"I bet you secretly enjoy her scolding," Cedric said casually as he pulled up a chair in the bustling club, clearly annoyed by the loud music. "Why are you just standing there? Aren't you interested in making a sale today?""Absolutely!" Sean signaled to a waiter in a way that blatantly suggested 'overcharge him'. Soon, they were presented with a bottle of wine so expensive it was out of reach for most."Here, let me pour you a drink. You’re on the verge of becoming a father again, so we should celebrate. Just the thought of you holding one child, guiding another by the hand, and balancing another on your shoulders fills me with envy. Why don’t I receive such blessings?"Cedric instantly kicked out at Sean's leg in a swift motion, narrowly missing him."Cut it out. It’s because of you I get scolded every day, and now I get kicked while congratulating you? Don't you have a conscience?"Sean's attempt at humor failed to lift Cedric’s somber mood as he continued to drink heavily. E
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
Austin appeared suddenly beside her, his features etched with concern as he watched her shoulders tremble uncontrollably. He swiftly removed his thick coat and draped it over her. "Be careful, you might catch a cold.""Thank you," Sophie murmured, feeling a hint of warmth cut through the biting cold.She relaxed her clenched fists, wiped her tears, and attempted to force a smile, though it felt painfully stiff.As she rose to her feet, instinctively trying to mask her vulnerability, her sore ankle betrayed her and caused her to stumble toward the sea's edge.Austin caught her hand just in time. "Be careful."The waves roared like demons, yearning to pull her into their depths.Overwhelmed, Sophie avoided looking at the sea and awkwardly pulled her hand away from Austin, not wanting to dwell on his earlier confession."Sophie, you’re avoiding my gaze, why?" Austin's voice floated softly over the wind, increasing her discomfort.Sophie met his gaze, which shimmered softly in the
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
The tension in the Carlson living room was palpable.Jeff sat rigidly on the sofa, his stern face framed by age-lined eyes filled with anger.Even Melissa, known for her quick temper, restrained herself from speaking out.Matthew frowned as he glanced at Cedric and Austin. The cousins used to get along well during childhood, but competition had crept in over the years, particularly concerning Sophie. This only added to the family strain.Jeff glared at them and snorted before speaking. "Now that you’ve grown up and become successful, you think you can do whatever you want, don’t you?"He had hoped to see Cedric and Sophie live happily together within his lifetime, and for Austin to let go of his obsessions and find his happiness. However, his hopes were dashed as their lives spiraled into chaos.When Mrs. Carrie reported that Sophie had not come home all night and then returned to the apartment with Cedric, Jeff had felt a spark of hope. He had assumed progress was being made, de
"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
The media had been abuzz about Vivienne's pregnancy for days, yet Sophie was disinterested and exhausted, struggling to keep her eyes open."That jerk Cedric! It's been days. Is he ever going to respond?"Vivienne's news had broken just as Austin publicly confessed his feelings for her, but Cedric's silence was deafening."If I were you, I'd seriously consider Austin. He's been by your side all these years, caring for you and Cherry. Where else would you find such a good man? Linda, what's that saying? The best kind of love is companionship," Jeanna commented."That’s more often said about parents and children," Linda corrected gently, her role as a senior secretary making her quick to ensure accuracy."Right, I meant that the best kind of romance is one that grows over time and endures into old age."Jeanna rolled her eyes. Compared to Cedric, Austin seemed like the more dependable type. After all, if not for his timely intervention years ago, Sophie might not have survived. The
"You're now part of Paramount," Sophie informed Valerie in a professional tone. "As your boss, I hope to see your value increase. However, I must remind you not to be too optimistic. The entertainment industry is brimming with fresh talent now, and it's quite different from what you knew before. Make sure to seize this opportunity."Although Sophie warned her, she was confident that Valerie was astute enough to leverage her strengths."Yes, boss." Valerie chuckled, pleasantly surprised by their smooth collaboration. "Who would've thought we'd mesh so well?"Once, Valerie had found it difficult to even tolerate Sophie."By the way, is it true about Vivienne being pregnant with Cedric's child? Or is it just a publicity stunt?" Valerie shifted the conversation to gossip after their serious discussion. The news had been all over her phone for days, yet something seemed off.'How could Cedric have let Vivienne become pregnant?'At the mention of Cedric’s name again, Sophie felt a head