Although Wilhelm wanted more, he hesitated briefly before obediently putting down his spoon."Okay, Mommy," he said.His compliance sparked a brief flicker of guilt in Jane's eyes. But the feeling vanished as quickly as it had come, replaced by a calm determination.After settling the bill, she led Wilhelm back to the car.As soon as they were on the road, Wilhelm began squirming in his seat, scratching himself furiously. His small face scrunched in discomfort as he complained, "Mommy… I don't feel good. I'm itchy all over…"Jane glanced at him and saw red spots breaking out across his skin."Hold on, Mommy's taking you to the hospital right now," she said.She sped toward the nearest hospital, reaching it in less than ten minutes.…By the time Jane pulled into the ER, Wilhelm's face was covered in hives. He was clawing at himself, leaving red marks all over his pale skin.Jane rushed to unbuckle him and carried him inside, moving quickly toward the emergency desk.A doctor
Looking at Jane's self-righteous demeanor, Gabriel remained expressionless. His gaze was indifferent, as if she were a stranger of no consequence.His lack of reaction agitated Jane even more."Gabriel, why aren't you saying anything? Why?!" she shouted.Gabriel's voice was calm. "Because I think you're pitiful.""Pitiful?!" Jane repeated, then burst into laughter. "Do you think you're any less pitiful than I am? You abandoned your wife to be with Nyla, but has she even spared you a second glance? In the end, you and I are no different—we're both pathetic losers."Gabriel showed no visible reaction but said, "Jane, I'm not like you.""What's so different about you?" Jane demanded."I can make my own choices. You can't. Take this situation, for example—I can ensure you'll never see Wilhelm again, but there's nothing you can do to stop me," Gabriel stated.Jane froze, her laughter faltering. An overwhelming sense of unease gripped her. "What are you going to do?"Gabriel waved h
"Okay," Wilhelm answered.He accepted the bowl and took a couple of sips, then looked up at Gabriel and asked, "Daddy, where's Mommy?"Upon seeing the cautious look in Wilhelm's eyes, a complex expression crossed Gabriel's face.He crouched down to the boy's level and said gently, "Wil, from now on, you'll live with Daddy. Is that okay?"Wilhelm froze, tears welling up in his eyes. "Daddy, does that mean you don't want Mommy anymore?"Jane's words echoed in his mind—that Gabriel had a bad woman outside and didn't want them anymore.Now that his father didn't want his mother, it wouldn't be long before he didn't want him either, especially if he had a child with that bad woman.Gabriel sighed and spoke softly. "Wil, this is an adult matter that you won't understand. Daddy isn't abandoning Mommy. We're just going to live separately. But no matter what, both of us love you very much.""You're lying!" Wilhelm cried, throwing the bowl to the floor, where it shattered into pieces.H
Raymond and Gabriel stayed in the study for over an hour before emerging.By then, Raymond's expression had shifted from initial unease to radiant joy, his face brimming with smiles.It seemed the fortune teller had been right—Wren was indeed his lucky star.Despite his company's brush with bankruptcy, Gabriel not only promised to inject 70,000,000 dollars into it but also agreed to partner with them on future projects.The potential profits were enough to make it impossible for Raymond to hide his grin.Seeing his cheerful demeanor, Wren let out a breath of relief.Setting Wilhelm down from her lap, she turned to Raymond and asked, "So, you reached an agreement?""Yeap. I need to get back to the office, though. I'll have the driver pick you up later," Raymond replied."Alright. Will you be home for dinner?" Wren asked."Of course! Tonight, we'll celebrate properly," Raymond promised.After Raymond left, Wilhelm tugged on Wren's sleeve. "Grandma, when are you going to talk to
Wilhelm froze at Gabriel's stern expression, shrinking behind Wren and peeking at his father with frightened eyes.Without looking at him, Gabriel called for a maid. "Take him to the Wilkies with the driver later."The maid nodded. "Understood."Just as the maid was about to lead Wilhelm away, Wren pulled the boy behind her and snapped, "Gabriel, can't you see how scared he is?"Gabriel finally lifted his gaze to her, his tone icy. "Weren't you the one who brought him to me and insisted I let him see Jane? Now that I've agreed, what more do you want?"Wren stiffened but quickly composed herself. "I only brought him because he was crying so pitifully. That doesn't mean I want him to live with Jane again."She wasn't stupid. It was clear that Wilhelm was better off with Gabriel than with Jane.If the divorce went through, Jane would eventually remarry, and who knew how much Wilhelm would suffer in her new household?At least with Gabriel, Wren could visit Wilhelm often, and he wo
Embarrassment flickered across Wren's face as she muttered, "I didn't… I just didn't know the situation before, okay?""If you don't know the situation, then don't meddle," Gabriel rebuked.After a moment of silence, Wren stole a glance at Gabriel and softly said, "Gabriel, this time it's my fault. I'm sorry. But Wil absolutely cannot be sent back to Jane. Who knows how she'll treat him? She's already proven she's capable of terrible things."Just thinking about Jane intentionally causing Wilhelm's allergic reaction made Wren's skin crawl. What kind of mother could be so cruel?"I know what I'm doing. From now on, if Jane contacts you, don't respond," Gabriel instructed.Wren quickly nodded. "Okay… I understand…""If there's nothing else, you can go. I have work to do," Gabriel dismissed."Alright… I'll leave now…" Wren answered.As Wren walked out of the villa, she finally let out a sigh of relief.Just as she was about to call her driver, her phone rang.Seeing that it was
