Rosalie didn't have much to do, so she went to Spencer Manor early to accompany Rebecca and chat with her. Because she arrived early, her in-laws hadn't arrived yet, and neither had Theodore.Rosalie chatted and laughed with Rebecca in the hall. Even though she felt troubled inside, she kept the older woman laughing."Oh, child. You're the only one who makes me happy. You're as talkative as ever, and you're becoming increasingly cunning, like a fox," Rebecca said as she patted her daughter-in-law's hand affectionately.Rosalie teased, "How could you say that, Grandma? Why did you call me a cunning fox? Hmph! I'm not talking to you anymore.""You're a little fox indeed, haha!"Suddenly, Rebecca remembered something. "By the way, didn't you graduate? I'll arrange a job for you at the company later. Tell me what kind of job you want.""No need, Grandma. I'll find a job myself. I don't want to rely on family. I want to rely on my own efforts.""Rose, I admire your independence. But
After a short while, the call connected."Hello."With Rebecca nearby, Rosalie couldn't afford to sound too distant when talking to Theodore.So, she had to warmly say, "Honey, it's me."Hearing Rosalie's tone, Theodore frowned, feeling a bit puzzled. "What's up?""When are you coming to Grandma's place?"Theodore glanced at his watch. "I'll come later.""Can you come earlier?""Why the rush? It's still early.""I just want you to come earlier and spend more time with Grandma.""Is that Grandma's request?"Rosalie responded with a hum."In that case, you can tell her I'll come later.""But...""Have you forgotten what you said earlier? You've been patient with me for a long time. It'll be more comfortable for you if I come later, so you won't have trouble eating."After saying that, Theodore abruptly hung up, as though sulking and holding her to her words.Rosalie had only said those things because she had no other choice, afraid Theodore would find out she was pregnant
With Theodore here, Rosalie needed to divert her attention even more.Theodore snatched the things from her hand and tossed them aside. "Stop being so sarcastic.""I'm just speaking the truth. But come to think of it, didn't you also get relief? You sneakily sent Cynthia abroad, then spent two months on a business trip just to be with her. You must have had enough of our marriage. It's been a year of grievances for you."Just the thought of such things sent shivers down Rosalie's spine. Even before marriage, she had known this man's heart belonged to Cynthia. His kindness to her over the past year was merely out of obligation.However, she had always believed that, at least throughout their marriage, he had been faithful. But she never expected him to have done something like this.Theodore furrowed his brows tightly, his face darkening. "Who told you?""Who told me?" Rosalie turned her head, innocently saying, "It definitely wasn't poor Cindy who told me. She's so innocent, kind
A sharp pain shot through Theodore's arm, but he remained composed and nonchalant."Mom, Dad, you're here."Wesley tugged at his tie and awkwardly cleared his throat. "If you have something to discuss, you should move to your room for privacy. Aren't you afraid of being seen and laughed at for doing that here? Were you two in that much of a hurry?"Rebecca walked over with her cane, smiling warmly. "I don't think you're in that much of a hurry. Otherwise, why is Rose's belly still flat? Theo, it seems like you need to be even more anxious."Theodore furrowed his brow, a hint of embarrassment flashing in his eyes. "Grandma, it's not what you think.""You pinned your wife down on the couch and kissed her passionately. How else should we interpret that?"Rebecca didn't beat around the bush. After all, they were all adults who were experienced in these matters. There was no need to pretend otherwise.Theodore was at a loss for words. If no one had come in, he couldn't guarantee what
"Mom, this is just my usual expression. I'm like this with everyone," said Wesley, indirectly explaining that he wasn't intentionally targeting Sydney.Actually, he was quite happy to see his wife. It was just that he wasn't good at expressing it, and Sydney didn't mind either."She's your wife. Why would you treat her the same as anyone else?" Rebecca raised her finger at her son. "You..."Sydney took the older woman's arm. "It's alright, Mom. Let's go eat. It's rare for everyone to gather together. Let's not talk about unhappy things today."Sydney's implications were apparent to Wesley, who frowned but didn't say anything.Theodore chimed in, "Yeah, let's enjoy a meal since we're all together. It's rare.""Hah... you make it sound like such a good thing," said Wesley, glancing coldly at his son. His gaze was as sharp as a knife, as if implying something.Rebecca furrowed her brows. "Wesley, what's wrong with you now? What did Theo do to offend you?"Wesley smiled. "Mom, it's
