“Grandpa!” Lillian and Kevin came running over, their little heads peeking into the video call as they called out in their sweet voices. The sight of the two little <b>ones </b>instantly brought a loving smile to Patrick’s face. He entertained thern through the screen for a while before ending the call after chatting with Debra After the call, Debra still seemed slightly upset. Hence, Staceyforted her as best as she could.
In the following days, more young people tried to befriend Stacey, and some even attempted to get close to Lillian and Kevin. Fortunately, Debra had already sensed something amiss and instructed the bodyguards and the nannies to stay vignt, keeping strangers away from the children. <b>Half </b>a monthter, the filming at the ancient town waspleted. The film crew packed up and prepared to move to the next location,
Time flew by, and two months had gone by as they moved from ce to ce, experiencing numerous events. Finally, the filming of “The Empress” was wrapped up, and the film crew prepared for the final wrap party. Charlie, who had some free time, flew over to visit and celebrate Stacey’spletion of the film. On thest day on set, everyone had a joyful feast.
However, back at the guesthouse, with only their family present, Charlie shared some troubling news with Stacey. It was news about Theodore managing to acquire 80% of the Edwards Group, and Gifford had been formally ousted from the Edwards Group. Even Michael <b>had </b>been expelled from the <b>board </b>of directors. “What?” Stacey was stunned. Debra was equally shocked, unable to believe that Theodore had managed to deal with Michael so thoroughly.
After a moment of silence, Charlie exined<b>, </b>“Theodore sent several underage girls to Michael. Greedy and Justful, Michael initially resisted, but after being tempted a few times, he fell for the trap. With evidence in hand<b>, </b>Theodore ckmailed Michael into transferring all his shares and resigning from the board of directors to <b>avoid </b>jail time.
Arthis, both Stacey and Debra’s faces darkened. Just days ago, they had discussed how both Theodore and Michael were direct rtives of Lillian and Kevin, and if either of them went to prison, it would affect the children’s future. “Is Theodore out of his mind? Has he thought about the children’s future at <b>all </b>Debra was so enraged her chest hurt, cursing through gritted teeth but keeping her voice low to avoid being overheard Theodore’s ruthless pursuit of the Edwards Group’s shares without considering the consequences was infuriating. She thought, <b>What </b>if people find out what he did? Did he ever think about the potential fallout for the children? Such a Goundrel doesn’t deserve to be the children’s father!
“Forget about the Edwards family for now. Let’s just head back. We haven’t been home in a while.” Stacey sighed. The matters of the Edwards family were beyond their control for now
Debra looked at Stacey, her heart aching with concern, but she nodded in agreement. “All right.” They stayed one more night at the guesthouse, then packed up the next day and headed back to Hivalis.
On the flight home, Stacey’s mood dually lifted. Her busy <b>work </b>schedule was finally over, and she felt a sense of relief Additionally, Lillian and Kevin seemed to have grown quite a bit, bing more adorable with each passing day, which brought immense joy to her heart.
Upon returning home<b>, </b>they were greeted with several bouquets. Patrick had prepared one for his beloved wife, one for his precious daughter<b>, </b>and even smaller bouquets for his little grandson and granddaughter. “Dad<b>, </b>where’s mine!” Charlie asked, wide–eyed with disbelief <b>as </b>he realized he was the only one without flowers.
Patrick nced at Charlie and said coldly, “I forgot about you.” Charlie was bbergasted by Patrick’s response and wondered if he was actually thetter’s son. Finally noticing the heavy look of resentment in Charlie’s gaze, Patrick exined, “You didn’t tell me you wereing back with them, so I wasn’t expecting you.” Indeed, since Charlie <b>hadn’t </b>informed Patrick of his return, no flowers had been prepared for him.
Charlie froze at his father’s words and started to reflect on his actions. He realized he hadn’t informed <b>Patrick </b>about his ns to return home with Debra and Stacey. However, he thought of something andined, “But you’ve never bought me flowers before whenever I returned home.”
Patrick was silent for a moment before Saying, “Fine, I’ll go out and get you a bouquet now.” Debra suddenlyughed Stacey joined in, her eyes twinkling with amusement. They both looked <b>at </b>Charlie.
“It’s not fair! Why do you all get flowers and I don’t? I want flowers too,” Charlie grumbled.Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.
09:24 Mon, Jul 29 G *
“All right, stop fussing. Your dad will buy you a bouquet. Debra id with a smile. When she saw that the hem of Charlie’s clothes was wrinkled, she reached out to straighten it.
Stacey entered the house and nced around. At the thought of Adrian, she couldn’t help but ask, “Is Adrian at work? Since it was a weekday, a Tuesday to be exact, she guessed he was bus
Debra <b>was </b>momentarily taken aback before nodding. He should be. However, when evening came and Adrian still hadn’t returned, they grew curious. Debra turned to her husband, asking. Patrick, where’s Adrian?<b>” </b>
Patrick seemed to snap out of a daze. He smiled warmly, yet with a hint of mystery. “He’s our on a dare”
“A date?” Stacey and Debra eximed in unison.
Charlie, who had been watching TV, leaped off the couch, shocked. “Adrian is dating someone? Since when? Howe <i>I </i>had no idea?“.The rapid–fire questions revealed his inner turmoil.
Debra’s hands trembled as she fixed her intense gaze on Patrick, trying to discern if he was joking. She thought. Is he pulling a fast one on us!” Her expression grew serious as she said, “Patrick, don’t joke about this. It’s <b>not </b>funny.”
Patrick nced at Debra, then at the equally curious faces of Stacey and Charlie. Finally, his eyes met the innocent gazes of little Lillian and Kevin. Even the little ones were staring at him, their curiosity piqued. Patrick’s smile widened as he spoke seriously, “I don’t know all the details, but this came straight from Adrian. He admitted it himself. However, he said the girl’s situation was a bit special and asked us not to disturb her. Otherwise, their rtionship might fall apart.”
“What’s so special about her?” Debra asked, intrigued.
Patrick shook his head. He thought for a while and finally said with a smile, “Well, let’s not get to the bottom of this. The kids will handle their own matters.” In response, Debra nodded happily in agreement.