Sullivan snickered. "I don't need your help. Since you don't care about me, don't come here again. I don't want to see you."He turned away without a second glance at Ruby.Ruby was silent for a moment. Then, she said in a low voice, "If you don't want to see me, I won't come again. If you need anything, just have the lawyer pass on the message."She added, "Sullivan, you saved me twice, and I'm grateful for that. Everything I said today was for your sake. It has nothing to do with anyone else."Sullivan remained motionless, staring at the white wall as though it held some deep fascination.With a sigh, Ruby turned and walked away.It was only as her figure disappeared through the door that Sullivan glanced in her direction.The lawyer, Paul Vernon, addressed him, "Mr. Heseltine, if you don't cooperate, there's not much I can do for you."Sullivan looked at Paul, his tone indifferent. "I'll cooperate, but you need to do one thing for me."Paul nodded. "As long as it's within l
Gabriel hung up without hesitation.Tom glared at the phone. If he didn't still need Gabriel, he wouldn't tolerate this kind of attitude from anyone!Suppressing his frustration with a deep breath, he immediately instructed his assistant to arrange a meeting with the Sumner Group's largest supplier.Over the past two weeks, all his attempts to schedule a meeting had been flatly rejected. His patience was wearing thin.As expected, it didn't take long for his assistant to call back with an update. "Mr. Genge, Mr. Basham still refuses to meet with you."Tom smirked. "Since he's so determined to ignore my generosity, it seems he'd rather swallow the bitter pill. Send him those photos—him and his mistress, all wrapped up nicely."The assistant hesitated. "Mr. Genge, if we take this route, it will completely ruin your relationship with Mr. Basham.""I gave him a chance, and he chose to throw it away. If he wants war, we'll give him war," Tom replied."Understood, I'll take care of i
Karter glowered, not expecting Tom to have discovered that. He took a deep breath before asking coldly, "What's your problem with the Sumner Group?"Tom simply replied, "Because I'm tired of always being in someone else's shadow."Karter remained silent, scowling.Tom smiled. "You wouldn't want your wife to keep controlling you, would you? Help me, and I can help you seize control."Although Karter was the CEO of the Basham Group, his wife held the shares. That was why he had gotten rid of his mistresses and begged her for forgiveness all these years after she found out about his affairs.Now that his current mistress was pregnant and he intended for her to keep the child, it was clear that he was planning to seize the shares.Tom watched Karter as if weighing his options, showing no rush for a response.Karter was silent for a long moment.Finally, he said, "Fine. I'll do it. But if you cross me, I'll make sure you regret it.""Pleasure doing business with you, Mr. Basham," T
It was Jayden's birthday tonight, and Brandon had only planned to drop off a gift and leave.However, as soon as he had entered the private room, Jayden had pulled Michelle along to apologize to him.After much persuasion, Brandon had reluctantly agreed to stay for the celebration. The group had drunk quite a bit, and someone had suggested they play a game.After losing a round, Brandon had chosen "Dare". The group had urged him to kiss Michelle through a tissue. He had been about to refuse when Valarie stormed in, her face dark with displeasure.…Valarie's gaze was cold and filled with disappointment. "Brandon, I told you before that I wouldn't interfere with your friendships, but clearly, you've completely betrayed my trust."If Brandon truly cared about her, he wouldn't keep hanging around Michelle with such unclear boundaries. His so-called friends wouldn't dare make such bold jokes at her expense."Valarie, it's just a game. I've already explained it to you. Do you really
When Damon received the call earlier, it had woken Nyla as well.She shook her head gently. "It's fine. Did you handle Brandon's situation?""Mm," Damon hummed in response."Good. Then get changed and rest," she urged."Alright," he replied.…Early the next morning, Brandon was woken by a call from Charlie."Mr. Sumner, the video of your fight with Mr. Genge is all over the Internet. People are talking about it nonstop. It's damaging the company's image," Charlie reported.Brandon massaged his throbbing temples and replied, "Do whatever it takes to suppress it. I'm on my way to the office."Half an hour later, he arrived to find several shareholders waiting outside his office, their expressions stormy.The lead shareholder sneered as he approached. "Mr. Sumner, do you have any idea how much damage last night's incident has caused the company?""Do you know what people are saying online? They're questioning your ability to manage the company when you can't even control your
