It was a shame, really—Sydney had a persistent sadness about her, one that Christopher had sensed from the moment he first laid eyes on her. Though his frequent appearances at various high-profile events meant he interacted with many people, this particular encounter with Sydney had reminded him of that fleeting, striking impression."You're Theodore's mother, which makes you Rose's mother-in-law. Did you come to the hospital to see her today?"Sydney was momentarily taken aback, confusion flickering in her eyes. "How do you know that? You…""I've spoken with Rose before. She mentioned these details. I'm Christopher, Sebastian's uncle," he explained.Sydney froze, realizing that Christopher was Sebastian's uncle. This implied that Geoffrey's former wife must be related to Christopher—either as a sibling or a close relative.It made sense now why Geoffrey had been so desperate to marry that woman. The depth of the connection was undeniable, and who could resist such allure?"So,
Sydney turned her head. "Is there something else?""Leave me a phone number."Sydney was momentarily taken aback."You're the bank president. We'll have opportunities to be in touch. Just leave me your number," Christopher said.His tone wasn't exactly negotiable, but it didn't carry any hint of coercion—just an authoritative presence that was hard to refuse.Sydney, accustomed to dealing with various executives—some sleazy, some superficial, and others who abused their power—found Christopher's dignified and courteous demeanor refreshing and rare. What struck her even more was how Christopher, despite his status, was waiting for a parking spot like an ordinary person. Most people in his position would have simply called ahead to secure one, but he was waiting in line like anyone else.She fished out her business card from her bag, and handed it to him respectfully.Christopher accepted it, saying, "I'll be in touch."Sydney offered a polite smile before exiting the vehicle.
Seeing the tenderness in Sebastian's eyes, it was clear his love for Rosalie ran deep, imprinted on his very soul. If anyone tried to separate them..."Uncle, are you here to see Rose?" Sebastian asked.Christopher nodded. "Yes, I came to check on both of you."He stepped into the hospital room. Rosalie was holding a bowl of chicken soup. When she saw Christopher, she quickly placed the soup on the table. "Uncle, you’re here.""How are you feeling?" he asked."I’m doing great," Rosalie replied with a smile. "The baby’s fine too, all thanks to Seb.""I can see that," Christopher chuckled, adding, "His face is all swollen."Hearing that, Rosalie felt a bit guilty."His injury is partly my fault," she admitted.She then explained the whole situation to Christopher, who finally understood. He had noticed Sydney seemed off when he saw her earlier. Could it have been because of Sebastian’s injury? But that didn’t fully make sense. After all, she and Sebastian didn’t have much of
As soon as Sebastian turned around, Christopher said coldly, "Sebastian, I’m serious. This isn’t up for discussion. You must divorce Rose."Sebastian stopped in his tracks. "Why?"He turned around, anger simmering on his face. "I don't understand! Even my father isn't saying anything. Why are you suddenly trying to tear me and Rose apart?""I'm doing this for your own good. You can't be together.""Why not?"Seeing Christopher fall silent, Sebastian assumed he couldn't come up with a reason."Uncle, is it because Rose is pregnant with her ex-husband's child? Do you look down on her?""No.""Then why?""Sebastian, can you tell me—have you regained your memory?"If Sebastian had his memory back, he would tell him about this. If he hadn't, they might need to take their time.Mentioning "regained memory" made Sebastian clench his fists, his palms growing sweaty."I haven't fully regained it. Most of it is still missing."Hearing this, Christopher was skeptical.The only rea
Meanwhile, Wesley was nearly losing his mind. Sydney had suddenly told him she wanted a divorce, and no matter how many times he called or texted, she didn't respond.With no other options, he had to turn to his mother."Mom, Sydney wants to divorce me. I don't know what's happening. She won't answer my calls. Please help me."As soon as Wesley entered, he grabbed his mother's hand. Rebecca was annoyed by the commotion."Okay, okay. Wesley, you're in your thirties now—can you be a little more composed?""Mom, I—"Suddenly, Wesley froze.Hearing his mother say he was in his thirties, he thought he must have misheard."Mom, how old did you say I am?""You don't even know your own age? Do you think you're still three years old?" Rebecca shook her head in exasperation. "I've told you so many times to treat Sydney better and to stop messing around with other women, but you just won't listen to me!""Mom, that was a long time ago.""A long time ago? How long has it been? Theo's
The next day…Sydney called Wesley, and said coldly, "Don't forget to meet me in front of the clerk's office today. I'll be waiting for you. If you don't show up, I'll file a lawsuit against you. I have evidence of your past infidelities."Less than an hour after hanging up the phone, the two met in front of the clerk's office.Wesley hurried over. "Sydney, what's going on? You have to give me a reason.""What other reason could there be? I don't want to be with you anymore.""But you have plenty of freedom. We don't even live together; we just see each other occasionally.""Well, I don't want that either," Sydney replied coldly. "I don't want to see your face again. I want a divorce and to cut all ties.""If I don't agree to the divorce, you really want to take me to court?""Absolutely. I will take you to court. I won't accept any more of your threats."Wesley clenched his fists, anguish washing over him, his eyes red and on the verge of tears.Sydney suddenly found it hard
