granting them a shroud of privacy. Her voice fluttered, a whisper of temptation, "Mr. Turner, might I assist you? This dress is quite delicate, after all." Fred parted his legs in silent assent, and she slid to her knees, a willing accomplice to their hidden dance.When Mya returned home, she was still thinking of how to ruin Serena Smith's life. To claim Madelyn's treasures as her own and flaunt them was an act of audacity that seared Mya's conscience. Never had sh
At Sky Studios, Clement's phone rang, and after a brief conversation, he turned to the crowd awaiting Leonardo. "Prof. Monet's been held up by unexpected business and will be delayed," he announced.Disappointment rippled through the students who had just arrived, hoping for a glimpse of the famed mentor. "We were supposed to meet him today," they murmured.One student's curiosity peaked, "And Madelyn? We never see her here, Clement. Where is she?"Another chimed in, "Especially after her award and the prize money last week. When will she grace us with her presence?"Curiosity buzzed through the room. "Isn't she the professor's one and only protégé? And who's this Madelyn Smith that's been in the news with the professor?"Clement, perusing his messages, replied without looking up, "Let's stay out of the gossip mill. You'll meet Madelyn when the time comes. For now, just focus on your art."He glanced up briefly, adding firmly, "And Madelyn Smith has no affiliation with Sky Studio
Everyone was present except for Leonardo. His attendance would elevate the event—his public appearances were rare, and his status in the art world was unparalleled.Serena, in the makeup room, applied the finishing touches. The scale of her setup outdid even Leonardo’s past exhibitions.Gazing at her reflection, satisfaction evident, she asked, “Is everything prepared as I requested?”“Yes, Ms. Smith. Everything’s in order,” came the reply.“Bring it here, let me have a look,” Serena instructed, her confidence unshaken. She was certain that Leonardo would take her on as his apprentice.Serena's eyes lingered on the antique painting the bodyguard had brought in. It was a genuine piece by a renowned artist, the very masterpiece Leonardo had long sought.Holding this, Serena was convinced it would be impossible for Leonardo to turn down her request. In her mind, she reassured herself, 'Everything is in place, just as planned.'...After Zach finished changing Dalton's diaper, the
Madelyn's subconscious was in turmoil, her dream echoing with the cries of her child. 'My baby... I hear you! Please, someone help my baby... Mommy's right here...' She felt trapped, unable to escape to find her child.Simultaneously, back in reality, Agustin entered the room and stood beside Madelyn's hospital bed. "You really do look just like her. She was my wife once.""Because of him, she was taken from me... But thankfully, I've been given you, who share her blood," Agustin muttered.His eyes brimmed with a fervent fixation as he reached out with quivering hands towards Madelyn's face, so like Alicia's. Leaning down, he inhaled her scent, his eyes shutting as he lost himself in memories of a past that seemed to hold beauty for him."M-My child..." Madelyn suddenly muttered. She thought, 'My child is still alive... My baby is back. Dal is my child.'It seemed her dream, her maternal instincts, were reaching out. After nearly four months in a coma, this was the first sign of M
Yet Serena had her own reputation abroad. "Thank you, Prof. Monet," she replied. "I anticipated your visit and have a special gift for you, in honor of your passion for art."A bodyguard approached, presenting an exquisitely crafted pearwood case. Serena began to unveil her gift, but Leonardo interrupted with a raised hand, "My visit today is to enjoy the art on display. Gifts are unnecessary."He studied a painting that captured an expansive seascape with towering waves beneath an azure sky. "Where is this scene from?" he mused. "Scenery like this is rare."To the uninitiated, the scene was merely stunning, but those with insight recognized there was more than met the eye.Serena responded, "It's been quite some time. I've forgotten. Why don't you come with me to see another piece?"Leonardo scoffed, "You don't even know what you've painted?"At that moment, Mya interjected, "This painting isn't hers."Leonardo waved his hand. Mya immediately kept quiet. However, some of the re