After Brandon's post went live, the Sumner Group's PR team quickly sprang into action, hiring a wave of paid commenters to fuel the conversation.Shortly after, rumors resurfaced about Tom's infidelity during his past relationship with Valarie.[I used to think Tom was a decent guy. Turns out he's just a scumbag! He cheated on Valarie before and now can't stand seeing her happy with someone else? Pathetic.][An ex should stay in the past like they're dead. Tom is the definition of "can't let go". If I were Valarie, I'd be disgusted beyond words.][Funny how this morning most comments were roasting Brandon. Tom, you buying some bots yourself?]…The heated debate in the comments section quickly reached Tom, who merely snickered upon hearing about it.He wasn't surprised. After all, he never expected this incident to deliver a decisive blow to the Sumner Group. It was merely the opening move.Valarie had also seen the video of the fight while at work, but she reacted indifferentl
Brandon stiffened, awkwardly replying, "That was different.""How exactly?" Valarie asked."Tom is your ex, and you were crazy about him back then," Brandon explained.Valarie's disappointment deepened. "So, in your eyes, I'm the kind of person who would still be tangled up with an ex while dating someone new?""Valarie, don't twist my words. I trust you—I just don't trust Tom," Brandon shot back."Well, at least I never did anything with Tom that could be misinterpreted. I'm done discussing this. Let's take some time apart," Valarie insisted.Seeing the exhaustion in her expression, Brandon didn't press further. "Fine. If you need time, take it. I'll also deal with Michelle properly."Valarie nodded, said nothing, and drove off.Once her car was out of sight, Brandon pulled out his phone and called Jayden. "Where are you? Free to meet? Bring Michelle. No one else."An hour later, at a high-end restaurant in Saintornia…Brandon sat across from Jayden and Michelle. His express
Michelle glanced at Jayden, her expression tinged with guilt. "Jayden, I'm sorry. If it weren't for me, you and Brandon wouldn't be fighting like this."Jayden turned to her, noticing the tears welling in her eyes. His frustration eased slightly."This isn't your fault. This whole thing is on Brandon," he reassured her.Michelle nodded, though reluctantly. "But I don't want to be the reason you two are arguing."After a brief pause, Jayden's tone grew more serious. "Don't worry about it anymore. Leave it to me."Seeing his tense expression, Michelle didn't press further. She stood up. "I'll head back now. Next time, I'll try to apologize to Brandon and Valarie. Maybe I can help smooth things over."Jayden rose to his feet as well. "I'll walk you out."…Valarie had dinner with Nyla, spending most of the time venting about Brandon."I just don't get what's going through his head! Michelle is so obviously a manipulative bitch. How can he not see it?"And don't even get me start
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
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
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
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
"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
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
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
Wilhelm thought that when Gabriel was home, Jane never hit him without a reason.But ever since his father left, his mother had become unpredictable. Sometimes, even the sound of him making noise while eating would lead to punishment, forcing him to stand in the corner.He missed the mother who would kiss him and speak to him gently. He didn't want the mother who hit him for no reason."But Daddy's out there with another woman now and won't come home," he said.Although he was young, he understood a lot of adult issues.Lately, Gabriel hadn't been around. With Jane's constant hints, Wilhelm had started to believe that Gabriel had left because of a bad woman, choosing her over their family."Mommy, when I grow up, I'll protect you. I won't let any bad woman bully you!" Wilhelm vowed.Tears welled in Jane's eyes at his words, her heart filled with a mix of emotions. Yet, her moment of hesitation lasted only a second before her resolve hardened.The only way to give Wilhelm a comp
Besides, Nyla didn't even like Gabriel. It had always been him chasing her.What was Jane supposed to do—crack open his head and make him stop liking Nyla?Wren frowned, clearly irritated. "Alright, I'm not in the mood to talk about this. Go home," she said, waving Jane off.Jane protested, "Mom, we haven't even discussed how to bring Gabriel back to me and Wilhelm. I need your help.""What do you want me to do?" Wren asked."Later, call Gabriel and tell him Wilhelm has a fever and wants to see him. Get him to come home," Jane requested.Wren hesitated. Gabriel's attitude toward her had grown increasingly cold. If he found out she was conspiring with Jane to deceive him, it could further damage their relationship.Seeing her reluctance, Jane sighed. "Mom, do you really want to watch him chase after Nyla? With the way things are between you two now, do you think Nyla will treat you kindly if they end up together?""That's impossible! Nyla doesn't like him. They won't end up to