Cecily nodded quietly. Her eyes were red and filled with tears."Well, then. Tell us what you think!" Rachel said straightforwardly.The photos were concrete evidence, so no matter how gentle Rachel was, she could hardly suppress her anger.Her only sense of reason was that she would choose to consider her daughter's opinions.Cecily frowned deeply. A hesitant look appeared on her beautiful face.She clasped her hands together, but her mind was in a huge mess.She had thought about this matter for two days.At first, she was furious and indignant like her parents were.But after calming down, she felt that Austin wasn't someone who would do things like that.After Austin and Nancy divorced, Cecily took note of how Austin treated Nancy.Moreover, she had temporarily left Austin back then because of what he did toward the Welches.Also, in the photos, Austin and Nancy were just seated facing each other. They didn't do anything outrageous.Taking a deep breath, Cecily said ear
The sun was shining bright in the sky.Even in the hot summer weather, Heavensgate Residence was refreshingly cool thanks to the shade of the woods.Ezra sat leisurely on the garden swing, swaying gently.Aldus was still in the hospital. He had regained consciousness, but it would be a while before he could be discharged.Raquel was taking attentive care of him in the hospital.After lunch at noon, Dahlia left the house.Ezra knew where Dahlia went, but as a household staff member, he didn't have the right to stop her. He didn't dare to tell Austin about it, either, for he didn't doubt Dahlia's threats to end her life if he did.Ezra was the only person left in the huge villa.It felt a little empty.Still, Ezra didn't mind it. He made himself at home.Holding a teacup in his hand, Ezra leaned leisurely against the seat of the swing.But a single call had ended his leisure time.When Ezra saw the words "Mr. Walter" on the screen, his expression instantly turned stern."Mr.
Dahlia gritted her teeth stubbornly. She said slowly, "I've been dragging Austin down for so long, and now that our family is finally seeing better days, I don't want this matter to drag him down again. He's my son, and my heart aches for him. He's already tired enough as it is!"Ezra had a dark look on his face as he said in exasperation, "But I fear that you may not be able to handle this matter properly, Madam Emerson. You were already aware back then that problems come with power."Now that sir is already grown up, even you should be under his protection. How will you deal with the matter?""Enough!" Dahlia retorted firmly. She had lost her usual gentle and friendly demeanor.Ezra watched as Dahlia entered the house. His originally good mood was ruined.He sighed helplessly. "Wolves are born wild, so how can they possibly understand human kindness? Their instinct is to devour everything at all costs. Madam Emerson, why can't you understand that?"…Time slowly went by.To A
"Yes, we're at the foot of the hill."Cecily's voice sounded very calm over the phone.Austin frowned a little when he noticed it. He was slightly puzzled.Right after that, Cecily's voice rang out again over the phone."Are you really going to propose to me?"Austin frowned even deeper. Smiling, he said, "Of course. I've been preparing for a long time just for today."As soon as Austin said that, Edward's voice suddenly rang out on the other end of the line."Austin, what's the matter with those photos?"Austin felt like he was struck by lightning. His heart instantly sank, and he felt his vision turning dark.Something bad had happened!In an instant, a foul emotion filled his chest, and fury raged within him.If Cecily and her family had learned about this, then there was only one possibility.Nancy didn't destroy the photos like she had promised!Instead, she had sent the photos to Cecily!Austin hastily said, "Mr. Graham, please wait for me. I'll be there right away.
