"Tsk." Harvey set his phone down with a look of irritation. It seemed Elara was still playing games with him."Oh, come on! Don't let Elara get to you!" Niamh threw an arm around Harvey's neck and playfully patted his chest twice.He made no effort to push her away. Niamh then followed him back into the private lounge while clinging onto Harvey.Inside, a group of elite heirs was deep in discussion about the stock market, excitedly talking about multiple stocks surging that day."I heard a little rumor—apparently, the Fisher family invested 60 million into BrightPeak Securities two days ago."These socialites had their ways of obtaining inside information. A transaction of that magnitude between Elara and BrightPeak Securities had not gone unnoticed.All eyes quickly turned to Harvey. He hesitated for a moment, then dismissed it with a casual shrug, thinking Elara merely got beginner's luck."My wife just got lucky."Even he wondered if Elara had overheard some inside informati
"Yay! Niamh, I'll be waiting for you!" Beau cheered and happily ended the call.Niamh shot Harvey a smug look. "Well? Impressive, right? Your son listens to me now!"Harvey warned, "Don't take him anywhere dangerous.""Relax! I know what I'm doing! Beau needs to follow my lead if he wants to grow into a real man!"…Elara returned to the boxing gym, where Beryl had been training Bambi for over half an hour.Bambi wore pink boxing gloves, and her hair was tied up in cute little twin buns. She punched the sandbag in a steady rhythm, while Beryl, who was holding it in place, took the brunt of her strength.Sweat poured off Beryl's body, drenching his shirt as if he had just been pulled from a lake.He asked while panting heavily, "You good? Need a break?"Meanwhile, Bambi hadn't broken a sweat. "I can hit it a hundred more times! One, two, three!"Even her voice was still full of energy.An hour later, Beryl collapsed onto the floor, clutching the sandbag in pure exhaustion. He
Harvey rushed into the children's room and saw Beau lying on the bed, and his body was covered in red rashes. He was having an allergic reaction again!"Call Dr. Keller," Harvey ordered with furrowed brows.The staff hesitated. "Mr. Beau's condition is serious! He might not make it in time for the doctor to arrive!"Without a second thought, Harvey picked up Beau and sprinted to the garage.By the time Harvey carried Beau out of the car at the hospital, the hospital director was already waiting at the entrance with a team of pediatric doctors."Mr. Fisher!" The director greeted him with the utmost respect.Harvey placed Beau onto a gurney, and the nurses wheeled him straight into the elevator. One of the doctors loosened Beau's collar and checked his pulse."Does Mr. Beau have any known drug allergies?" the doctor asked.Harvey turned to Mary.Mary stammered, "I—I don't know!"Lowering her head, she added softly, "Mrs. Fisher would know…"Harvey gave a sharp command. "Call E
Harvey reprimanded her coldly. "Are you really holding a grudge against a child? Beau's throat is swelling—his condition is critical.""Mr. Fisher, sending a million dollars takes you only three seconds," Elara replied.A sharp breath escaped Harvey's nose. He hated being manipulated like this."Elara Jones! You're heartless! You don't deserve to be a mother!"Even as he spoke, he transferred one million to Elara.The moment she received the notification, she relayed Beau's allergy history to the doctor over the phone."Harvey." Elara's voice came through the speaker.The man scoffed. "What? Got the money and had a change of heart?""Forget it. I was going to remind you about something, but I don't think it's necessary anymore." She hung up immediately.She had wanted to tell Harvey about Beau's habit of needing his own pillow, bedsheet, blanket, and pajamas if he had to stay overnight at the hospital.In the past, she always prepared those things herself whenever she took Be
Elara immediately turned and walked away. Time was running out. She needed to find a place with power and internet access as soon as possible to complete the online competition.She headed to a nearby café, only to discover that it also had no signal. Pressing the emergency call button, she dialed Finnegan."Finn, can I use the Internet at your gym? I lost all signal at home."Finnegan's voice came through, "I'm sorry, Elara. The gym was just shut down due to fire safety regulations.""What?"How could it be such a coincidence?Finnegan also found it strange. "Even my rental properties lost power today. I'll call the power company and check.""No need," Elara replied. "I'm sorry for dragging you into this."Finnegan quickly realized why Elara felt guilty. His expression turned grim. "Was it Harvey? Did he cut off your signal?""Finn, I have something really important to do. I believe things will work out."Elara didn't have time to explain further. She ended the call, clutchi
Harvey's tone was firm. "I can turn any signed contract into worthless paper. You're welcome to take me to court and let the judge decide how much I owe you after seven years of marriage."He wanted Elara to understand—everything he had given her before was simply because of his generosity.Now that he no longer wished to give her anything, she would finally see how cruel reality could be.Yet, standing in the face of this overwhelming force, Elara felt an unprecedented calm. Because her heart was resolute."Harvey Fisher, I know power and class divisions will always exist, but you won't stay at the top forever."Harvey froze inside the CEO's office. For a moment, he thought he had misheard.Then, he found it utterly ridiculous. "Are you still dreaming, Elara? No matter how hard you work for the next 30 years, you'll never stand on equal footing with me."The gap between them had been set at birth. She was absolutely beneath him.A country girl brought to the capital at 18—so w
