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All Chapters of In The Heart Of Cedric’s Affection: Chapter 221 - Chapter 230
538 Chapters
Chapter 221
Cherry pondered the news, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Mommy, actually, having Papa Austin as my daddy would be quite nice. He's rich, handsome, and kind. He treats us both well. He's a perfect husband and father."The most important thing was that Austin had no other women around him, which was much better than certain other people."You don’t know anything," Sophie retorted. Sophie's tightened grip caused Cherry to recoil, rubbing her face. "I do too understand! Mommy, don't miss this opportunity."Sophie might have taken the advice more seriously if it had come from an adult, but hearing it from a five-year-old only made her laugh. "You think you're grown-up because you can talk, huh?"Changing the subject, Sophie brought breakfast to the table. "Go wash up quickly. After breakfast, we’ll go out."Unsatisfied, Cherry stuck her tongue out. However, she was about to comply for the sake of the cake when the doorbell suddenly rang."I'll get it." Cherry rushed to the door
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"No, I should leave. I have work at the company. Plus, I’m concerned those relentless journalists might follow me here."As Austin prepared to depart, Cherry grabbed his arm, looking up with longing eyes. "Papa Austin, will you come to see Cherry tomorrow? I want to see you every day.""Are you only excited about the cakes I bring? Watch out for tooth bugs that will eat all your little teeth," Austin jested as he saw through her ruse, playfully pinching her nose.Cherry pouted, feeling underestimated. "Bugs don't cause tooth decay. Adults always tease kids for not knowing enough."Austin soothed her, "Right, Cherry is the smartest primary student I know.""Hmm, Papa Austin, how did you know I started primary school?" Cherry asked, with Sophie's curious gaze following.Before Sophie could ask, Austin explained with a smile, "I happened to pass by your school the last time I was discussing a contract and saw you taking Cherry there. I didn't want to interrupt. I need to get going n
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Sophie's smile froze briefly as she contemplated Cherry's uncanny resemblance to Cedric, which became more evident with each passing day. Frequently, she found herself gazing at her slumbering daughter, her mind filled with conflicting thoughts.Upon noting Sophie's silence, Jeff's smile broadened affectionately. There was no longer a need to ask whose child Cherry was—the answer was clear.Finally understanding, Cherry felt a mix of reluctance and conflict. After all, such a generous gift made it hard to dislike this kind-hearted old man, who seemed nothing like Cedric."Grandpa, did you come here by yourself?" Sophie diverted the topic. She had anticipated his visit after the recent news but had not expected him to come alone at his age."Don't underestimate me. I may be old, but I can still manage a cab ride." Jeff chuckled, glancing toward the living room window.-Downstairs, Cedric gazed up at the top floor, a smile flickering on his lips, replaced quickly by a touch of mel
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Cherry's stories thoroughly entertained Jeff, eliciting robust laughter from him.Following a vivid narration of the three little pigs and becoming familiar enough to cheekily tug at his beard, she asked, "Grandpa, did you enjoy Cherry's story?""Absolutely delightful, the best story I've heard," Jeff replied, his chuckles echoing warmly. Cherry's intelligence and charm were irresistibly engaging."Grandpa, what would you like for dinner? I can prepare something," Sophie offered, glancing at the clock. She was aware of the importance of regular meals for Jeff's health and sugar levels."There’s no need, dear. I’ve imposed on you enough for one day," Jeff said, gracefully preserving her dignity."Mommy, Grandpa probably thinks your lunch was too bad. Grandpa, I eat Mommy’s cooking every day, and it's quite pitiful," Cherry blurted out."Nonsense, you said my bacon sandwich was tasty," Sophie retorted, trying to hide her slight embarrassment.Cherry stuck out her tongue. "I was ju
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"Well, it's getting late. I'll come to visit you again in a few days.""I can drive you back," Sophie offered, reaching for her car keys.Jeff declined. "No need, I came here on my own, and I'll leave the same way.""But Grandpa, it's almost dark. Mommy and I will worry about you," Cherry pleaded, showing genuine concern despite her small stature."Don't worry, Cherry. I have many more presents to give you, so I'll be just fine."Since Jeff insisted, Sophie did not press further and helped him to the elevator, supporting him gently."Mommy, is Grandpa really okay going back alone?""He'll be fine," Sophie reassured her as they watched from the window. She observed as Jeff disappeared around a corner and then noticed a Bentley heading toward the Carlson residence. She turned away, her expression complex.'Whatever!'-In the car, Cedric watched his grandfather through the rearview mirror.Jeff caught his gaze."What are you looking at? As I said five years ago, you’d regret
