Sophie was lost in Austin's perpetually gentle gaze, speechless. Whenever she was hurt or in pain, he was the one who comforted her. However, his constant kindness now felt like a heavy burden on her heart.Noticing her silence, Austin offered support with a gentle touch and a reassuring smile."You should take it easy at home until your foot is better. Try not to walk too much," he advised.Sophie managed a faint smile, though sleep remained elusive.Sophie's intuition had always been keen. Upon leaving the hospital, she was immediately surrounded by a swarm of aggressive journalists, none from Paramount."Mrs. Carlson, Ms. Kerrigan is pregnant with Mr. Carlson's child. How do you plan to handle this?""Mrs. Carlson, do you hope that both the children lose their father and the warmth of a family?"Question after question was hurled at her, causing Sophie's brows to furrow. She wasn't accountable for Vivienne's condition, yet the journalists pursued her with clearly malicious in

Vivienne was stunned by Cedric's blunt and ruthless reply. Recoiling in shock, she exclaimed, "Everyone knows I'm carrying your child. If something were to happen to me, the gossip alone would prevent you and Sophie from ever being together again in this lifetime.""You might even jog Sophie's memory about how you once considered aborting her own child!"Cedric lashed out, grabbing her throat as his voice echoed menacingly. "Are you reminding me of what you did behind my back all those years?"Had it not been for Vivienne's schemes, his relationship with Sophie might not have suffered so much. While he despised her enough to consider murder, he despised himself more for ever doubting Sophie.Reflecting on this, he looked at Vivienne, who was nearly suffocating, her face turning purple. Slowly, his grip on her neck loosened, and even his fierce expression softened into a smirk. "If you want this child so much, I'll grant you that wish."Air rushed back into Vivienne's lungs, caus

Five years ago, Cedric had deeply wounded her. Just when he re-entered her life, seeking to make amends, he ended up causing her more pain.Sean and Cedric weren't on the same page."Hallucinogens? So, you thought she was Sophie and slept with her?" Sean exclaimed, now understanding how such a mistake could occur."If Sophie finds out you mistook Vivienne for her, she might be less angry... perhaps even reduce your punishment from enduring slow torture to facing a swift execution. However, regardless of the circumstances, Vivienne’s pregnancy signifies betrayal, whether or not you slept with her."For the first time, Cedric was at a loss for words."Wait, you said the drug had hallucinogenic properties. Do you think Vivienne had an accomplice?" Sean widened his eyes, knowing well how difficult it was to acquire such substances given her entertainment background.Sean had finally regained focus, so Cedric nodded seriously, pondering, 'Could it be him, Vivienne’s accomplice?'Now

Sophie glanced at her swollen ankle, realizing she might need help getting home safely.Half an hour later, they arrived at her apartment building.Austin switched off the engine and hurried to open the door for her, but Sophie had already stepped out. The door closed with a soft click that seemed to freeze him in place."Thank you for speaking up for me in front of the media today, and for the ride home. I won't invite you up for a nightcap, though," she said.She climbed the stairs unsteadily while Austin stood frozen, his features sinking into the deepening twilight."Sophie, it’s your friendship that cuts me the deepest," Austin muttered.-At home, Mrs. Carrie and Cherry were shocked to see Sophie limping."Mommy, who did you fight with?" Cherry asked as she knelt to help Sophie out of her high heels, inwardly cursing a certain someone. Despite being only five, she was sharp and had understood from the TV news what might have caused her mom's injury.'Damn you Cedric, jus

"Grandfather, I can agree to nearly anything, but I insist Vivienne’s chile must be kept," Cedric declared firmly, softening his tone but not his determination.This child was essential for his future with Sophie. He owed her a clear answer this time."Say that again?!" Jeff frowned, questioning if Cedric truly understood the consequences of his decision. There was already Tristan, and having another child would utterly disgrace Sophie.'Which woman would want to deal with her partner's children from another woman as she grew older?'"Vivienne's child must be kept," Cedric stated clearly, determined to protect the child until the truth was revealed.Jeff trembled with rage, almost fearing it might end him, and he turned sharply to Austin."Austin, begin the arranged meetings with suitable girls from our social circle. As long as you like her, I don't care about her family background. It could be a celebrity or an ordinary girl, anyone but Sophie.'"Grandfather, I won't be meetin