Elara sat in the passenger seat, feeling slightly out of place. "This car…""Seven years ago, I bought it at a Chester's Auction. I even lit the lamp to get my hands on it."Lit the lamp was an auction term, meaning that no matter how high others bid, the one who lit the lamp would always outbid them. It signified an absolute determination to win."Corona"—this very car—had set a world record for its auction price seven years ago.Elara chuckled. "So, you were the one who bought it."She reached out, running her fingers over the car's sleek body with deep nostalgia. "You know this car is…"Before she could finish, Theodore seamlessly completed her sentence. "I know—you were Corona's first owner."Not only did he know, but he had once watched her race it on the track, dominating every turn. He had seen her remove her helmet, eyes alight with exhilaration.Nothing had ever struck him more deeply than the sight of her radiant smile.Staring straight ahead at the gray, rain-soaked
Beau couldn't help but complain and continued to grumble."Beau!" Niamh's voice rang out, and Beau instantly sprang up from his seat."Niamh! Why are you late?""Because I went to buy you this!" Niamh pulled out a mechanical crossbow from behind her back."Wow!" Beau's eyes lit up as he took in the sleek, all-black weapon.Niamh smirked. She knew exactly what he liked, and understood this was something Elara would never even let him touch."Don't you feel powerful with this crossbow?"Beau eagerly grabbed it, striking a cool archery pose. "Niamh, where are the arrows? Give me the arrows!"Niamh handed him a container filled with finely crafted metal arrows.Beau marveled at their cold, metallic surface, unable to hide his excitement. "Finally, real arrows instead of plastic ones! Niamh, I really love you!""Boys should play with real crossbows and real arrows—that's how they develop a true warrior's spirit!"Unable to contain his excitement, Beau placed an arrow into the cro
Paisley stood at the center of the stage and bowed, thanking the audience. Meanwhile, the auditorium erupted in thunderous applause. Several parents who knew Rosalie turned to praise her."Ms. Fisher, you've done such a wonderful job raising her.""Paisley's dancing was beautiful. With her on stage, the whole performance became so pleasing to watch."Parents from the same class chimed in as well. "Rosalie made the right call by having Merida step down from the rehearsals. If Merida had performed, it definitely wouldn't have turned out this well.""Exactly. Rosalie really has great foresight."As they spoke, their glances drifted—intentionally or not—toward Elara.In the microcosm of the school community, parents were sorted by social circles. Even if they acknowledged Elara's competence, to them, she still had no real backing.And without that, she might as well have had nothing. In the world of elite parents at one of Capitol's top schools, Elara stood on shaky ground. Those ho
Rosalie let out a disdainful snort. "Does someone like Elara even deserve to step into the Fisher family's circle?"Her voice turned icy and shrill. "She's only dragging me down!"Luxury brands existed precisely to distinguish those who could afford them from those who couldn't. If commoners could easily buy Louis Vuitton or Hermès, how would the wealthy flaunt their status?Ever since Elara married into the Fisher family, Rosalie felt her own standing had been diminished. Now that Elara had been kicked out, Rosalie wouldn't give her another chance to mingle with high society.Harold lowered his voice. "Put in a good word for me with the Fisher family. Help me become Xavier's tutor."Though Beau had resumed his elite homeschooling, Xavier still attended the same classes—and far outperformed him. Harold had a strong premonition that the Fisher family would focus on cultivating Xavier.Though not Leonard's biological son, Xavier was his sole heir since Leonard had no children of hi
Rosalie took her seat beside Harold and immediately noticed him repeatedly glancing in Elara's direction."What are you looking at?" Her voice turned dangerous.Harold instantly trembled, quickly straightening his posture. "Nothing! I wasn't looking at anything!"Rosalie wouldn't let it go. "You kept staring at Elara! Why were you looking at her?"Flames burned in Rosalie's eyes as Harold hurriedly explained, "I just saw Xavier sitting in her lap and got curious! I never expected that child to be so close with her."He then gossiped with Rosalie, "Do you think if Elara dotes on Xavier like this, she might end up becoming Harvey's aunt?"A mischievous smirk spread across Harold's face."Only vulgar minds would come up with such vulgar thoughts!" Rosalie snapped.As a Fisher family member, her first reaction was utter disgust at such disgraceful speculation. How could she ever hold her head high in Capitol's elite circles if this happened?"How could Leonard possibly do such a t