Jane smiled and praised, "You're such a good boy, Wil. Come here—Mommy wants to tell you something."Hesitant but trusting, Wilhelm slowly moved closer to her.The moment he was within reach, Jane grabbed his collar, her expression dark and menacing. "When I called you earlier, why didn't you come immediately?"Terrified, Wilhelm turned pale, tears brimming in his eyes. "Mommy… I was scared…""Scared of what?" Jane demanded."Scared you'd hit me… Waaaah…" Wilhelm cried.When Wilhelm had been staying with Gabriel, he'd worried he'd never see his mother again.But now, seeing her up close, she seemed frightening—nothing like the gentle mother he used to know.Jane's patience snapped at the sound of his crying. "Shut up! If you keep crying, I'll throw you out!"Wilhelm immediately clammed up, though he couldn't stop the little hiccups that followed. His face was streaked with tears, making him look pitiful.Just then, the door to the room opened, and Wendy walked in carrying som
Gabriel smiled. "Grandpa, rest assured—I'm not here to scheme against you. I've come to return the gaming company to the Wilkie Group free of charge."Pedro's sharp eyes narrowed coldly. "You're being this generous? I don't buy it.""Of course, I have conditions," Gabriel replied evenly."And what are they?" Pedro asked."I want a divorce from Jane, full custody of Wilhelm, and for the Wilkies to send Jane abroad permanently. She's not to return," Gabriel stated firmly.Pedro raised an eyebrow, surprised.Returning such a lucrative gaming company just for a divorce? As for sending Jane abroad—that was already part of his plan.Pedro remained silent, but Gabriel showed no impatience. He sat quietly, waiting for a response.After a long pause, Pedro finally spoke, his tone icy. "How do I know you're not bluffing? You could strip the company of its core assets and leave me with an empty shell."Gabriel chuckled. "Of course not, Grandpa. That gaming company may generate hundreds o
"Valarie, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have given you the silent treatment for so long. I wasn't even angry anymore. I just… couldn't bring myself to reach out first," Brandon said.Valarie frowned slightly, her eyes filled with disbelief. "Then why is it that every time I texted you or came to see you, you acted so cold? And now, as I'm leaving, you suddenly run over and hug me like you don't want me to go. Don't you think you're being unreasonable?"Brandon lowered his gaze. "Because I felt like if I let you walk away, we might really break up."Valarie pressed her lips together and remained silent.To be honest, when she turned to leave just now, breaking up had definitely crossed her mind.How could a relationship where communication didn't work, and every conflict led to silence, last?After a moment of silence, Brandon looked up at her again. "Valarie, I know ignoring you all this time hurt you. I'm sorry. I was just trying to figure out how we could be together in a way that fel
Phoebe scowled. "Not planning yet? You're over 30 now. Nyla is already on her second child, and you still don't know when you're getting married?"Valarie stayed silent.Phoebe's frustration deepened. "You're already this old, and your father and I still have to worry about your marriage. When will you finally settle down?""Even if I wanted to get married, it's not something I can decide on my own! Why do you always put the blame on me?" Valarie grumbled.With how things were going between her and Brandon, marriage wasn't even on the table—breaking up seemed more likely.Phoebe narrowed her eyes. "So it's Brandon who doesn't want to get married? I told you not to date someone younger, but you wouldn't listen. Now look, you don't even know if or when he'll propose!"Valarie had had enough. "Marriage, marriage, marriage! That's all you talk about! If you keep pushing me, I'll move out tomorrow.""You—" Phoebe choked on her anger.Not giving her mother a chance to argue, Valarie
Valarie opened the box and found a red V-neck gown inside."This is gorgeous!" she exclaimed."Try it on," Nyla urged."Okay!" Valarie took the dress into the dressing room.Less than two minutes later, she stepped out. "Nyla, it fits perfectly."Nyla looked up, her eyes lighting up with admiration.Dressed in the red gown, Valarie exuded confidence and elegance, like a queen. It was impossible not to be drawn to her."I knew my taste wouldn't fail me! This dress was made for you—every curve is accentuated just right. You look absolutely stunning! If I weren't a woman, I'd probably fall for you right now!" Nyla gushed.Valarie laughed, covering her mouth. "You're exaggerating. But I really do love this dress. Thank you, Nyla!""There's no need to thank me. We don't do that between us! Oh, by the way, why don't you go downstairs and let Brandon see it too?" Nyla suggested.Valarie's smile faded slightly. "Forget it. He probably wouldn't care anyway.""You two still haven't ma
