The more Pedro thought about it, the more disappointed he became.Seeing the disappointment on his face, the butler deduced that the tea had indeed been tampered with."Mr. Wilkie... what do we do about this?" he asked.Pedro took a deep breath and said solemnly, "Pretend you know nothing. Don't tell anyone.""Understood," the butler replied.…Jane thought no one knew about the drug she had slipped into Pedro's tea. After getting home, she poured the tea out and smashed the teapot into the trash.Once everything was handled, she let out a sigh of relief, sat back down on the sofa, and began to reflect on her situation with Gabriel.She hadn't considered divorce before. Now that she knew he was Nyce Tech's owner, divorce was out of the question.As long as she remained Gabriel's wife, she would still have a claim to half of Nyce Tech. If they divorced, she would have nothing.She had been married to Gabriel for five years and even had a child with him. For him to try to pay h
Eddie was silent for a moment before dialing Gabriel's number. "Mr. Hackett, Ms. Wilkie is downstairs at Nyce Tech and wants to see you."Soon after, Eddie hung up and told Jane, "Mr. Hackett is at Villa No. 1 in Fantas Paradise."Jane smirked. "Thank you, Mr. Morrison."She then got into the car and left.…Jane pulled up to Villa No. 1 in Fantas Paradise and couldn't help but feel conflicted as she gazed at the luxurious villa.A few years ago, when Fantas Paradise was first put on the market, many tried to purchase Villa No. 1, with offers reaching up to 100,000,000 dollars.Despite the lucrative offers, the owner refused to sell it.At the time, rumors circulated that the villa's real owner was the boss of Nyce Tech, though no one knew who that was.Eddie, the general manager of Nyce Tech, attended numerous social events. Countless people tried to inquire about the company's owner, but he never revealed a thing.Jane never imagined that the owner of this villa would turn
Jane's anger flared as she stared into Gabriel's calm eyes. "You've been plotting this all along, haven't you?"Gabriel smiled. "Jane, you're a little smarter than Theo, but you're still not cut out for business."After all, he had only set a trap, and she had foolishly walked right into it.Jane clenched her hands tightly, leering at Gabriel as she said through gritted teeth, "Gabriel, you're cruel!""Same to you," Gabriel quipped.After a brief silence, Jane gradually calmed down."Gabriel, everything you've done is to swallow up the Wilkie Group. But now my grandfather has teamed up with Prospectus Technology. You'll never get your hands on it!" she hissed."If I can't have it, so be it. I never really wanted it anyway," Gabriel replied.His current target was Prospectus Technology. His goal was to bankrupt the company and take Nyla from Damon.As for the Wilkie Group, without Prospectus Technology, it was just another paper tiger, like the Sumner Group.Jane asked again,
The suffocating sensation gripped Jane like a vice. Her face flushed as she reached up, struggling to pry Gabriel's hand off her. Her efforts, however, were futile.Gabriel's smile deepened as he watched the pain twist her expression. "The Wilkies have already abandoned you. If you know what's good for you, sign the divorce papers, take the compensation I'm offering, and leave. Otherwise, you'll walk away with nothing."He released her, tossing her aside carelessly like discarded trash. Without sparing her another glance, he turned and walked away.Just as Gabriel was about to return to his work in the study, his phone rang. It was Wren."Gabriel, your stepfather's company is in trouble… He's threatening to divorce me now… What should I do?!" Wren's voice was frantic, panic clear in her tone."What does his company's trouble have to do with his wanting a divorce?" Gabriel asked, his voice cool and uninterested.Wren gritted her teeth, clearly reluctant. "I caused a scene at Prosp
"Mr. and Mrs. Wilkie, Mr. Sumner said he's not seeing anyone today. Please go back," the servant informed them.Raymond's expression darkened.This wasn't simply a refusal to see guests—it was clear they didn't want to see them at all.He had just witnessed Theo being escorted inside moments earlier.Forcing a smile, he said, "It's fine. We'll wait here. If Mr. Sumner changes his mind, please let us know."The servant's expression remained indifferent as he replied, "Suit yourselves."With that, the door was shut in their faces.Wren frowned. "He refuses to see us. Why are we still waiting here? It's freezing cold...""Shut up!" Raymond snapped, his voice frigid. "If it weren't for your foolish actions, I wouldn't be begging Damon to forgive us. From now on, stay out of matters involving Jane and Gabriel. Don't show up in front of Nyla again, or I'll divorce you!"Wren stiffened, unable to respond. She could only glare at Raymond, her emotions tangled between anger and helples
Raymond scoffed. "Wife? Not for much longer.""Are you really going to divorce me?!" Wren stared at Raymond, her eyes wide.Though in her 50s, Wren had taken excellent care of herself and appeared to be in her early 30s.When they first married, Raymond hadn't been drawn to her looks. Instead, he had married her because a fortune teller had told him that Wren would bring him good fortune.The first two years of their marriage had been prosperous for Raymond's career. His business had expanded rapidly, growing several times in size.Now, however, because of Wren's foolishness, his company was on the verge of bankruptcy.On top of that, Raymond had been seeing a mistress, planning to make her his official partner. Wren had to step aside."We've been married for years, but if it weren't for the mess you caused this time, I would never have considered divorce. This is all on you," Raymond blamed her.Seeing Raymond's cold, heartless attitude, Wren fell silent for a long time. Final
Gabriel looked at Wren calmly and said, "If you're willing to publicly apologize to her, I'll agree to your request.""A public apology? Are you trying to ruin me?!" Wren shot back.She already believed she was not in the wrong. A public apology would turn her into a laughingstock."You can choose to refuse," Gabriel replied indifferently.Wren was furious but felt powerless. She knew that the Gabriel standing before her was no longer the son she could control.Taking a deep breath, she suppressed her anger and said, "Fine, I'll do it."Gabriel nodded. "Alright. I'll have someone come over to record your apology video. It needs to be posted online today."Wren hadn't expected him to act so quickly, but she was already trapped. There was no turning back. Besides, she needed Gabriel's help to save Raymond's company.True to his word, Gabriel acted swiftly. Within half an hour, a videographer arrived, and Wren was seated on the sofa, ready to record her apology.It took three or
At Prospectus Technology, small private chat groups among employees buzzed with activity as everyone discussed Wren's apology video.The entire company was aware of the scene Wren had caused earlier, and clips of her outburst had circulated in various employee group chats.When Damon found out, he issued a strict notice forbidding employees from sharing the video further. Anyone caught distributing it would have their bonuses docked.To incentivize compliance, he offered a 400-dollar reward for the anonymous reporting of violators.No one dared share the video openly anymore, but discussions about it continued in private."Wren looked so arrogant in that video. How did she apologize so quickly? Did Mr. Sumner threaten her?""Considering how much Mr. Sumner cares about Nyla, that's definitely possible."In the lab…Leon noticed the trending video and immediately handed his phone to Nyla. "Take a look at this, Nyla."Nyla glanced at the video on the screen.Upon seeing Wren apo
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