Anyway, the Spencer family was well aware of the situation between the couple, so there was no need to worry about upsetting anyone. Sydney didn't want to make things difficult for herself either.Wesley awkwardly pursed his lips and remained silent, not showing any discontent, as if he had already gotten used to it.Rebecca's smile froze, but she simply sighed without commenting on it, instead turning to the butler and asking him to serve the dishes. The butler nodded in response, and the servants began to bring out dish after dish.The atmosphere at the dinner table was subtly awkward, and it wasn't just between Theodore and Rosalie. There was also a strange tension between Wesley and Sydney. Everyone else noticed it, but Rosalie, unfortunately, was oblivious to everything.It was quiet, unlike a lively family gathering, as if everyone had their own thoughts.Rebecca turned to her beloved granddaughter-in-law, the only one in the Spencer family who seemed relatively normal."Ro
Theodore smiled gently, not getting angry. "Got it, Grandma, I will."He reached out and took Rosalie's hand, making her feel a pang of bitterness. He was playing his part so well, but in his heart, he was thinking about another woman.Everything they were doing at tonight's dinner was fake. Once they got back home, they would return to their broken relationship. It was sad just to think about it.Even though her heart ached, Rosalie had to maintain a smile on her face. She played along with Theodore, gazing at him lovingly. When Theodore, who had momentarily been spacing out, turned back and met Rosalie’s gaze, he saw how her eyes seemed full of love for him.She was really playing her part so convincingly. If he didn't know better, he would think she really loved him. But in reality, she only saw him as a brother.No, perhaps not even that.She had told him herself that she had put him with him for long enough. Since she personally said it, it had to be true, right? Thinking ab
Rosalie glanced at Rebecca, whose complexion seemed a bit off.Worried that the tension between them might upset Rebecca, Rosalie quickly said, "Mom, Dad, the food is getting cold. Let's eat. I've made up my mind. I won't pursue further studies. I'll start looking for a job soon."Sydney and Wesley glanced at her. Since Rosalie had made a decision, they didn't say anything more. After all, they were concerned about Rebecca too. Their argument wasn't really about Rosalie's decision, with the exact reasons being known only to them.Theodore raised his wine glass and downed half of it in one gulp, his expression darkening. After that, he didn't speak much, remaining quiet. It was mostly Rosalie chatting with Rebecca, while Wesley and Sydney also remained silent. Yet, amidst the silence, there seemed to be a hidden tension.Rebecca wasn't foolish. She had seen her fair share of ups and downs. How could she not sense that something was amiss? She just chose not to confront it.Rosalie
Sebastian took a deep breath, seemingly trying to hold back his anger. Finally, he said in a calm tone, "Let's eat first. We have plenty of time ahead of us. Rose, think about it. You're just in your twenties, and we still have so many years to go. This is just the beginning."Sebastian was not in a hurry because he was the one in control. He still had plenty of time with Rosalie. He would slowly make this woman obey him.After lunch, Sebastian didn't stay long. Even though he wanted to talk to Rosalie, she wouldn't say anything pleasant. Listening to her would only frustrate him.Just as he reached the door, Rosalie called out to him. "Wait a moment."It was rare for her to call him. Sebastian couldn't help but feel a flicker of expectation in his heart.Rosalie asked, "Won't you sleep with me tonight?"There was a hint of mockery in her eyes when she said this. Sebastian's brows furrowed tightly. He knew she was humiliating him. She was saying this on purpose, trampling on his pride
Rosalie didn't say anything and let Sebastian talk to himself."Rose, am I really such a bad person in your eyes?"Rosalie didn't want to respond to such a stupid question—it wasn't just stupid, it was ridiculous.He had done so many bad things, yet he was completely oblivious to it and still had the nerve to ask if he was really that evil.Sebastian let out a bitter laugh. "Fine, I'm a bad person, but it's all because of you. If you had accepted me earlier and stayed by my side obediently, none of this would've happened."Rosalie's hand holding her cutlery trembled. She wanted nothing more than to stab them into his body."Rose, if I didn't love you enough, after you nearly ruined my manhood, I would have pulled out all your teeth, whipped you three times a day, and even brought Nana in front of you to strangle her. Even though she's not your biological daughter, it would still be enough to make you suffer and despair."Rosalie coldly stared at him. "So, should I thank you for that?"