Austin had a stern look on his face as he spoke earnestly."Hah, take advantage?" Edward sneered. "And who might that be? Are you telling me that Nancy is using you? Are you saying that she asked to meet you so that the photos can be taken, and so she can break you and Cecily up?"Austin's gaze flickered. He was at a loss for words.Even though it was the truth, judging by Edward's reaction, Austin knew that no one would believe him if he said it."Cecily…"Austin wanted to walk toward Cecily, but Edward raised his hand to stop Austin."Mr. Graham, can you please let me pass?" Austin said, almost begging."If you have something to say, say it here." Edward was unyielding.If Cecily hadn't stopped him, on the day he saw the photos, he would have come over and questioned Austin about it.The Grahams had never been disgraced like this before!"I…"Austin didn't know what to say. He looked at Cecily with tenderness in his gaze. "Cecily, do you feel the same?""Austin, I need yo
"Cecily…"Austin's expression shifted. He felt like his heart was going to leap out of his chest.He hastily ran after them.But the G-Class was speeding, and it soon disappeared into the night.Suddenly, on the mountain road in the distance, two beams of light came into view.With a screech, the two cars stopped at the same time, right before they collided.Startled, Austin hastily ran over to the scene. But when he approached the spot and saw the person getting out of the other car, he froze.After a moment of bewilderment, the burning rage in his chest instantly exploded.At that moment, Austin looked just like a ferocious beast. With reddened eyes, he dashed toward that person.Meanwhile, Cecily also got out of the G-Class.Cecily had a despondent look on her pale face as she gazed at the figure in front of her.She smiled bitterly. "You won!"The person who had gotten out of the car was none other than Nancy!Nancy's long hair was draped across her shoulders. She look
"I hurried here tonight to explain everything and ask for forgiveness from both of you."She had truly meant to leave.That day, after learning the truth, she fainted on the spot.After she regained consciousness, she decided not to leave for now. After all, she knew that if she left just like that, Austin's carefully planned proposal ceremony for Cecily would definitely go up in flames.Her mother's impulsiveness might create a rift between Austin and Cecily.After she came to her senses, she let go of her past when she was on the verge of madness. She decided to embrace the future instead.She wouldn't hate Austin like she used to, and she only felt guilt toward him!Hence, she stayed behind so that she could explain the incident tonight.Austin and Cecily were stunned at the same time.Austin never expected that Nancy would come over tonight to help him explain things and to apologize.Was this really the same Nancy he knew, who used to be as arrogant as a princess?Cecil
Cecily's pretty face turned red.After the misunderstanding was resolved, the last hurdle in her heart had disappeared.The only thing left was her anticipation of the proposal. It filled her heart.She had waited for this scene for three years!Three years ago, as a bridesmaid, she had watched as Austin and Nancy got married.The next day, she immediately went overseas.Throughout those three years, because of the person whose figure still lingered in her mind, she rejected countless men from rich and influential families.Now… her wish finally came true."Cecily… you'd better keep yourself in check later. Don't disgrace the Graham family," Edward suddenly said.At the side, Rachel complained, "Is this how you handle things as her dad? This is a once-in-a-lifetime event, so why are you telling her to keep herself in check? You're saying this just because you can't humble yourself after reprimanding Austin just now."Rachel saw through Edward right away.Edward scratched his
Austin never expected that Nancy would come back.As he returned to the Tetra Club, he remained sullen, his eyes dark with unresolved anger.Seeing Austin like this, Cecily felt a pang of sadness.She gently tried to comfort him, "It's all in the past now, isn't it? I'm here with you, and we have our baby on the way.""I can't just let it go," Austin shook his head."The best I can do is not seek revenge against them, but to truly forgive and forget—I can't do that."The actions of Nancy's family were still fresh in his memory.Austin wasn't someone who sought revenge for every slight, but he was far from the kind of person who could simply forgive and forget, moving on with a carefree "Hallelujah."Dahlia's despair as she lay in bed, the arrogance and cruelty of the Welch family…In the eyes of the Welch family, Dahlia's life wasn't worth as much as Harvey's wedding.Even when the time had passed and he was about to finally be happy with Cecily, the Welch family not only dem
After leaving this city, Nancy put in a tremendous amount of effort to "rebirth" herself.Meeting Ethan had shown her a different side of life.While he wasn't part of the uppermost echelons of wealth and power, he had enough. Most importantly, he treated her with the utmost respect.She understood Ethan's background, which made that respect all the more valuable.A man of his stature could have any woman he wanted in his bed the same night.Yet Ethan had shown her incredible patience, making her question whether the rumors about him were true.Tonight, returning to this city was her way of bidding farewell to the past and embracing the future.After all, people need to look forward, don't they?Meanwhile, Ethan was feeling more dejected than he'd ever been.Lying in his luxurious bed in Brook Villa, he couldn't sleep, tossing and turning restlessly.He had hoped to establish a connection with Austin. A figure like him would be incredibly valuable to have on his side.He tho
The river breeze was cool, and the lights reflected on the water flickered softly.The figure in front of them wore a long black coat, standing quietly by the railing. Her fair, delicate profile, partially obscured by a few strands of windblown hair, carried a hint of melancholy."Sir, Mrs. Campbell, is something wrong?" Aldus noticed the change and quickly stepped forward to inquire."Let's go home," Austin suddenly said, his previously cheerful expression now somber, with a touch of disdain.Go home? They had just arrived.Aldus was surprised and quickly followed Austin's gaze. When he saw what Austin was looking at, he immediately understood.Without a word, he turned to leave with Austin.But a soft hand gently grabbed Austin's arm."It's been so many years, aren't you going to say hello?" Cecily asked."I have no desire to greet her," Austin said, his disdain clear and unhidden.Three years of marriage, filled with nothing but pain.Even when Dahlia was gravely ill, Nan
