I was speechless.Thankfully, Soren hadn't actually done that. If he had, I wouldn't have been able to face Jamie when I returned to the office—unless, of course, I found myself a new manager.At that thought, I muttered regretfully, "I shouldn't have told you that if I'd known how you'd react. It's not like there's a big chance I'll run into your friend again, and you wouldn't have known about it anyway...""Excuse me? Were you saying something?""I said I finally found one of your flaws… You're petty and jealous!" I turned to face Soren, enunciating each word deliberately just to provoke him.Instead of getting angry, he simply smiled and said, "I'm sure I have plenty more flaws. You'll discover them sooner or later.""Why not just tell me now so I can avoid them?""Nope, not a chance."Our childish banter continued until even we couldn't take ourselves seriously anymore."Alright, enough of that. Time to take you home." Soren changed the subject effortlessly, planning my sc
"That's not urgent. What's urgent is Edith's case," Edward said. "You said you'd agree to settle if she apologized to you. Does that still stand?"I frowned, staring at him. "You came all this way in the freezing night, sick as you are, just to ask me that?""How else was I supposed to? You've blocked my number and changed yours, after all."Edward's tone was calm but laced with sarcasm as he added, "As if you'd die from answering my call…"I paused, realizing I'd indeed received two calls from an unknown number earlier today. I'd silenced them both."So? Does it still stand?" he pressed.I took a breath. Honestly, I didn't want to let it stand—Edith's attitude in court had infuriated me.But with Harry about to be released, I had no idea what kind of trouble he'd stir up next.To avoid dealing with everything at once, especially with my Fashion Week showcase coming up, I decided to let this one go."Fine. Have her apologize publicly, and I'll accept an out-of-court settlement
Cherry called before I could finish."Tay-Tay, Ms. Thompson is here to see you.""Tell her I'm occupied today and won't be returning to the office," I replied calmly. "She should leave.""She's refusing and is sitting in your office. Should I call security to escort her out?""That won't be necessary. Let her stay." I doubted the guards could handle Cameron. If things escalated, they'd only disrupt the company's operations."Okay…" Cherry sighed before hanging up.I didn't dwell on it. Cameron only ever came for money, and I had no intention of giving her any—it would only lead to endless demands.As I turned to leave, I unexpectedly ran into someone familiar… an enemy, in fact.Candy stood arm in arm with an older woman who bore a striking resemblance to her—likely her mother.Two sharply dressed car salesmen flanked them, enthusiastically showcasing the various models on offer.So, they were here to buy a car too. What a coincidence."Taylor?" Candy's surprise was evident
But the very next second, Eliza Frieze turned her gaze toward me.With a blatantly rude tone, she said, "Is this your friend, Mr. Kenway? She comes from such an unremarkable background and has such unorthodox manners, a far cry from the company your family usually keeps. I'm sure your grandfather has never—""Madam Frieze," Soren smoothly interrupted before she could finish.His expression remained pleasant, but his tone carried firm authority. "Taylor is my girlfriend, and it's not your place to lecture her since we share no familial ties."I raised an eyebrow slightly, not expecting him to be so rude to an older woman by cutting her off like that.Eliza's face darkened immediately."My mother means well, Soren! Just look at Taylor! She was so aggressive she kicked my leg! It's all bruised now!" Candy jumped in to defend her mother, even lifting the hem of her dress to reveal her calf.I was about to explain myself, but Soren beat me to it. "Taylor wouldn't harm anyone for no r
Soren remained calm, showing no hint of guilt as he explained, "There's nothing between us. It's our grandfathers who are friends."Noticing my confusion, he continued, "Commander Frieze was one of my grandfather's most trusted subordinates back in the day. That's why my grandfather recommended him for promotion to military district commander."Remember when I mentioned my older brother? He's the orphan of my father's comrade and has been in the military ever since. For years, he served under Commander Frieze, who mentored him."My brother is highly capable, earning two first-class merits—though one nearly cost him his life. Two months ago, Commander Frieze retired and has been visiting my grandfather frequently. They play chess and reminisce about the past."I listened intently, my curiosity about Soren's older brother growing stronger after hearing about him again.At the same time, learning about Candy's family background left me uneasy. Her grandfather had once been a military