Xavier eyed his surroundings warily, refusing to let anyone touch him as he walked between bodyguards. The backstage area bustled with people and large props. Some children wore exaggerated stage makeup and brightly colored costumes.Like a kitten caught in traffic, Xavier trembled with fear at the unfamiliar environment."Xavier!" Merida's loud, cheerful voice cut through the noise.Spotting Merida and Elara in the crowd, Xavier's dark eyes immediately lit up. He broke into a run toward them.Merida dashed forward too, leaping to meet Xavier. She scooped him up effortlessly, lifting him high into the air.Xavier soared upward, his face breaking into a smile at Merida's beaming expression.After spinning him around once, Merida carefully set him down—knowing more spins would make him dizzy."Xavier! I'm so happy you're here! Did you come to watch my performance?"Xavier nodded earnestly.His fingers reached out to touch the fringes on Merida's vibrant pink costume, his admirin
Rosalie's lips curled into a mocking smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Of course, you'd get selected no matter what you perform. I mean, having a school board chairman for a father does wonders."Nearby parents exchanged knowing glances.Elara asked calmly, "Ms. Fisher, did Harvey say something to you?""Not at all," Rosalie replied."Then are you just spreading rumors?" Elara continued. "My daughter's performance earned the arts department's approval. What does that have to do with the Fisher family?"Rosalie lifted her chin, her gaze turning condescending. Since Elara's divorce from Harvey, Rosalie had looked at her like royalty observing an ant beneath her feet."The arts teachers only approved it because Harvey's on the board."Elara simply smiled. Rosalie was clearly trying to pick a fight, but Elara wasn't interested in proving herself. She had no intention of arguing over whether her daughter's opportunity to perform was the result of favoritism from Harvey.Instead, sh
Niamh's mouth opened, her voice trembling as she muttered, "Why… Why would Harvey say that?"By pushing all the blame onto her, wasn't Harvey essentially sentencing her to death? It was no wonder Abel wanted to kill her! Niamh shivered violently, feeling as if her heart might split apart.Abel pointed at her face and growled, "After I break your legs, I'll drag you to the Fisher family to beg Harvey's forgiveness!""Dad! No! Harvey's lying! What he's saying isn't true!"She knew with certainty that Abel would truly break her legs. Disaster was coming for her!Benjamin interjected coldly, "What you should consider is why Harvey would say this. Regardless of the truth, when Harvey shifts all the blame to you, it means you've become worthless to him!"To him, you're just a scapegoat now!"Tears welled in Niamh's eyes. Had Harvey forgotten Dawn's dying words? How could he do this to her?"Dad, I've been framed!" Niamh murmured despairingly.Abel refused to listen. "I don't care if
The hospital room door suddenly swung open from the outside. Benjamin entered to find Abel pressing a pillow over Niamh's face.Without hesitation, he charged forward, shoving Abel away with his body. Abel stumbled backward onto the nightstand, still clutching the pillow in both hands."What the hell are you doing?" Abel roared at Benjamin as he looked at him, as if the younger man had interrupted him trying to discipline Nimah.Benjamin saw Niamh's eyes rolling back. Her face had turned blue, mouth gaping but unable to draw breath. He immediately administered chest compressions, reviving Niamh just in time.Abel threw the pillow at Benjamin. "How dare you push me?""You nearly killed her!" Benjamin snapped back.Spittle flew from Abel's mouth. "She's disgraced me personally and ruined our family's standing in Capitol society!"Benjamin retreated a step with a cold laugh. "Then go ahead and kill her!"Saving lives was instinctual, but now he regretted intervening. Had he stayed
"Wah!" Beau burst into loud sobs, his cries weak but desperate."I want Mommy! Daddy! I only want my mommy!"Harvey's handsome face froze over with icy detachment. Without another word to Beau, he turned and left the children's room.When the door closed behind him, Beau's wailing became muffled.…Harvey returned to his bedroom, but even in the quiet emptiness, he still couldn't catch his breath. A cold sensation crept up from his feet.Striding to the walk-in closet, he yanked open every drawer. He pulled out ties, watches, cufflinks, and pins, scattering them across the floor.Did Elara give him this one? Did she buy him that? Frustration crept in as he realized he couldn't remember.The gifts from business associates stood out clearly in his memory, but he couldn't distinguish which items came from Elara versus his stylist. With growing dismay, Harvey realized he'd never properly looked at any present from Elara—not even once.Now he couldn't recall which accessories were
Beau was laying on the bed. His large, pitch-black pupils occupied most of his eye sockets, leaving only tiny whites that emitted a faint blue glow in the dim room.Harvey opened his mouth, only to feel as if someone had stuffed a wad of paper down his throat. His voice caught abruptly. Yet Beau's gaze was still brimming with longing and expectation.The boy tightened his grip on Harvey's sleeve."She already divorced me..." Harvey said slowly.How could he possibly reconcile with Elara? He would never return to what he'd left behind. After all, when they signed the divorce papers, he declared Elara would be the one begging him!When they obtained the divorce certificate, the thought of turning back never crossed his mind! Even if Elara had pleaded with him, it would still be impossible!Yet for Beau's sake, Harvey decided to make his greatest concession."If your mother comes begging for reconciliation, I'll consider it." As he spoke these words, Harvey clenched his fist—the st