Wesley and Sydney returned to Rebecca's house. As soon as they walked in, they saw the place bustling with activity; the servants were busy cleaning.Rebecca was directing them. "Move the table over there," she instructed. "That vase doesn't look good here; put it over there."With a crash, a maid accidentally knocked over a vase and started crying."Oh, dear. How could you be so careless?" Rebecca stepped forward. "You need to be more careful next time.""I'm so sorry, Madam Jarvis. I'm really sorry.""Alright, are you hurt?""No.""Then that's fine. Just clean it up and be more careful next time.""Okay, Madam Jarvis."Although Rebecca's tone was a bit stern, she didn't hold it against the maid and didn't make her pay for the vase.Seeing his mother bustling around, Wesley walked in. "Mom, what's going on?""Cleaning the house. Can't you tell?" Wesley looked around. "Why are you cleaning today?""Do I need to pick a special day to clean?" Rebecca laughed. "Wesley, wha
In the corridor outside the hospital room, Sydney watched Wesley's troubled expression.Sydney couldn't help but reassure him, "She'll be okay." Wesley let out a soft sigh. "Sydney, I'm really not lying to you. My mom really—""I know," Sydney interrupted. "I believe you now."Rebecca had fainted right in front of her, so she had no choice but to accept it.Later, the doctor performed a CT scan and MRI for Rebecca. When the results came in, the doctor pointed to the findings and told them, "The patient shows enlarged lateral ventricles and widened sulci, with clear signs of cerebral atrophy in the frontal lobe. The MRI also indicates atrophy in the hippocampal area."Although Wesley didn't fully understand the medical jargon, he could guess the implications."So my mom really has dementia?" he asked.The doctor nodded. "Based on the current results, yes."Wesley felt his body sway in the chair. With Sydney wanting a divorce and his mother having dementia, the double blow wa
Before his departure, Theodore carried Steve in his arms for a long time, saying many things to him."Stevie, I'm so sorry. If anything were to happen to Daddy, I can't take care of you anymore. I know I should be doing that and that I shouldn't be so selfish, but I can't help it. I have to go save Mommy. If I don't come back, you must listen to Grandpa and Grandma. They will take care of you."Theodore kissed his cheek. "I left you many videos, enough to last you till you turn 18. Remember to watch one every year on your birthday. I want you to know that I'll remember you forever."He started tearing up. "I'm sorry, Daddy needs to go. I'll protect myself and your mommy as best as I can. We'll definitely find a way back home."Theodore put Steve back into his cot."Dada…" Steve leaned against the edge of the cot and blinked innocently at Theodore."I'm sorry. Daddy's leaving." He planted a final kiss on Steve's cheek and left, his heart breaking.Steve plopped onto the mattr
They were thirty hours away from the launch of the rescue operation.Theodore called Sydney and Wesley over for a talk in the living room. With his solemn expression, the atmosphere was very tense."I called you two over because I have something very important to tell you.""What is it?" Wesley asked."If I were to die, please take good care of Steve."Shock registered on both their faces when they heard Theodore's words."Theo, what do you mean by that?" Sydney asked. "What happened? You've been acting so secretively as of late. I don't see you and can't even reach you. In fact, I can't reach Rose, either."She sensed that something major had happened, but no one was telling her what it was. She even tried contacting Christopher to understand what was going on, but he refused to breathe a word about it.The rescue operation had to be kept under wraps. Theodore and Christopher hid it from everyone else for fear of unnecessary complications and information leaks. They couldn't a
In the dark, silent night, moonlight flitted about in the night sky like a weak flame on a candle in the endless darkness.Clouds covered the sky and the night breeze felt chilly, like a sneaky thief drawing close under the cover of the night.The office was a mess, the darkness outside melting into the tense atmosphere in the room.There were many computers laid out on the large table, information and data blinking rapidly on the screen like the stars in the night sky, piercing through one's nerves.Theodore was leading the pack, walking around the periphery of the table amidst the tense atmosphere, his attention completely drawn toward the computer screens. Everyone was involved in this extremely dangerous and challenging rescue operation. They were now at the stage of planning for the rescue operation.Christopher was involved, as well. Half of the men in the office room were working under him.Theodore placed the report he received on the table and said to Christopher, "Vel
Nana's tears fell down her cheeks as she clutched the blanket tightly, her small body trembling.Sebastian was originally furious. He had suffered at Rosalie's hands, but upon seeing Nana's pitiful appearance, the anger inside him began to subside. He moved closer to her and reached out his hand, but she shrank back in fear.Sebastian forcibly pulled the blanket off Nana and lifted her. He then walked toward the balcony.Nana was terrified, but she dared not move recklessly. She could only silently shed tears, too scared to cry out loud.Sebastian carried Nana to the balcony, where a cool breeze blew. He sat down in the chair on the balcony, placing Nana on his lap."Nana, are you upset with Daddy for not saving you at that time?"Nana lowered her head and kept silent."I could only save one of you. Your mother was right by my side, and you were far from me. I couldn't get to you in time."Though if given another chance, he would still save Rosalie."You didn't die, so you're lucky. I
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