Leonardo replied, "I'm simply stating the facts. You invited me here, and here I am. My presence isn't without purpose."The nearby reporters stirred, their initial reason for attendance overshadowed by the unfolding drama—they sensed a significant story.Just then, a sleek Rolls-Royce glided to a stop at the entrance. A man emerged, impeccably dressed in a suit, his polished leather shoes clicking against the white steps. His steps weren't loud, but they resonated, drawing all eyes to him.A wave of surprise swept through the onlookers as they shifted their attention to the entrance. The question hung in the air among them, 'Is that the CEO of the Jardin Corporation?'Zach's presence was commanding, his intimidating aura palpable as he approached, a hand casually tucked in his pocket, while a chilly breeze trailed behind him, making everyone around shudder."Kevin," Zach's voice cut through the cold.Kevin responded, "Yes, Mr. Jardin."Approaching Serena, Kevin relayed, "Ms. Sm
Liam was standing in the rain, and though it hadn't been long, he was thoroughly drenched.Blake quickly pulled him close, her voice laced with concern. "Are you crazy? It's pouring rain! What if you catch a cold?"Liam's look was subdued, his face showing signs of fatigue. "I'm okay. This is for you; I didn't want you to have to come out in this weather."As Blake took in his forlorn appearance, her heart softened suddenly. 'Am I losing my mind?' she thought."Now you'll have to pay more attention to me, Blake... I was just so scared of losing you. I've put everything I have into getting you to agree to marry me; the idea of you walking away is unbearable."Overwhelmed with emotion, Blake locked eyes with him. "Did she teach you to say that too?" she asked, her hand moving on its own to brush away the raindrops from his hair.A maid nearby, observing the scene, rushed over with a blanket and an umbrella. However, Grace, fully grasping the gravity of the moment, halted her. Ackno
Cecilia said, "It's fine. Let's give them a week. Rearrange the flight and all the plans for the trip. This is Blake's first time getting married and going abroad for honeymoon. I want to make sure she has a good time."Susan nodded. "Okay, Ms. Samford."Not long after Cecilia left, three editors who used to work for Olivia's company entered her office. All of them spoke in panic, "Ms. Blue, what should we do? Ms. Samford already knows everything. If the legal department finds out about it, will we go to jail?"Olivia remained calm as she said, "Don't panic. Just focus on your work.""But we got into this company through you. What if they say we got into this company through the back door and then fired us?"Olivia sat at her desk, supporting her forehead with her hands. She was obviously panicking. "Don't worry, I'll handle this."You guys can leave now."Olivia did not expect this matter to be exposed so soon. She wondered how Cecilia found out about it. 'Could it be that she'
StartReading Literary was the last place Cecilia wanted to be. But she made an exception this time.Olivia had just finalized a cooperative copyright deal with another website company. Several editors from her own company were there at StartReading Literary. As she entered the office, she saw all the editors from StartReading Literary sitting upright, not daring to make a sound.She also saw her office door was wide open. She frowned as she walked into her office and was surprised to see an unexpected gust.Olivia put down the documents in her hand. "Ms. Samford, what brings you here?"With her legs crossed and Susan standing behind her, Cecilia stared at Olivia, who was in front of her.Cecilia sneered and stood up. She ran her fingers along the desk. "StartReading is actually the last place I want to be. I came here because I found out that you enjoy meddling in other people's affairs. Otherwise, you wouldn't even qualify to see me."Olivia instantly looked wary. She remained s
Liam stood up. He watched as Blake, who looked weary, walked away. "Blake, what do you want me to do so you'll like me?"Blake did not stop walking. Instead, she took even bigger steps and left.She went to the Harper residence, which surprised everyone.Grace asked, "Blake? Why did you come back here? Where's Liam? Why didn't he come back with you?"Blake stuttered, unable to find the words. She just made up an excuse, saying, "It's nothing. I just wanted to come back."After Hannah and Yael left the wedding last night, they went back to the research institute.As for Simon, he went to the farm to manage the business.After Blake went to her room, Grace became worried. She followed her and saw her sitting with a blank expression in the room, not knowing what to do.When Blake saw Grace, she quickly adjusted her mood. "Grace, why are you here?""I came to check on you. Blake, what's wrong? Did you have a fight with Liam? You just had your wedding yesterday, and you're already