After a busy day, just as Austin was about to finish up, a new invitation appeared on his desk."Who delivered this?" Austin asked."Ethan," Wolf replied.Austin chuckled, didn't bother opening the invitation, and instead tossed it directly into the trash."I've got to get home to Cecily."When he returned to the Bamboo Parlor at Tetra Club, Raquel had already prepared a delicious dinner.The dishes were beautifully presented, with vibrant colors and enticing aromas.After dinner, Austin and Ezra stepped out into the courtyard."Mr. Lockwood, any news from the Campbells about my dad?" Austin asked, the text message from Walter still weighing heavily on his mind.Considering the Campbells' efforts to find Walter, and given their intelligence resources, they should have been some leads by now.But Ezra shook his head. "Nothing, Not a trace.""The Campbells' intelligence network has never been this weak, has it?" Austin frowned, speaking in a low tone.Ezra gave a wry smile. "
"Childhood?"Austin stopped his workout, wiped the sweat from his face, and smiled bitterly.His childhood had been bleak.Only Dahlia had brought some light into the darkness.Seeing Austin's pained smile, Aldus immediately realized his mistake.He quickly apologized, "I'm sorry, Sir. I spoke without thinking. You don't need to answer that.""It's fine," Austin replied, gesturing towards a nearby bench, and inviting Aldus to sit with him.Once they were seated, Austin slowly began to speak. "There's not much to tell about my childhood. It was mostly just being called an 'illegitimate child' and living day to day, never knowing where my next meal would come from."If it weren't for my mom fighting tooth and nail to raise me, I'd probably be dead by now."With just a few simple words, he conveyed a world of suffering.Aldus felt a wave of guilt. He had only been trying to find clues from Austin's past that might explain his exceptional combat instincts and incredible physical
Austin's gaze softened as warmth flooded his heart.Who hasn't longed for a light left on just for them in a sea of lights? But in reality, how many actually have that?Cecily did that for him.Given her background, the fact that she went to such lengths truly surprised Austin.In the three years he spent in the past, he had never experienced something like this.His nose tingled with emotion as he pulled Cecily into his arms, speaking softly, "Thank you. Marrying you is the greatest fortune of my life.""Alright, alright, I asked Raquel to prepare breakfast earlier this morning. You go to the dining room, and I'll have her bring it over," Cecily said as she gently slipped out of Austin's embrace, her graceful smile lighting up her eyes."Doesn't Bamboo Parlor have a kitchen?" Austin asked, curious.Cecily gave him a playful look. "The chairs in the living room are so hard, and you spent the whole night on one—how could you have slept well? If Raquel had been clattering around
The room fell into a heavy silence."Deactivating the phone number… was Dad trying to prevent me from tracking his location?" Austin murmured with a frown.Ezra pondered for a moment, his voice low and serious. "Perhaps he was more concerned about someone else tracking him."Austin's eyes widened in realization.Of course—if Walter could send him a message to let him know he was safe, he wouldn't be worried about Austin tracking himDeactivating the phone was likely to prevent others from tracing his location."But who is he trying to avoid?"Ezra shook his head, remaining silent.Having followed Walter for many years, he knew the man's temperament and habits. But this time, he was truly baffled.He couldn't even begin to piece together a clue.Taking a deep breath, Ezra forced a bitter smile. "I'm afraid I'm at a loss this time, sir. There's no sign of anything unusual from the Campbells either."This statement only deepened Austin's confusion.If there were anyone who cou
Austin knocked softly on the door.Almost immediately, he heard the sound of shuffling from inside.Ezra opened the door, his face full of curiosity. "Sir, what's going on?"Austin quickly made a shushing gesture, worried about disturbing Cecily.Then he gently pushed Ezra back into the room."Sorry to bother you so late, Mr. Lockwood," Austin said.Ezra smiled. "It's no trouble at all. The older you get, the less you need. I was just reading."Austin glanced at the book on Ezra's bedside table and couldn't help but feel a bit exasperated.This old rascal!Ezra blushed and quickly shoved the book under his pillow.Austin sat on the bed and pulled up the text message from Walter, showing it to Ezra."I just received this message."When Ezra read the text, his eyes lit up with a sharp gleam, and he was overjoyed. "This is from Mr. Walter!"Austin nodded, his expression serious. "But I've sent several messages back, and there's been no reply. I called twice—once it was immedi
"The underground king of Eastbrook bows down."This news swept through Eastbrook like a storm.Ethan knew that by doing this, he would become the laughingstock of the entire city. But he also knew he had no choice—he had to do it!Even if he became a joke, he would remain the underground king. But if he refused to lower his head, he would end up a dead man.He understood the situation perfectly.In fact, that very night, a message was released from Brook Villa.No one is to compete for the land!This is a clear warning to all real estate companies in Eastbrook. It was also a gesture of goodwill toward Austin.But Austin didn't pay it much mind.If not for Derrick's involvement, he had no idea how Ethan would have responded—but Austin knew his response would have been much tougher.A mere city's underground king? He didn't even compare to the richest man in Basin City or the capital—he wasn't even worthy of carrying their shoes!After leaving Brook Villa, Austin didn't linger