Cecily left the hotel early in the morning. She headed over to her father's supply company to take over the business.The small supply company was nothing compared to her father's family business.The company was her father's first company. He wanted to keep it as a reminder for nostalgic purposes. He would not have chosen to further expand the company if that weren't the case.Austin was working for Dominion Properties. She wanted to involve herself in the real estate industry. That way, she would be able to help Austin.After visiting his mother, Austin headed over to the company.Matt came into his office hurriedly with a stack of documents."Austin, there's a serious matter here that needs your input."Matt put down his documents and said, "Due to the slum renovation being too big of a project, we wanted to find the best supply company to supply us with materials."However, due to Dominion's qualifications, the supply company has been hesitant to work with us."Austin lo
Dave Horton placed a file of documents before Cecily. He smiled kindly and said, "Cecily, you've been working too hard. You should take a rest.""It's alright."Cecily noticed the file and turned to look at Dave. "Mr. Horton, what are these documents about?"Dave was lost in a trance when he saw Cecily's beautiful face.He quickly returned to his senses and said, "These are the details about the collaboration with Dominion Properties. It is also currently our company's most urgent project.""Dominion?"Cecily quickly picked up the documents and read through the files. She remembered that Austin was working as Dominion's vice president.Dave reported, "Last month, Dominion had managed to score for the west city slum redevelopment project. They've been very lucky. "Not long after scoring the project, Wirtucon Corporation announced they would be moving into our city. "They even chose to move to the west city slums, effectively increasing the prices of the properties there."
Around lunchtime, Austin was prepared to leave the company.He was about to head to Yandell Corp to talk about the contract.Suddenly, Matt rushed into his office."Austin, something's happened!"Austin frowned and took a sip of his drink. "What happened?""The president of Yandell Corp is here," Matt said.Austin immediately spat out the water in his mouth. He was dumbfounded.No wonder Matt looked so anxious.Yandell Corp was the best supplier of building materials in the city. They had long-term collaborations with the top ten property development companies.Dominion was like a small fly in Yandell's eyes. Although they were working on the west city slum redevelopment project, they should be the ones to head over to Yandell for negotiations."Let me take a look."Austin got up and followed Matt.In Dominion's lounge, Dave was frowning as he looked at the contract in his hand.Cecily had mentioned mutual benefits and dismissed his big plan.Due to the big price increm
Austin patted Matt on the shoulder.In fact, he had guessed it.Just as he had told Matt, they had helped Dominion Properties build a good foundation. He wouldn't forget this huge favor.After the completion of the project, Dominion's position in the city's real estate industry would definitely change significantly.In the future, Dominion would have many more collaborations with Yandell.If he had to say, perhaps the new president had a more ambitious vision than Dave.However, this slum redevelopment contract made him feel that his own ideas were a bit far-fetched.They lowered the price by thirty percent, and that really wasn't a small amount!Feeling puzzled, Austin returned to his office and sat down.Bang!Matt rushed in again in a hurry, "Austin, Dave is back again, he wants to change… change the contract!"Austin immediately felt a bit annoyed.He had just signed the contract, and now he wanted to change it again?Did he think they were kids?Before he could even
After hesitating for a moment, Austin suppressed the urge to tell Cecily.He glanced at Cecily, who was focused on the road, and smiled, "Cecily, I will give you a surprise in a while."Cecily was his friend, and they should be honest with each other about many things.Austin didn't want Cecily to feel even a hint of sympathy toward him because of what he experienced in the past month."A surprise?" Cecily raised an eyebrow, but she didn't inquire further.Instead, she nodded and smiled. "Sure, I'm looking forward to it."The car entered the parking lot of Legacy Hospital.After getting out of the car, Cecily asked Austin to help her carry her stuff.When Austin opened the trunk, he was stunned.The entire trunk was filled to the brim with baskets of fruits and supplements."This is my first time visiting Madam Emerson, so I can't be impolite. I randomly bought some stuff, but I'm not sure if Madam Emerson will like them," Cecily said with a smile.Austin felt hurt for a sec
Dahlia hadn't met Cecily for three years and was getting older, so she couldn't remember Cecily for a moment.But why didn't Cecily clarify it?Dahlia nodded with a smile and didn't ask any more questions.She said to Raquel, "Raquel, could you please pour a glass of water for Cecily?""Of course, Madam Emerson," Raquel then busied herself with tasks. She not only poured water for Cecily but also prepared the fruits.Austin was quite satisfied with Raquel's attentiveness.Moreover, he could tell that his mother was also pleased with Raquel.As for Cecily, she looked at Raquel and couldn't help but frown.However, in an instant, Cecily turned back to smiling. She took Dahlia's hand and started chatting with her.Austin sat aside, watching Cecily and Dahlia having a cheerful conversation. He didn't interrupt them.Soon, Raquel returned with the fruits.The three women were having a great time, chatting and laughing.Cecily was easy-going with Dahlia and Raquel and was approach
There was an awkwardness in the air.Cecily's face changed as she hadn't expected to see Nancy at the hospital.Austin, on the other hand, looked indifferent. He looked at the thermos flask in Nancy's hand, feeling a sense of melancholy.In the past three years, no matter how ill his mom became, Nancy had never worried about her. But now, she was taking such good care of his mom.After all, before their divorce, Austin's mom was also Nancy's mom.However, Austin had also come to terms with it. The Welch family had never considered him and his mom as family members. It seemed completely normal for Nancy to give her younger brother the money that was supposed to be his mom's medical fees so that her younger brother could use it as a down payment for a house. She had never thought about his mom.Nancy looked at Cecily in astonishment. Her mind went blank.If they hadn't bumped into each other at the hospital, she wouldn't have known that Cecily was back in the country.What she
Urma shrieked loudly.Derek, who was standing beside her, looked distressed. His gaze was fierce. It was as if he wanted to devour Austin and Cecily in one bite.Suddenly, Austin burst into laughter.He stared at Urma fiercely and said, "Urma, are you a dog? Do you try to bite whoever you see? Who is bullying who now? Are you blind?""Who are you talking to? How dare you speak to me like that?" Urma widened her eyes."I'm talking to you!" Austin said coldly.In the past, because of Nancy, he had always endured mistreatment from the Welch family.But now that they were divorced, why should he continue to tolerate it?"Austin! Shut up! She is my mother!" Nancy cried and stomped her foot angrily. "You're a bastard! And you, Cecily, are a bitch. You two planned this a long time ago!"She reacted this way not only because she was angry with Cecily for not telling her that she was back and meeting up with Austin first, but also because Nancy knew that Austin had deliberately planned
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