Brad's expression darkened. "Michelle, Stefan is your brother. And for the record, when your mother left the company to me, it was just a small business. I was the one who built it into a publicly traded corporation. You threw away your own future for a man. That's your own fault.""No! I won't let you give the Snowden Group to Stefan! If you dare, my mother's ghost will haunt you forever!" Michelle screamed.Her threats didn't faze Brad in the slightest.He rose to his feet, looking down at her. "You've lost your mind. I'll get you a lawyer, but you'll have to face the consequences of what you did."With that, he turned and walked away.Michelle's eyes burned with fury and hatred."Dad! Don't go! You can't do this to me! Dad! I know I was wrong! Come back!" she screamed after him.No matter how much she yelled, Brad never looked back.Despair crept into her expression as her screams faded.…For the next half-month, Brandon and Valarie didn't contact each other.It was a st
Waiting for someone who would never reciprocate was exhausting. Jayden was done humbling himself.Brad froze, staring at Jayden in disbelief. "Jayden, what do you mean? Didn't you say you'd do whatever it takes to get Michelle out?""Mr. Snowden, the evidence against her is solid. She instigated Stefan to kidnap Valarie. The only way out of this is if Brandon and Valarie agree to sign a letter of leniency."If they refuse, there's nothing I can do. You can't expect me to go up against both the Sumner and Weir Groups just for Michelle."If Michelle had ever loved him, maybe he would have done it.But now? He wouldn't waste his time and energy on someone who didn't deserve it."Then… what about Michelle?" Brad asked."Michelle may not get out, but Stefan turned himself in. That counts as voluntary surrender, so he'll likely get a lighter sentence."From what I know, Stefan is studying economics in university. Honestly, does it really matter who inherits the Snowden Group as long
Brandon nodded. "Let them in. Bring them straight to my study.""Yes, sir," the butler replied.Five minutes later, Brad and Jayden entered.Brandon glanced up from his desk. "Take a seat. I have a document to finish."Brad nodded quickly. "Of course, Mr. Sumner. Take your time."Only after completing his work did Brandon close the file and walk over. "Mr. Snowden, Mr. Gilmour, what brings you here?"Brad leaned forward anxiously. "Mr. Sumner, I'm here for my daughter. You and Michelle are friends. I'm begging you—please let this go just this once."I swear, she'll never appear in front of you or Ms. Weir again!"Brandon smiled. "Mr. Snowden, your daughter conspired with Stefan to kidnap Valarie. That's a crime. Whether or not we're friends is irrelevant. Do you expect me to go against the justice system?""Mr. Sumner, if you could just convince Ms. Weir to issue a letter of leniency, the court would consider it when sentencing. Just for old times' sake—"Brandon cut him off,
Valarie froze, staring in disbelief. "You think I don't see us as equals? If that were true, I wouldn't have come here to apologize. I'd be waiting for you to apologize to me instead!"She had rushed over right after work to make things right, only to be met with suspicion. The injustice of it stung."If you really understood you were wrong, you'd accept that my feelings don't just vanish the moment you say 'sorry.' I'm human, not a machine. Your apology doesn't erase everything," Brandon retorted."When I met Michelle before—without you knowing, but with others around—you wanted to break up. Now you've secretly met Stefan and even went to see him after knowing he kidnapped you. What do you take me for? How important is he to you?"Valarie stepped back at the anger in his voice. "So what now? You won't accept my apology, and you want to break up?"Brandon took a deep breath, his gaze lowering. "Let's take a few days to cool off. No contact for now."Valarie nodded. "Fine. Whateve
Valarie sighed. "Fine. I'll think of something...""Good. I have to be up early tomorrow, so I'll talk to you later. Goodnight," Nyla said.After hanging up, Valarie stared at her phone for a while before opening her chat with Brandon. She started typing but couldn't bring herself to send anything.Forget it. He was still mad. She'd deal with it tomorrow.Setting her phone down, she got up to take a shower.…When Valarie woke up the next morning, the first thing she did was check her phone.Nothing. Not a single message.Brandon would always text her "good morning" first thing every day.But today? Silence.He was probably still mad.Pushing aside her disappointment, she got up, showered, dressed, and headed to work.She had meant to apologize last night, but for some reason, it felt even harder today.The entire day, she found herself distracted. Every time her phone buzzed, she snatched it up, hoping it was Brandon—only to feel disappointed when it wasn't.By the end o
"If you really didn't want any misunderstandings between us, you wouldn't have met him today, especially behind my back," Brandon said coldly.Seeing the anger in his eyes, Valarie nodded. "I admit I should've told you. But he invited me to dinner to thank me for covering his mother's medical bills. He even suggested I bring you along, but you were out of town for work, so I didn't mention it."Brandon let out a sharp laugh. "Was it because I was away, or did you never plan to tell me in the first place?"Valarie frowned. "Do you have to twist my words like that? You were on a business trip. If I told you, you'd just overthink it. That's why I kept quiet.""So I should be grateful you were looking out for me, is that it?" Brandon shot back."If you're going to keep talking to me like this, there's no point in continuing this conversation. Ron, stop at the next intersection. I'll take a cab home," Valarie said.Ron Gibson, the driver, hesitated and glanced at Brandon. "Mr. Sumner…