Soren understood my meaning before I even finished speaking."That's not going to happen," he said firmly. "My family already knows I have a girlfriend."I smiled. "It's just a girlfriend, though."Candy had once told me that even marriages could end in divorce, let alone a mere relationship. She'd also claimed William would never approve of Soren being with me, which made me wonder if she knew something I didn't.Upon noticing my hesitation, Soren's expression turned serious. "I've told you before—I don't take relationships lightly."His gaze deepened as he paused, then added, "Actually, if you're willing, we could get married right now."What?!I stared at him, stunned.Waving my hand quickly, I let out an awkward laugh. "Marriage is a lifelong commitment. You can't be reckless about these things. You really shouldn't joke like that."Despite my words, joy bubbled inside me.Logically, I knew too many obstacles stood in our way, making marriage seem unlikely. Yet in that mo
I had already consulted Ace about the matter, so I had a rough idea of what was happening. Still, Cameron's words caught me off guard."Is Harry really going to be released already? That was fast!" I exclaimed.Seeing my confusion, she explained, "He won't live much longer if he doesn't get out soon!"I followed her lead and replied coldly, "Why waste medical resources on him if he's already on the verge of death? You'd only be prolonging his suffering.""Taylor! How could you say something like that?!" Cameron's voice rose sharply. "He's your father! You wouldn't even be here without him!""Honestly, if I had a choice, I'd rather not have been born than have a sperm donor as inhumane as him," I shot back without hesitation.Cameron's lips trembled with anger, her eyes reddening as she struggled to respond.The hatred I had buried for so long resurfaced, and I could no longer hold back. "When my mom had cancer and couldn't afford chemo, I begged you! Do you remember what you sai
Then, Edith bowed toward the camera, her face a mix of reluctance and regret. "I'm sorry, Taylor. I truly am, and I ask that you forgive me."As soon as the video was released, many friends forwarded it to me, congratulating me for finally getting my revenge and completely humiliating the Kennedys.But I felt surprisingly calm.In truth, whether she apologized or not didn't matter much to me. I just wanted justice for myself.Still, the fact that Edith had gone through with it took a great deal of courage, which was unexpected. In a way, it was satisfying to see her do that.That was when Edward called me again."Edith has apologized. So when are you going to issue that letter?""I'll contact Ace in the next couple of days to handle it.""Can you do it today?"I frowned. "Why the rush?""Why do you think? You'd probably dread spending even a second longer in a cell if you got locked up, wouldn't you?" he questioned.His words irritated me, so I retorted, "Well, I'm not usele
I stiffened.Soren had changed. He was different from how I remembered him, and that was why he felt so unpredictable to me now.I composed myself and looked back. Silas was still asleep.I straightened my clothes and stepped outside.Soren stood on the balcony, maybe hoping the cool breeze would calm him. Bullet circled his legs, tail wagging.I approached him hesitantly. He didn't turn around. Instead, he said, "Let's get married, Taylor."I was stunned. My mind went blank.What the hell?! Just like that? He decided to throw this at me, all of a sudden?Soren turned to face my bewilderment with calmness. "This is the best arrangement moving forward.""Because of Hale?""Why else?" He smiled. "I wouldn't mind if it were for love too.""You… still love me after all these years?""Don't you?"This wasn't how we used to talk. I was struggling to adjust.Soren had once been mild-mannered, gentle, and patient. Now, every conversation felt like a quiet battle of wits, where he
I was amused. "What do you want for compensation? It's not like we didn't have a good time back then."It took Soren raising his eyebrows for me to realize I might have sounded more suggestive than I intended."Wait, hold on. I didn't mean—""I want those good times again," Soren interrupted, his voice firm.I couldn't believe my ears. "You what?!"Did he have no sense of decency or control? It was still broad daylight! Silas was sleeping right nearby!"I said," Soren suddenly loomed closer, his gaze turning lascivious, "I want those good times again, mm."My hair stood on end. I tensed and shrank into the wall. "Soren, we are st— Mmm."I knew exactly what he meant, but before I could even finish warning him, he closed the remaining distance and pressed his lips against mine. He pulled my wrists forward, circling them around his waist.It felt like we were cuddling. I couldn't fight him—I was trapped between him and the wall.Soren's kiss started soft and curious, as though h
"W-What are you doing?" I stammered, my voice trembling.He stayed silent, his tall, imposing figure advancing and forcing me into a corner.I couldn't retreat any further. His grip on my arm held me in place."What are you doing? Can you not grab me like that?" I tried to sound firm, though my voice betrayed me.Soren didn't respond, merely looking down at me with a near-indifferent expression. Beneath his calm demeanor, though, I sensed a flicker of anger—something unsettling in his eyes.We moved like this—me backing away, him pressing forward—until I was cornered, my back against the wall.I frowned, my heart pounding in my chest."Why did you stop? Aren't you going to back off anymore?" he finally asked, his voice dripping with an almost smug satisfaction, like a cat that had finally cornered its prey.Humiliation burned my cheeks, the sting of his teasing cutting deeper than I wanted to admit.Even a mouse would bite when cornered, and I was no meek, helpless creature.
