Paige struggled to break free from Alex's grasp, but he quickly took hold of her hand again. He refused to let go because he feared she would leave him if he did.Since Paige wouldn't listen to him, he turned to Juniper and said, "Ms. Pearl, she's my girlfriend! I didn't willingly arrange this date today. My mother made me do it. I said those things earlier just to humor you, not with any other intention. Goodbye!""You're truly disgusting!" Paige glanced at Alex with contempt and walked away.Alex hurriedly followed her, rushing out of the cafe. He was stunned when he saw Paige entering an unfamiliar car. 'Did she switch cars to follow me here?'Without further thought, Alex opened the door and took the passenger seat.Paige said coldly, "Get out of the car."Alex frowned. "Can you calm down and let me explain?"Paige turned to him. "Am I not calm enough now? Should I throw water at you or slap you to be considered calm?"Alex said, "No, please listen to me first. My mother ca
Caroline glanced at her watch and replied, "Sure, I'll be there in 30 minutes.""I'll wait," came the response.After ending the call, Caroline hurried over to Table One.-Twenty minutes later, she entered a private room at Table One, only to find Paige eating rapidly with tears in her eyes.Caroline closed the door quietly and took a seat across from her."Paige, who hurt you?" she asked.Paige put down her utensils, chewed slowly, and replied, "I ended the relationship."Caroline was taken aback. Just two days ago, everything seemed fine.Paige burst into tears. She explained to Caroline how Alex had gone on a date his mother arranged, leaving her deeply hurt."Caroline, I tried my best not to make a scene because I didn't want to ruin the relationship. But I'm hurting so much inside, and I can't hold myself together…"Paige took a large bite of her food, eating alongside her tears and sobbing silently.Caroline welled up with tears as well. She had never seen Paige like
Alex glared at Reuben, who was bewildered by the resentful gaze.Evan stood up and said, "Noted. I'll pick up Axel this afternoon."Reuben nodded and handed an information sheet to Evan. "Mr. Jordan, please sign the physical examination consent form for the school."Evan took it and signed.Alex asked, "Why are you taking Axel to the hospital?"Evan replied, "He has lost a lot of weight recently and has no appetite. He doesn't look well."Alex speculated, "Maybe he's just upset about not seeing Caroline. My aunt's nephew acts the same way."Evan looked at him coldly and asked, "Do you really think Axel is that type of child?"Alex defended, "Axel is only five years old. You shouldn't judge him based on your perspective!"Evan stayed silent, wondering, 'Am I being too strict with my child?'Alex suggested, "Let's go out for lunch. The consultation is in the afternoon anyway."Evan agreed with a nod and headed downstairs with Alex and Reuben.As soon as Alex walked outside, h
Caroline scoffed, thinking, 'So, all those talks about Evan worrying about the kids and me are just lies? What is this, playing games with me like a fool?'She turned her gaze toward Alex. "If you don't plan to be serious with Paige, Mr. Price, please let her go!"Alex firmly rejected her plea. "I won't. My feelings for Paige are deeper than you think!"Caroline mocked, "Aren't you concerned about your parents' feelings anymore?"Alex explained, "I just want to spare Paige from any trouble my parents might cause."Caroline probed, "Are you afraid they won't accept her, or do you lack confidence in Paige?"You might not know her well enough. She doesn't back down in tough situations and despises bullies and lies. You can't shield her for her own good."Evan interjected, "You did something similar, didn't you? You kept me searching for you for five years."Caroline grew furious. "Evan, those are entirely different matters. Please distinguish between them!"Evan stared icily at h
Evan couldn't help but ask, "Are you trying to use him or get close to him?"Caroline was taken aback. "If you don't trust me, why bother asking pointless questions?"Evan insisted, "I just want to know the truth!"Caroline snapped, "Must you label everything I say as a lie?" She couldn't control her frustration.'I must be crazy for trying to explain to him earlier. He'll never believe me anyway,' she thought to herself.Evan scoffed. "Are you getting upset because I called you out?"Caroline clenched her fists and took a deep breath. "Will you please get checked at the hospital for paranoia? Stop torturing me! I can't take your constant suspicion anymore!"Caroline stormed out of the room, leaving Evan alone on the sofa. 'Which one is the real her?' he wondered.-In the afternoon, Caroline told Paige about Alex's explanation.Paige replied, "Let him be. I'm going to take a nap."Caroline didn't say more and focused on her work.At 2:30 p.m., Caroline received a message
Scott called Caroline shortly after she sent the last text message. He sounded concerned and asked, "Why do you want to visit the Xanders? Do you need me to keep you company? I'm worried Grayson might pose a threat."Caroline couldn't help but chuckle at Scott's anxious tone. "Why are you more anxious than me?"Scott replied, "How can I calm down after hearing Draco's cautionary tale?"Caroline said, "I don't want you to get involved in this."There was a brief silence, and Scott finally asked, "Is it because you think I can't protect you?"Caroline sensed the disappointment in Scott's voice and felt bad. "That's not what I mean, Scott. I'm worried you might face humiliation too."Scott reassured her gently but determinedly, "I'll stand by your side, no matter what."Caroline felt a warm and comforting sensation. 'It's nice to be protected.'She exhaled and said, "Alright, let's go together on Christmas Eve."Scott agreed, "Sure, I'll pick you up."-At Xander Residence.Da
Caroline and Evan's eyes locked, and she saw the confusion in his gaze.'He must be wondering why I'm here, right?' she thought.Caroline looked away, and Evan approached her.She felt his chilly presence and heard his voice. "I told you not to see Axel anymore."Caroline glanced at him. "Did you establish this school? Are you the sole authority here?"Evan frowned and glanced at the class number on the wall, eventually realizing the situation. He grabbed Caroline's wrist and led her to his car, infuriating her.She wanted to free herself but also to berate him further. Yet, she understood that quarreling with Evan in the presence of many parents would be inappropriate. It would tarnish not only their reputation but also affect the children.After they got into the car, Evan sternly asked, "Did you enroll your children in Axel's class?"Caroline kept her distance and replied, "I didn't enroll them. They were accepted based on their abilities."Evan frowned. "How did they get i
Caroline was getting ready to make dinner for the kids when a young woman stepped out of the kitchen. She had a high ponytail and appeared to be around 20 years old. Her eyes lit up upon seeing Caroline. She flashed a smile, revealing her charming teeth, and said, "Hello, Ms. Shenton! I'm Eira Snow, the nanny Mr. Xander hired."Neil came over from the living room as soon as Eira finished speaking. "You're back, Carol."Caroline was puzzled. "Neil..."Neil chuckled and explained, "I hired a nanny to help you out, Carol. Eira is highly skilled, not just in cooking but also certified in various areas.""Certified? In what?" Caroline was amazed.Neil nodded toward Eira, who went to the foyer and retrieved a card pouch from her backpack. She respectfully handed it to Caroline. "Please take a look, Ms. Shenton."Caroline took the pouch in astonishment and found multiple certification cards inside. Eira was multilingual, a certified teacher, proficient in cooking and nutrition, skilled