Rosalie didn't know how long she had been trapped here—was it a month, two months, or even five or ten years? She had lost track of time.Since the last time she hurt Sebastian, she had been tied up. Even when she went to the bathroom, someone was watching her, holding onto the rope. She had been stripped of all dignity.But as far as she was concerned, Sebastian had no dignity left as well. Even the most crucial pride of a man had been wounded by her bite, leaving him too afraid to touch her for a long time. This was something he would remember for a lifetime.Since that incident, Sebastian would occasionally come by to take a glance at her, but he didn't sleep in the same bed with her anymore. He wanted to protect his manhood and needed time to recover.This was fine with Rosalie. Though she was tied up, at least she no longer had to sleep with Sebastian.At that moment, Rosalie heard a voice in her ear. "Mom."Turning her head at the sound, Rosalie saw Nana being wheeled in on a whe
Yerick continued, "Think about it—what countries in the world, outside of globalization, are completely isolated, where the outside world cannot get any information? Such countries must be economically backward and lacking in foreign exchange, and yet they don't have normal trade relations with the international community. How, then, do they obtain foreign exchange?"Theodore listened to Yerick's words and felt they made sense.Yerick went on, "These countries are extremely isolated, economically backward, and have low productivity. They may lack creativity, but they certainly are a threat, which is why they've been under sanctions. To obtain foreign exchange, they have a few ways. One of those ways is to get money from some of the world's richest individuals. They will hide these wealthy individuals in their secretive countries, keeping them safe from discovery."Yerick smirked. "In such countries, even tourists who enter will go missing, let alone those truly wanting to hide there t
Blencalgo.Lying on the hospital bed was a coughing man, so thin he seemed like skin and bones. His eyes were deeply sunken, his face was pale, and his body was connected to many machines.All this while, Yerick had been under constant surveillance in the hospital.Today, Yerick wanted to see Theodore.Naturally, Theodore was unwilling to meet him, but Yerick had someone pass his message to Theodore: Did he want to find Sebastian?Upon hearing this, Theodore came.The bodyguard brought in a chair. Once Theodore sat down, he crossed his legs and leaned back against the chair. Staring coldly at Yerick, he said, "Yerick, it seems you don't have long to live."Yerick smiled. "That's precisely why I wanted to see you."Theodore furrowed his brows. "Where is Sebastian? Do you know?""I don't know where he is.""You don't?" Theodore said coldly, "If you don't know, then why did you call me here? To watch you die?"He had come here with some hope, thinking Yerick might know something, but to
Rosalie had overheard everything. Sebastian no longer had any information about Theodore or Steve.Now, with Sebastian so far from home and Theodore taking full precautions on his end, even if Sebastian had incredible abilities, what could he do?He was merely relying on her fear to threaten her. Now that she knew the people she cared about were safe, she had nothing to fear.Upon seeing Rosalie's expression, Sebastian likely guessed what was going on. He sneered coldly. "Very well. You think I can't do anything to them, huh? What about Nana? Do you think I can't deal with her?"At the mention of Nana, Rosalie's gaze wavered slightly.But in the next moment, she lifted her head and said, "Nana is your adopted daughter. If you do anything to her, it's on you. Don't even think about threatening me with anyone else."She had been threatened by Sebastian over and over again, but in the end, she always succumbed to him. Now that she knew Theodore and Steve were fine, she felt relieved. She
Sunlight streamed through the window, casting a glow on Sebastian's pale face.The curtains fluttered in the breeze. The nurse walked to the window and closed it.The doctor stood by the bed, explaining the situation to Sebastian. "Mr. Carter, you need plenty of rest given your current condition."Sebastian was filled with resentment. He coldly asked, "Will my quality of life decrease in the future?"Sebastian emphasized the word "life," clearly indicating that he was referring to more than just his general existence.The doctor understood. "Mr. Carter, with proper treatment and regular check-ups, after enduring the long recovery period, your quality of life will be close to what it was before.""How long is this recovery period?"The doctor replied, "At least six months before you can resume marital relations."Upon hearing this, Sebastian clenched his fists and gritted his teeth. His eyes burned with fury.He hadn't expected Rosalie to pull such a stunt on him. She had been pretendin
"Rose, what are you doing?" Sebastian's eyes were practically glued to her.Rosalie propped herself up and brushed her long hair aside. "Do you not like it? Then I'll change into something else."Just as she was about to get out of bed, Sebastian grabbed her wrist. "Wait a moment."Rosalie looked at him with a smirk. "What is it?""I like it when you dress like this." His voice was hoarse. "What made you decide to wear this tonight?""I just felt like it. And I've been thinking about a lot of things.""Is that so?" Sebastian sat on the bed, leaning against the headboard as he gazed at her. "What have you been thinking about?"He gently pushed the strap of her black lace camisole off her shoulder."Things have already come to this. The only thing I can do now is make my life a little easier. As long as you promise me not to hurt Theodore or my child again, I'll do whatever you want," Rosalie said.Her obedience and submission made Sebastian feel like he was dreaming. He cupped her face
"She's just a five-year-old. She's done nothing wrong. Whether I like her or not, you were the one who adopted her, so you have an obligation to take care of her. You cannot simply abandon her like this," Rosalie said. Sebastian sat beside her. "Aren't you afraid that I might go mad and kill her? Yet you still want me to continue looking after her?""I can take care of her," Rosalie said. "Didn't you say before that you adopted her to make our so-called family complete? If Nana doesn't come back, then this family will never be whole.""Are you saying that you fully acknowledge her as your daughter now?"Things had already come to this point. Whether she wanted to or not, she had to accept it. Rosalie nodded. "Yes, I do."She was indeed a mother, and she couldn't help but think about what she would do if Steve were in such a situation. That thought alone made her determined to help Nana.Sebastian kissed her on the cheek. "I'll think about it. I have some matters to attend to—I'll be i