The atmosphere in the car grew unbearably tense. Neither of us said a word.The only sound was Silas' steady, rhythmic breathing. He looked especially peaceful, fast asleep in his father's arms.Over half an hour later, the car pulled up in front of Amanda's building.I stepped out and reached for Silas, but Soren refused. "He's really heavy. I'll carry him up for you."I instinctively pushed back. "Huh? It's alright, I can do it myself."It was still daytime, meaning Amanda was definitely at work. If Soren went upstairs, it would be just the two of us. After all, Silas was already asleep.I recalled the ambiguous moment in the car and had a gut feeling he might try something.I wasn't trying to be dramatic. I simply hadn't figured out what the future held for us yet. I didn't want my hormones to push me into a weak moment, leading to something I wasn't ready for.Unfortunately, Soren didn't care. He just walked off with Silas and headed straight for the entrance.I stared aft
I just smiled, unsure how to respond."But it's all good now. The house feels a lot livelier." Soleil grabbed my arm and pleaded, "Please don't leave. Ren's been waiting for you all this time and won't consider anyone else."I blushed, unprepared for the conversation to take such a sharp turn.I stole a glance at Soren, who sat across from me.To my surprise, he was looking at me as well.My heart raced as our gazes met, and I quickly looked down, focusing on my food.-We had woken up early that morning, and Silas had enjoyed himself thoroughly. After lunch, he began rubbing his eyes, ready for a nap.I whispered to Soren, "He's a little tired. I think I should get him home."Soren checked his watch—it was 1:00 p.m."Alright. I'll drive you two back." With that, he rose from his seat and informed his parents.Lisbeth looked reluctant. "We've got plenty of rooms here. Why don't you two stay?"I could tell how much they wanted us to remain. In fact, they probably would've do
Soleil dragged me along without giving me a chance to refuse.Soren stood at the door and waved when he saw me. "Grandpa's asking for you."Before I could respond, Soleil asked, "Where's my little nephew?""He's with Grandpa," Soren replied.Soleil darted inside immediately, while Soren and I followed side by side."What does he want to tell me? Did he seem angry?" I whispered."Don't worry, he's not. He loves Hale. He was thrilled when Hale called him Great-grandpa just now!"Soren's eyes sparkled as he looked at me, like something bright had fallen into them. It was a familiar expression that reminded me of how nervous I'd felt when we were madly in love.By the time we entered the room, Soleil already had Silas in her arms.Once again, the little fellow managed to charm his aunt, playing along despite not even knowing who she was. It proved once more that blood truly is thicker than water.Seeing William leaning against his bed, I walked over and greeted him respectfully.
"Your brother's taken him to meet your grandfather," I replied."I see. Why aren't you with them?" Soleil asked."I'm worried I might anger your grandfather by being there," I admitted with an embarrassed chuckle. "After all, I kept Hale's birth a secret from you all."I grabbed Soleil's hand and asked, "Do you know what your parents think about this? Honestly, I'm really worried, but your mother seemed so friendly with me, so...""Please! What else could they think?" Soleil patted my hand and led me to a bench. "Ren worked himself to the bone while you were gone. I'm serious! Days and nights of relentless focus."She leaned in, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial tone. "Candy chased after him like a madwoman, even confessing to him in public several times. But Ren ignored her completely."He got so fed up he told her grandfather he had no feelings for her whatsoever and never would, so she should find someone else."Candy was so furious she cried her eyes out. That was the l
I finally managed to ease all the tension that had built up.Soren walked over and asked gently, "I'm going to take Hale to meet Grandpa, so… Do you want to come along?"I looked at him, already knowing it probably wasn't a good idea.William had made it clear he didn't approve of Soren and me being together. He had someone else in mind—someone he considered more suitable to be Soren's wife. That was why I had agreed to step aside.Yet here I was, not only bringing a child into their home out of the blue but also about to present him to his great-grandfather.What would William think? He'd probably see me as manipulative, a woman who had schemed her way into their family."I don't think that's a good idea. I wouldn't want to upset your grandfather by accident," I replied softly, my thoughts clear."Alright then. I'll leave you to it.""Okay."After informing his parents, Soren carried Silas off to meet William, leaving me behind.An awkward silence settled over the room.Lis
They teared up from the excitement of meeting their grandson, unable to stop playing with him."Look, dear! He looks exactly like Soren when he was little! Oh my God, they look so much alike!" Lisbeth's voice trembled with excitement, a stark contrast to her usual calm demeanor.Even Marlon, typically stern and commanding, had the same reaction. He stared at Silas, who was nestled in Soren's arms, for a while before nodding and saying, "You're right, but Soren seems smarter."Soren sounded displeased. "Come on, don't be so harsh on him."Lisbeth laughed, dismissing her husband's remark as she gently coaxed, "Hello, my little precious. I'm your grandmother. Would you let me hold you, please?"Silas had been meeting too many strangers since we returned to the country, so he seemed a little caught off guard.He looked at me and said, "Mama…"Lisbeth followed his gaze, her eyes landing on me. Her initial joy subtly faded.Soren seized the moment. "Mom, why don't you play with Hale