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After an alarming roller coaster ride of information, Mrs. Carrie nodded, her expression still troubled. "Yes, Master Carlson. I will ensure Mrs. Carlson and Miss Carlson are well cared for.""Father, is this really necessary? Sophie has all she needs. Does she really require Mrs. Carrie's assistance?" Melissa questioned, her displeasure evident.The thought of Sophie potentially leveraging her child for a comeback, especially after their last encounter at Luxford Group, unsettled her.Jeff's cane thudded against the floor firmly. "It's perfectly appropriate. Sophie and Cedric are still legally married. She is still a part of our Carlson family. It's my right to arrange for my granddaughter-in-law and great-granddaughter's care.""We know they're not divorced, but didn't you see the news yesterday? Sophie and Austin seemed overly close, causing quite a scandal. If the public finds out she's still part of the Carlson family, what about Cedric’s reputation?""That so-called scandal
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The once harmonious family had been deeply fractured due to events five years ago, leaving their home barely recognizable. If things continued this way, even greater heartaches would be inevitable.Cedric turned his gaze toward the study's closed door. Despite the situation that should have enraged him, he remained surprisingly calm.He smiled confidently, determined. "She can only be my woman. No one can change that."The more Austin challenged him, the more it proved his own uncertainties.In the study, Jeff's face blazed with anger as he sat firmly in an armchair, his wise, seasoned eyes locked onto Austin."Austin, do you realize the gravity of what you're saying? Sophie is your cousin-in-law. Even if she and Cedric part ways, I will never accept a relationship between you two. Rid yourself of such inappropriate thoughts.""What if I can't?" Austin's steady gaze did not waver, his stoic expression tinged with a hint of sadness and defiance. "Since childhood, you've favored Ce
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As Jeff watched Austin depart, he couldn't help but see a reflection of someone else in the figure receding into the distance. His body, drained of energy, slumped back into the chair. The creases on his face appeared to deepen under the weight of years filled with heartache and discomfort.Feeling a sudden spike in his blood pressure, Jeff reached for his medication to calm his racing heart.From a drawer, he retrieved an old photograph, his fingers trembling as they traced the figures within. In the image, a handsome man stood tall, embracing a young boy, both adorned with warm smiles reminiscent of a gentle winter sun. Tears finally welled up in Jeff's weary eyes."Marlin, can you understand your father's heart? The biggest regret of my life is watching you suffer in love for a lifetime. I don't want to see Austin follow the same path. In the end, he'll likely be the one getting hurt," Jeff whispered to himself.Seeing Austin emerge from the study, Mrs. Carrie cautiously glanced
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"Let it be. You young ones must sort out your own affairs. I'm too old to intervene. But remember, you and Austin are still family, no matter what.""Yes, I understand."Melissa had only gone upstairs for a moment. When she returned, she saw the housekeeper entering from outside and heard a car starting and leaving. "Cedric left? He barely ate anything.""Mr. Carlson said he had matters to attend to and left early," the housekeeper replied cautiously, quickly returning to their duties.Melissa sat on the couch, her face clouded with annoyance. The more she thought about it, the angrier she became, slapping the pillow beside her in frustration."Did I owe Sophie in my past life? She just won’t let me live in peace!"Accidentally activating the TV, she was greeted by the latest on Austin and Sophie. The sight of journalists clamoring outside Luxford Group elicited a fleeting sense of satisfaction from her."If I can't have peace, then neither will you. Just dealing with the papara
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"Valerie Brynd?""Yes, she was at the peak of her fame five years ago, when you were still abroad and hadn't returned. But Valerie was canceled at the height of her career." Linda glanced at Sophie, who showed little emotion, then cleared her throat with a cough."Why are you coughing? Who canceled her?" Jeanna asked eagerly, curious about the juicy gossip she had missed."I did," Sophie replied with a faint, enigmatic smile. The memory of bursting into the hotel, flanked by journalists to expose Valerie, was still vivid.That day, she had used her status to announce Valerie's industry-wide cancellation, defending her dignity as Mrs. Carlson and the Luxford heiress' pride. But from that day on, her life took a different turn."You canceled her? Could it be that these two had something going on more than five years ago?" Jeanna gasped, piecing together the puzzle as she perused Valerie's past online.As expected, Cedric's name appeared on the search page."Oh my gosh, Valerie is
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