The pregnancy test report came out fifteen minutes after Blake did the test. She was indeed pregnant. She was even seven weeks pregnant.Blake had indeed been involved with Kevin while in Northern Myanmar over a month ago.She held the medical report while standing bewildered in the cold hospital corridor. Lights shone through the floor-to-ceiling window onto her body, but all Blake felt was the cold, which made her hands and feet numb.She was lost in her thoughts. 'I'm really pregnant. What should I do with this baby? I want it to be born more than anyone else. But now, everything has changed. This child shouldn't come into this world.'She wandered in the corridor. Suddenly, she saw someone coming out of another gynecological room.She thought, 'Some things are just destined by fate. When I long to see him, even catching a glimpse of him in a dream feels like a luxury, an unattainable wish. But now, when I don't want to see him, it seems he appears everywhere I go.'Kevin supp
Blake wondered, 'I'm now pregnant with Kevin's child. What should I do?'She woke up groggily when she felt someone carry her. She opened her heavy eyelids and asked, "What time is it now?"Liam responded, "It's four-thirty in the morning. It's still early; go back to sleep for a while more."Blake said in a hoarse voice, "I've made an appointment for an abortion at eight o'clock. Regardless of whether I'm really pregnant or not, I don't want to keep this child."She had thought about it all night and believed this was the best decision.Kevin was going to get engaged. Blake believed he would get married and Audrey would give birth to his children. There was simply no need for her to complicate things further.She thought, 'If I choose to be selfish and decide to keep this baby, and if people find out about it, my child will be treated as an illegitimate child. I don't even dare to imagine how badly the child will be treated.'If giving birth to the baby will bring it a lifetime
Blake continued, "What about you, Liam? Do you mind?"If you do, you can choose to divorce me. After all, I've wronged you. No one wants to marry a woman who's carrying someone else's child."Liam stepped forward on the shattered cup and hugged her tightly. "I don't mind. Blake, I love you, including everything about you. I don't mind your past. I just want to start over with you. I didn't tell you about the pregnancy because I was selfish; I wanted to keep you by my side."Blake, your child is my child. I want to raise the baby with you."Don't leave me, okay?"Blake did not know why, but she was not surprised by her pregnancy. However, she felt that there were still some things that she could not let go of, though she was unsure what those were.She was not as calm as she had imagined.She thought about her past events. Then, she indifferently said, "Liam, I don't want this child. Since I'm prepared to be with you, I won't keep this child. It wouldn't be fair to you."Liam di
On this romantic night, the moon was obscured by the clouds.Breathing heavily, Blake felt some pain in her abdomen. She asked to stop. "Liam, my stomach hurts. I think I'm going to have my period soon."Liam sobered up instantly. "I'll go get you some medicine."She peeked out from under the blanket as the bedside lamp turned on. She could clearly see Liam's naked upper body. Her face flushed as she averted her gaze. "It's fine. Just help me call the front desk and ask them to bring up a pack of sanitary pads. I'll go to the bathroom to deal with it."Liam replied, "Let's go to the hospital tomorrow for a check-up."Blake picked up her clothes from the floor and went to the bathroom. "It's okay. It's probably just my period."However, judging by the blood flowing out, it did not seem like menstrual blood to Blake. It looked like something else.Blake's voice came from the bathroom again. "I think we should go to the hospital."She sat on the toilet and watched the tall, slende
Blake had no bridesmaids, so she returned to the hotel room alone. As she stepped out of the elevator and was ready to use the room key card in her hand to swipe and enter the room, she suddenly saw a figure appear from the corner of her eye.She stopped her action and looked at the person who had left the wedding earlier.At that moment, Blake felt her breath catch, but it was only fleeting. She then quickly regained her composure and averted her gaze. She asked, "Didn't you leave? Why are you still here?"Kevin replied, "Congratulations."Upon hearing his congratulations, Blake felt a mix of amusement and discomfort. "There's nothing to congratulate. If anything, I should congratulate you. You're soon to be the mayor's son-in-law. In the future, we won't belong in the same social class anymore."I'm tired and came back to rest. You should leave now before Liam comes up and sees you here."Don't look for me again. I don't want him to misunderstand."Kevin responded, "Audrey and